Second Kelly or second Birkin?

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I’m probably the outlier here - I love my B35s and have 3. I agree the proportions are perfect and there is something so classic about them. That said, I use mine as daily work bags and they mostly sit on my desk and wink at me :rolleyes: I don’t think I would prefer them as my all day, everyday bag if I planned to carry them around all day. But if you want one for work or travel, they are wonderful!
 
I definitely reach for the K25 more!



That was my initial thinking actually, but for no particular reason, I'm happy to wait a bit longer for my first Constance. Guess I'm enjoying the B and K a little too much!

I understand that with almost any Hermes bag, let alone a Birkin or Kelly, it is not as simple as going into the shop and making a selection from a wide choice of stock. This seems to encourage the idea of making a collection, like porcelain figurines or anything else that people collect to enjoy looking at.
But a bag is an item to be used. So, as cap4life analysed for you, you need to know why you want another bag. That is the main thing for you to know to make the right choice. Others can give advice on size, ease of use and experience with different leathers, but only you can tell what your wardrobe needs
or would be the most useful addition.
 
+1. I personally gravitate towards B30 and K28 sellier based on what I carry; silhouette; and weight of the bag. I use the B30 more bc it’s a handcarry or arm slung open tote and a crossbody strap isn’t the best for RTW.

@frenchcitygirl, just saw your post below. My advice is go for what makes your heart sing, so B 35. But, prices for a B35 are falling (and IMO Hermes prices bottom out in the summer), so perhaps preloved authenticated might be an option to explore. To be honest, last year, I bought quite a bit preloved for between 5-7K USD each: two kelly 28, brushed phw; three B30s, plus some other bags, all structurally sound (box, barenia and Vache liegee) with great patina. While I have bought quota bags, RTW, house ware and other categories from the boutique, I really like preloved deals on heritage leather, patinated bags
Note : I am 5’2” and not petite like many on TPF. I’m a size 40F, size 6-8 US, and medium boned. A few pics with K28, B30 and B35. . . (B35 is quite large and heavy).
K28 sellier and retourne
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B30
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B35
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I always love your selfies and the way you wear your bags, and your general style.
you really rock your Hermes especially the Camo one!
You wear the bags they don't wear you, and you never look like like you're showing off the bag.
They're bags they carry your 'stuff' and they happen to be exquisitely made classics.
Respect! :smile:
 
I always love your selfies and the way you wear your bags, and your general style.
you really rock your Hermes especially the Camo one!
You wear the bags they don't wear you, and you never look like like you're showing off the bag.
They're bags they carry your 'stuff' and they happen to be exquisitely made classics.
Respect! :smile:
Thank you so much for your kind words! They really made my day! Hugs
P.S. I ran across your amazing pic trying on the 32 BBK recently, (the one with the fabulous sweater) and I cannot wait for you to find your forever piece!
 
+1. I personally gravitate towards B30 and K28 sellier based on what I carry; silhouette; and weight of the bag. I use the B30 more bc it’s a handcarry or arm slung open tote and a crossbody strap isn’t the best for RTW.

@frenchcitygirl, just saw your post below. My advice is go for what makes your heart sing, so B 35. But, prices for a B35 are falling (and IMO Hermes prices bottom out in the summer), so perhaps preloved authenticated might be an option to explore. To be honest, last year, I bought quite a bit preloved for between 5-7K USD each: two kelly 28, brushed phw; three B30s, plus some other bags, all structurally sound (box, barenia and Vache liegee) with great patina. While I have bought quota bags, RTW, house ware and other categories from the boutique, I really like preloved deals on heritage leather, patinated bags
Note : I am 5’2” and not petite like many on TPF. I’m a size 40F, size 6-8 US, and medium boned. A few pics with K28, B30 and B35. . . (B35 is quite large and heavy).
K28 sellier and retourne
View attachment 5089245View attachment 5089262View attachment 5089260
B30
View attachment 5089267 View attachment 5089269
B35
View attachment 5089228View attachment 5089263
+1. I personally gravitate towards B30 and K28 sellier based on what I carry; silhouette; and weight of the bag. I use the B30 more bc it’s a handcarry or arm slung open tote and a crossbody strap isn’t the best for RTW.

@frenchcitygirl, just saw your post below. My advice is go for what makes your heart sing, so B 35. But, prices for a B35 are falling (and IMO Hermes prices bottom out in the summer), so perhaps preloved authenticated might be an option to explore. To be honest, last year, I bought quite a bit preloved for between 5-7K USD each: two kelly 28, brushed phw; three B30s, plus some other bags, all structurally sound (box, barenia and Vache liegee) with great patina. While I have bought quota bags, RTW, house ware and other categories from the boutique, I really like preloved deals on heritage leather, patinated bags
Note : I am 5’2” and not petite like many on TPF. I’m a size 40F, size 6-8 US, and medium boned. A few pics with K28, B30 and B35. . . (B35 is quite large and heavy).
K28 sellier and retourne
View attachment 5089245View attachment 5089262View attachment 5089260
B30
View attachment 5089267 View attachment 5089269
B35
View attachment 5089228View attachment 5089263
Love the mod shots especially the 3rd photo. You look like you’re having the time of your life!

question: between your kelly sellier and retourne, which one do you use more? You mentioned you gravitate towards the kelly sellier. Do you regret getting the kelly retourne? If you could just pick one kelly, which would you choose?
 
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Love the mod shots especially the 3rd photo. You look like you’re having a blast!

question: between your kelly sellier and retourne,

Love the mod shots especially the 3rd photo. You look like you’re having the time of your life!

question: between your kelly sellier and retourne, which one do you use more? You mentioned you gravitate towards the kelly sellier. Do you regret getting the kelly retourne? If you could just pick one kelly, which would you choose?

Thanks! currently, I would pick 25K sellier (my newest Kelly below) if I could only have one kelly. The 25K proportion is more square and boxy (and imo less elegant, but cuter) than the more classically proportioned 28K. I definitely use the 25K the most. It’s easier to maneuver (the corners don’t bang around) and it’s much lighter. If you downsize to a dior accordion card case instead of a wallet, and a valextra sun glass case (exposed temples) it fits my necessities (third pic) with plenty of room to spare. However, I always preferred the crisp architectural lines of a sellier K to the retourne. i sometimes think the retourne is more suburban matron (JMO Lol), and my RTW style better suits sellier

I’ve also debated whether the BBK 28 retourne is superfluous bc I have a black barenia B30 as my retourne bag. But, I have a history of going too minimal, and then having to repurchase the same bag for more money. So I will keep both.

I like variety and deals, so I got my BBK28 and BBB30 for about 7K USD each (preloved excellent condition, Covid pricing).

a true minimalist could have one sellier K and one retourne B.

note: if you are feeling heavy, a larger kelly (size 32 Bordeaux or prune kelly sellier, fourth pic) or Birkin will instantly make your backside appear smaller if that is a consideration :smile:. IMO the 32 sellier is cutest with skinny jeans, doc martens and a leather jacket or oversized sweater for a kind of casual grunge look

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Thanks! currently, I would pick 25K sellier (my newest Kelly below) if I could only have one kelly. The 25K proportion is more square and boxy (and imo less elegant, but cuter) than the 28K. I definitely use the 25K the most. It’s easier to maneuver (the corners don’t bang around) and it’s much lighter. If you downsize to a dior accordion card case instead of a wallet, and a valextra sun glass case (exposed temples) it fits my necessities with plenty of room to spare. However, I always preferred the crisp architectural lines of a sellier K to the retourne. i sometimes think the retourne is more suburban matron (JMO Lol)

I’ve also debated whether the BBK 28 retourne is superfluous bc I have a black barenia B30 as my retourne bag. But, I have a history of going too minimal, and then having to repurchase the same bag for more money. So I will keep both.

I like variety and deals, so I got my BBK28 and BBB30 for about 7K USD each (preloved excellent condition, Covid pricing).

a true minimalist could have one sellier K and one retourne B.

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Thank you for your perspective and for speaking what’s really in my heart. I think I was going to settle for a K28 retourne bc it was the color I’ve been lusting(gris asphalte ghw but it wasn’t the size or style. I have 2 b30s and would love to add a kelly. The k25 sellier looks like the perfect size for my 5’3” medium frame and I can dress it up or down. Everything I need fits a chanel woc so space isn’t a big concern. My challenge is that reseller prices keep going up even for pre-loved and I’m afraid I’ll be priced out soon. Eek!

thank you for the pics. Love the way you wear your bags. So lovely and carefree. :))
 
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Thank you for your perspective and for speaking what’s really in my heart. I think I was going to settle for a K28 retourne bc it was the color I’ve been lusting(gris asphalte ghw but it wasn’t the size or style. I have 2 b30s and would love to add a kelly. The k25 sellier looks like the perfect size for my 5’3” medium frame and I can dress it up or down. Everything I need fits a chanel woc so space isn’t a big concern. My challenge is that reseller prices keep going up even for pre-loved and I’m afraid I’ll be priced out soon. Eek!

thank you for the pics. Love the way you wear your bags. So lovely and carefree. :smile:)
Ugh, the prices just now are absolutely awful. Europe isn't great for vintage to be fair. The amount of beaten up barely functioning Kelly bags Ive seen going for 10,000 Euros. Bananas. Also I really want a box Dalvy and they're almost store B&K prices. Madness. :tdown:
 
Ugh, the prices just now are absolutely awful. Europe isn't great for vintage to be fair. The amount of beaten up barely functioning Kelly bags Ive seen going for 10,000 Euros. Bananas. Also I really want a box Dalvy and they're almost store B&K prices. Madness. :tdown:
Yes I've virtually lost hope of buying a bag this year from the pre-loved market.
I personally begrudge paying new from store price for a bag that is badly worn..I've even seen non-quota bags like Halzan pretty worn going for way over store price.
I too am in Europe ..UK so I now have to factor in 20%VAT plus shipping on every preloved purchase from Europe.
:cursing:
 
Yes I've virtually lost hope of buying a bag this year from the pre-loved market.
I personally begrudge paying new from store price for a bag that is badly worn..I've even seen non-quota bags like Halzan pretty worn going for way over store price.
I too am in Europe ..UK so I now have to factor in 20%VAT plus shipping on every preloved purchase from Europe.
:cursing:
Absolutely agree. I'm hoping that the trend of all things Hermès to those that don't really love the items will calm down and prices will go down a little. Who am I kidding though?! I'm very fortunate that I have a lovely local store and have been able to buy two beautiful Kelly's. I just wouldn't pay more than store prices for a beaten up 40 year old bag. It's greed. Think at this rate I'll have more luck getting a box Kelly from the store than pre loved market. Such a shame, as I'd love one from my birth year.
 
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I’m not sure if this question is for this thread but do you think it will be easier to get a mini Constance as a second quota bag?
If you shop at a store that considers it a “quota bag” then yes it would be easier as most clients would rather not “waste” their allotment on “just” a Constance. Since it’s not an actual company quota bag (assuming you are in the states) the most strategic course of action would be to use your profile at your main store to get the most out of your quota (two B/k) and then go to a different store where C is not considered a quota for a Constance.
 
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