Should I keep this yellow Birkin?
- Thread starter ladybug333
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I also lived in LA for many years. The sunshine color is much more appropriate to LA's intense sun than a navy or a black, for example. It just fits in.I understand your concerns.
First off, I lived in LA for many years and once you are west of La Cienega Birkins are everywhere. I lived downtown and still felt fine carrying a Birkin. I think there is still some "weight" to the bag in certain situations (while volunteering for charity, for instance) and it's perfectly fine to not carry it then (same with Chanels btw). Outside of situations where there is an actual sociological concern, I'm with you on "screw it and own your luxury".
The bag itself is gorgeous. I love Soleil and would carry it any time. For LA it's totally a neutral. You have me wanting a yellow bag now, thanks for that
Finally on financials. This is a heavy topic because let's be real, we could all make a difference in thousands of lives by not spending on luxury; we could also make lots more money by never doing anything with our income besides smart investments. This is something for each of us to choose for ourselves. I think about it a lot since I grew up without money and any one of my Birkins or Kellys costs as much as my single mom made in a year. But I also think (sorry to get heavy) that since she valued getting me an education above all else, if she were still here, she would be thrilled to see me able to have FUN with the money I earned by my own hard work.
Clearly you can afford to have some fun with your money and you have plenty of investments. I think life would be pretty dry if we all gave up bags, vacations, hobbies, non-work passions, clothes, learning new things, and anything else without a financial return and sat around all day staring at our portfolios.....to what end? Experiences make us rich too. And so does pure and simple joyEnjoy the bag!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment.For me it's hard to comment on the bag itself as only you know if it really is what you had been looking for or if other factors played a role in its purchase (bargain, availability etc). It is absolutely beautiful in my eyes and not that easy to come by in excellent condition these days. In general, I often find myself favouring discontinued and classic H leathers and colours and Soleil will always be timeless to me although I usually don't gravitate towards this part of the colour palette. Soleil doesn't scream, it goes well with neutrals or brighter colours but is not as "loud" as other H colours may be (which are lovely as well, they all serve a purpose).
I am a true bag lover myself and have gone through loads of bags over the past years. Did they make me truly happy? No. For sure. I often got caught in the hype (both with Chanel and Hermès) and purchased things I thought I needed and then regretted my purchases as I neither have the lifestyle nor the need for an extensive bag collection. I am a minimalist, have always been, and spending so much money on bags made me feel greedy at some point. I looked around at what people around me who were not in a financially stable situation were wishing for and came to the conclusion that I would not go beyond 10 bags. If I go above the 10, I follow a 1-in-1-out-rule. I prefer spending more on quality bags and consequently just purchasing less and I do not see an issue with succumbing to one's desire as long as one consumes sensibly - life should be fun and most of us probably already spend too much time questioning decisions, planning for the future and worrying. If you can afford it, just enjoy it, but maybe find the right balance that still feels reasonable and financially responsible. These days, I often wonder about excessive consumerism and what people want to achieve with amassing so many things, but to each their own as long as one is content. To this day I feel bad spending more than 5k on a bag as I did not grow up in a wealthy household and this amount used to get me and my mother through 6 months of living, but I enjoy my H bags and purchases and try to use them as much as I can to diminish the feeling of having wasted 10k on a bag I hardly ever wear. Again, find out what feels good to you personally, and take factors into consideration that are important to you, not to others around you.
Good luck deciding!
You really nailed it with your thoughts about excessive consumerism and the guilt of buying things others can't (especially after growing up without much money). I had the same experience growing and similar thoughts that cross my mind today. I like your 10 bag limit -- might try that!
I'm totally with you -- I believe that once you've contributed to society in your own way, your money should be yours to spend on whatever brings you joy.
Isn't it funny how we quickly can become acclimated to just about anything? I remember the first time I spent $3k on a Valentino bag and thought I was crazy for spending so much. And then after buying Chanel bags, I was so afraid what others might think. But the cost of bags quickly becomes normalized, and the fear of wearing them goes away the more you do it. It's interesting!Congrats on you first Birkin! The color is absolutely gorgeous and suits you very well! I think we have all been there at one point or the other second guessing whether the insane amount we spent on one bag is justified or not... but can I tell u something? Once you go past that mind block on the first bag, there’s no going back so your fear that you will want more is justified and real!... at the start of my H journey, when my SA first told me what a B/K/C cost in the H world I was shell shocked and told her please never ever offer me a bag... look at me now
... you get over the sticker shock fast and furious
In my humble opinion, a chanel bag is more recognizable bag than Hermes bags. Many people don’t recognize the brand which suits me just fine. But more than other people, it is you who needs to be comfortable carrying the bag out. At the end who cares what others think. Everyone has an opinion on everything... so what? Do what your heart desires.
My vote? Keep the bag, wear it out like there’s no tomorrow and enjoy the stunner! Too short of a life to have regrets. So long as you have good savings, are not in debt to get a bag, why not just enjoy the beauty?
And I totally agree with everything you've said here! Sometimes I get caught in the fear of, "what will others think?" and forget to ask myself, "what do *I* want?"
The verdict is in...
I'M KEEPIN' IT!
This thread and bag have given me so much to think about -- and for that, I'm truly grateful.
Can I have an honest moment? I grew up with a single mom on welfare and was always the "poor kid" at a school with many wealthier students. I'm 30 now, and have had the unexpected fortune of starting a business in my mid-20s that has become very successful. It is a strange thing to suddenly live a lifestyle that is very different than the one you grew up with.
I find that one of the hardest things for me about accumulating wealth at a young age is that so many of the people in my life live a more modest lifestyle. I think I've feared that if those around me see me indulging in luxury, I'll lose my identity as someone who is humble, kind, and generous. Of course, that's not necessarily true at all! There are plenty of people who both love luxury AND are kind and generous -- they're not mutually exclusive. But it's a fear that has kept me small at times. I had this same experience last year when I bought a nice car. I bought it because I thought it was gorgeous and it's so fun to drive, but I was anxious about what others might think about me for wanting something luxurious, and nearly purchased a car I liked far less, simply because it was more understated.
So, I feel like this sunshine bag is my "coming out" of sorts. "Coming out" as someone who loves what she loves, and is unapologetic about it. Something I'm realizing more and more is that all of us have received so much conditioning from our families and society that often limits us from being our truest selves. What I'm working on now is letting go of that conditioning and discovering what *I* truly want, instead of negating my desires to please the people around me. I absolutely love this bag and will wear it with the pride of knowing that what the world really wants from me more than anything is for me to be myself. That's it. That's more than enough.
Thank you for all your responses! Truly have appreciate hearing your perspectives.
I'M KEEPIN' IT!
This thread and bag have given me so much to think about -- and for that, I'm truly grateful.
Can I have an honest moment? I grew up with a single mom on welfare and was always the "poor kid" at a school with many wealthier students. I'm 30 now, and have had the unexpected fortune of starting a business in my mid-20s that has become very successful. It is a strange thing to suddenly live a lifestyle that is very different than the one you grew up with.
I find that one of the hardest things for me about accumulating wealth at a young age is that so many of the people in my life live a more modest lifestyle. I think I've feared that if those around me see me indulging in luxury, I'll lose my identity as someone who is humble, kind, and generous. Of course, that's not necessarily true at all! There are plenty of people who both love luxury AND are kind and generous -- they're not mutually exclusive. But it's a fear that has kept me small at times. I had this same experience last year when I bought a nice car. I bought it because I thought it was gorgeous and it's so fun to drive, but I was anxious about what others might think about me for wanting something luxurious, and nearly purchased a car I liked far less, simply because it was more understated.
So, I feel like this sunshine bag is my "coming out" of sorts. "Coming out" as someone who loves what she loves, and is unapologetic about it. Something I'm realizing more and more is that all of us have received so much conditioning from our families and society that often limits us from being our truest selves. What I'm working on now is letting go of that conditioning and discovering what *I* truly want, instead of negating my desires to please the people around me. I absolutely love this bag and will wear it with the pride of knowing that what the world really wants from me more than anything is for me to be myself. That's it. That's more than enough.
Thank you for all your responses! Truly have appreciate hearing your perspectives.
I am happy for you and your success, sounds like you deserve it!! Enjoy your gorgeous birkin!The verdict is in...
I'M KEEPIN' IT!
This thread and bag have given me so much to think about -- and for that, I'm truly grateful.
Can I have an honest moment? I grew up with a single mom on welfare and was always the "poor kid" at a school with many wealthier students. I'm 30 now, and have had the unexpected fortune of starting a business in my mid-20s that has become very successful. It is a strange thing to suddenly live a lifestyle that is very different than the one you grew up with.
I find that one of the hardest things for me about accumulating wealth at a young age is that so many of the people in my life live a more modest lifestyle. I think I've feared that if those around me see me indulging in luxury, I'll lose my identity as someone who is humble, kind, and generous. Of course, that's not necessarily true at all! There are plenty of people who both love luxury AND are kind and generous -- they're not mutually exclusive. But it's a fear that has kept me small at times. I had this same experience last year when I bought a nice car. I bought it because I thought it was gorgeous and it's so fun to drive, but I was anxious about what others might think about me for wanting something luxurious, and nearly purchased a car I liked far less, simply because it was more understated.
So, I feel like this sunshine bag is my "coming out" of sorts. "Coming out" as someone who loves what she loves, and is unapologetic about it. Something I'm realizing more and more is that all of us have received so much conditioning from our families and society that often limits us from being our truest selves. What I'm working on now is letting go of that conditioning and discovering what *I* truly want, instead of negating my desires to please the people around me. I absolutely love this bag and will wear it with the pride of knowing that what the world really wants from me more than anything is for me to be myself. That's it. That's more than enough.
Thank you for all your responses! Truly have appreciate hearing your perspectives.
View attachment 4612412
I understand your sentiments, thanks for sharing them with us. I am truly glad that you will keep the bag.The verdict is in...
I'M KEEPIN' IT!
This thread and bag have given me so much to think about -- and for that, I'm truly grateful.
Can I have an honest moment? I grew up with a single mom on welfare and was always the "poor kid" at a school with many wealthier students. I'm 30 now, and have had the unexpected fortune of starting a business in my mid-20s that has become very successful. It is a strange thing to suddenly live a lifestyle that is very different than the one you grew up with.
I find that one of the hardest things for me about accumulating wealth at a young age is that so many of the people in my life live a more modest lifestyle. I think I've feared that if those around me see me indulging in luxury, I'll lose my identity as someone who is humble, kind, and generous. Of course, that's not necessarily true at all! There are plenty of people who both love luxury AND are kind and generous -- they're not mutually exclusive. But it's a fear that has kept me small at times. I had this same experience last year when I bought a nice car. I bought it because I thought it was gorgeous and it's so fun to drive, but I was anxious about what others might think about me for wanting something luxurious, and nearly purchased a car I liked far less, simply because it was more understated.
So, I feel like this sunshine bag is my "coming out" of sorts. "Coming out" as someone who loves what she loves, and is unapologetic about it. Something I'm realizing more and more is that all of us have received so much conditioning from our families and society that often limits us from being our truest selves. What I'm working on now is letting go of that conditioning and discovering what *I* truly want, instead of negating my desires to please the people around me. I absolutely love this bag and will wear it with the pride of knowing that what the world really wants from me more than anything is for me to be myself. That's it. That's more than enough.
Thank you for all your responses! Truly have appreciate hearing your perspectives.
View attachment 4612412
The verdict is in...
I'M KEEPIN' IT!
This thread and bag have given me so much to think about -- and for that, I'm truly grateful.
Can I have an honest moment? I grew up with a single mom on welfare and was always the "poor kid" at a school with many wealthier students. I'm 30 now, and have had the unexpected fortune of starting a business in my mid-20s that has become very successful. It is a strange thing to suddenly live a lifestyle that is very different than the one you grew up with.
I find that one of the hardest things for me about accumulating wealth at a young age is that so many of the people in my life live a more modest lifestyle. I think I've feared that if those around me see me indulging in luxury, I'll lose my identity as someone who is humble, kind, and generous. Of course, that's not necessarily true at all! There are plenty of people who both love luxury AND are kind and generous -- they're not mutually exclusive. But it's a fear that has kept me small at times. I had this same experience last year when I bought a nice car. I bought it because I thought it was gorgeous and it's so fun to drive, but I was anxious about what others might think about me for wanting something luxurious, and nearly purchased a car I liked far less, simply because it was more understated.
So, I feel like this sunshine bag is my "coming out" of sorts. "Coming out" as someone who loves what she loves, and is unapologetic about it. Something I'm realizing more and more is that all of us have received so much conditioning from our families and society that often limits us from being our truest selves. What I'm working on now is letting go of that conditioning and discovering what *I* truly want, instead of negating my desires to please the people around me. I absolutely love this bag and will wear it with the pride of knowing that what the world really wants from me more than anything is for me to be myself. That's it. That's more than enough.
Thank you for all your responses! Truly have appreciate hearing your perspectives.
View attachment 4612412
Wear it well & enjoy it!!
You are in this world to please yourself... don't let others rain on your beautiful rainbow
of being kind, generous & full of spirit!!
Such a happy bag! I hope it makes you smile every time you see it. Wear it in the best of health.The verdict is in...
I'M KEEPIN' IT!
This thread and bag have given me so much to think about -- and for that, I'm truly grateful.
Can I have an honest moment? I grew up with a single mom on welfare and was always the "poor kid" at a school with many wealthier students. I'm 30 now, and have had the unexpected fortune of starting a business in my mid-20s that has become very successful. It is a strange thing to suddenly live a lifestyle that is very different than the one you grew up with.
I find that one of the hardest things for me about accumulating wealth at a young age is that so many of the people in my life live a more modest lifestyle. I think I've feared that if those around me see me indulging in luxury, I'll lose my identity as someone who is humble, kind, and generous. Of course, that's not necessarily true at all! There are plenty of people who both love luxury AND are kind and generous -- they're not mutually exclusive. But it's a fear that has kept me small at times. I had this same experience last year when I bought a nice car. I bought it because I thought it was gorgeous and it's so fun to drive, but I was anxious about what others might think about me for wanting something luxurious, and nearly purchased a car I liked far less, simply because it was more understated.
So, I feel like this sunshine bag is my "coming out" of sorts. "Coming out" as someone who loves what she loves, and is unapologetic about it. Something I'm realizing more and more is that all of us have received so much conditioning from our families and society that often limits us from being our truest selves. What I'm working on now is letting go of that conditioning and discovering what *I* truly want, instead of negating my desires to please the people around me. I absolutely love this bag and will wear it with the pride of knowing that what the world really wants from me more than anything is for me to be myself. That's it. That's more than enough.
Thank you for all your responses! Truly have appreciate hearing your perspectives.
View attachment 4612412
I'm so glad you kept this bag! I have a moutarde Birkin (slightly darker shade than yours) and I'm surprised how many colors it matches. I also thought I'd only want GHW but with yellow the palladium totally works. I think you'll really love your new bag. Congrats on "making it" too, if this bag helps you be your authentic self then more power to you.
It’s a lovely bag.I’ve only recently started to dive into the world of Hermès, and have fallen fast and hard for the Birkin and Kelly (until now, Chanel has been my brand of choice). I find the colorful Hermès bags to be such an absolute delight, and I imagine a collection of many different colorful bags in the future (at the moment I have 5-6 black Chanel bags and one red one, so I feel good about my neutrals and really want more colorful bags in my collections).
I’m still not sure if I’m interested in the Hermes process (mainly bc I don’t love their other items) so I’ve been looking into reseller sites (and also happen to be going to Paris next month where I’ll try my luck). A color I’ve been lusting after is yellow and recently purchased an Epsom Soleil Birkin 30 in nearly excellent condition. It’s beautiful!! Perfect shade of yellow for me and I love the size and how happy the color is! In even better condition than I expected, too! This would be my first Hermès bag.
But now that I have it (and have two days to decide if I want to keep it), I’m nervous! Primarily for the possible reactions I’d receive? I live in LA, so I don’t feel like this bag is too out of the ordinary here, but it still definitely screams “status” to people familiar with it. Personally, I love luxurious things, but tend to buy things that are more understated so that people who aren’t into this world wouldn’t know the difference. But there’s also a BIG part of me who is starting to say, “screw it” and who is owning her love of luxury instead of worrying about pleasing people with safer fashion choices. But I think I’d especially feel uncomfortable wearing this bag around family and some friends who can’t afford things like this — especially the Birkin since it’s more recognizable. I like the Kelly because it feels like people are less familiar with it.
Then there’s the flip side: cost. I feel like bags are a slippery slope for me — I love them! And because I can technically afford them without a problem, I’m worried I’ll end up buying tons of these bags over the next year! And I have a sense of guilt that I should’ve invested that money instead in stocks/real estate. Do you ever have that fear, that you technically have the money for these purchases, but that spending $25-50k/year on bags is money that would be much better spent elsewhere? Have any of you ever felt complete after getting everything you’ve been pining after, or does the desire for new bags ever really end?
I hope none of this comes off the wrong way.
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You say you can afford and that you love the color.
So , keep it and enjoy it.
Normally I would never get a yellow bag but that one is gorgeous. I think it’s fun and sets you apart from the crowd. It also seems like it would go with a lot and could be worn every season.
The questions or Thoughts parading in your brain is just a symbol of guilt because you don't know why you prefer nice things as opposed to a $50 bag that serves the same purpose...I feel the same way. And I learned to say F it! You have to learn to do it. But I am always conscientious of what I'm wearing and how much brands I need to wear. I don't live in a fashionable community nor I don't have a fashionable family so I try to be cognizant of it. Just do what I do. Mix high-low items. If people ask you how much or where'd you get your bag, just divert the topic haha