I have the exact same thoughts...black with gold hardware, later on in life (I'm turning 27 this year)
A classic HG for me - black Birkin with gold hardware. It's a "gotta save up for the money" issue, but also, I personally wouldn't feel right carrying a Birkin just yet, while in my late 20s. It's more something that I envision I'll have toward my late 30s or in my 40s. In the meantime I'll happily carry other designer bags and wear H scarves, but for some reason I feel like a Birkin would really only line up with my self-image when I'm older and hopefully in a higher income braket. Don't know if that's a weird notion to have.