Hello Darlings! It's the latest edition of " What's in My Bag?!" - Hermes Birkin 30 bag review. I'm restarting this blog post series once a month so be on the lookout! If you have a specific bag that you want me to review (and I own it), then let me know! Again, I've been SO LATE but I'm back in the saddle AGAIN. Haha! Get it? (Hermes was started as an equestrian brand.)
SIZE and PRICING
The story behind the Birkin bag is so magical. Hermes chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas met by Jane Birkin on a flight from Paris to London in the 80s. She was carrying a basket bag and the contents of it spilled everywhere which inspired him to create a stylish leather bag for jet-setters like Birkin. Voila! The infamous bag was born. Apparently, after the Sex and the City episode where Samantha uses her celebrity client name to skip the "5-year wait list", the Hermes wait list for the Birkin actually tripled!
This is a Hermes Birkin in etain togo leather with palladium hardware. Togo leather is textured and it supposed to be more durable. However, it's also noted to be a heavier leather. Current retail cost is $10,900 (in togo leather). Mr. S acquired it for my 40th birthday present. (It was an approximate 6-month wait.)
It is a medium sized double-handled tote with one large zipper compartment (in the back) and a slim pocket (attached to front). The interior leather is a matching goat-skin leather.
I did not attach the lock and clochette to give it a cleaner appearance and since I rarely have a reason to "lock it". It comes with a rain jacket which I always keep in the bag in case of a surprise rain storm. The Number 30 denotes the width of the bag bottom in centimeters. For example, this is a Hermes Birkin 30 (which is 30cm wide).
The Birkin sizes range from 25 cm - 40 cm with the most common sizes being B30 and B35. The dimension of this bag is approximately 30 cm W x 22 cm H x 16 cm D. For reference, I am 5'4″ {but usually wearing heels}. This size fits everything that I need!
AESTHETICS and CONSTRUCTIONHermes is one of the only French couture brands that remains family owned. With this ownership, the family places a lot of value on quality and craftsmanship. One of the reasons for the exorbitant costs of these bags is that they are hand-made by an artisan that who is vetted after years of experience. Many attend a school that specializes in working with luxurious leathers.
Your sales associate will usually ask about the color and size that you're interested in. When you get the call for a Birkin, you are offered a color and can say YAY or NAY. I wanted a neutral color and size 30, so I was lucky when she called with a grey Hermes Birkin 30!
I haven't worn this bag as after as my Hermes Kelly since it's newer so it still looks impeccable. I expect it to remain so for a long time especially because of the togo leather.
When carefully inspecting the bag, all of the seams are intact, and the leather looks matte. There are no visible scratches on the leather or hardware. You can tell that it is a well-made bag.
FUNCTIONALITYThe Kelly can be carried by the top handle and worn in the crook of the arm. The handles are too small for me to wear on the shoulder.
I wear it with the flap tucked inside and the straps left open. It allows for very easy access in and out of the bag. I am able to grab my cell phone, long wallet, or sunglasses out easily for everyday use.
If I wanted more security, then the flap can be pulled over the hardware to conceal the opening and the straps pulled taught to go over the lock. Again, I could use the lock too.
This is a medium-weight bag, but it does get heavy because it can hold so much. The weight will depend on the type of leather.
BTW, I just purchased this bag insert to go into by Birkin and Kelly so I'll let you know how it works!
SOS RATINGFOUR GOLD STARS {out of five}! I took a star off because of the price. If money were no object, then this bag would be a 5 star bag. This is a beautiful and classic bag that will NEVER go out of style and DEFINITELY an investment bag. I know that it will stand the test of time as my Hermes Kelly has done!
Have you heard of the Hermes Birkin? What are your feelings on the bag?
Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July holiday if you celebrate!! We did a neighborhood parade and then pool time in the evening before dinner. The kids were OVER TIRED afterward and so it was major meltdown city at bedtime. Anyhow, I'm tired from taking Zyrtec for allergies last night. It works but makes me feel like I've been drugged... SO TIRED!
If you have any questions about the bag, then let me know in the comments and I'll do my best to help! If you have a specific request for the next "What's in my Bag?!", then please let me know too!// pre-owned Hermes Birkin bags //
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