Last week my husband was in Paris and was kind enough to stop by the Hermes flagship store at 24 Faubourg Saint Honoré (aka FSH, aka heaven) and bring home a little lovely waiting for me. I am so jealous that he got to go; even though FSH can be very crowded I still think everybody visiting Paris for the first time should make a stop by this shop, it’s dreamy! You can read about my last visit there, here.Now I am very happy to share with you all one of my hands down favorite purchases so far this year – my new Hermes Kelly bag.
The Hermes ribbon for 2012 – my first one is from 2006! I wish I had been organized enough to keep all the years together.
Some of the bag accessories – actually I just realized that I am missing the strap in this picture, which is one of the most important parts of the Kelly (hands free carrying!). No worries as I will show you it in the future. To the left is the Hermes Rain Protection Kit which comes with a lot of Hermes bags. To be honest they are kind of a big pain to put on – I only seem to see them used out and about when in Japan.
And finally, my bag. A 32cm Kelly in a new color called Vert de Gris, a medium gray with hints of green. The color is very difficult to photograph and the last detailed photo is the truest to life. I was a little nervous about the color because I had only seen small swatches prior but I really love it, it’s very military. I have a special fondness for neutral tones (though I think I might add a bright one next!) and adore the tone on tone stitching, especially since my other Hermes bags are contrast stitching. The size is also great – not too big and overpowering on me, and fits a little more than a Chanel Jumbo.
However if you are a petite who is more sensitive to size and wants a smaller bag, I would suggest a 28cm – also an easier size to transition from day to night!I am very excited about this bag because I had wanted a Kelly for ages, but dithered on what size and color to get, whether it could be casual enough for my lifestyle, and blah blah blah. In the past few years I have collected a few of my favorite Hermes Kelly photographs, which definitely helped to convince me that a Kelly would have a loved place in my wardrobe – inspiration below:
via Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange
Kate Moss
Renee Zellweger
What do you all think of the Kelly bag? Can you see it fitting into your lifestyle? And thank you for reading along!
Excellent choice!!! I think you know how much I love the Kelly too. 32cm is just perfect and retourne which I prefer over the sellier. This colour is amazing and what a relief it matches your expectations. Can't wait to see you carry her…:-)
Excellent choice!!! I think you know how much I love the Kelly too. 32cm is just perfect and retourne which I prefer over the sellier. This colour is amazing and what a relief it matches your expectations. Can't wait to see you carry her…:-)
great bag!!!!
great bag!!!!
I think this has just become my holy grail bag. Hot diggity. Looks beautiful.
I think this has just become my holy grail bag. Hot diggity. Looks beautiful.
So pretty! What a great hubby! xoxo A-
So pretty! What a great hubby! xoxo A-
Kat! Congratulations on the Kelly! I'm so so happy for you! I love the Kelly and it's my dream H bag to get so I think it's absolutely gorgeous. Gosh, you make me want it even more now, it's stunning. I can't wait to see some modeling pictures from you with it! Congrats again, enjoy it in good health
Hugs,
Carin
(www.parisinfourmonths.com)
Kat! Congratulations on the Kelly! I'm so so happy for you! I love the Kelly and it's my dream H bag to get so I think it's absolutely gorgeous. Gosh, you make me want it even more now, it's stunning. I can't wait to see some modeling pictures from you with it! Congrats again, enjoy it in good health
Hugs,
Carin
(www.parisinfourmonths.com)
Amazing!
♥
Amazing!
♥
GORGEOUS. i mean seriously stunning. i'm at a loss for words hahaha..she's AMAZING.. and so amazing for your hubby to get her for you!! i love army green it's such a great neutral.. and yet so unique and unusual at the same time! wear her well hon!!
GORGEOUS. i mean seriously stunning. i'm at a loss for words hahaha..she's AMAZING.. and so amazing for your hubby to get her for you!! i love army green it's such a great neutral.. and yet so unique and unusual at the same time! wear her well hon!!
Congratulations! It's amazing! I always liked classic designs such as the Kelly and the Birkin bag, and of course the Chanel 2.55…Loved them!
Last year I found a great look-a-like to the kelly bag, and bought it. Wasn't going for a look-alike but it was too beautiful to pass…
Congratulations! It's amazing! I always liked classic designs such as the Kelly and the Birkin bag, and of course the Chanel 2.55…Loved them!
Last year I found a great look-a-like to the kelly bag, and bought it. Wasn't going for a look-alike but it was too beautiful to pass…
Ah! The Kelly! The Gris is gorgeous and will certainly go with a lot AND have a casual edge to it. Wonderful present!
The Kelly is absolutely a great bag for everyday life. I use mine a lot–and even throw in a camera when needed. I have the larger 35cm version that works well for a big-bag person, but it sure does get heavy. If I get another, I'll go the opposite direction and acquire a 28cm.
Ah! The Kelly! The Gris is gorgeous and will certainly go with a lot AND have a casual edge to it. Wonderful present!
The Kelly is absolutely a great bag for everyday life. I use mine a lot–and even throw in a camera when needed. I have the larger 35cm version that works well for a big-bag person, but it sure does get heavy. If I get another, I'll go the opposite direction and acquire a 28cm.
Stunning piece – adore the colour!
I have several vintage Hermes bags;-)
Stunning piece – adore the colour!
I have several vintage Hermes bags;-)
Ooh I love it!! Congratulations! The color is beautiful! Can't wait to see it in an outfit post
Ooh I love it!! Congratulations! The color is beautiful! Can't wait to see it in an outfit post
So lovely!
So lovely!
It's absolutely stunning Katherine! I adore the colour you've chosen too. Can't wait to see it in action!
Happy Monday hun xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
It's absolutely stunning Katherine! I adore the colour you've chosen too. Can't wait to see it in action!
Happy Monday hun xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
Absolutely beautiful! What a considerate husband you have
Just had a thought to mention about maybe watermarking your photos in case they get used elsewhere?
Simply Amazing!! I love it too!! Kisses!:)
Simply Amazing!! I love it too!! Kisses!:)
I really like it – gorgeous bag Katherine!
I really like it – gorgeous bag Katherine!
Beautiful bag! I actually like my Kelly more than my birkin nowadays…the shoulder strap is just so handy! Enjoy your new baby! Can't wait to see you model it in your everyday outfits!
Cheers~
wei
Beautiful bag! I actually like my Kelly more than my birkin nowadays…the shoulder strap is just so handy! Enjoy your new baby! Can't wait to see you model it in your everyday outfits!
Cheers~
wei
Such a beautiful, classic bag!
She is gorgeous Katherine. Looking fwd to seeing pics of you caring your Kelly bag. PS I covet your bag collection!
She is gorgeous Katherine. Looking fwd to seeing pics of you caring your Kelly bag. PS I covet your bag collection!
gorgeous!
gorgeous!
Vert de gris is gorgeous colour! Is neutral and goes with so many things!! Good choice! Enjoy!!
Congrats, what a gorgeous color. I've been searching for the perfect gray Kelly and I think I just found it.
x
Your hubby is so incredible for getting the Kelly for you!
It is GORGEOUS, Katherine! What a great present. I can definitely see it going with many things.
xo, alison*elle
Hi Catherine – I love your blog and your new purchase. Do you mind asking me how much your husband paid for your lovely new Kelly bag? I am doing my research as I am planning to go to France next year and would like to purchase a Kelly bag. Thanks
Congratulations, Kat!! You know how much I love my Kelly. The togo/clemence leather is virtually bulletproof. LOVE LOVE LOVE your new Kelly. I'd love to have a 32cm one day. I'm all for bright colors but at the end of the day, the bags that get the most wear is definitely the neutral ones.
Congratulations, Kat!! You know how much I love my Kelly. The togo/clemence leather is virtually bulletproof. LOVE LOVE LOVE your new Kelly. I'd love to have a 32cm one day. I'm all for bright colors but at the end of the day, the bags that get the most wear is definitely the neutral ones.
Cocongrats on your beautiful Kelly!!! Such a wonderful DH to make this special trip pick up for you! Now I'm off to read your post about when you went in yourself!
Congratulations – what a beautiful color – can't wait to see how you wear yours. I really love the design of Kelly bags – especially the pochette version – it's adorable LOL!
I love that bag!!! It is perfect!
What an amazing gift !I actually prefer the brown one, but the shape of the bag is great and I love the fact you can wear it several ways
http://www.tripsandtreasures.net
fashion & lifestyle in Belgium
What an amazing gift !I actually prefer the brown one, but the shape of the bag is great and I love the fact you can wear it several ways
http://www.tripsandtreasures.net
fashion & lifestyle in Belgium
wow!! that bag is amazing!!!
wow!! that bag is amazing!!!
So jealous! You definitely live a good life!! Congrats . Hope you enjoy for a long, long time!
So jealous! You definitely live a good life!! Congrats . Hope you enjoy for a long, long time!
Drool! I visited FSH for the first time in November. My friend and I were reading Parisian Chic and were captivated by the simplicity of the Kelly. She had no idea it was Hermes! We both decided we like the Kelly way more than the Birkin because of the strap. I just began collecting Hermes… did you luck out on this color or were you able to place an order? I love all of your Hermes
Drool! I visited FSH for the first time in November. My friend and I were reading Parisian Chic and were captivated by the simplicity of the Kelly. She had no idea it was Hermes! We both decided we like the Kelly way more than the Birkin because of the strap. I just began collecting Hermes… did you luck out on this color or were you able to place an order? I love all of your Hermes
Carin thank you! Are you thinking of one? I think it'd be the perfect bag for you, your style suits it very much
Carin thank you! Are you thinking of one? I think it'd be the perfect bag for you, your style suits it very much
Thank you for the tip – I really need to start doing this….thanks again for the reminder
Thank you for the tip – I really need to start doing this….thanks again for the reminder
Hi there! I can't remember right now as the total had a few other items included but it was a little over $6k with the tax refund I believe…they just had a price hike before I bought, sigh. This thread may be helpful to you – http://forum.purseblog.com/hermes-shopping/2012-hermes-hand-travel-bag-prices-no-chatting-722677-8.html have a wonderful time in France!
Hi there! I can't remember right now as the total had a few other items included but it was a little over $6k with the tax refund I believe…they just had a price hike before I bought, sigh. This thread may be helpful to you – http://forum.purseblog.com/hermes-shopping/2012-hermes-hand-travel-bag-prices-no-chatting-722677-8.html have a wonderful time in France!
Oh you big lucky! I love the colour and really like the styling of it in the Parisian Chic image.
Beautiful! Can't wait to see you wear it! So nice of hubby to brave the crowds and bring this beauty home for you.
Did you add your name on the waiting list when you were there and picked it up now? Thanks so much for your response!
Did you add your name on the waiting list when you were there and picked it up now? Thanks so much for your response!
I love the shape of the Kelly bag. I'm more of a camel or red bag kind of gal but the color you chose is classic. Enjoy your gift and can't wait to see photos
omg I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to see it worn.
Wow misspelled your name. Sorry about that!
Wow misspelled your name. Sorry about that!
Great choice! I even more fond of the Kelly than I am of the Birkin. The colour is lovely as well.
Great choice! I even more fond of the Kelly than I am of the Birkin. The colour is lovely as well.
I love the Kelly and Birkin equally and adore the book Parisian Chic as well! My husband actually handled the process AtoZ, he knew there were a few colors I really wanted and I said he should make the final selection while there in person to see them! Major brownie points for him!
No worries..I didn't wait list for the bag (I assume you mean podium)? Enjoy France!
it is SO pretty. I am totally in love with the color. It's perfection. I can't wait to see it on you K!
it is SO pretty. I am totally in love with the color. It's perfection. I can't wait to see it on you K!
Huge congrats, Kat! You kelly is absolutely gorgeous. What a lovely color and great alternative to the classic black. I cannot wait to see you wear her. I am waiting anxiously for my first Kelly too. HTH.
Huge congrats, Kat! You kelly is absolutely gorgeous. What a lovely color and great alternative to the classic black. I cannot wait to see you wear her. I am waiting anxiously for my first Kelly too. HTH.
How sweet is your husband!
How sweet is your husband!
LOVE your choice, Katherine! That is THE perfect shade of gray. If you had uploaded a higher resolution photo of the detailed shot, I would've set it as my desktop background asap. Perhaps it's a good thing… this way I can resist temptation
LOVE your choice, Katherine! That is THE perfect shade of gray. If you had uploaded a higher resolution photo of the detailed shot, I would've set it as my desktop background asap. Perhaps it's a good thing… this way I can resist temptation
Aaww, congrats Kat on your new purchase. I am not into Hermes (or rather my wallet is not into Hermes haha!) but if I ever change my mind (never say never says Justin Bieber
) Kelly will be more suitable for me coz of the strap. I love the color a lot, goes well with your new parka!
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/
Aaww, congrats Kat on your new purchase. I am not into Hermes (or rather my wallet is not into Hermes haha!) but if I ever change my mind (never say never says Justin Bieber
) Kelly will be more suitable for me coz of the strap. I love the color a lot, goes well with your new parka!
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/
Such a classic purse. I love the shade and the shape is so perfect. Too bad this is way out of my budget! I love collecting picture of style snapshots.
Your husband has great taste! When I was at FSH, their inventory seemed dry (or maybe that's the facade). I think I'm going to save up for a Kelly first and see if I can make it to a Birkin!
I love this bag! I can't wait to see it in more photos. Lucky!
keepcalmandcarrylipstick.blogspot.com
Beautiful! My first Hermes purchase was a black box 32 kelly… I also have a 35 birkin – but it is SO heavy, so I find myself using my kelly (with the strap of course) more frequently! I think your choice of color and skin is going to be very versatile for your lifestyle! Such a great hubby!!!
OH so pretty and what a sweet DH!!!! Congrats! and it is a color that fits you very well I think. I notice you have neutral colors and this new friend would just fit right in, enjoy!
Congratulations! The bag is absolutely beautiful. I hope you enjoy it for years to come!
http://www.iheartvintagecouture.com
ohhh, the Kelly looks beautiful. Is it spacious inside? I can see it as a great crossbody with great lines and looks.
Helen
A black box Kelly sounds divine! Enjoy!
i think i might seriously kill for a hermes
love the green-medium grey bag!!!
http://harperandmonroe.blogspot.com/
I agree it is the perfect size. It is a classic and I like your choice in color.
Ahh, I love it! It's soo pretty. Your husband has amazing taste:)
Bloglovetherapy.blogspot.com
I am so happy for you! I have been waiting for my SA at Hermes to get me a Kelly for months. I finally broke down and got another Birkin in 30cm blue jean last week. No luck with Kelly so far. Yours is a great color and will go with anything!
I am so happy for you! I have been waiting for my SA at Hermes to get me a Kelly for months. I finally broke down and got another Birkin in 30cm blue jean last week. No luck with Kelly so far. Yours is a great color and will go with anything!
You lucky woman! I'm very very happy for you to get such a pretty bag =) Definitely worth having 1 =D
I also agree with you on St Honore Street. It's a must to visit but with a strong will not to get your hands on things at the window display! It is really hard to resist though.. =P
You lucky woman! I'm very very happy for you to get such a pretty bag =) Definitely worth having 1 =D
I also agree with you on St Honore Street. It's a must to visit but with a strong will not to get your hands on things at the window display! It is really hard to resist though.. =P
Major congrats! DH is such a sweetie!
Sigh this is just gorgeous Kat and the Kelly is a dream bag! I actually seriously considered a vintage croc miel Kelly (the one in the Kate moss picture) but the price scared me. You have me dreaming again!
Sigh this is just gorgeous Kat and the Kelly is a dream bag! I actually seriously considered a vintage croc miel Kelly (the one in the Kate moss picture) but the price scared me. You have me dreaming again!
Ooh, congrats on the new baby, Kat!
She's a beauty!
Ooh, congrats on the new baby, Kat!
She's a beauty!
Lovely bags! Colors are so amazing. I really loved all the collections.
Lovely bags! Colors are so amazing. I really loved all the collections.
It's my dream bag:)
FASHION CAT
http://www.myfashioncat.com
It's my dream bag:)
FASHION CAT
http://www.myfashioncat.com
My favorite H style of all-time! Congratulations on your beautiful new Kelly, Katherine!
My favorite H style of all-time! Congratulations on your beautiful new Kelly, Katherine!
Lovely! Congratulations and enjoy wearing your awesome new bag. You ask a good question of whether your readers could see the Kelly fitting into their lifestyle. I am interested to see your answer to this question too. I keep going back and forth on the Kelly and the only thing holding me back is my worry that the bag is hard to get in and out of. After you use your Kelly, would you mind doing a post on the ease of use and maybe some action shots showing how you secure the bag while you are wearing it. I have heard that owners have to balance the bag on their knee or rest it on a counter in order to close it. Others just leave it open, but that makes me nervous!
By the way, I love your blog and its one of my favorites! Great job
Thank you for your sweet comments, I'm glad you like the blog!
I am/was worried about the same issue and will definitely report back after some use about how easy the Kelly is to use..and I'll try to include some action shots too. To me it didn't seem that much more difficult than the Chanel flaps to secure but time will tell…I'll probably just leave the turnlock closed and the flaps hanging most of the time, if that makes sense
I also included one more pic above of Renee Z and her Kelly worn casually to give another example
Gorgeous choice!! Whew.
oOoh, lala! very nice.
http://www.aboutprettythings.blogspot.com
How pretty!! I got to go to the Louis Vuitton flaship in Paris when I was there, and I loved it! I wish I had taken more pictures. But it was when I was in college, and it's also where I bought my first Louis!
you trained your husband well! good taste/pick and a beautiful bag indeed! =)
you trained your husband well! good taste/pick and a beautiful bag indeed! =)
For sure! Just give me a buzz via email and we'll catch up in London. We should even try a High tea at The Wolseley or somewhere similar.
For sure! Just give me a buzz via email and we'll catch up in London. We should even try a High tea at The Wolseley or somewhere similar.
Whoa, love this bag. Good for you.
Whoa, love this bag. Good for you.
Love it!!! It's such a classic bag.
GORGEOUS!
Kat – I don't think you mentioned this but could you tell me what skin your Kelly is in? It's beautiful! Is it sturdy and strong (not as prone to scratches and damage)?
Hi there! Yes my Kelly is in Togo which is a very sturdy leather – one of Hermes more sturdy and less prone to scratches, which is why it is probably their most popular leather. Other ones you might like besides Togo are Clemance, Fjord and maybe Epsom but I've heard mixed things about the last. Let me know if you have more questions!
would you mind sharing how did your husband manage to get the bag from FSH? went there a few times but they keep saying that they got no stock even though I bought a few stuffs from there
Love your blog¡ Now, I´m following you on bloglovin. Kisses
Mª Jesús
http://elotroladodelarmario.blogspot.com.es/
Love your blog¡ Now, I´m following you on bloglovin. Kisses
Mª Jesús
http://elotroladodelarmario.blogspot.com.es/
Me likeeyy!! I hope that in the future, I will have a very kind and thoughtful husband like yours!!!
) LOVE IT!! i want a Kelly Bag too!!!
http://pscly.blogspot.com/
Nice bag!
But eeeeks, I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the price! Must hunt for a more budget friendly look-alike
, do you have any suggestions?
Yes! Almost every brand has a hand held lookalike actually – have you tried Coach? I also saw a lot at Nordstrom rack, it just takes some patience…or Talbots, especially on sale
If you have more specific requirements let me know and I will try to hunt one down, there are so many options out there!
Hi Sheryl, I am very sorry about your experience, I hope you have better luck next time, stock can be quite difficult..but keep trying! Sometimes it is just about the timing.
Lucky you!
What a great husband! Nice bag! I love it in grey it will go with everything!
Shasie of Live Life in Style
I love the Kelly Bag and I love it on you, Katherine! The colour you have picked is awsome as well – not the "usual" black and I also think that black is "too hard" on Hermes bags… don't know why, maybe because they are so "classy" already in their shape, style and everything. I would want a Kelly bag myself, too, but I just could not get over the fact that it is so expensive – but then, on the other hand – flying business class is a couple of hours for nearly the same prize. Gotta think about it again I guess
(I am in China currently and cannot see all of ur posting pictures which drives me crazy :-/…trying to catch up on your blog now for the last 2 weeks)
I love the Kelly Bag and I love it on you, Katherine! The colour you have picked is awsome as well – not the "usual" black and I also think that black is "too hard" on Hermes bags… don't know why, maybe because they are so "classy" already in their shape, style and everything. I would want a Kelly bag myself, too, but I just could not get over the fact that it is so expensive – but then, on the other hand – flying business class is a couple of hours for nearly the same prize. Gotta think about it again I guess
(I am in China currently and cannot see all of ur posting pictures which drives me crazy :-/…trying to catch up on your blog now for the last 2 weeks)
your husband has great taste, it's a neutral color but at the same time it's not the usual black or brown. I'm sure you will enjoy her a lot, I have a 28 and a 32 and love carrying them, although I don't use them everyday. The 32 fits better my lifestyle, while the 28 is a bit too small for everyday needs but perfect for dinners.
Oh my gosh!!!! Your new kelly is beautiful!!! Mr. Feather did GREAT!! I really think the color and size are going to be perfect! I have the 32 and it's perfect for errands (when using the shoulder strap)!! And LOVE the tone on tone stitching! That's my preference!
I've been showing my DH your gold birkin bc I keep going back and forth b/t the 25 and 30!
Anyhow, enjoy your new kelly in good health!!! YAY YAY YAY!!!
xo, sam
Oh yes!!! And I love those inspiration pics!! Have you seen all the pics from "How to wear a kelly casually" in the tpf? They're wonderful!
Too late for this but want to congratulate you for having a new Kelly bag. Fabulously stunning!
Uncovered your article extremely appealing certainly. I genuinely enjoyed reading it therefore you make really some excellent factors. I’ll bookmark this web site for your potential! Relly terrific short article.
[...] effort to gain further brownie points, my husband brought back some favorite sweets along with my Kelly when he got back from Paris. Below are three names that always bring joy: Pierre Herme, Laduree and [...]
Love it!!!
http://abreathofgemini.blogspot.com
You are so lucky Katherine!!! The color is very nice! I m Hermès fan and not lucky enough yet to get the bag. Every time I went there they said they don’t have the bag! Any suggestion for getting it one? I m really jealous.
How much was it?
Love your Kelly! Love the photos!
What a lucky lady ! Six months of waiting list and your husband just pick the Kelly up like that ? Voiceless …
Hi La Passante, it was being held so not just a lucky walk in
[...] 302012 I have been trying to take a picture with my Kelly this last week but I’ve been pretty busy and the weather has been horrible. It finally [...]