I don’t know anyone who carries a Birkin, but I am familiar with it. I am in DC suburbs, but grew up in small town midwest. I have always had an interest in fashion.
Pennylane -re: sheer tops, I hear you. This is also a pet peeve of mine. It seems as if the majority of white or light color spring/summer tops are very sheer. Like you I do not want to have to layer underneath.
I have several friends with Goyard bags. I have never asked them why they bought them, though I wouldn’t be surprised if they had been gifts. I would like one but I will never have one since they are beyond my budget.
I have no desire for a Birkin.
I also live in Los Angeles. I do have friends with Birkins. I am quite rough with my purses. To have a $15,000 purse that I toss on the floor as it falls from a table…nope. I have promised my self that I will take care of any purse…but while I do for a year or two…then…boom.
Agree. Most of the REALLY rich people I’ve known are very generous with their money; in fact, some are major philanthropists.
ellebud, I’m the same way with my bags. I don’t even try to be careful.
It’s been an enjoyable thread to read through.
I am not wealthy but I grew up in the same city with a great-aunt who was a professional tailor. Back when few people flew anywhere, the wealthy ladies in town would bring home fabrics from New York or items for her to tailor. I managed to get a really nice suit on sale sale when I graduated from college. The lined skirt was a size too large. I asked my grandmother to fix it for me as she was a competent seamstress, but she insisted on paying my aunt to do it. It was the first time I really understood what a good fit meant. I inspected it later under a lamp. I couldn’t tell that the waistband had been removed and put back, which seams were original to the dress versus which were hers.
Truthfully, our bodies are unique and it’s hard for any off-the-rack clothing to fit us properly. My aunt told me in passing that few women’s bodies are totally symmetric. Did you know that? A quality fabric can certainly help because it will drape better; this is why I do hunt the sales racks at Ann Taylor and such over Kohl’s.
I cannot afford designer clothing and doubt that I would seek it out even if I did have that kind of money. But the craftsmanship element of this conversation makes lots of sense to me.
@ not telling…my comment was based on what I would do if I had an insane amount of money to waste ( the bags I saw were $95,000.00 and up ) I made no remark about the Gates or anyone else…I spoke for myself. I couldn’t in good conscience own a bag that was priced at what some homes cost. It’s not me, but if you like them, enjoy by all means
I got a Birkin for my 50th birthday. I wasn’t thinking about buying one until I walked in to an Hermes store to browse and it was just sitting there. They told me it just came in and they only had a few, and I could carry it out with me if I wanted it (no waiting period). The purse has 4 metal legs, so it doesn’t actually touch the floor. There are many restaurants where they provide bag stands. I also carry a portal hook to hang my purse on a table.
Never heard of a bag stand in a restaurant! Sounds like a good idea.
Wow!! How do you like it? Do you carry it often? So, now you can answer our brning questions: when people see and recognize it, do they say, “Nice bag!” Or “Ooooh, a Birkin!” 
oldfort, is it heavier than, let’s say, a large Reissue (I tried on that bag, so that’s my reference point).
Just checked Saks - Hanro is included in their sale, but Akris is not. Boo at the sales person. Gourmetmom’s tank top was a very good deal for the money.
Wow!
It is heavier than other bags. It is not heavier than the Chanel tote bag. The one I have is a softer brown leather. What I have gotten a few times were, “Is that real?!” I used it more in NYC. BTW - it is not my favorite bag, but it is timeless. I would like to get another one before I am gone so each girl could have one.
The price quote upthread is not accurate for a leather Birkin (i.e, non-specialty skin), based on my understanding.
My understanding is that the price of a Birkin is about the difference between a low-mileage used Honda Civic and a brand new Honda Accord.
Thanks, oldfort!
Speaking of cars… I saw a shiny black Hyundai parked near my work. The owner stuck a large double C Chanel logo on the back window. Probably had to choose the car or the bag… 
I assume that $95k would be for some exotic leather Birkin with gold-plated hardware or something like that.
http://www.style.com/culture/style-map/2014/most-expensive-hermes-birkin
:eek:
No, my bag was in the teens, plus slight advantage due to no tax. Some people buy a convertible, diamond earrings, etc for their 50s. I opted for a bag. I think I probably could re-sell it and get the money I bought it for.
I’ve heard of Birkin because of the Gilmore Girls episode where Rory’s boyfriend bought her one and her grandmother was jealous. Expensive purses are also on the long list of things I would not spend money on. In my real life (not on a message board) I usually keep my feelings about how people spend their money to myself. There are some things I could never personally justify buying. There were comments a few pages ago about how expensive clothes fit better, which is probably true, but another thing I don’t care that much about in my everyday clothes. I’m happy to be covered, comfortable, and looking what I consider to be good enough!
When I googled Birkin , this is what came up :
https://www.google.com/#q=birkin+bag
That was all I saw and I was stunned…