Hermes Kelly: Backstory
Last year, the first Holy Grail bag I got from Hermes was the Birkin 30 in Rose Extreme (read more about it here!).
Since then, I have added a few more Hermes items to my collection, namely, the oh-so-cute Picotin 22 in Gold, the Long Bearn Ostrich wallet in Mykonos blue (got it as a birthday present – thank you hubby!), and the Bolide 27 in classic black.
Today, the story is about my other holy grail bag – the Kelly 28. .
Hermes Kelly 28 Retourne in Gold with Gold hardware
I’ve always loved Hermes’ as a fashion house – for the history, the quality of the items and the amazing functionality of the stuff that I’ve bought from them so far. I’m not just a bag lover – I also own a few belts and shoes from Hermes.
My Hermes Kelly belt in Noir (Black), and Rose Gold hardware
After acquiring the Birkin 30 as a push gift for the birth of my second child, my lovely sales associate (In Singapore, from the Marina Bay Sands branch) did ask me – are there any other bags on my wishlist? I told her – yes, I would LOVE to have a Kelly (either in size 25 or 28), or a Constance 18. Colour-wise – there was some flexibility. As the Birkin 30 was already in a fun Rose Extreme colour, I requested a Kelly bag in a neutral colour – either classic gold, etoupe, or black. However, I also made it clear that I would accept blues, pinks, and greens as well, if a classic colour was difficult.
And then, this happened
Over the next 6 months, my dear SA actually offered me TWO holy grail bags. One was the Constance 18 in the sweetest shade of Rose Confetti (read more about it here).
And the other was this baby.
When I got the message from the SA that she had a Kelly for me, I was so overjoyed I nearly screamed. And even then, I was not expecting that she actually got me my top choice of colour – the classic Gold on Gold combination.
How did I get so lucky? I honestly have no idea. When I wrote about how I acquired the Birkin 30, I felt that it came down to: having a good relationship with the SA, using the stuff that you bought in front of them, and generally enjoying the Hermes journey without being overly caught up about getting a bag.
Gold on Gold beauty
Happily, the beauty was unboxed . I hung on the clochette and admired it in it’s neutral gold glory.
Hermes Kelly 28, Gold on Gold, retourne style
The bag does come with a strap.
Strap Added
Though most of the time, I tend to leave the bag unbuckled, with the sangles hanging – it generally gives the bag a more relaxed feel (plus it’s easier to get in and out of the bag this way).
Relaxed feel with the Sangles left to hang
Here’s some close up shots of the bag being buckled up with the sangles in place…
All bucked up with Sangles in place
… and with the sangles relaxed – this is the more common way of styling the bag, especially if the bag is used regularly.
Again, the relaxed style with Sangles hanging
The colour is simply the BEST shade of neutral. Not only does it go with everything in the most idiot-proof way, I can literally put ANY twilly on it, and it instantly gives the bag a new look without clashing in colour.
For example, matchy-matchy vibes come through with a twilly in similar shades.
With the Three Graces twilly in Black, Gold, and Taupe
But it also looks insanely good with a pop of colour – here, brigh hues of blues, greens and purple does wonders to the bag.
With another Three Graces twilly, in Bleu, Vert, Marron
Even with an extremely colourful twilly. the Hermes Kelly doesn’t look too busy – the neutral gold just absorbs the colour and just looks like a beautifully dressed up bag.
With the oh-so-colourful Plumetis twilly
I’ve brought this bag to many places, and it has just the most understated elegance. I love the classic silhouette; the bag has accompanied me to some lovely places. It’s brought so much joy – just the memory of taking her out – I’m so grateful and appreciative that I could enjoy a bag as wonderful as the Hermes Kelly.
Taken her out when I dined at SKAI (Swissotel the stamford)
Here’s a picture representing how much we enjoyed the view while dining at SKAI (Swissotel the Stamford). Lol.
What fits in the bag
For my holy grail bags, I decided to invest in the best inserts one can find on the market: these are the ones by 7 Rue Paradis, also known as 7rp.
7rp bag insert
Made of alcantara – the lining that’s used to make luxury cars, these help to keep the shape of the bag well.
They can also be machine washed – convenient and definitely designed with the user in mind.
Interior: comes with a total of 8 pockets. There are 4 larger pockets on the length (x2 each length-wise), and 4 small pockets on the sides (x2 per side)
So when packing the Kelly 28, here’s what I can typically fit in the 7rp bag insert:
What fits (left to right): small A5 sized notebook, LV key holder, Tom Ford eye palette, lipstick, Hermes Bearn long wallet, x2 cardholders
Note: it is possible to fit more than what the picture suggests, but this is what I typically carry around personally.
First, the Hermes Bearn Ostrich long wallet in Mykonos blue.
Fits comfortably – see the bit of space at the end? A slightly longer wallet can fit in too.
The card holders easily go into these pockets.
There are FOUR of such pockets, but I usually only use two
Ahd here’s everything else – the A5 notebook, eye shadow, lipstick, and key holder. It might be possible to squeeze a lipstick in the smaller side pockets – but i struggle with it a little – perhaps my lipstick casing is too fat, lol. A pen or slimmer lipstick would easily go in there however. Not that i find it a problem – this way all items are easily within reach.
All Packed!
Once all items are packed, I simply pop the 7rp insert right into the Hemes Kelly. It goes in easily, and fits like a glove.
On the side – the leather of the Hermes Kelly is so luxurious and soft. While I was flexible with either the Sellier (structure) or Retourne (relaxed) style that Kelly bags come in- I’m so glad to have the Retourne; it makes getting in and out of the bag so much easier.
Hermes Kelly Mod Shots
Being a top handle bag, the Hermes Kelly does sit comfortably on the crook of the arm.
Handle hung on the crook of the arm
It looks just as good being handheld.
Handheld
Most of the time, I carrry it slung on one side of the shoulder. This is my favourite way of using it – it’s easier to be hands-free, and I can most easily get in and out of the bag in this position.
Granted, in the above pictures, I was dressed more formally – in work clothes – a formal top, dressy pants, and high heels. However, I have worn this bag with jeans and flats – and the Hermes Kelly looks just as good.
Hermes Kelly – as a shoulder bag
In fact, when i DO wear jeans and flats, the bag elevates the overall look. Never underestimate the power of an awesome bag, people. Lol.
Worn on the crook of the arm
One thing however – the Kelly strap, while useful, is a little on the short side. Hence, I personally do not use it as a crossbody bag.
I am only 154cm, and when used as a crossbody, the bag just sits a little too high for comfort.
Crossbody attempt
As such, I don’t really recommend it as a crossbody. The strap is best used hung on the shoulder on ONE side of the body… or to hang behind a door when using the bathroom. Lol.
Dear readers – Do you love other Hermes bags? Or Bags in General? Check out the Hermes bag tag for everything Hermes featured on this blog, and to see what bags I own, click on the link below to see what’s in my bag collection (As of August 2020).
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