OT

Why do people assume "lynnts1" husband will pay for this bag.

She could be a finacially independent lady?

I agree with "thereadbaron" comments.

A beautiful handcrafted item (in this case a bag )is a work of love and should be treated likewise. Some people spend 3000 on a painting, other wants to spend it on a bag, if it gives the person pleasure, great!

Intrepid1

And just where, do you suppose, is the hot button-pressing original poster throughout all of this???????

laclaire

Intrepid1- click the name. This has been on her mind for a while, but she doesn't seem to post that much. I doubt she knew she would cause such a stir.

Tiff

Intrepid, I think the OP is off lunching with Bill Gates and Heidi Klum...

Madison

Mucky - How people spend their money is their own business, but I understand how you feel.

You may come off as sounding a little harsh or judgemental but I believe your heart is in the right place. With each passing year there seems to more people dying of starvation and disease in the world. You sometimes wonder where the fairness is in all of this.

There seems to be too much emphasis placed on possessions & designer labels rather than what really matters, but again it's their choice.

Frankly, I have seen handbags that are far lovlier than the Birken or Kelly Bag.

Carta_Pisana

threadbaron - unfortunately trickle down economics doesn't really work. You can be pretty sure Hermes takes a majority of the money just for their name.

annw

I too see Mucky's point but giving to charity and buying quality products are not mutually exclusive.
I have a burberry trench that's over 20 years old. So it has cost me about $15 a year--and gets cheaper every year.

After my third year in clinical practice I bought a vintage Kelly on Ebay (authentic) for less than half the cost being quoted here, and I fully expect to get decades of wear out of it which will "amortize" to a much lower cost per wear/per year. I actually do keep/repair what I buy so this is not just a rationale.

So -- be careful on ebay, but you can get a good buy, and no waiting! And while you're paying on Paypal if you are so inclined you can send in some hurricane K relief funds.

flygirl

I thought they were considerably more than three grand. that's practically "normal" designer bag price these days (you can get "lesser" designer bags for half that)

cigalechanta

You are right flygirl, much more.
Depending on the skins, they can exceed 5 figures.

Scarlett

SandC...I have been around a while, I see you have not been that much, but I still find it difficult not to lecture..I don't think it matters how long we have been on Fodors..it is just something that some of us do..
I would expect most men to say the same thing that Mucky said about buying a bloody handbag, my own husband thinks women are bonkers for wanting these precious purses lol...it is a guy thing..

KathrynT

I believe the OPs question was about advice as to where she can purchase this bag not about asking our opinions as to the beauty, value, appropriateness, etc. of such a purchase.

I know some people who think it is frivolous to travel as that money could be put towards retirement, charity, the local economy, etc. Clearly, I disagree.

CarolA

"And show me a typical 12 year old these days that will have a clue as to what a Birkin bag even is! lol unless it comes with a built-in iPod "

I can't show you a 12 year old, but my boss has a 15 year old daughter who knows... this girl is into spending money. She is trying to convince Daddy that she "needs" a $1,500 Channel for her 16th birthday (It isn't going to happen)

walkinaround

i feel sorry for anyone who bought one before it was "product-placed" on sex and the city and will and grace. now it's just a mockery of itself and the equivalent of how the rolex is seen in asia or burberry plaid in europe...a sign of garishness and poor taste.

Scarlett

LOL, Daddy won't buy it but I wonder if Mom would like to buy it or have it ..

Actually, the bag is a bit too much on the big luggage looking side to me, I hate it when I look like my bag is carrying me..know what I mean?

I am falling for these soft soft leather shoulder bags that weight nothing..Burberry is nice as well as Prada

rotaka

Hey the Birkin bag is not $3000. The price starts at $4000. Am I right? The rarer the pricier. Hope you find your bag but I think your best bet is in Paris babe.

StLSusan

This discussion reminds me so much of this true story...(BTW Hermes closer to $6000 + I think)
My MIL is a wonderful woman who raised her family on a Kansas farm...nothing frivious in her whole life.
About 20 years ago, we gave her a crisp $50 bill for Christmas with instructions to spend it on a new leather purse, knowing she could get a nice dark leather one at Sears/Penneys.
Then later I asked what purse she had chosen, she sheepishly said.. "Well,...yes she bought a purse,... and shoes and a coat!" She had hit Penneys at after Christmas sales and got all this for the $50. She laughingly said the purse she got held her money as well as a more expensive one!
This woman who is 100 now has more than a half a million $ in the bank and we all know how it got there!LOL..I never stopped teasing her!

rotaka

StLSusan, good story. I wish I could be more like her!

flygirl

all she wants is a handbag? whatever happened to getting a car for your birthday, like when I was a girl?

cigalechanta

lynnts. if you really want one, go to the Hermés website for the Europe locations and call because in the states the waiting list grew too long that they no longer take orders and won't tell you what's available where.
I'd just as soon as have one of those London Smythe bags or a Henry Bengulin.
I'll take one from anyone who wants to donate it to me ...lol

CarolA

"all she wants is a handbag? whatever happened to getting a car for your birthday, like when I was a girl?"


The car is already in the drive.. (new Honda Civic) As for Mother buying her the purse... not likely. Mom is not the pushover here... see Daddy!