UPDATE- Hi all, I was told this morning the Hermes ostrich birkin is no longer available but I will be able to get another one in a few months. So, this means I will take the fabulous Oscar crocodile now. Thank you all for the great suggestions and support! xoxo, Tina
I am really good at making bag decisions for people and I do it on a daily basis (several times a day!), seriously- present a bag dilemma to me and I will find the solution clearly and quickly within minutes. I am also good at editing my own bag purchases and I rarely ask people for advice (who can give better bag advice than myself right?) but every once in a while, like today, I am presented with too many great options and I become over stimulated and confused. I know it's totally shallow to obsess and stress over handbag choices but as Kelly always reminds me, if this is the worst of my problems, I am a lucky girl. So, I found myself in the mood for a new bag today (gasp! such a rarity right?!?!). I currently have three choices available to me but only want to buy ONE. My choice are: Hermes Orange Ostrich Birkin with palladium hardware, the metallic python Chanel I've been thinking about since December, and an exquisite Oscar crocodile bag in blue (the exact shade as my J brand jeans!). The arguments for each bag after the jump!
Cons- I have over a dozen Hermes bags. (Which one can argue is a pro, not a con). Other than that, I see no reason why I should not get this other than the two other bags that are tempting me and my refusal to buy more than one bag right now.
Pros- The rare python skin is smooth and gorgeous, the divided interior means I will never lose my cell in the dark depths of my bag again and the size is perfect, did I mention the python skin is amazing?Cons- The chain is the size and weight of heavy duty bike chain lock and I may risk back injury, plus it is twice the price of most Chanel python bags.
Pros- Oscar uses the finest croc skin and the scales are superb and flawless. I absolutely adore the denim blue color, it is youthful and fun (even though the bag is on the mature side of design). Lastly, the magnetic flap is genius!
Cons- It is a serious and structured bag and I was hoping to lighten up and get something casual.
So, what is the point of sharing this long (and probably boring) tale with you? I am going to allow all of you, my readers, to make the choice for me. So go ahead, tell me, which bag should I get? I will make my purchase on Monday based on your vote :)
Hello bagsnob Tina! Yes you are indeed a lucky woman! This is great Tina you always help me with my bag emergency and now it's the other way around!
Go for Hermes!
But wait... Can you also get the chanel???
Hermes Hermes Hermes. Hermes Orange with Ostrich and on a Birkin? That's the ultimate indulgence! Love Palladium Hardware too!!
I think that the Chanel's interlocking Cs are a little over-the-top, not very subtle, if you ask me. Other than that, the python looks great.
The Oscar de la Renta looks great! Is that tortoise-shell I see? The structure of the bag is clean, sharp and beautiful. The gold hardware lends such great accents to the bag colour and form. Love this.
Hence, I think the Hermes should be top priority, then the de la Renta piece.
Have fun! And share pics of the bag you buy!!!
the chanel is beautiful and more casual than the other two bags, but i'm concerned about your back. leave the big chains to the big girls. the oscar is stunnng and classic, but since you're not the queen of england (or anywhere near her age group), i don't think you should get it. in other words, it's a little too high tea at bergdorf's. therefore, my vote is for the timeless hermes ostrich. it's all about bright colors this upcoming spring/summer. who doesn't want to be on trend with a snob worthy bag that appreciates in value (so it's recession and husband friendly)?
chanel!!! you have a lot of H bags already..try it!
I heart hermes just as much as the next gal but the Posh spice stamp has devalued the brand a bit. So i'll pass..
The Chanel is blah!
But the Oscar is strong and I can so see that Oscar bag in an Estate auction a few years from now!. And it matches your jeans. :)
JMO
My darlings, you guys are the best. I feel like we have our own little Bag Worshipping Tribe here :)
Wow- so it's a toss up between Oscar and Hermes huh? Propelling Oscar to the level of the holy grail of handbags, the birkin....
Kelly actually said to me yesterday "aren't you bored of Hermes?" To which I shouted "blasphemy! blasphemy! How dare you say that in the holy house of bags?" lol
I guess another solution is to buy the ostrich birkin now, wait two months and buy the Oscar crocodile.
The Chanel python is definitely OUT, for all the reasons I didn't buy it back in December. I just pray Chanel does not go mass mainstream via the same route as Louis Vuitton. Where is the mystery? The whole Chanel "Allure"? It's rapidly losing it's luster. I saw the scariest woman in the world the other day, she had 50 necklaces on, 10 bracelets, 7 rings, 2 Chanel belts, huge blond hair, more make up than Tammy Faye, AND that giant perforated gold Chanel bag with CC's bigger than her head. I almost threw up and had to endure an entire lunch in the same room. Yikes!
Thank you, a big kiss and hug for all of you! xoxxoo
Hermes BECAUSE it is orange. You may have five, but
are any of them Hermes ORANCE? that color alone is a huge
addition to anyones addiction.
Hi Bag Snob Tina, I think you should get the Oscar bag. You can always order the Hermes one, right? I don't think you said specifically, but if the Oscar bag is a seasonal bag, then you should definitely get it now. And then just order the Hermes bag later - you eventually get both, right? I love these types of predicaments - showing yourself you can be disciplined by forcing yourself to only get one bag. Good job!!!
My new bag- I do not have an orange birkin though I have 13 Hermes bags, 8 of which are birkin and two of which are ostrich. I also have lizard and crocodile versions... but none are orange! And I would have to wait a very long time for another one to come along because orange usually comes with Gold hardware and I do not like that combination- too OC for me.
Man Bag- I am not sure if the Oscar bag is a seasonal bag but I do know that if I don't jump on it, it will get shipped to another Oscar boutique.
Yikes, decisions decisions!
xoxo
Wow! All the bags look fabulous!
Everyone has a different opinion on which one they like. Just listen to your heart and choose the one that makes you feel like a giddy girl inside. Go with the one that makes you feel HAPPY!
hermes!!!!!!!!!!!
It seems that Hermes is the consensus here, and I'm going to have to agree. The Chanel is just not special enough (they come out with at least one Fabulous Must-Have every season, so you can pass on this one), and to be quite honest, the ODLR looks a bit dowdy. Stick with the incredibly Goya!
However, I don't think you should go for an orange Birkin. It's, dare I say it, a little cliche. Why not a birkin in bright yellow lizard? I really adore yellow bags (Chanel had this lemon python 2.55 a few seasons ago and I almost died when I saw it at Neimans) and the lizard is so unexpected.
the chanel bc it is limited edition. for the others, you can at least wait for them, and eventually you could get one if u decided on purchasing them as well.
I too am torn between the birkin and the oscar de la renta, but I'm going to have to pick the oscar! I love the blue, and I love structured - I know you can wear it in a way that won't make it look like a "serious" bag.
The croc on the Oscar bag looks TDF. But the design seems a *bit* matronly, no?! I voted for the Hermes. The concoction of color, hardware, and material sounds lovely... but then the Oscar bag DOES look scrumptious!!
I'll choose the Oscar over the Hermes cos I'm loving that the design is timeless, the colour's beautiful and it's a croc...that touch of tortoiseshell gives the bag a twist too! Beautiful elements in one bag!
You can dress it up or down, it's understated and a little mysterious cos there is nothing to show that it is an Oscar unless you inspect it closely (no big fancy logos or been-there-done-that designs).
The Hermes is too obvious, both in the colour and the design. One look at the Chanel, and I thought 'No way!'.
Hope this helps in your decision!
The Chanel is gross, the Oscar is just okay. The Hermes is best but if you have a dozen already....
I really don't see the temptation here. I guess not everyone is gearing up for a recession in this country. I like your blog but this particular post is kinda obnoxious.
Tina,
My preferences would be: Hermes (for the color and hardware), Oscar for the color and skins (and knowing this would be a bag you could literally grow into. . .) and I would eliminate the Chanel for all the reasons you cited. I would also add something to the decision making process picked up from a Cheryl Richardson newsletter . . . anything that is NOT an ABSOLUTE YES is really a No. . . . If Hermes and Oscar were both an absolute yes then. . .you know the answer!
omg, this is so fun, we get to shop vicariously through you! I was having a crappy morning and your post made me laugh.
I am 26 but love the Oscar. From your photos you are so cute and young I think you can pull it off!
Hermes will always be there right? The Oscar may not be.
I like the Chanel but it is not special.
Hi-
I think the Oscar bag is a little too structured and it reminds me of the YSL Uptown (which I think you have).
The Chanel is out. It is too heavy and it is only ok.
The Hermes color and hardware combo is killer, but if you are not dying to have it, maybe wait. Oh who am I kidding ... get the Birkin and send it my way!
1. Hermes
2. Oscar
3. Chanel
The Chanel isn't that attractive at all. The Oscar will not hold value like the Hermes and Chanel will.
I absolutely LOVE all your comments! To answer some of you-
Irena- I didn't get the Uptown afterall, it was too structured and didn't fit much.. The Oscar Alden bag is almost 14" wide and 6" deep so it is has a lot of room. :)
Sonia- No, I am not gearing for a recession but I am not buying all three bags either. I studied both Macro and Micro Economics, International Economics and was an International Finance major at USC- trust me when I say I do not spend foolishly.
I have been a serious bag collector since graduating college(over 15 years!) and treat my bags as I do precious art.
As for the person who said 12 birkins was too much, I do not have 12 birkins. In 15 years I have bought only 12 HERMES bags, most of which are birkins but I also collect kelly bags, vintage Constance, H clutches, etc.
Thanks all, keep the suggestions coming!
xoxo
Tina,
Go for the orange Hermes, no doubt about that. I have the Chanel bag and I love it, but I am also 5'8". I think it would completely overwhelm your petite frame. Oscar is a just a bit too matronly, even in the blue croc. Wait for the Goya instead. Have fun with your descision and let us know what you picked!
XOXO Julie
I'm going with general consensus here and saying the hermes. Orange ostrich sounds beautiful, and you said you wanted something more casual.
Ok, so the chanel is probably the most casual but the chanel scares me a bit.
The oscar de la renta is beautiful but definitely NOT something casual.
I say buy the birkin and show us pictures when it arrives!
PLEASE go for the ORANGE Hermes, you will never regret it.
Think about any other orange bag you have ever seen,
would you really want any other orange bag????
And the Pop that color does to ANYTHING you wear, think about that!
If you think you have too many Birkins, sell one other color, or buy the Orange one and sell it to me.
Your friend, My new Bag.
Although I like to be original- I recommend the chanel metallic python. I bought that bag in November and I love it. I am petite too- and the bag does not hurt my back- plus I love that it is functional and that I can carry it around NYC with all my necessities. I was unaware that there were still any available- but if you can get it highly recommend it.
I am out but keeping tabs on your comments via my blackberry, I can't see the poll on my phone- is it close between Oscar and Hermes?
So exciting!
xoxo
OMG!My Bff and I are going for our PHD's in International Economics. ( Crazy I know)
I still say go for the Oscar. Its such a strong bag , matched with your cute as a buttoness & jeans , equals perfect! . Strong is in. Hermes will always be a God. But all greats have days when they dont come out on top . And this time its a no brainer. Oscar won. Because if you really think about it , the old lady feel applies to the birkin as well. So forget about that old lady , matron argument. I am still yelling on the sidelines for Oscar!
P.S. have you ever heard of a brand called
Lucille de Paris?. It had a cult following in the 1950's and 1960's. It was considered the American made in the U.S.A. Hermes. Every bag was pure perfection. Anyways I went to a private auction recently and I landed 3 american Alligator Lucille de Paris bags for about $3-$4k each, all Mint. And now I am hooked ! I have searched the internet for Lucille de Paris bags in Mint and in Near Mint condition. And have found that any bag under $2,500 was so NOT mint! more like super Fair condition. Bags like these must be purchased from auctions or outlets that purchase from private estate collections.
Pam- I LOVE Lucille de Paris and have two of her vintage croc bags. One of which is a black one with an outer pocket similar to this Oscar but it is not triangular.
I found them at my favorite vintage shop in Miami... I can't give the source away but it is the best vintage store EVER! I'm talking Hermes croc vintage bags, Chanel, clothing from Balmain, Geoffrey Beene, Givenchy, on and on and on....
xoxo
I just showed this to my mother and 2 sisters and we are divided.
my sisters say orange ostrich but my mother and I say oscar blue croc!
keeping in mind my mother has impeccable classic taste with an hermes collection to rival yours (she says pooh to those who do not understand the art of collecting Hermes handbags and she said to tell you she loves your wit- mind you I read her most of your entries as she has no idea how to get online )
as for my sisters- they are 23 and 21 so there you have it.
You know what Tina I wont give my vintage private auction source away ehta!!! LMAO. How funny are we.? :) But this auction only sells Vintage handbags ,luggage and designer eyewear from private estates. Estates of ladies who had 100's of highend bags in every exotic skin under the sun! . Its my lil secret :). They specialize in Mint Lucille de Paris and now i am hooked forever.
As far as eyewear ...
I am talking original Pucci, ∙ Balenciaga ∙ Pierre Cardin ∙ Carrera eyewear . Icould go on forever. I love Mint and near Mint exotics. My goal is to have the largest Lucille de Paris collections in the world. But my Bff who owns the auction house is also a collector of Lucille de Paris. So this might be a hard one! .
P.S. Go for Oscar. The Hermes Gods will send you another Orange in the future .. Promise.
Double P.S. I spoke to Alex O today ( because i ordered a new bag and it finally came in so i had to call him to let mim know how fab it is!) and he said he HEARTS bag snob Tina and Kelly. He is in Turkey as we speak re working his collections. Trying to make them logo free and knockoff proof. :).
obviously the hermes, I mean skins are still huge for spring, but I've seen in multiple magazines and directly on the runway, orange is the biggest color for spring. I love the oscar, but it is rather serious, and i can't handle a heavy bag like the chanel.
How do i sign up for updates? Ya know alerts that let me know that a new post has been posted .?
Mother wants me to retract what I wrote. My sister told her about my last comment. She does get online to email but it is surfing the internet that she has not mastered. =)
Hi Girls-
Have you seen any of the new Tod's bags... there is an amazing blue python. Check out Bottega too they have a blue python that is gorgeous as well. I think I would like them more than the three you mentioned above. The colors are beautiful, they are slouchy and summery, but can be carried over to the fall.
There links are here :
http://tods.com/Collections/Product,cid,3,iid,307,col,5,v,F,mkt,en-US,cat,1,se,Spring-Summer-2008-Women-Bags-Day-Bag.html
http://www.bottegaveneta.com/shoponline/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=c61b21b9-a43d-494c-8d93-05af503117c6&folderId=92e188e4-512f-4389-bc76-38a5dee7b1e6&page=all
i'm leaning towards the hermes.
the oscar is too "mature" looking and the chanel straps might cause problems with your back.
and orange?!!! on an hermes?!!! yummy!!! wish i could have this dilemma every week too!
Thanks so much for voting! I guess the Hermes orange ostrich is joining the bag snob collection. It was a very close race which means the Oscar blue croc will be my next purchase:)
I know many of you voted multiple times for your favorite but only one vote per person was counted! xoxo
HERMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
personally, if I were choosing for myself, it would be the orange birkin hands down, no contest. HOWEVER you have been obsessing about the chanel bag for 2 months, you should just get it!
You should go for the Hermes, because its just a fabulous bag and Orange is a great color for spring and summer. Secong choice would be the Oscar.
If you have been thinking about the Chanel one since December and havent bought it yet, then probably it's not the bag you want the most ;)
Bag Snob Tina, I find both you and Kelly to be super entertaining and i'm addicted to your blog! I would go for the ORANGE ostrich birkin b/c I just bought an Olive Green Ostrich Birkin and LOVE LOVE THE BAG! The chanel is gorgeous because it often looks better in person than in picture! As for the Oscar de la Renta while I love his clothes, can't get too excited over this bag!
The Alden by Oscar de la Renta - absolutely!
If it were me, I'd pick the Birkin, because I don't own any Hermes bags :-( .
However, given your current inventory, I think you should get the Oscar.
HERMES! HERMES!
you wrote about it first in your blog, you obviously want it the most. complete your collection and have every colour of birkin available. it will make you the ultimate handbag goddess. ostrich is totally my favorite skin and orange is the trademark colour of hermes. palladium is to die for.
the chanel is too loud and lacks your refined taste. the oscar would be great carried by a young girl in her 20's or a woman 50+.
i think you know what to do. get the hermes and carry it with pride.
The Hermes hands down. Imagine how perfect the color would be for spring and summer....or any time of the year for that matter! It's an all around classic and the color can pretty much go anywhere. The ostrich always looks more casual and fun! Please share your pics when you purchase it!!!
You can never have enough bags , but you can have enough Birkins :)
I haven't seen the particular Chanel model in another pic nor in real life, but it does not look nice to me at all ( and I am an exotic skin bag-freak).
Size is not an issue for me , but I agree with other readers that it may be an issue for you.
I'd go for Oscar alla the way.
I missed the vote so come rather late to the debate, but Hermès gets my vote. However beautiful the Chanel python scales might be, it's not worth the pain in carrying it. The Oscar is very tempting but if you really need something more casual, then that is what you should buy. The Hermès is a no-brainer though. I think that you would get most use out of it.
Hermes sounds good.... as does the oscar. I can't stand the chanel, no offense, it is so ugly.
and the value of a bag in years to come shouldn't really be a factor in deciding whether to buy- it should be based on how much you like the bag. it is probably unlikely that you would sell anyway-
definitely the hermes. I personally don't like orange as a colour but i've seen a woman carry that bag and it's to die for. Where's your post on the orange hermes though... have i read it?
Birkin. Tangerine ostrich is a gorgeous color. Saturated. I think you will tire of the other two.
Donate the money to charity.
You know, the Oscar Alden crocodile bag is HOT with jeans or other casual wear. A leather jacket is also an unexpected and youthful option to wear with it. I love juxtaposing serious bags with edgy and funky clothes.
This is a bag I can use now and grow into for decades to come. I am so excited. Thanks for all the great suggestions.
I expect the Alden to become an iconic status bag in Bag history :)
xoxo
Yes Tina I agree.. That Oscar Alden will be iconic.. I can feel it as well. Enjoy what ever you decide to purchase !
Omg I just read your update.. How funny the fashion gods work. ! Ah Oscar wins.. congrats.
I knew that extra loud support for Oscar on the sideline would pay off. ! Its not over till its over. ! Is the Oscar LE ? because i need to research and order one for my self. :)
Ladies please, dilema? There is nothing to think about for the Chanel is not only the most classical of the three but it is also the bag with character and personality of its own.
It is not heavy at all I have it and love it. The lining is another hidden treasure that you can only find inside a Chanel handbag.
You need to be ready to step up to this fabulous unique look.
Snob Love?
Lands End/LL Bean Boat and Tote.
They are chic and no one else will have one.
XO
Moi
I can't believe I missed the vote. You have to do this more often Bag Snob Tina! The Oscar looks great but what a shame about the birkin! I have an orange kelly and every time I walk into the Hermes shop the staff always compliment me on it! Orange is classic Hermes, you must post a pic when it comes in in a few months time! I am currently waiting for my next birkin which fingers crossed will be here next month! So exciting!
the chanel of course!!!!
its gorgeous!!!
u already have a lot of birkins, and the oscar crocodile is fine but the chanel python is owh my lord , trust me you will be thinking about it until next year or two .
xoxoxo
Hi all!
I bought the Oscar Croc! Thanks for the suggestions. The croc is so amazing, I want to sleep with it. I will have photos over the weekend!
xoxo
Hurry up and post those pictures!
Dear Bag Snob Tina,
I was recently in Hermes and saw the Lindy bag. A caramel coloured one and a maroon coloured one. I know that you reviewed this bag back in 2006 and was just wondering if you would still recommend that I buy it and in which colour. I am currently uhmming and ahhing over it! Thank you.
Miffy