Dear PurseBop:
Have you ever had Buyer’s Remorse after purchasing your dream Hermès bag? My first quota bag offer was a Birkin 30 in Etoupe. I absolutely love it and have used it a lot. I then waited over a year for my second quota bag. I finally was offered the bag on top of my wishlist – a Kelly 25 Sellier in the brightest and boldest red, Rouge de Coeur. Now I am worrying about my credit card bill, is the color too bold, will it sit in my closet, or will I be able to incorporate it into my wardrobe and lifestyle? Please help?
Dear Buyer’s Remorse:
We have all had the feeling that we may have made a mistake after making a large purchase on an item we have only been dreaming about for so long. That is completely normal. Your experience is deeply relatable, and many seasoned Hermès collectors—even those who’ve dreamed for years—go through exactly this cycle: ecstasy, doubt, then decision.
First, you have not made a mistake. You may have stepped outside your neutral comfort zone. Neutral colors are effortless, practical, and iconic. A bold pop of color shows confidence, individuality, and a statement of joy. Your brain is doing what all smart, thoughtful buyers do—it’s running a risk/reward analysis. That’s not regret, that’s awareness.
Second, a Kelly 25 Sellier is a forever bag that will likely fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. It is elegant, structured, yet still understated. It is not a tote or casual bag. It is meant for those moments when your outfit needs to stand out. Those occasions where a black bag would merely blend in with the background. Red is surprisingly wearable—especially with black, white, navy, grey, denim, camel, creams.
You don’t need to build outfits around it. Instead, let it be the the highlight of your outfit. That pop of red on a monochrome outfit? Always chic. Especially in the fall/winter for dinners, meetings, or events. Even in the summer with a floral dress this bag will stand on its own.This bag is for the moments you want to feel composed, elevated, and powerful.
With respect to the looming credit card bill, Hermès purchases are investments—but they’re still purchases. It’s okay to feel a twinge when the bill arrives. However, this is a quota bag in a rare, vibrant color—it will retain or grow in value.
If you ever truly couldn’t incorporate it, it would resell well, especially since Kelly 25 Sellier in bright reds are in high demand. But remember, you were attracted to this bag for a reason. The color ignited something when you saw it. That spark is real.
Suggestions for moving forward:
- Try it on at home with a few different looks. You may be surprised how often it works.
- Don’t rush to store it away. Keep it visible. You may find yourself reaching for it instinctively.
- Give yourself grace. Feeling nervous after a major purchase is human. It doesn’t mean the decision was wrong.
Read:
Fact or Fiction: Secrets of the Hermès Game
photo courtesy @elegancebyjuliet
- Karenzpurses posted 4 months ago
