Birkin vs. Kelly

I always say you should learn something new every day.  Call me crazy, but I woke up this morning and was thinking, "What is the difference between the Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags."  Obviously, the Birkin gets all the glory, so I was surprised to find that the Kelly bag was the original and the Birkin was adapted from it.  So, whether or not you ever use this information I think it's good to be informed.  And, if you see a lucky lady walking down the street with either you can rest assured you won't make an embarrassing faux pas and mix the two up.  So, are you a Kelly or a Birkin??

The Kelly

A Bit of History:  The bag was introduced in 1892 as a large saddle carrier, then downsized in the 1930's to a handbag.  It was only named the Kelly bag after Grace Kelly repeatedly used it to shield her baby bump from the paparazzi is the late 1950's (she had been married to Prince Rainier of Monaco for less than a year).  One of the pictures landed on the cover of Life magazine, and an iconic bag was born.  It suits her to a t, though: perfectly tailored, classically put together, and not in the least bit ostentatious (except for the price).  This is definitely the more formal of the two.

Defining Characteristics:
- One handle
- Removable shoulder strap
- Top flap is one continuous piece from the back of the bag
- It is ridiculously expensive

The Birkin

A Bit of History:  During a 1981 flight, British actress/singer/bohemian Jane Birkin accidentally spilled her stuffed-to-the-gills Kelly bag in front of a Hermes head honcho.  She complained that the bag was not incredibly practical for schleping the daily necessities around and she needed something a bit more casual.  Thus the birth of the Birkin.  Ironically, she doesn't carry her namesake bag anymore because she claims its weight when full gave her tendonitis. 

Defining Characteristics:
- Two handles
- Shoulder strap is not removable
- Top flap is a separate piece that is sewn onto the back in an top arc
- It is ridiculously, ridiculously expensive

Pop Quiz:  Which bag is Marc Jacobs using as a beach bag in St. Bart's??

Loving This MJ Day Clutch

Ever since I spied Viviana Volpicella's carrying YSL's super chic day clutch I have been on a frenzied hunt to find something similar: same concept (maneuvering through the day with only the essentials), same lines (needs to be large enough to carry said essentials), and a bit of hardware on the front to give it that luxe look.  And obviously, it needs to be priced to move.  Day clutch you say?  Yes.  I think this is about to get big, and everyone from Balenciaga to Top Shop is doing clutches that carry more than just a cc, lipstick, and phone this spring.

I think I have found a winner!  Here we have the Marc Jacobs large flat leather case in orange leather with gold-tone hardware.  It has studded detailing at the sides and a padlock on the front that screams Hermes.  I also love how it has an internal zip pocket for lady things.  At 10" x 8" it is a great size that will fit your goodies, but won't weigh you down at a cocktail party.  Best thing: It's $290 on Net-a-porter....ahem, when was the last time you saw anything designer and leather (that wasn't a key ring or a card holder) go for this price?  The new economy people!  I am heading to the Marc Jacobs on Bleecker this weekend for a test drive!

Marc Jacobs Large flat leather clutch on Net-a-porter