8.20.2009

Thrifty Thursday: Hermes Birkin on a Budget

Three things that define being a female in the twenty-first century:

Intelligence

Wit

A Hermes Birkin

At upwards of $5,000.00, however, I refuse to wait years upon years to possess the means to finally fulfill number three; thus, I have decided to invest the $48.00 (mere pocket change in comparison to the original) to stake my claim in the Olivia Satchel (pictured at right) from Shop Suey Boutique.

Named after the Birkin-obsessed New York City socialite and The City star Olivia Palermo, the Olivia Satchel is everything the girl-about-town with an affinity for the finer things in life desires, sans the hefty price tag.

Crafted out of a textured faux leather which adds a pebbled pattern to the surface, Olivia is every bit as classic and classy as the beauteous Birkin. Silver hardware corresponds magically with the all black setting. A magnetic snap closure and real working lock and key give you the ability to bolt your belongings the same way you would secure the deep, dark secrets you write about in your dear diary. A tantalizing tassel-adornment that swings to and fro like a trendy pendulum when on the go. And within the abyss-like depths of the carryall lie snazzy pockets for your cell phone and sunglasses, making organization a complete and utter cinch.

If you must know, I already have many divine plans for little Olivia.

Afternoons spent relaxing in a quiet Starbucks corner, non-stop White Chocolate Mocha’s in hand.

Evenings spent making eyes at a handsome boy over a divine candlelit dinner.

Weekend shopping excursions in the City.

It’s impossible not to have a wondrous time with such a chic and affordable accessory by your side.

I am woman…hear my handbag roar.

Tell me, darlings…will you be a big spender and go for the Birkin, or be thrifty and spring for the Olivia?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shop Suey Boutique for the pictures.
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32 comments

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Having a real Hermes Birkin would be amazing. Although, I won't be spending that kind of money on a handbag anytime soon!

The Olivia bag looks fantastic though! Definitely a bag I would purchase.

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

That's a cute little bag! I have tried to convince my mom to get on the Birkin waiting list for years, haha. We can "split the $" and "split the time" with the bag... so far, no go, but I will keep trying!

PS: thanks for the great styling tips!

Neira said...

be thrifty all the way..
im all about the couture handbags, but i still believe 5,000 is just too much for any bag, even if it is a Birkin.. the handbag industry is one of the crappiest, since that 5,000 only took about 1,000 to make, its just so obnoxious

very interesting post dear

Keith said...

I think the Olivia looks great. It was going to be buying one that would be the one for me. I don't blame any woman for getting that one instead of the more expensive Birkin. We live in times where you can't just throw money around.

Couture Carrie said...

Nice find, darling!

Loooooved your ten facts! Sequins, hats, Olivia Palermo & Pumpkin Spice? Yay!!

xoxox,
CC

Unknown said...

I love how you mention where your going to be taking your Olivia satchel! Lovely! And I'm glad you checked out my blog and came across that book! I have yet to read it but it definitely caught my eye!

Luinae said...

I don't see myself ever getting a Birkin- I could never justify spending that much money on a bag. You can buy a car with that!

Dina's Days said...

Man, $5000 is some of my clients yearly income. Plus an entire semester in college. Hand over the $40 bag thank you very much!

Rosalind said...

Thats a great idea.. And to be honest, I just think that $5000 istoo much for a bag when you could just make your own!
But your find is lovely.. I really like black bags at the moment.
Thanks for thhe comment! And I agree, there is a slightly victorian feel to the swing pictures.

http://clothescamerasandcoffee.blogspot.com/

Posh Peach said...

I love it! Also loving the plans you have for it :)

ana said...

I'll go for the Olivia!!! If I had the money of course I'll buy the Birkin... but meanwhile the Olivia is perfect as you just said!!!
thanks for the comment!!!

Iris said...

The Olivia is a beauty as well!

sophie la-la-la x said...

amazing handbag, im in love with birkins. have just been reminded of the sex and the city episode including the berkin!
please visit my blog -
www.beautiful-rampage.blogspot.com

sophie x

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Olivia is quite the little lovely!

Princess Liberty said...

The Hermes' bag is beautiful

sherin said...

I would definitely go for the the Olivia bag. Its cute and looks like something I could use for most occassions.

Sam said...

That's a real find! I think your new Olivia will enjoy the events you have planned for it! I love the iconic-ness (not sure if that's a word!) of the Birkin and the utter Frenchness of it all (Jane + Serge e.t.c.) but I'd be a little worried carrying about something that was $5,000. So, Olivia is perfect!

Anonymous said...

I've always loved the birkin in brown, but this is super chic too

. said...

I would go for the Olivia too. It's cute and so much cheaper!

All Women Stalker said...

I'll go for the Olivia, of course. And Chop Suey is a cool name for a boutique. :D


-meream

Melissa Blake said...

I love it..it's a lot bigger than my wheelchair basket!

Angela said...

the hermes birkin in 35 cm is now about $9800, rude right!

Anonymous said...

Hmmm a Birkin or a place to live... every fashionistas dilemma
I think I would def go for the Olivia too... or maybe a bag from Forever 21 :0)

S.Elisabeth said...

Genius, so checking it out. I've come to adore Hermes Birkin bags, and this is the perfect cheaper find! The only downside is it's named after Olivia, a reality show bitch =( But i can get over the naming!

Unknown said...

what a great look alike ! i do love me a birkin, but honestly, like most people, cannot bring myself to spend that kind of money on a purse. thanks for posting this !

chloe

http://notsoshocking.blogspot.com/

Little Bow Prep said...

Nice find!

Quite cute :)

Unknown said...

Not quite a birkin but close enough for me!
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

Amelia said...

Gotta love Hermes, though I actually rather like the shape of the fake better. What a great price!

www.janetteria.com said...

Great alternative...

XoXo

yiqin; said...

I'd die to OWN a REAL hermes.

Stylista Fitness said...

the budget option looks better :)

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Great match! They look almost identical.

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