July 20th - The Morning After.
I’m going to pick up exactly where I left off. After rejoicing in the emotional and playful morning revealing box number one, Mr. PurseBop set off for work for a few hours. Normally I would’ve thrown a tantrum and said how can you work on our anniversary? However, this afternoon I had my own agenda. I needed to write part one of the story pronto! I had just revealed the marvelous Hermès Double Adage Ring (read: Hermès Double Dip Anniversary Surprise). I’m not a fast writer, unfortunately; I love to go into detail. If you ask our editor, she would say too much but it’s just how I am. Either I won’t tell the story at all, or if I’m going to, I need to share it all.
I had a scheduled manicure at 11am, and ironically had I known I was getting a ring that morning, I would have preponed that, lol. I used the spa time to make mental notes on how to approach my story telling. I always feel my best articles are those that I write immediately, which makes perfect sense because months later it is more difficult to articulate the emotion with the same level of passion. OK, enough about my writing and let’s move on. I made it home, made myself a big cup of tea and sat on the patio and began to narrate.
Our dinner reservations were at 6:45 PM at Miru in the St Regis Hotel here in Chicago. We often plan evenings out with friends, but this time it was just the two of us. The weather in Chicago couldn’t be more beautiful this weekend. After weeks of brutal suffocating heat, temperatures were in the high 70s. The restaurant Miru has an incredible terrace that overlooks the most beautiful views of the Chicago skyline, and we had requested a table on the terrace. So the plan was, that I would write for a couple of hours, hopefully finish in time, shower, and get ready, and as soon as Mr. PurseBop returned, I would open box number two. The hope was to leave early to enjoy a cocktail at the bar before heading to the terrace.
Now I need to backtrack a little bit because I neglected to mention that, after the morning extravaganza, I did ask Mr. PurseBop to open the Ferrari packaging so that I could see the box and play a guessing game by myself. I promised I would not peek, and I did not. We carried the package to the bar. I brought him a set of sharp scissors. I let him do the honors while I stayed on camera. At some point, you will see this Ferrari unpacking video, but I am mentioning it here in case it’s not ready at the time of publishing.
After a few minutes of dedicated unpacking and peeling away layers of packaging, we got to the actual Hermès orange box. I was completely stumped as the box was not in a familiar shape or size. I could ascertain that it was a special box with blue interior lining because it felt heavy and was hard. The normal cardboard box has some give, this had none. All of this occurred before I headed for my manicure and Mr. Pursebop left for work.
The day went as planned in terms of my content, except Mr. Pursebop arrived home just before 5pm. It would take us an hour in traffic to get to the city, so we were cutting it close. I made a wardrobe change because the evening outdoors in the city could be cool. Now, I was not going to leave home without opening this box, but when I looked at the time and it was already 5:50, I realized it would have to be really quick.
Before Mr. PurseBop got home I had placed the box in several different locations, testing the light and trying to decide where the final unboxing would be. Well, a sliver of sunlight caught my eye beaming down from the skylight onto the kitchen island – creating the perfect stage and glow for what I anticipated to be our marvelous unboxing.
Lights, camera, and action. This all took less than a minute. I was screeching with excitement as soon as I lifted the lid. Now I knew exactly what it was. I had seen other people reveal this adorable treasure, but I had never actually seen the box nor held one in person. This blue box interior is divided into two parts. One section for the Kelly doll and one for the backpack. It’s as whimsical as can be and admittedly not for everyone. In my opinion, it’s an IYKYK sort of thing. And I am totally cool with that. My imagination was already running wild with scenarios…
The doll has been on my wish list since it was first re-introduced in 2022. I was so excited to finally have this mini treasure of my own. My obsession for the mini Kelly has no bounds. The pint size of these treasures just make them so easy for me to travel with and take out on social evenings.
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I peered into the dust bag, my heart racing to see the color. If I am totally honest, surprises can also be very stressful — What if, after all this, the bag was a disappointment? Here I have announced that I am writing a two-part novel unaware of the bag to be revealed. I trust my sales associate (and Mr. PurseBop) implicitly, but still, what if the Kelly doll was in a color I didn’t love? Not sure my hypothesis applies here, as there is no Kelly doll I would refuse, haha!
OMG, OMG —wait, what??!
My dolly was in a color I had never seen before. I think I was shifting my weight side to side with mini hops of excitement (at least in my head) as this was being recorded, well hopefully, lol (never know with Mr PurseBop). I really did do one full pirouette but with my foot fully planed. This wasn’t staged, I don’t have tripods like all those other pro influencers creating content with takes and retakes. We literally do it the old-fashioned way, so you get whatever you get, lol.
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As I pulled the treasure from the dust bag I didn’t even know the color name – I assumed it was one of the VERT’S either Vert Vertigo or Vert Verone. it was absolutely perfect and appeared so fresh to me as I had actually never seen this version before.
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The post-2021 Picto Kelly doll was produced primarily in three color options – Chai, Mauve Sylvester, and Nata. My internal dilemma, despite yearning for a Picto doll, was always wondering which color would complement my collection the most. I typically do not like to repeat colors, so that presented a problem with the dolls as I already own Hermès in all of these shades. I have a Chai tricolor Kelly 25, a Mauve Sylvester Mini Kelly, and a Nata Sellier Birkin 25. On top of that, my collection also includes the mini Bolide with wheels in Craie. Essentially all of the ‘at the time colors’ would violate my ‘no repetition of color’ rule. But, of course, when it comes to Hermès bags, let it be known, there could be rare exceptions in the future, lol.
Note to self: I must take out all these bags I mention and take colorful comparison photos (I would have loved to do today, but then this publish would be delayed).
Before I delve into more of the evening, let’s talk a bit about the history of this cute little character. The original Hermès Kelly Doll, introduced in 2000 by Jean-Louis Dumas, captivated with its whimsical and charming design. This distinctive bag featured the iconic Hermès Touret closure as its nose and included movable arms, giving it a playful and animated personality. Despite its unique appeal, the Kelly Doll was discontinued in 2005, only to be briefly revived from 2008 to 2010 before being retired once more.
Read also: Meet the Kellys: The Ultimate Hermès Kelly Dictionary
However, the Kelly Doll narrative evolved in Spring/Summer 2022 with the debut of the Kelly Doll Picto. This updated version, characterized by a distinctive pixel art design, a shoulder strap, and a cute miniature backpack, quickly became the next must-have for Hermès aficionados. With its cheeky pixelated expression, it’s easy to see why the Hermès Kelly Doll Picto is an irresistible addition to a collector’s wishlist.
As I marveled at my new treasure, I noticed Mr. PurseBop glancing at the clock. He was busy calculating travel time and did not want to be late. Respectfully, I wrapped up the box, left it on the counter, and for the first time in PurseBop history — the Kelly doll was going to make its maiden voyage immediately after being unboxed.
STOP 🛑
We need to discuss this for a moment. My bags when first revealed go through an admiration phase (as I like to call it). It’s a phase where ‘The New Bag’ is savored in its original packaging, comes out to be “admired,” and then repacked again. This admiration phase can run anywhere from a week to many months. It’s essentially like having a little secret all to yourself.
But this evening was so out of character for me. Not only was I wearing the new ring, but I was going to carry the doll straight out of its special box to the St Regis Hotel. Mr PurseBop jokingly said “you drive, so I can answer some calls.” I knew he was pulling my legs because he knew that I would need the drive time to study this cutie inside out. For me to leave the opened blue box on the counter, was so far left field out of character, but I left everything as is with the felt sitting out the ribbon just as is, and hopped into the car, dolly in tow.
We cranked up one of our favorite Spotify playlists and, although I was still overwhelmed, I had to get some basic facts about this story straight. So my inquisition began… I asked was this your idea or our sales associate, as I am not sure we have discussed this bag in any sort of detail…?
Wow, was there a story here! I was truly shocked… listen to this: Apparently at the Chicago store opening we attended in the fall of 2023, there was a doll in the case (the first version) that I pointed out to him and I must have explained its significance, that this was a collectors piece, and how someday I would love to add one. The seed was planted.
Get this, he actually snapped a photo !!!!! and sent it to our sales associate, unknowingly calling it a ‘clown bag’. Now H collectors and artisans alike, please don’t take offense —but come on, let’s be fair, that is the perfect description if one doesn’t know terms Picto Kelly Doll etc.
Response to hubby’s text:
Our sales associate and Mr PurseBop apparently have had several chuckles 🤭 over the “clown bag” since then.
I was desperately trying to extract as many details as possible. There was the ring, plotted months ago then this —the timing, the execution… all of it beyond my imagination. My heart was swelling with emotion as I admired both pieces, one on my left hand and the other sitting between us in the Porsche. I snapped my customary photos and videos and wished there was a way to encapsulate this moment forever. In a way, I guess these documented stories represent a journal of bags and, more importantly, passion and love.
It was the perfect night, and the backdrops of blue and green complimented my new baby as if the weather was called to order. It was really a beautiful evening. We decided to alternatingly name some of our favorite moments through the years during drinks. We often play these sorts of games when we’re with friends for dinner, but I had thought this would be a fun way to relive both insignificant and monumental moments.
The restaurant made it extra special by giving us one of the prettiest tables on the terrace, right along the glass perimeter so that we could peer down at the incredible views. Halfway through the evening we switched sides to be able to capture the view from the other side. Cocktails, delectable bites, and lots of love.
I have to admit I was secretly catching the light in my new ring and admiring it from different angles and with it our newest addition to the Hermès family was sitting propped up on the table with a smile. It was all picture perfect, literally.
It’s been a week I will cherish, and not because of these incredible surprises, but for so much more. I treasure that so many of you have followed along and have shared your excitement and joy as the story has unfolded. I love sharing it with you ❣️
Thank you for indulging me Mr PurseBop —❣️
And to my 🧚🏼♀️, I really have no words.
Xx
Box #1 – The Hermès Double Adage Ring in Rose Gold and Diamonds.
Total carat weight: 3.08 ct.
Just received my Carrie bag holder to match my new Picto Doll. Love the new colored versions just released. I never leave home without it. They keep my bag protected and safe (read:Safeguarding Your Handbag in the City).
Explore the Carrie bag holder here.
Read related articles:
Hermès Double Dip Anniversary Surprise
Meet the Kellys: The Ultimate Hermès Kelly Dictionary
Mr. PurseBop Pulls Off a Colorful Hermès Surprise
Part II: Revealing My First Exotic Hermès Mini Kelly, Mimosas Anyone?
Hermès Reveal: Memories of a Star Studded Mini Kelly Come Full Circle
Updated: July 27th, 2024
Comments
2 Responses to “Part II: What’s in the Hermès Anniversary Box Mr PurseBop?”
Beyond excited for you ! That is a stunning colour combination ❤️ Happy Anniversary.
The signalling is just too loud, I guess it’s the difference between money and wealth.