For more than twenty years, the Hermes Birkin bag has been the iconic symbol of fashion, luxury, and wealth. With a fabled waiting list of more ... read full description
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May 05, 2008
Jason
rated it: 
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted here illegally.)
So are you familiar already with what's known as the Birkin bag? It's the product of Hermés, one of those European "designer boutiques" that exists for no other reason than to severely overcharge rich people with self-esteem issues; you know, one of those places that sells hundre More...
So are you familiar already with what's known as the Birkin bag? It's the product of Hermés, one of those European "designer boutiques" that exists for no other reason than to severely overcharge rich people with self-esteem issues; you know, one of those places that sells hundre More...
Jul 19, 2008
Alicia
rated it:
I don't know if I have style, but I am fairly sure I have taste: marble bath fittings, cashmere turtlenecks, quiet automobiles, delicate paper products, Malbec wine, and so on. That being said, my actual experience with the higher heights of luxury is limited and vague. Fortunately, I have author Michael Tonello -- a gourmet, fashionista, and rather dry wit -- to swan about in the reflected glory of all things Hérmes, depicting the ins and outs of a life of a designer reseller with a deep apprec
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Apr 07, 2008
Michael
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PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Starred Review
In a funny, whip-smart memoir sure to be a sensation among Vogue and W devotees, erstwhile hair and makeup artist Tonello (now a columnist for HuffingtonPost.com) chronicles a surprising (even to him!) trans-Atlantic move from Provincetown, R.I. to a city he’d fallen in love with on a short trip: Barcelona, where he knows no one and doesn’t speak the language. Tonello’s initial euphoria dissolves when his new job fails to materialize. To stay aflo More...
Starred Review
In a funny, whip-smart memoir sure to be a sensation among Vogue and W devotees, erstwhile hair and makeup artist Tonello (now a columnist for HuffingtonPost.com) chronicles a surprising (even to him!) trans-Atlantic move from Provincetown, R.I. to a city he’d fallen in love with on a short trip: Barcelona, where he knows no one and doesn’t speak the language. Tonello’s initial euphoria dissolves when his new job fails to materialize. To stay aflo More...
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Feb 01, 2012
Lisa
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This book is a perfect example of how you can live vicariously through someone else by reading their stories. Michael Tonello stumbled onto a career that allowed him to live the high life in Europe while also working from home in his PJs - all in pursuit of this bag called the Birkin. I'd heard of it before, but didn't fully realize the whole Hermes culture. The bags go for thousands of dollars and wait lists are over two years. Can you imagine?!
Tonello, however, came up with a " More...
Tonello, however, came up with a " More...
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Jul 17, 2008
Paula
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I have an ARC of this and so far (27 chapters in) it's made me giggle at least once per chapter. Some chapters it's been so hilarious I can't help sharing it.
It's light, funny, and the story draws you along. The characterisations are fantastic - it's easy to view people and scenes in your mind's eye (important to me!). Michael Tonello doesn't take himself too seriously and better still, knew when to give it all up.
It's going on the shelf as a re-read. A keeper - for at le More...
It's light, funny, and the story draws you along. The characterisations are fantastic - it's easy to view people and scenes in your mind's eye (important to me!). Michael Tonello doesn't take himself too seriously and better still, knew when to give it all up.
It's going on the shelf as a re-read. A keeper - for at le More...
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May 02, 2008
Erik
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If the sight of orange Hermes boxes makes your heart go pitter-patter, this will be a page turner. Even if you're not familiar with the Parisian luxury goods maker, it's still a fun (and funny!) sneak peak into that world. The author, Michael Tonnello, is openly gay and writes with an acerbic, gay man's humor that is quite enjoyable without being overly campy.
I'd also recommend it if you're interested in traveling to Europe just because it gives an American's insight into being d More...
I'd also recommend it if you're interested in traveling to Europe just because it gives an American's insight into being d More...
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Aug 14, 2008
Felicity
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I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I assumed it would be poorly written and mildly entertaining (if at all). Instead, it was surprisingly well-written and generally very funny. I read it in five hours on a quiet Saturday afternoon (it's definitely a quick read). Michael Tonello details his adventures as a "re-seller" of Hermes products, namely crocodile Birkin bags (around US$30,000 a piece for those not in the know). The whole story is a little surreal--clearly you need mon
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Jun 20, 2008
Lena
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Michael Tonello never planned to start a business selling Hermès on eBay; he stumbled into it when he began offloading his own designer duds to raise cash after he found himself jobless in Barcelona. This memoir about how his personal closet-cleaning lead to a lucrative career procuring and reselling Hermès' elusive Birkin bag is a highly entertaining, funny, and unexpectedly exciting read.
Though the book got off to something of a slow start for me, by the time he got to writing More...
Though the book got off to something of a slow start for me, by the time he got to writing More...
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Jul 09, 2008
Yvonne
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I like to dip my toe into shallower literary waters from time to time, so dipping into this frothy literary confection was a treat. I'm a sucker for anyone stumbling into entrepreneurial success, and what's flukier than bringing home a self-employed salary of high-six figures just for finding and marking up overpriced, hard-to-find handbags? I personally think anyone who'd pay $30,000 for a handbag has far too much time and money on their hands. I wouldn't pay that much for a bag made out of the
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Oct 16, 2008
Carrie
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This was a lighthearted read, quick read. Nothing too deep here. The author recounts his high-flying days as a reseller of Hermes accessories, especially the ridiculously expensive and hard to get Birkin handbag.
This is coming from someone with a strong handbag fetish...I cannot believe people pay such ridiculous amounts of money for a status handbag. Thousands of dollars! You could buy a car instead...and a NICE one. But apparently some rich ladies (and men) collect them like some More...
This is coming from someone with a strong handbag fetish...I cannot believe people pay such ridiculous amounts of money for a status handbag. Thousands of dollars! You could buy a car instead...and a NICE one. But apparently some rich ladies (and men) collect them like some More...
Jun 29, 2008
Julia
rated it:
Michael Tonello made a life changing decision and moves to Barcelona, Spain, with the promise of a job from a friend. The job falls through and he's ensconced in a five-year apartment lease. Enter Ebay. Tonello begins auctioning off some gently worn cashmere (not as much call for that in Spain) and discovers a Hermes scarf, only worn once. The active bidding and subsequent contacts he makes through emails begins a wild journey through Hermes stores across Europe, as he makes a living procuri
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Feb 28, 2008
Clackamas
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This was a cute story (I'm sure the author will cringe at my use of the word "cute", but that's how I felt about it). I'm not one for chick-lit and would not have thought to read this if it hadn't been given to me, but I'm glad I did.
This story was quite anecdotal in parts. It didn't feel forced at all or take itself too seriously. I laughed out loud several times and smiled through most of it, nodding my head because I could totally identify with the author's thoughts.
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This story was quite anecdotal in parts. It didn't feel forced at all or take itself too seriously. I laughed out loud several times and smiled through most of it, nodding my head because I could totally identify with the author's thoughts.
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Jun 26, 2008
Autumn
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I was looking for something light to read in the Providence airport, and as soon as I realized this story had an eBay tie I felt a kinship with this book. The fact that I read it in a day and a half speaks well of the story, but while I respected the author's decision to be himself and tell his story (meaning his whole life, not just the Birkin bag quest), I wasn't that fond of his personal style, his affectations or his tendency toward quips. It's still very good plane reading, though, and the
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Jan 19, 2011
Kimberly
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This is a book that lends itself to right timing, the right product and a man with a VERY high credit limit. Read during my "Psychology of Luxury" research phase, I must say that I was swept away by the true story aspect of this book. How did one American man with from his luxury apartment in Barcelona and a studious business plan, knock legendary bag / lifestyle taste maker Hermes off it's inflated pedestal by finding and buying Birkins and scarfs and selling them on Ebay.com? The ans
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Oct 11, 2008
Julie
rated it:
As a self admitted handbag addict I saw this book on Jen Lancaster's blog of summer reads and instantly added it to my ever expanding list of "to reads".
A great quick read filled with humor and enviable (and sometimes not so enviable) tales of great handbag pursuit.
The Birkin will still remain elusive and mythological to me but it was a great read to hear Michael's adventures. I couldn't imagine having all that Hermes merchandise passing through my hands!
A great quick read filled with humor and enviable (and sometimes not so enviable) tales of great handbag pursuit.
The Birkin will still remain elusive and mythological to me but it was a great read to hear Michael's adventures. I couldn't imagine having all that Hermes merchandise passing through my hands!
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Apr 28, 2008
Donna
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I loved this book! I could not put it down,and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.
I love the authors writing style and storytelling talent. This book is fun and funny, interesting and international.
This is a book that only comes around once in a lifetime!
Michael Tonello went where no man had dared to go. He was the first and the last maverick
in the history of Hermes;to round up such a herd of hides.
Oh, and the cover of the book More...
I love the authors writing style and storytelling talent. This book is fun and funny, interesting and international.
This is a book that only comes around once in a lifetime!
Michael Tonello went where no man had dared to go. He was the first and the last maverick
in the history of Hermes;to round up such a herd of hides.
Oh, and the cover of the book More...
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Oct 04, 2010
Samantha
rated it:
Let's face it. For 99% of the world, an Hermes Birkin bag is virtually a mythological creature. We will read about it. We may even see pictures of it. But, we will likely never see one in person, much less touch one or own one! Michael Tonello tells his story of morphing from a New York based make-up artist to a Barcelona based, globe trotting, Birkin-buyer and he does it well. There are times where, Bringing Home the Birkin reads like he's performing spy missions and is practically a modern-day
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Apr 05, 2010
Ciara
rated it:
a three-star review that should really be more of a 3.5. call me shallow but i was pretty entertained by this memoir. tonello writes about living with one of his best friends in provincetown (descriptions of which made me homesick for massachusetts) & running his own all-in-one photography business (he himself is a make-up artist, & joined forces with stylists, hair dressers, et al to create a business where clients only have to make one call to get all the folks they need for shoots--kind of li
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Jun 07, 2009
Jenny
rated it:
Ah a book about shopping and travel.. turns out I loved it. I could not help but to imagine myself moving to Barcelona and living the fabulous life that the author lived in. He made shopping seem like a game. It all stemmed from selling his belongings on ebay so he could get by in Spain after a job fell through. There is no deep thinking involved in this book, unless you count what color would I want? But I couldn't put this light hearted read down. Tonello does describe his life during t
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Apr 02, 2009
Hannah Jo
rated it:
I first heard about Birkin bags on an episode of Will and Grace when Will mentioned that the waiting list for a Birkin bag was 2 years long. So, when I saw this book at the library, I thought, "oh, now I can find out why you have to wait two years for a handbag!" I have absolutely no knowledge of the fashion industry or designers (you know, outside of ANTM), but I sure enjoyed this book.
It's a memoir about how Michael Tonello learned he could make a tidy profit by buying H More...
It's a memoir about how Michael Tonello learned he could make a tidy profit by buying H More...
May 27, 2009
Sri
rated it:
Aku mengenal Hermes pertama kali lewat film Le Divorce. Di film itu, tokoh yang diperankan oleh Kate Hudson diberi hadiah, oleh pacarnya yang om-om, sebuah croc Kelly bag warna merah. Dan di akhir film, tas super mahal itu dilempar begitu saja dari menara Eiffel ke bawah. Mungkin akan lebih dramatis kalau tas itu adalah Hermes Birkin bag, yang croc juga. Harganya bisa jauh lebih mahal :D.
Buku ini menceritakan petualangan penulis berburu Birkin bag. Dengan cara coba-coba penulis akhirnya me More...
Buku ini menceritakan petualangan penulis berburu Birkin bag. Dengan cara coba-coba penulis akhirnya me More...
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Sep 11, 2011
Mary
rated it:
Another must-read for my book club. This book had me howling in laughter. My son walked up and asked me why I was laughing hysterically. I happened to be on the page where Michael is learning the price of the coveted Birkins, and I read aloud to my six year old. Rather or not he understood it, he laughed at the thought of a man running out of a store screaming which is exactly how I would have reacted to those prices as well.
Actually, my children saw me smiling and laughing so muc More...
Actually, my children saw me smiling and laughing so muc More...
Jun 13, 2008
Hope
rated it:
Read the whole thing in one sitting- really couldn't put it down. A very amusing story, and I laughed and cheered the author on his quests. The descriptions of the cities he stayed in and his travels were a wonderful counterpoint to the business driven plot. This was so great to read, with a surprising amount of heart. It wasn't just about a brand-name; far from it. Highly entertaining, made more so by the fact that the events actually happened.
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Dec 28, 2011
Sandi
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This book made me realize a few things: 1) I seem to be gravitating towards books about Americans who decide to move to Europe (in this case Barcelona). Hmmm. 2) When necessary, some of us can become very resourceful. 3) Whomever came up with the idea of making this handbag (which personally I think is UGLY), making it sound very exclusive and hard to get, so then you can charge whatever price you want, was a marketing genius!
That in essence is what this book is about. The aut More...
That in essence is what this book is about. The aut More...
Dec 08, 2008
Robbie
rated it:
Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World’s Most Coveted Handbag
By Michael Tonello
* Hardcover: 272 pages
* Publisher: William Morrow [April 22, 2008]
* ISBN-10: 0061473332
First, this isn’t a YA book. Thought I’d give ‘ya a heads up. I found it on the shelf at the library under New Books the other day, and I sat down and started reading it. I left five hours later, having finished it.
The book is a nonfiction More...
By Michael Tonello
* Hardcover: 272 pages
* Publisher: William Morrow [April 22, 2008]
* ISBN-10: 0061473332
First, this isn’t a YA book. Thought I’d give ‘ya a heads up. I found it on the shelf at the library under New Books the other day, and I sat down and started reading it. I left five hours later, having finished it.
The book is a nonfiction More...
May 05, 2011
Pumsish
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กระเป๋ารุ่นหายากมันหายากเช่นนี้นี่เอง ถึงกับต้องต่อคิวรอซื้อตั้ง 2-3 ปี
แถมมีวิธีการซื้อแบบที่ไม่ธรรมดาที่จะช่วยให้ซื้อได้เลยอยู่ด้วย เพราะจริงๆ กระเป๋าพวกนี้ก็มีอยู่ในร้านเกือบตลอดแหละ เพียงแต่เค้าไม่ขาย น่าตกใจจริงๆ
โลกธุรกิจลึกลับของแอร์เมสกับเม็ดเงินที่เยอะจนขี้เกียจจะคูณก็คล้ายๆ โลกแฟนตาซีที่อ่านสนุกดี เพราะว่ามันเป็นเรื่องจริงละมั้ง เหมาะสำหรับวันที่อยากอ่านอะไรเบาๆ More...
แถมมีวิธีการซื้อแบบที่ไม่ธรรมดาที่จะช่วยให้ซื้อได้เลยอยู่ด้วย เพราะจริงๆ กระเป๋าพวกนี้ก็มีอยู่ในร้านเกือบตลอดแหละ เพียงแต่เค้าไม่ขาย น่าตกใจจริงๆ
โลกธุรกิจลึกลับของแอร์เมสกับเม็ดเงินที่เยอะจนขี้เกียจจะคูณก็คล้ายๆ โลกแฟนตาซีที่อ่านสนุกดี เพราะว่ามันเป็นเรื่องจริงละมั้ง เหมาะสำหรับวันที่อยากอ่านอะไรเบาๆ More...
Feb 22, 2010
Katherine
rated it:
I had a lot of fun reading this book, which I'm not inclined to write off as a small compliment. The book reads like a long, slightly more introspective than normal e-mail from a friend. So is it particularly well written or thought provoking or insightful? No. Definitely not. But it's fun. It chronicles the authors time spent acquiring and selling Hermes products -- especially Birkins -- on eBay. I like clothes and fashion and shopping, and so I found his tales of attempting to acquire t
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Jun 22, 2008
Sandra
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Read this while travelling to Florida during prime summer travel season. Chapters were nice and short so I could easily pick it up or put it down. I have been intrigued by the Hermes Birkin bag ever since my friend Maggie plunked down $18,000 to purchase TWO of them. The story was very entertaining. Great travelling book!
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May 03, 2010
LolaGeek
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You know when someone tells their friend, "Hey, you've lived such an interesting life, you should write a book!" they don't really mean it? Michael Tonello did it anyway. I have to admit, reading about how he decided to move to Barcelona and how he got into selling high-end clothing on eBay, eventually moving on to Hermes products, was kind of interesting. But it soon devolved into a running list of the fancy hotels he stayed at throughout Europe, and the fine restaurants he ate at, wi
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