Today I want to share a quick review of one of the bags I purchased while in Paris – the Hermes Evelyne.
The Evelyne is a bag that has long been on my radar, but which for one reason or another, I put off trying it out for years. Lately however, I’ve been walking much more – walking to work, on errands during my lunch break, and of course walking around lots whenever we travel. A cross-body bag is so much more convenient when you’re running around, and I thought that the Evelyne would be a perfect candidate.
While we were in Paris – I tried on a few sizes – PM, MM (which I’m told is a little more rare and hard to find), and GM. I came home with the PM size, which I found to be the most ideal size for my needs and frame. The bag comes with one large interior compartment..
…and a smaller compartment on the side. There is no zipper close, just a leather tab that clips from one side to another on the bag.
Here’s a snapshot of all the items I usually carry in my Evelyne on a day to day basis – a water bottle, cosmetics case, sunglasses, long wallet, Kindle, journal (plus a phone and keys, which aren’t pictured). Sometimes of course the contents are swapped – no water bottle but some ballet flats to change into, etc.
With the contents below inside my Evelyne, it’s quite filled but by no means “overstuffed ” – everything fits neatly inside and I can still reach in comfortably and sift through my items.
One aspect of the Evelyne that I really liked when I tried it on was the thick canvas strap. I know that some don’t like this strap because it makes the bag more “casual”, but to me the Evelyne is a casual bag and so the strap fits in well. It’s also very comfortable to wear. Here are the two ways I wear my Evelyne the most – as a longer shoulder bag, and across the body.
The particular model of the Evelyne that I purchased (Evelyne III), came with both the outside leather pocket, and an adjustable canvas strap. One beef I have is with the strap’s length – you really can’t adjust it to hang much lower than the hip or right below the waist, depending on how tall you are. In both of the photos above, I’d adjusted the canvas strap to be at the shortest possible length.
Overall, I love my Evelyne and have had a bit of a hard time not using this bag since I got it – it’s such an easy to wear, comfortable size and style – a total “grab and go” bag. If you’ve been thinking about this bag, I’d recommend stopping into an Hermes shopping and trying it out!
PS: I paid something around $2600 or so for my Evelyne. For some more wallet friendly options, I would recommend this option by M Z Wallace (love the front pockets, and it fits more than you might think) for under $300, and this Marc Jacobs convertible bag, in all leather, for under $500.
For a bit of a splurge (but still more than $1K less than an Evelyne), there’s also the Chloe Marcie, which comes in a range of lovely colors at $1400.
62 Comments
Sonya
February 3, 2014 at 9:02 amGorgeous bag that looks perfect for travel; I am worried about the open top though. Thank you for the review.
Groupthink7
February 3, 2014 at 9:40 amYou know I have a love hate relationship with this bag. I bought it back in 2011 and I sent it back because my sister and my husband didn’t believe I spent that much for the bag. It was in black. I am thinking about getting it again. I have the Empriente Louis Vuitton Lumineuse PM in Ombre and I am thinking about getting rid of it for the Evelyne. I don’t know.
Groupthink7
February 3, 2014 at 9:46 amI purchased this bag in the black GM back in 2011 and sent it back because my sister and husband couldn’t believe I spent that much money for the bag. I have been thinking about this bag a lot lately. The only thing is that crossbody bags tend to hurt after awhile. I have the Louis Vuitton Empriente Lumineuse PM in Ombre that I am debating on getting rid of to fund the Evelyne. Any suggestings?
Groupthink7
February 3, 2014 at 9:47 amI meant suggestions?
Katherine
February 3, 2014 at 10:04 amI just saw that LV in the store the other day! I think it’s lovely, is there anything “wrong” with it? Is it comfortable for you? If so, then I might stick with it if you like it, and you already bought and tried the Evelyne. That being said I think the PM is a much different experience than the GM, much smaller!
Lauren
February 3, 2014 at 9:56 amHi Kat,
I wasn’t too interested in this style before as I tend to be a handbag person but with 2 young boys and weekend errands, I realized that I could not take my handbags everywhere! I was obsessing over this bag all of last week and stopped by H this past weekend. I bought the PM size in Blue Jeans Clemence and love it! Now I can be hands-free on weekends with the kids or at the park or shopping. I do use and organizer in it to keep it clean and I feel safer with my wallet that way.
I also wear the H facing me as I like it understated but most people don’t know what H stands for anyway! Love it!
Loved your post.
Katherine
February 3, 2014 at 10:05 amHi Lauren! So glad to meet another fan of this bag, Blue Jean sounds gorgeous in the Evelyne! I think it would be a great option for a parent 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience!
Jan
October 26, 2022 at 8:16 pmI too wear the H facing inwards… Makes more sense with the flap facing out
Christine
February 3, 2014 at 10:14 amHello Katherine,
I have been thinking about this bag for several years.
Please let me know the dimensions. I would like to do a mock-up so that I can better visualize this size.
Also, is your bag black clemence?
I love your posts. They are so well written and informative!
Thank you.
Katherine
February 3, 2014 at 10:46 amHi Christine, according to the Hermes site, the dimensions are 29 cm x h. 30 cm x d. 10 cm for the PM size
http://canada-en.hermes.com/leather/bags/for-day/evelyne-iii/evelyne-iii-bag-16169.html?size_leather=S&color_leather=BROWN3
Jackie
February 3, 2014 at 12:42 pmDear Katherine,
I enjoy reading your blog: have been doing so for a couple of years now. I find it fun, inspiring and useful!
By the way, this is my second comment on a blog whatsoever (I lost my “virginity” to Larkie 🙂
I have a question. Do you prefer this bag to Chanell classic flaps? I realize that they are quite different and serve different purposes, but still I think one could comfortably run errands with a Jumbo, for instance. I guess my ultimate question is – having started acquiring Hermes, do you find yourself favoring your Hermes bags?
Myself, I have a black jumbo, a red woc and a beige small reissue. I think I “need” a black small distressed reissue. Or maybe I should directly turn to Hermes?
Katherine
February 4, 2014 at 9:42 amHonestly (and I know this is a cop out answer) I think they are so different and there’s a place for both. I can say that I love my jumbo and there’s no H bag in my opinion that directly can replace it.
Jane
February 3, 2014 at 6:45 pmI adore the bag and tried it out at the store a while back. I love how you can wear it crossbody. The only thing that’s keeping me from pulling the trigger is that it doesn’t have a zipper top. I really need a zipper top or I’d be finding all sorts of little toys from my kids in my bag. I didn’t even know there were different models of Evelyne. I’ll need to go back and check it out again. I wonder if they have something with a zipper top. Thanks for the review.
Katherine
February 4, 2014 at 9:42 amI would love a zipper too 🙂
Michelle
February 4, 2014 at 2:16 amWhat a coincidence, I’ve just bought myself the Hot Pink Rose Tyrien Epsom leather. Fell for this bag last year so when I saw the pink I knew it was meant to be. And how spooky was it seeing it on your blog today!
Thanks for the post. The bag looks great on you!
Katherine
February 4, 2014 at 9:41 amA Rose Tyrien version sounds delicious! Enjoy your bag!
Lucy
February 4, 2014 at 6:34 amCongratulations on your Evelyne PM, Katherine! When I became an Hermes fan, I didn’t like the Evelyne at all but it has become one of my all-time favorite Hermes styles mainly because it is so easy to carry. I used to be concerned about soiling the canvas strap but unless you’re a real slob or the color is very light, it doesn’t get dirty at all. In fact, after many years Evelyne bags can look nearly flawless, especially in Clemence and other hardy leathers. It is wonderful for errands, travel, etc. No problem packing it because it lays flat. For those concerned about the open top, it’s a “deep” shape that my things remain at the bottom since I don’t carry much anyway. If I carry it in crowded places, I always hold it in front (perforated H in the back) with the snap closed and sometimes stuff the top with a shawl or scarf for extra security. Hermes does make a “Trim” shoulder bag with a zipper but it cannot be carried across the body. Great post, K!
Katherine
February 4, 2014 at 9:17 amThank you Lucy! Yes it is such an easy bag and you are right about the packing – one of my favorite aspects! I love the idea about the shawl, I’m going to do that going forward.
bluepolkadotpjs
February 4, 2014 at 8:02 amKatherine,
A very helpful review as usual! Thank you. I really enjoyed reading it!
Can I ask you a random question? I left an instagram note, but what is your personal thoughts on the bag charm trend? I know many women love it, but I’ve never been a doll or miniature liking girl (if you know what I mean), that I’ve never thought of wearing them. But I’m wondering if I’m missing out. For example, Hermes rodeo charm or the Louis vuitton’s various bag charms.. Have you ever thought of wearing those on your bag?
Katherine
February 4, 2014 at 9:09 amHi, so sorry I missed your note! I can’t find it 🙁 What is your instagram UN?
I like those bag charms on others but I don’t use them for myself…more to keep things simple and also, why add another expensive hobby at this point 🙂
bluepolkadotpjs
February 4, 2014 at 10:55 amIt’s ‘bluepolkadotpjs’. =) That is so true, not good to add another expensive hobby. haha! I’ve got the opportunity to buy a crocodile horse bag charm and while I do think it’s cute, I’m not sure if it will look good on me. =P
This Gorgeous Life
February 4, 2014 at 10:00 amOhh I love this bag! I even posted about mine a few weeks ago here – http://thisgorgeouslife.blogspot.com/2014/01/investment-piece-hermes-evelyne-iii.html
I sometimes shorten the strap using a Hermes Twilly scarf. Great choice and color.
Trang
February 5, 2014 at 11:05 amHi Kat! Another lovely review of Hermes (not that they need it!). Is your bag in a dark brown , if so, how wearable do you find that color (vs. black/gray)?
Katherine
February 5, 2014 at 6:32 pmHi Trang, it’s black 🙂
V
February 5, 2014 at 4:57 pmI bought the Evelyne III in red last year at the Paris Hermès Sèvres store. I love this bag so much as it is super easy to wear. I have recently acquired the taupe Jysperie as well. So you can tell I love cross body bags. Anyway, I am curious about where you got that leopard print cosmetic bag? I think it is a nice size and I am currently looking for something like that.
Katherine
February 5, 2014 at 6:30 pmHi V! So glad that you are also a fan! Do you like the Jysperie as much?
The cosmetics bag was a free one from Target actually! It came with some free samples in the mail, lol.
V
February 5, 2014 at 6:49 pmKatherine,
I do like the Jysperie a lot, but it is not as convenient as the Evelyne III because of the flap in front. But, I got the taupe color one and it is such a classic.
Do you have any recommendations for a cosmetic bag that is about the same size as the one you got from target? 🙂
I am heading to Ireland in a few months and am considering either a So Kelly or a Lindy. What do you think about either or them?
TC
February 5, 2014 at 9:09 pmThis is one of my favorite Hermes bag! I like the Evelyne II version with an outer pocket and non-adjustable strap best. I can still wear it as a crossbody and a shoulder without the weight and bulk of the extra hardware.
By the way, the Evelyne was historically worn with the “H” facing in as the holes were originally for airing out the grooms’ tools inside and not meant to be shown. But now almost everyone likes to display the logo… oh well.
Katherine
February 5, 2014 at 10:06 pmYes I feel like the hardware can be a bit heavy at times too – but really only after a long day and if I’ve been carrying it for a long time. I would totally take the hardware if only the strap was shortened a bit so it could more easily transition to shoulder length!
TC
February 6, 2014 at 7:10 pmWhy not ask the craftsman to shorten it for you? I don’t think it would take long; probably as long as shortening a belt.
Shirling Vanessatime
February 7, 2014 at 5:54 amLove your bag Kat..I have been considering this bag for a long time. I just dont feel confidence without the zipper…a great bag…”Cool Casual”!!!
Anonymous
February 12, 2014 at 10:43 amMay I ask what colour your Evelyne is? It is beautiful!
Katherine
February 12, 2014 at 10:58 amBlack! 🙂
Anonymous
February 12, 2014 at 1:51 pmSo silly of me! I thought it was a dark charcoal gray. Thanks for replying.
Sem
April 5, 2014 at 5:25 amThank you for your information. …. I am on the verge of
Buying the orange pm .. I have been wanting for a long
Time …. However I am going to Paris this summer …
Knowing the euro is horrible ….. Is getting it in Paris still a
Better deal .. I have the sales lady holding the bag for me in the states
Katherine
April 7, 2014 at 8:46 amBest of luck!
Em.
April 21, 2014 at 8:05 amGreat review! I have been obsessing over this bag but am so unsure because of my petite size. Do you mind sharing how tall you are? I am just under 5’0 and worry that it will be too long even with the strap at its shortest length. Thanks so much!
Katherine
April 21, 2014 at 9:13 amI’m 5’1 🙂
Alisha
April 25, 2014 at 5:04 amHi I was looking to buy a gently used hermes evelyn clemence leather in black. Anyone looking to sell theirs. Thanks!
O,
May 16, 2014 at 12:42 pmOH love this color you got!
I have the GM size and i shorten the strap using a twilly – i did a review on my blog as well
http://thisgorgeouslife.blogspot.com/2014/01/investment-piece-hermes-evelyne-iii.html
Enjoy your lovely and gorgeous bag!!
Reader Question: Cross-Body Bags » Feather Factor
June 2, 2014 at 7:51 am[…] Evelyne is the PM III size and style, and you can read my original review for more […]
Anonymous
August 27, 2014 at 10:31 amLove this. Thinking of buying one soon. any idea what the price of the small Evelyne is now? I heard the price was increased recently…
Katherine
August 27, 2014 at 4:10 pmI’m sorry I’ve been a bit out of the loop on pricing. I’m sure your local boutique cold help you.
Whitney
September 24, 2014 at 9:46 amHi! Any advice on how to track down a particular color? I know that Hermes “won’t discuss leather goods” over the phone, but I can’t deal with trekking around to every store. Thanks!
Katherine
September 24, 2014 at 10:00 amI know it’s a pain! The best way I know how is just by checking Hermes.com – they have a decent supply of Evelynes that pops up now and then!
Whitney
September 24, 2014 at 10:14 amOh my goodness, such a pain! If it’s not listed on the website, is there any other way of tracking it down?!? I can understand the crazy for a serious bag, but this should be casual and easy!
wantitneedit
October 25, 2014 at 11:18 pmhi kat,
i know this is an old post, but can you confirm that your Evelyne is indeed the PM size? It almost looks like a GM size on you (mainly because you are skinny!). I know they come in TPM, PM, GM, TGM., but you mentioned the MM size and i was not aware of that particular size. Though i’m only a centimetre or two taller than you, i am bigger in the body, boohoo, so i’m trying to ascertain the best size for me as i’m likely to buy online rather than in-store.
thanks so much for your help and i hope you are having a great weekend.
cheers
Katherine
October 26, 2014 at 9:52 amHi! No problems, it is the PM size on me. There is a MM but it is quite rare I think – I’ve seen it a few times at FSH. PM is great for the essentials, GM fits lots more 🙂
Heydon
November 30, 2014 at 4:32 pmHi Kat… I am lusting and can’t stop thinking about the evelyne III
Do you still love it after 10 months? Are you glad that you got the black one? I love gold and black and can’t decide
Katherine
November 30, 2014 at 8:47 pmYes I still love it and it is one of my most used bags! I want a gold one next, so really I’m no help to you, LOL 🙂
Heydon
November 30, 2014 at 9:37 pmHahaha…but If you can only have ONE, which one would you get?
Katherine
December 1, 2014 at 10:22 amBlack because it doesn’t show dirt and I put it on the floor a lot
imelda
May 9, 2015 at 10:41 amwhere can i buy used long strap for hermes evelyn cross bag
Katherine
May 10, 2015 at 6:10 pmI would check eBay.
Tanya
June 16, 2015 at 8:13 amHi Kat! I’m debating about buying the Chloe Marcie bag (one of your suggestions above), I love the look but I feel like this bag had its heydey a few years ago, do you think it’s still a good investment?
Katherine
June 16, 2015 at 9:25 pmI still love the Marcie and think it’s a great bag. I will say that I think it reached its “peak” in terms of popularity a little while ago as you say..but there’s a reason the bag remains popular. I would try to get it on sale (or have you looked at Matches Fashion?) Due to exchange rate it’s way cheaper on that site!
Amelie
July 3, 2015 at 8:38 pmHi Kat! I have been thinking of getting the Evelyne as my first Hermes. Do you still love your bag? Do you have any complains after having it for more than a year?
Katherine
July 4, 2015 at 3:19 pmNope, love it! One of my most used 🙂
Amelie
July 4, 2015 at 8:00 pmYou have a well curated bag collection! Very classic! I would love to see a post on all your bags!
Anonymous
September 14, 2015 at 2:02 pmHi Kat
the $2600 should be before VAT return isnt it? Thanks so much!
Nanne.
Delphine
September 16, 2016 at 5:21 amI love the sober look and feel to the Evelyne bag. At least that is the vibes it give out.
The Chloé Marcie Medium bag you gave the link for is cute too with more of a rounded look
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch)
February 4, 2018 at 4:00 pmOh, be so glad you bought this bag when you did. I just purchased it in January 2018 and it cost $700 more than what you paid. Prices must have really escalated a lot in the last few years. I purchased it in Etoupe and love it. Like you, I find it hard to not reach for it every single day. Definitely a great bag!