giddy up

I’ve always gotten giddy over the equestrian look. It’s that Greenwich-meets-Hyannisport style that capitalizes on some very authentic sporting elements–like buckles and bridle links, leather and polo ponies.

Mind you, my adoration has little to do with actual horseback riding, which I tend to avoid ever since I somehow spooked an old (and practically comatose) horse on an Arizona trail ride a few years ago. I will tell you (as will my kids) that there was nothing chic about my reaction to his unexpected and violent neighing and bucking.

But there is something fashionable about the French fashion house, Hermès, which has blazed the trail for the horsey set since 1837, when they first began churning out hand-crafted riding saddles. Today, they also churn out stunning $700 silk scarves, lovely $400 leather bracelets, and iconic Birkin bags, which–if you have money, connections, and nerve—can be had for as little as $9,000 and as much as $150,000. Frankly, for that price, I’d rather carry my wallet and lip gloss in a nice car.

Price aside, there’s something about Birkins–and I haven’t quite figured out what it is–that makes ordinary citizens go all loopy. I think Kim Cattrall’s character, Samantha, on Sex and the City articulates the obsession quite brilliantly here….

Apparently, the Kardashian sisters agree. They seem to have cornered the market on Birkins.

Come to think of it, this might explain the five-year waitlist….

Personally, I own only one genuine Hermès piece: a pink/gray/black/white scarf that I picked up in a second-hand store in Chicago about 15 years ago. If memory serves, I paid about $200 for it…and I’m still glad I did. It’s gorgeous.

Like my real-McCoy scarf,  horse prints and equestrian accessories–seen all over the stores this fall–always look expensive to me…even when they’re not.

Interesting how a $5.95 bracelet can make me feel all the richer for wearing it. As for the $400 version? Just say neigh…. (And please don’t shoot me for that one!)