Sorry for the long post, but I am in a bit of a dilemma and need counsel. I have lamented that it is impossible to get "desirable" bags at my local H because all the Kellys/Birkins/exotics go to VIPs, and I cannot become a VIP because I am never offered Kellys/Birkins/exotics – a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. Compound that by the fact that my local H is about 20% more expensive than buying in Europe, where I visit at least once a year, during which I stock up on the smaller, more common items, such as cadenas and wallets. So, the fact is that while I have been popping in to my local H about once a month for the past half year, I have never actually bought anything from them.
However, my recent frustration in H Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome, Milan) over the same "desirable" bags seems to indicate that there is some unwritten rule that one needs to be somewhat of a known regular to get these bags, which is making me rethink my whole relationship with my local H.
So... there is a crocodile bag that I have had my eye on, and last week, I went to my local H and met a different SA (the previous SA that I have always met was on another floor with a customer), and repeated my lament of never finding anything to buy and never being offered exotics. He was really nice about it, and took down my "wishlist". Today, he calls and says that they have that croc bag in for me!
Here is my dilemma – the DH, after trekking with me to all the H stores in Italy, said we are going to Paris next Feb (side-trip after skiing). I know the same bag in Paris (courtesy of our croc pricing thread) is at least 20% less than my local H price. Since it is croc, the difference is substantial – enough for another leather H bag! BUT... that is assuming that I will find the same bag or be allowed to waitlist for the same bag in Paris. At the same time, I blow my chances of establishing a good relationship with my local H (I think a croc bag should count towards that, right?).
So... what would you ladies do: possibility of saving lots of $$$ or pay the $$$ to ingratiate myself with the local H store?
However, my recent frustration in H Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome, Milan) over the same "desirable" bags seems to indicate that there is some unwritten rule that one needs to be somewhat of a known regular to get these bags, which is making me rethink my whole relationship with my local H.
So... there is a crocodile bag that I have had my eye on, and last week, I went to my local H and met a different SA (the previous SA that I have always met was on another floor with a customer), and repeated my lament of never finding anything to buy and never being offered exotics. He was really nice about it, and took down my "wishlist". Today, he calls and says that they have that croc bag in for me!
Here is my dilemma – the DH, after trekking with me to all the H stores in Italy, said we are going to Paris next Feb (side-trip after skiing). I know the same bag in Paris (courtesy of our croc pricing thread) is at least 20% less than my local H price. Since it is croc, the difference is substantial – enough for another leather H bag! BUT... that is assuming that I will find the same bag or be allowed to waitlist for the same bag in Paris. At the same time, I blow my chances of establishing a good relationship with my local H (I think a croc bag should count towards that, right?).
So... what would you ladies do: possibility of saving lots of $$$ or pay the $$$ to ingratiate myself with the local H store?
Oh, how terribly embarassing!
I know when I am in despair, I have your shoulder to cry on! 