What is a Luxury shopping experience in your opinion?

Had an experience in Celine, Bond Street, just last week that matches this list almost exactly! I had a lot of fun with a wonderful SA who was with me for a good hour and a half, helping me decide between quite a lot of bags. And when it came down to the last two, which were the same bag, just different colours and I honestly couldn't make a decision. I said to him "you choose" because I trusted his opinion. And I'm very happy with his choice. It was a truly wonderful and "Luxurious" experience. And I'm so very happy with my new bag. Made all the better for the fun memory of my shopping experience.


I am truly thrilled to hear that!

New Hammitt bag—is this normal 😬

I've had several Hammitt bags and am a fan of the brand, however there are quality issues with them that became apparent as I used my bags regularly.


The unfinished edges on my bags did not fray like this immediately. My oldest one is around 7-8 years old, I think. I only noticed fraying after a year of continuous use and it didn't get any worse subsequently.

As for the loose threads in your pictures, I've never had that on any of my bags from them. You may choose to return the bag, of course, but if you decide to keep it, just put a flame (lighter or candle) to the loose stitch. It'll seal it so the stitches don't unravel further.


I must admit, there is a distinct decline in the quality of their bags recently, but they're still excellent for the contemporary category and for their price range (especially if you get them on sale).
The leather on my oldest Hammitt bag is absolutely incredible. Thick, buttery soft and very expensive feeling. Every subsequent bag has had lower quality, thinner leather. I would be hesitant to grab another one online, since I would want to handle the bag to feel the leather knowing that it has been different in recent years.

Also, I discovered that all Hammitt hardware scratches terribly as you begin to use the bag. Shiny or matt; gold, silver or gunmetal, the rivets and rings inevitably scratch. The gold hardware is the worst for this, in my experience.
Thankfully, Hammitt will replace all hardware under their lifetime warranty, but I just wanted to point this out because I was surprised at how quickly this happened on mine.


Sometime around the pandemic, the brand rapidly expanded (I think they got an investor or something like that). The quality decline started there, for me, however I have not heard others with their bags comment on this.
It may be that my bags from the newer range were just duds (sometimes we get unlucky like that) or it may be that I'm one of the few who can compare old and new Hammitts from my own collection, so I noticed the difference. 🤷

I hope you can enjoy the bag if you decide to keep it. :smile:
Thank you so much for this detailed reply. I am more of a bag dabbler (far from a bag expert), but I was really bummed by the immediate fraying and the loose threads (as well as the sewing defects alongside the back pocket).

I debated quite a while about getting a used Balenciaga Veau City bag in black or a new Hammitt Daniel in black––so the immediately visible quality issues were a disappointment (maybe some of that happens with all bags with almost daily use and I've just never paid as much attention before). I guess I'm most worried that the issues already apparent wouldn't stop getting worse (I know the fraying on your bag never went beyond what you see on mine?), but that they might just continue to get worse with use.

I purchased this bag from Dillards (and it *was* on sale), so I may go back there and see what they say. It is a lovely bag and I would be sad to let it go!

I'll update the post when I go in store! Thanks again.
  • Like
Reactions: Bag peace

Help choosing the leather strap!

If you don’t like the chain, you could use a rolled leather strap like the BV Andiamo. Not sure where you’d source such a strap but there are tons of replacement strap makers on Etsy.

I have a Chanel camera bag that has the same strap construction like this where is goes through grommets on either side of the bag. To prevent mine from smooshing together when worn on one side, I got some plastic tubing from a hardware store, cut two pieces the width of the bag, and sliced a slit through the tubing so I could put the strap inside the tube on the inside of the bag between the grommets. So the chain slides freely but prevents the bag from crumpling inward when one side is pulled taut. Hope that makes sense! I’m traveling at the moment and don’t have the bag with me so I can’t show a picture.
  • Like
Reactions: A bottle of Red

HELP- Vintage Murakami Project Piece

I just snagged a white Multicolore Sarah wallet that is pristine on the inside, but the outside is very faded. Looking for recommendations to improve the piece. I am open to paying someone to repaint, or even attempting to myself. I have very little invested into the piece, so I am opening to gambling a bit on it.

I have experience with restoring vintage coach all leather handbags, but this will be my first LV. So, im definitely at beginner status with working with canvas.


Also, if anyone has restored something like this, show your before and afters. Id love to see!
  • Like
Reactions: A bottle of Red

Is this normal for a new cardholder?

I have bought 3-4 YSL cardholders over the years. My oldest one being from 2017/2018 which had quite a bit of wear. I don't have it anymore because I just sold it, but where there is wear from putting in and taking out cards, it is lighter in color, maybe with some white parts if I recall correctly.

I see it but it's still a little hard to tell what exactly it is.
I'd say, if you're not happy with it, go and exchange it ASAP. The longer you wait, the harder it is to return or exchange.

And I know you said you haven't used the wallet yet, but does the photo you posted have cards in it? Or is it the blank white cards that are put into cardholders sometimes?
thanks for your reply! I went in to return it but they’re out of stock in stores and are awaiting the new shipment :sad:. I’m hoping I don’t have any issues like you mentioned. I did speak to a lovely SA about the wallet and she said she’d let me know once stock arrives.

There were cards in there - i put them in to see how they’d look (i took them out though, and the wallet has been in its dust bag & box since Friday). Unfortunately, the spot was there even before I put the cards in (previously glue buildup which was removed by an SA at the boutique, which has now turned into a white spot after the glue was removed)
  • Like
Reactions: lill_canele

LV

If you have never purchased from LV before I thought you had to at least have an in store purchase before ordering online. maybe other members can answer?
I have never purchased anything from an LV store or online before, but two weeks ago I bought an “up and away” bandeau online and had no issues. It arrived in two days and was beautifully packaged too.

Perlée sweet clovers ring or Perlée diamonds ring?

Have you tried them both on to compare? I went into the boutique a few months ago wanting to try on the diamond version but wasn't "wowed" by it when I saw it.

The Sweet Perlee Clover ring was not originally on my radar, but my SA showed it to me when I didn't get as excited as I thought I would be by the diamond version. I ended up loving the Sweet Perlee Clover ring so much both from the look and how comfortable and easy it is to wear that I now have two--both WG and RG. I can really recommend that one!

If part of the reason you are not sure about which ring is because you might want to switch up the look a little bit and not be too matchy-matchy, then maybe try this one on as well to compare? https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/e...ee/vcarp9xp00---perlee-diamonds-duo-ring.html I felt that it had a bit more pizzaz than the standard diamond version and looked nice on.

Cartier Watch Help..... Please

This watch looks fantastic on you! The size suits your wrist perfectly and doesn’t seem too big—coming from someone who loves smaller watches. I adore Panthère watches, but I see them as more jewelry than timepieces, which is why I prefer them in mini or small sizes. Since you’re into chunkier watches, I think this Tank is a great choice for you. That said, it’s worth ordering the Panthère to try on, just to be sure you won’t have any regrets later.
Thank you so much~
  • Like
Reactions: Misha333
Top