Macy's closing 66 stores

I think there’s still a need for in-person retail, but I think part of the issue with Macy’s was just oversaturation. I live in a medium sized American city and there are somehow FIVE Macy’s locations within a half hour drive time of where I live- four full sized stores and one of the new small format stores. That’s just too much physical retail. Two of the large format stores are closing- one is in a dead mall that has few other tenants, and one was the sole remaining tenant after a former dead mall got redeveloped. So in neither case was the closure a surprise. I hope the remaining locations stay open though, they always seem much busier.

As Whateve mentioned above though, department stores in general are struggling. They used to be one stop shops where convenience met fashion and they still are, but I think that their target audience has split off. More convenience-minded customers now just get their basics at Target or Walmart. More fashion-minded customers will go directly to the brands they’re interested in, which now have their own online stores and small in-person stores, whereas you used to only be able to find those brands in a department store. This leaves department stores kind of in an awkward place where they don’t have a clear customer base.
I think maybe Macy's is too down the middle. They aren't luxury and they aren't bargain. And so many people are shopping online. I am sorry to see the local Macy's home store go.

Funny Experience: Is My Hermès "Chaine d'Ancre Compose" Jacket a Production Error?

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased the new Hermès 2025 Spring/Summer "Chaine d'Ancre Compose" jacket (item code H5E0177DEDO) from an Hermès boutique. I was so excited to finally bring it home, but when I had a closer look, I noticed something funny (and a little puzzling) about it.

The jacket’s collar has a beautiful printed pattern, but it’s stitched on the inside instead of the outside, as shown in the official photos! 😅 I even double-checked my receipt and confirmed that the item code on the jacket matches the one on my purchase receipt (H5E0177DEDO), so it’s definitely the correct product.

Here’s what my jacket looks like:
View attachment 6115068
View attachment 6115070

And this is how it’s supposed to look (based on official photos):
View attachment 6115071

Since I bought this directly from the boutique and not online, I’m starting to wonder—could this be a rare production error, or is it some kind of hidden design twist that I’m just not aware of?

I honestly find the situation pretty funny, but I’d love to know if anyone else has encountered something similar with Hermès or other luxury brands. Do you think I should bring this up with the boutique, or should I just embrace it as a quirky "limited edition" feature?

Thanks in advance! 😊
So I just saw this jacket in store and it looks the way yours does! So they’re probably all like that!

Will hardwear hold its resale value?

I would rather get cost back per wear. I think resale is hard to pin down. I’d feel
More confident re resale if it were a Cartier or VCA piece. Perhaps check beladora and other resellers to see Tiffany resale prices? Good luck :smile:
100% this. I love Tiffany jewelry but it’s not known to hold resale value well.

IMO it’s better to buy jewelry you will wear and love rather than going into the purchase thinking about selling.
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Feedback pls! LV “Monoglam” Side Trunk. Is Monoglam material supple enough for slouchy look??

All MM side trunks in all materials have to be karate chopped/pushed down in the center to get the slouched look. None of them slouch on their own.

Blue monoglam side trunk was only made in the MM size —and I’m pretty sure that was the only size for all monoglam colors.

It’s PVC coated denim. I don’t think it feels sticky, but my tactile experience is different from yours. In the same way, how you experience textures, and how they make you feel, is your own unique experience. The closest thing the Monoglam surface feels like is a vinyl sticker, or “stained-glass” effect paint. If you don’t like the feel of vinyl, you probably won’t like how Monoglam feels.

My monoglam side trunk is not an everyday bag, and I doubt that is an everyday bag for anyone. Mine has held up perfectly fine for something I’ve used less than 10x since launch. No noticeable material softening, since I don’t use it much. Little to no hardware scratches too.

I don’t regret my monoglam side trunk. It’s made really well, and the detailing is really nice. If anything, I’m just a little upset that the limited edition side trunks always break $4k+ USD when bought from LV. They’re nice, but I wouldn’t price them as if they’re collector-type items. LV has turned them into a cash-cow style, so you’ll always get an iteration of it with a collection launch now.
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Brands under the radar

Hi all,

I traveled to Thailand recently and got drawn into Thai brand Jim Thomson. I already knew the brand has long history around Thai silk (around 1950-1960) and story about Jim Thomson disappearance in Malaysia. Yet I was amazed by the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Not only silk scarves with quality on par with H but they also use natural fibre like 100% cotton and linen which is quite hard to find in western market unless go to high-end designer brands and pay $$$$. I specially got drawn to this linen ombre belt dress and linen capri shorts!
The brand also have elephant as their mascot which is so cute. https://www.jimthompson.com/en/product/tropical-birds-silk-portable-elephant-leather-with-sack-black.
There are so many elephant prints and elephant dolls made of silk. What surprise me on top of that is they are not made in China! They are made in Thailand where the home brand is.
The store was also beautiful and SAs were polite and helpful. It didn't feel like they were reading me or playing games with me, they were just there to help me. That's just how designer stores should be!

Overall that was the true luxury shopping for me and it got me thinking what are other brands under the radar that have always been there but are over looked? Feel free to share brands from other countries. Look forward to knowing them. :flowers:

Is this fixable?

I am seriously contemplating purchasing a black lambskin chevron piece from Chanel that is preloved. I was about to add to cart when i noticed that one side of the bag has some wrinkling--it looks as though it is very dry, but not cracking. Is this something i could rejuvenate with leather conditioner, or the hairdryer technique? Or should I not risk it? Would love to hear everyone's thoughts!
I believe that is normal for Chanel bags, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. If it is serious, I have seen some people use leather binders, but only pros I have seen use that when restoring bags from utter destruction. I think a hair dryer will be too aggressive for the leather.

Sample? Prototype? or Rare 1st ed?

I agree, if authentic, looks modified or tampered with. Poor thing looks like it's lived a life though! I know someone had an early prototype FBH that had a false front pocket - like a zipper but not actual pocket? I have many many FBH's and it seems right and also not right, KWIM?
It’s a prototype/sample. Another member has one in choco.

I found the thread of that member. Wish the pics were still visible :frown:

Reveal! Stumbled upon an 01 Chocolate Flat Brass Hobo Prototype
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15th Birthday (quince) gift

I think it is a lovely gift and would encourage you not to second guess a wonderful moment like this.

I might also second the suggestion of jewellery, just for the longevity of the life of it. She could have it forever as a talisman of the love of all those beautiful women in her life. Canvas only lasts so long.

But you know your culture and daughter best!

2025 goal for this year are these 2 bracelets? Thoughts?

LOLLL! I am getting the Serpenti, I just wanted the Tubogas to stack with it or now thinking of the Clash de Cartier in YG.
another neg thing about the Tubogas: it can be easily snatched up if we go in the area that may have many pickpocketers... :D but i still love it over the Clash :D

Alma bb lv x takashi murakami strap problem help!! 😓

LV turns out products so fast, I cannot even keep up. The Murakami just started and now Pharrell is doing men's collection. Yesterday when I was at my local boutique, there were hardly any Murakami items, just new empreinte bags everywhere in pink, light beige and grey. It's like this collaboration never happened. Leftover were one MC Dauphine, one monogram/ flowers, and one MC PA (which I got).

So strange. And LV should recall and offer customers proper straps. These items are too overpriced.

How fast they sell has no bearing on design consideration nor supply chain, that's after production. LV may be in a hurry because of LVMH's 'slow rate of growth concerns' (LV and Dior make up 50% of all LVMH revenue). They knew TM was an easy anniversary hit and the collab will market LV to a wider audience via SM/FOMO making it look like LV is on top again, but LV is supposed to be a luxury brand, not fast fashion.

These bags are not made to order. There were always going to be the same number made (limited). Quality control, supply chain or poor design, take your pick. Nothing to do with the artwork of TK or the fever to acquire.

What are you wearing for Valentine’s Day?

This year I’m going to surprise my Husband by wearing something sexy, yet conservative enough to wear out. 😉
He loves how I look in red, and I love how these skinny jeans look on me. Belt is for fit and looks cute with the outfit. I also have a silver watch to wear he gave me to match the silver belt buckle. I’m going to order everything soon so I have it ahead of time. I used Stylebook app to arrange clothing design.
What will you be wearing for Valentines Day? ❤️

- Red lace heart cami is from Pacsun
- Jeans are mid rise wow skinny from Old Navy
- Belt is from American Eagle
- Boots are from Banana Republic



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What do you regret not doing

I regret not making sure I got 8 hours sleep on a regular basis and regret not following the dictum of early to bed and early to rise. I’m trying to remedy this now as I find that staying up late is accomplishing nothing since I am too tired at the end of a busy day anyway so I might as well sleep and wake up looking rested and refreshed.
While I have generally avoided the sun, I could have been better about wearing sunscreen.
Regular exfoliation and steaming, the key point being the regularity. Basically having a good system of skin care.
Eating more fruits and veggies, especially greens as @papertiger pointed out.
And learning sooner to better handle stress and worry with strategies like meditation and basically a broader philosophical perspective in dealing with stress in life.

Swarowski crystal hardware on vintage Lady Dior

Beautiful bag!:heart: Agree, it should be fine as is. :smile:
It appears to be a shoulder bag so with that being closer to your body when you wear it, it's less likely to swing around and hit something (like a crossbody bag), so I feel it won't have much contact with other things besides yourself for the most part.

If you like wearing loose knits, depending on the material and weave, the crystals could snag on the knit.
Though this is an assumption, as I have never had a crystallized bag charm on a bag.
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