Chanel shopping with an anxiety disorder - tips and recs, please

[ipekkeles]

my biggest tip would be having someone with you. i generally take my husband with me to shopping because he is naturally a very confident person and he would never take attitude from anyone. sometimes even my six year old is a good shopping partner because she tells it like it is. having someone i trust with me gives me confidence and makes me feel secure.

 

[leoloo]

I used to feel this way too when I began buying luxury ~7 years ago so I totally understand. I’m sorry you have a hard time with anxiety, thank you for sharing with us. I have never been to any shops in the region but I do have a nice (though gruff but very helpful lol) SA I can pm you at bloomies. I’ve always heard good things about 57th and if nothing else, there is likely more selection so I agree with others recommending that store. I would also check out the SA recommendation thread as many great SAs have been shared there and you can likely make an appointment in advance. You can go in with a trusted entity that is known for being helpful. That for me would set my mind at ease - going in kinda ready to go and without ambiguity of what they are like and when I’ll actually get in (due to possible lines or pandemic entrance limitations) would be good because you can know you won’t be hungry, have your hair tidied up in advance, etc.

Personally, I really love to dress fashionably or dress up (I live in sf so... honestly standards here are so low for fashion lol! Patagonia tech bros galore) and that has always given me not only a creative outlet but helps me feel secure for what the day may hold. Perhaps you can pick out an outfit in advance and just know you feel comfortable and confident. That way you can make sure you don’t have wrinkles or it doesn’t fit right, so less things to stress about! Also comfy shoes are a must.

If you are considering another smaller purchase to build history, I’d take a look at their beauty section because they have a virtual try on online. You can test out which lipsticks look good on you, or research a perfume or face cream you may like. I personally love Les beiges lip balms (any shade) and they’ve saved my lips this winter. Yes they are pricey but if you have the extra money for it, it can be practical and help you have a history in store.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you get the dream bag you desire!!! I think everyone else’s tips here are great and you got this. Congratulations on enjoying this wonder for yourself, these items are pricey but absolutely should last a lifetime, and I hope that when you gaze upon it, it reminds you of a memorable trip and a proud accomplishment to be able to get it.

Such good advice. I think the key for me will be going with an SA someone has already had experience with and recommends. I will look on the thread. I'm much better, in social situations, if as many things are known in advance. For example, I can go to parties and have a nice time, I'm just more comfortable if I know about at least a few days in advance about it and agree with whomever I am going with that we will leave a X time.

I live and work in DC in a very conservative, formal setting, well, pre-COVID...In my downtime I like to dress neatly but simply: slightly oversized shirt, slim trousers, flats, with pops of color via lipstick or nail polish. So maybe I can have the SA help me find some lipstick, nail polish, and maybe a bright little cardholder to start my purchase history!

I am already feeling better about my appointment, thank you all so so much! Looks like I'll be in NYC end of April so I have plenty of time to plan

 

[mzbaglady1]

Try early weekday mornings for the 57th street boutique.The store is empty and you basically have the whole store to yourself. Weekends there's a little more foot traffic. Bloomingdale's Chanel the employees are friendly and helpful. Good luck.

 

[glamourgirl40]

thanks so much for posting this! I'm feeling the same and did not realize how much of a process this is... glad I'm not alone on this. If anyone has any tips for socal newbies, please lmk

 

[Sparkle_Lux]

I know this may sound silly, but you’ll understand it if you have anxiety. What works for me when entering a high end luxury store is to literally pretend I am famous haha. I make it my mission to have the SA wonder “who is she?” Be an actress! It’s quite fun actually. In my head I have endless amounts of money to spend. I dress nice, and I walk in confidently (a clicking heel is great), head high, stand tall, smile, and greet them with a strong voice. Know what you are looking for, and be direct but friendly. Make good eye contact too. Don’t be over the top, but subtle. I know everyone says, “be yourself” but if you are a person with anxiety, being yourself might mean...sweaty palms, a shaky voice, saying sorry too many times, looking at the ground, fidgeting, and probably running out of there before anyone even helps you. Trust me, this technique works. And it’s also fun! I have a theatre and performing background so for me, I pick a character and go with it. I end up leaving with an adrenaline rush (and hopefully a bag), and usually I build a nice relationship with the SA. I hate to say this, but with the supply/demand thing happening at Chanel these days, you almost need to play the game right back to them. It’s worked well for me, and my fun persona has even helped build my own confidence and I use it whenever I’m in anxious environments (going to a party where you don’t know anyone, job interviews, or presenting/performing in front of a large crowd.). As someone who has battled anxiety my whole life, I promise that practicing this helps overcome anxiety in situations like this. Plus you get better and better at it as you practice. Good luck!

 

[A1aGypsy]

I worry that you might be building the experience up too much.

It’s a nice store with nice products but it is a purchase and sale. Nothing more. If you go in expecting that and have a better experience, that is great! But, I think a lot of people expect that they are going to go in and be dotted on and spend all kinds of time chatting and looking and then are disappointed when the experience is brisk. Sometimes you’ll luck out and get a SA who will give you the over the top experience but not always.