Help Prioritize my Paris Shopping Plans

[ItsPurseonal]

I'm headed to Paris in about a month for a very special Mother's Day trip with my mom and grandma. I have an idea of some items on my wishlist, but wanted to solicit input (and mostly just ask for someone to talk some sense into me with regards to spending priorities )

For context, I anticipate some major expenses over the next year (new house, new car), so I want to be really thoughtful about my spending leading up to those events, but I also want at least 1 special souvenir from Paris since it's unlikely I'll visit again any time soon.

I have an existing "fun" (i.e. bags and jewelry) wishlist - in priority order:

1. A pair of diamond stud earrings (~3 ctw) - will not purchase in Paris (ideally will purchase from Whiteflash, but these will likely cost upwards of 20k)
2. A pair of diamond hoop earrings (~4 ctw) - will not purchase in Paris (this is definitely a 2024 purchase)
3. Custom Peter Nitz Dream bag - will not purchase in Paris
4. A new work tote
5. A "spring color" (e.g. banana, coral) mini bag (would really love another Chanel WOC - I use mine tons)
6. Versatile watch (I was surprised how much I loved the 2-tone Cartier Santos when I tried it on last month) to wear to work and for day to night
7. A royal blue mini bag
8. A heritage leather (box or barenia) B30

So, I'd only even consider buying a few of these items in Paris (#4-8). I already know I want to get a new spring shawl from Hermes, so I will come home with at least 1 special souvenir even if I buy none of these things.

Purchasing a new bag or a watch would mean I put off my jewelry purchases and/or sell some bags and jewelry that are not being used. I think I will likely sell a couple bags and jewelry items this year or next regardless of whether I make any purchases in Paris (just for peace of mind to move on items I haven't been using), but I'd really not like to be in a position where I feel like I need to sell a bag to make up for major expenses in Paris.

So, if you were me, what would you prioritize? Would you just get the shawl and put an extra $20k towards house/car (the most "responsible" choice)? Just get the shawl and save for jewelry? Or would you get a bag or watch in Paris and postpone the jewelry?

(Note: I'll definitely be entering the Hermes lottery, but as I understand it, chances of getting an appointment and a bag offer are very slim. That said, I would definitely be willing to sell some items for a special bag/experience like that)

If anyone can find me a money tree, I would also be open to that.

 

[Love Of My Life]

I'd consider selling several of the items that you are not using or enjoying.
Having that extra cash can make you feel a little indulgent especially being in Paris
It's challenging to put those blinders on when one is in temptation city with your wish list
I likely would buy the shawl because it is a timeless investment in a wardrobe & there are
so many beautiful shops in Paris especially for accessories
Buying a house/car versus jewelry.. it seems like a no brainer to me

 

[jellyv]

This really can't be both a budgeting poll and a what to buy poll, can it? Could you just stick with what you might get in Paris as per the title?
My suggestion: Why not get the specific thing or things that make your heart sing and not be driven by its category? They will always be happy mementoes of this trip. There's no right or wrong about fun (nonessential) purchases.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

This really can't be both a budgeting poll and a what to buy poll, can it? Could you just stick with what you might get in Paris as per the title?
My suggestion: Why not get the specific thing or things that make your heart sing and not be driven by its category? They will always be happy mementoes of this trip. There's no right or wrong about fun (nonessential) purchases

I guess I can’t really separate the budgeting and what to buy since they go hand in hand for me. Everyone has to answer what’s “worth” buying given the amount they have available to spend.

I suppose I could have phrased it differently - given a finite amount of disposable fun money, is it worth a splurge in Paris on something further down my wishlist simply because “I got it in Paris,” or should I get a smaller memento in Paris while saving for other priorities? (And really, the logical side of my brain says that I should postpone any additional fun purchases for awhile since I don’t have millions in cash to buy a house).

I am not a very sentimental shopper and feel like I am influenced by others on TPF who really value the in store experience and the special memories it creates.

I think the thread title captures my sentiment, and my first paragraph above I think is really why I was writing this - for someone to talk some sense into me that it’s not necessary to make a big wishlist purchase in Paris to hold special memories of the trip.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

I'd consider selling several of the items that you are not using or enjoying.
Having that extra cash can make you feel a little indulgent especially being in Paris
It's challenging to put those blinders on when one is in temptation city with your wish list
I likely would buy the shawl because it is a timeless investment in a wardrobe & there are
so many beautiful shops in Paris especially for accessories
Buying a house/car versus jewelry.. it seems like a no brainer to me

Yes, no brainer…you are totally right and I think the logical side of my brain forced me to write this down just so someone could talk some sense into me. It’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of a trip, and I feel like I’m influenced by posts on TPF buying special wishlist items when traveling.

I also just sold 2 bags (that I had never worn! Yikes!) for the first time in years. I think I was feeling preemptive guilt about big upcoming purchases, and I agree that having a little extra cash can create some peace of mind when it comes to fun purchases. Thanks for your response!

 

[cncm]

I would only buy something in Paris if it's an item you would've purchased regardless, and doing so in Paris saves you $$$$. I wouldn't buy something "just as a souvenir" or "for the experience of buying it in Paris". But again, I'm not very sentimental and I always think the in-store experience is overrated.

Moreover, if you have major expenses coming up (house/car), I would focus on that first. Even if you can afford both, would you feel stress/guilt dropping a lot of money on a shopping spree with those expenses hanging over you? I know I would and that would just ruin the enjoyment of those items for me.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Even if you can afford both, would you feel stress/guilt dropping a lot of money on a shopping spree with those expenses hanging over you? I know I would and that would just ruin the enjoyment of those items for me.

Yes, you make a really great point- any big Paris purchases would be stressful and guilt ridden. I think I really was just getting too caught up in the hype of buying something “sentimental” to remember a special trip. Thank you for your response!

 

[Alienza]

Is this a shopping trip or sightseeing trip? If it is a shopping trip then bring as much money as you can . If this is a sightseeing trip, i would say stick with the scarf and have a little bit extra to buy something unique you see during sightseeing.
Don’t feel pressured that you have to buy luxury stuff when you are in Paris. I have been to Paris 3 times and never entered any luxury shops haha . Mostly because I was too lazy to queue but also because those boutiques exist in my home country. Why did I go all the way to Paris only to buy something that I can buy at home?
maybe you already knew this, but if you dont know yet, there is an LV art museum in Paris called Fondation Louis Vuitton. This could be place to shop for a unique ‘luxury’. I have been there and the building is an art itself. its close to Jardin d’Acclimatation (hope I spelled it correctly) which is quite pretty. I bought a bag in the museum shop but the label Fondation Louis Vuitton wore off within a few months . I should have bought a different thing..

 

[Love Of My Life]

Yes, no brainer…you are totally right and I think the logical side of my brain forced me to write this down just so someone could talk some sense into me. It’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of a trip, and I feel like I’m influenced by posts on TPF buying special wishlist items when traveling.

I also just sold 2 bags (that I had never worn! Yikes!) for the first time in years. I think I was feeling preemptive guilt about big upcoming purchases, and I agree that having a little extra cash can create some peace of mind when it comes to fun purchases. Thanks for your response!

There certainly is a lot of "influencing as well as temptation " that goes on here much to our chagrin
as well as to our shared joys of buying. With that being said, Paris is an extraordinary place
not only to visit as there are many boutiques that don't have the same styles we see here in our
country & temptation is almost at every corner.
There are also some very outstanding restaurants that the experience can be more gratifying
than just buying for the sake of buying because you are in Paris. Experiences that include
are families are always great to reflect upon..
Have fun.. explore & easier said than done, you likely will find something special that you weren't
expecting to be on your wish list & good for you that you sold 2 bags.. that should be speaking
to your inner sensibility!!

 

[GraffS]

I say watch or jewelry. You’ll get 12% tax discount and they always increase in price. If you don’t buy it now you’ll definitely pay more later.

 

[ItsPurseonal]

Is this a shopping trip or sightseeing trip? If it is a shopping trip then bring as much money as you can . If this is a sightseeing trip, i would say stick with the scarf and have a little bit extra to buy something unique you see during sightseeing.
Don’t feel pressured that you have to buy luxury stuff when you are in Paris. I have been to Paris 3 times and never entered any luxury shops haha . Mostly because I was too lazy to queue but also because those boutiques exist in my home country. Why did I go all the way to Paris only to buy something that I can buy at home?
maybe you already knew this, but if you dont know yet, there is an LV art museum in Paris called Fondation Louis Vuitton. This could be place to shop for a unique ‘luxury’. I have been there and the building is an art itself. it’s close to Jardin d’Acclimatation (hope I spelled it correctly) which is quite pretty. I bought a bag in the museum shop but the label Fondation Louis Vuitton wore off within a few months . I should have bought a different thing..

Good point, it’s definitely a sightseeing/culture trip. I’ll have to check out the LV museum while I’m there, even if just to browse. Thank you!

 

[ItsPurseonal]

I say watch or jewelry. You’ll get 12% tax discount and they always increase in price. If you don’t buy it now you’ll definitely pay more later.

That is definitely true. The watch hasn’t been on my wishlist very long, so I want to make sure I feel really confident about exactly what I want before buying. I will definitely do some “research” in Paris, regardless

 

[880]

I would only buy something in Paris if it's an item you would've purchased regardless, and doing so in Paris saves you $$$$. I wouldn't buy something "just as a souvenir" or "for the experience of buying it in Paris". But again, I'm not very sentimental and I always think the in-store experience is overrated.

Moreover, if you have major expenses coming up (house/car), I would focus on that first. Even if you can afford both, would you feel stress/guilt dropping a lot of money on a shopping spree with those expenses hanging over you? I know I would and that would just ruin the enjoyment of those items for me.

Agree 100% with this! house and car and essentials come first. my favorite mementos of Paris are photos I take
have a wonderful time! Also agree with @Alienza re LV foundation. The current Warhol Basquiat exhibit is fun.

 

[papertiger]

Maybe, get something you can't get anywhere else for example, a Joseph Duclos bag (which could be mini and blue) or an exclusive from another brand. I would much prefer this than an H, and you can just go to the store and try without all that needless and warrantless pressure. Same with Chanel.


Why not just organise a day shopping in Paris, going to your favourite store? Browse, have fun without having to secure that 'thing' on your list. When you've seen what (exclusives) Paris has to offer, you can make up your mind and may want to go back if you have time.

 

[methvespertine]

Personnaly, I would try to respect the budget I wanted to put in my purchase and what I feel I can afford without feelind bad. If you think you can have any regrets by purchasing too much, just don't and think about your future house and car. Just as you said, you don't want to feel pressured to sell something. Hold on to that thought.

When I go to a different country, especially one where there's options I can't have in my hometown, I go for that first. I try to make the perfect choice between what's the hardest to get and what I would wear the most so I don't have any regrets. Even if I know how some items are a goal in my mind, if I won't wear those that often, I just pass. If what I purchased seems usefull in a daily basis, I know it won't feel like a bad choice in the end.

If I can make any more advice, even if you don't have any Hermès appointment, try to get one on the boutique after purchasing your shalw by asking nicely if there's someone free to show you bags. I love the Sèvre boutique, SA are just nicer there than in any other places in Hermès Paris. I always went without leather appointment and they still made it work.