Hermes Cafe Bon Temps~Good Times Cafe

[eagle1002us]

Eagle, I tried this cape in solid black at Dior. It was really flattering because of the way the belt fit a the waist. It is a cashmere with no lining. It was very pretty. It would fit well over a blazer. That's always a plus. But I was afraid I would feel like I was wearing a costume. Plus it was rather expensive. I didn't want to take a risk on something that I might not wear. It wasn't super warm. I thought it was a fall not winter piece.

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Very cool design! thank you for posting. I like the idea of the belt at the waist and the arm slits.

 

[eagle1002us]

I think they are so comfortable, but I always hesitate. My mom had a cape that I used to borrow, but it's floor length so definitively too costume-like for me now. I think capes are excellent for when you're being driven around by someone else. Like so many things; high heels, fitted clothing etc! But I get frustrated because I don't see the practicality for daily life. As soon as you reach your arms out to drive the car then you're cold, and since the only handbag options are hand-carried, again you need to have your arm somewhat outside of the cape.
Another item that is so beautiful to my eyes but also so impractical are coats with 3/4 length sleeves. Jackets are a different story, but if it's cold enough that a coat or a cape seems like a good idea it's also cold enough that I want my arms to be covered all of the way. I know you can wear long gloves, but am I really the only person who ends up taking off my gloves all of the time to do things?

And am I the only person who removed her nice new brown 3/4 length leather gloves only to lose them somewhere in the dark Pentagon City parking lot -- while wearing a jacket with elbow length sleeves (which is a really stupid length. But I made the jacket just to see how I'd like it. I put a lot of work into it but finally decided it was a really dorky length, as in, who does that?)
3/4 sleeves I like in jackets but coats, I don't think so.
I appreciate your thoughts, nicole, as always.

 

[eagle1002us]

Eagle, I tried this cape in solid black at Dior. It was really flattering because of the way the belt fit a the waist. It is a cashmere with no lining. It was very pretty. It would fit well over a blazer. That's always a plus. But I was afraid I would feel like I was wearing a costume. Plus it was rather expensive. I didn't want to take a risk on something that I might not wear. It wasn't super warm. I thought it was a fall not winter piece.

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That hat and the length and checked fabric scream 60's to me. 60's had "jockey caps." The height of those look great on me.

 

[nicole0612]

Yes. It is scheduled to open in a few weeks. I seriously doubt I will ever set foot back in that store. They had no merchandise (somewhat understandable given renovations), but they were very difficult about bringing in merchandise. They won't pick up the phone and speak to another human being. They simply text you two word responses: sold out, not arrived. They told me there was only one spring bar jacket in my size in the country. I told them I was willing to pay for it right then and have it shipped. They didn't pick up the phone to call. They emailed. Of course it had sold by Monday. Never did they take the time to say, this bar jacket for fall is exactly the same except slightly shorter. It was just their texting nonsense. They finally let it slip that they are no longer allowed to transfer from the New York store. So I picked up the phone on Wednesday. A lovely SA from New York called me back, we had a very helpful conversation about the pieces that interested me and they will all arrive today FedEx.

Service at most stores in Boston stinks. Plain and simple. If they are going to bring in more exclusive brands or expand they had better get someone in here to train them on proper customer service. For now I'll head to New York. Sorry for the rant, but truthfully I don't get it. I will say that Chanel in Boston is the best.

That is so frustrating! The last thing we need is more supposed luxury stores where shopping is an unpleasant experience. I'm glad you found that you can order from New York directly.

 

[nicole0612]

I love the idea of a 3/4 sleeve coat with long gloves, it just looks so terrific. I imagine collecting gloves in various colors like magenta suede, and pumpkin, puce, and saffron, and wearing a different pair every day with maybe a matching silk scarf. Very Jackie Kennedy meets Genevieve Antoine-Dariaux. About the time I get my act together enough to actually dress like that every day, 3/4 sleeve coats will slide back into obscurity and I won't be able to find one. Let alone puce elbow-length kidskin gloves.

I agree it can look terrific! I just find that in cold weather I prefer long sleeves. Perhaps I need to find a better pair of gloves where I can do fine motor tasks without removing them...like getting a small item out of my purse

 

[nicole0612]

And am I the only person who removed her nice new brown 3/4 length leather gloves only to lose them somewhere in the dark Pentagon City parking lot -- while wearing a jacket with elbow length sleeves (which is a really stupid length. But I made the jacket just to see how I'd like it. I put a lot of work into it but finally decided it was a really dorky length, as in, who does that?)
3/4 sleeves I like in jackets but coats, I don't think so.
I appreciate your thoughts, nicole, as always.

Thank you Eagle
That is so sad to hear about your gloves, that's exactly the sort of thing I would do also. I actually heard a funny story from someone that she has many nice gloves, but only the left-handed glove... She ends up taking off the right-hand glove to do things and then neglects to pick it back up again!

 

[lulilu]

I love the idea of a 3/4 sleeve coat with long gloves, it just looks so terrific. I imagine collecting gloves in various colors like magenta suede, and pumpkin, puce, and saffron, and wearing a different pair every day with maybe a matching silk scarf. Very Jackie Kennedy meets Genevieve Antoine-Dariaux. About the time I get my act together enough to actually dress like that every day, 3/4 sleeve coats will slide back into obscurity and I won't be able to find one. Let alone puce elbow-length kidskin gloves.

I have several 3/4 sleeve coats (I am a coat freak) and love them. I do wear gloves with them if it's really cold. Some of them are spring coats.

 

[Mindi B]

lulilu, I resemble that remark.
Spring coats.
Ahhhhhh.

 

[EmileH]

That is so frustrating! The last thing we need is more supposed luxury stores where shopping is an unpleasant experience. I'm glad you found that you can order from New York directly.

Exactly. I'm kind of done with the stressful shopping experiences. I don't understand. Maybe because Boston is a medium sized city. The stores here just don't get the inventory and it's a constant chore of begging other stores for merchandise. But I also had that experience with maxmara when they told me that they had no experience in hemming a coat. [emoji15] I had to send it to New York. Maybe I'm just spoiled from shopping in Paris. It's so much more civilized. And I hear those two little words I have come to love "Oui Madame." So for now I'll take the train south rather than driving north.

 

[nicole0612]

Exactly. I'm kind of done with the stressful shopping experiences. I don't understand. Maybe because Boston is a medium sized city. The stores here just don't get the inventory and it's a constant chore of begging other stores for merchandise. But I also had that experience with maxmara when they told me that they had no experience in hemming a coat. [emoji15] I had to send it to New York. Maybe I'm just spoiled from shopping in Paris. It's so much more civilized. And I hear those two little words I have come to love "Oui Madame." So for now I'll take the train south rather than driving north.

Yes, it may be a medium sized city problem. Seattle is a great city in a lot of ways, but we have low stock also. The biggest problem is that we have so few boutiques, instead they are shops inside of department stores. This can be fine, but the big downside other than lower selection is for aftercare and tailoring options. Instead of having a boutique tailor who is an expert in the construction of the brand, the general department store tailor is sent in to do the tailoring and this is nerve wracking for me for special purchases I have been saving for where the tailor seems very haphazard and unconcerned about preserving the original look of the seams and look of the stitching. I have several potentially favorite items unworn in my closet because I am not comfortable with the department store tailor and yet the fit is not quite right as is. I honestly think the easiest solution is to take a few day trip to another city with some boutiques and have them tailored there instead.

 

[withtherow]

Yes. It is scheduled to open in a few weeks. I seriously doubt I will ever set foot back in that store. They had no merchandise (somewhat understandable given renovations), but they were very difficult about bringing in merchandise. They won't pick up the phone and speak to another human being. They simply text you two word responses: sold out, not arrived. They told me there was only one spring bar jacket in my size in the country. I told them I was willing to pay for it right then and have it shipped. They didn't pick up the phone to call. They emailed. Of course it had sold by Monday. Never did they take the time to say, this bar jacket for fall is exactly the same except slightly shorter. It was just their texting nonsense. They finally let it slip that they are no longer allowed to transfer from the New York store. So I picked up the phone on Wednesday. A lovely SA from New York called me back, we had a very helpful conversation about the pieces that interested me and they will all arrive today FedEx.

Service at most stores in Boston stinks. Plain and simple. If they are going to bring in more exclusive brands or expand they had better get someone in here to train them on proper customer service. For now I'll head to New York. Sorry for the rant, but truthfully I don't get it. I will say that Chanel in Boston is the best.

Thanks for the heads up! I haven't shopped at Dior, but Boston in general is not the friendliest and lacks a customer service driven culture. I will say I've had good experiences at Boston LV and with one specific SA at Hermes. I started with a terrible one but thankfully they're no longer employed there and I found a much better one. NM is a nightmare. And Barneys is mostly a nightmare except for one SA in the handbags section. Saks is pretty good but they have too many people working there so sometimes it's like they're pouncing on you. So I definitely see you point!

 

[EmileH]

Thanks for the heads up! I haven't shopped at Dior, but Boston in general is not the friendliest and lacks a customer service driven culture. I will say I've had good experiences at Boston LV and with one specific SA at Hermes. I started with a terrible one but thankfully they're no longer employed there and I found a much better one. NM is a nightmare. And Barneys is mostly a nightmare except for one SA in the handbags section. Saks is pretty good but they have too many people working there so sometimes it's like they're pouncing on you. So I definitely see you point!

I'm glad it's not just me. Yes, if you can find a good salesperson it definitely makes all the difference in the world. I love my Chanel Salesperson. The Cartier Salesperson is good. I am sure if she can get that bracelet sooner she will. Other than that I haven't had great experiences. I'm currently trying to switch Hermes salespeople, which is sort of like switching hairdressers at the same salon. Its tricky. I might have to switch to New York for Hermes as well.

Did you know that we are getting a van cleef? The banana republic on newbury is closing. They are going to make it into a multi story Cartier mini mansion. Van cleef is going into the current Cartier space.

But honestly people are so much nicer and more helpful in New York.

On a more general topic had anyone ever successfully or unsuccessfully tried to switch Hermes SAs at the same store?

 

[MSO13]

lulilu, I resemble that remark.
Spring coats.
Ahhhhhh.

I adore all sorts of spring/summer weight topper coats, 3/4 sleeve coats, cropped ponchos and I own the matching arm warmers and fingerless opera length gloves to go with them. I also like 3/4 sleeve coats with long sleeve tees underneath, I think it can be very modern looking.

Plus for jewelry fans, nothing shows off an arm party like 3/4 length!

 

[Sickgrl13]

I'm glad it's not just me. Yes, if you can find a good salesperson it definitely makes all the difference in the world. I love my Chanel Salesperson. The Cartier Salesperson is good. I am sure if she can get that bracelet sooner she will. Other than that I haven't had great experiences. I'm currently trying to switch Hermes salespeople, which is sort of like switching hairdressers at the same salon. Its tricky. I might have to switch to New York for Hermes as well.

Did you know that we are getting a van cleef? The banana republic on newbury is closing. They are going to make it into a multi story Cartier mini mansion. Van cleef is going into the current Cartier space.

But honestly people are so much nicer and more helpful in New York.

On a more general topic had anyone ever successfully or unsuccessfully tried to switch Hermes SAs at the same store?

PbP, I got a chuckle at your comment about friendlier and nicer people in NY. As a native NY/Jerseyite, I don't think anyone typically calls us nice! But thank you!

Regarding unhelpful/unfriendly SAs, with the exception of Berlin KaDeWe H, have you ever shopped at H in Germany? Brrrrrr.... now that is a chilly reception.

 

[nicole0612]

I'm glad it's not just me. Yes, if you can find a good salesperson it definitely makes all the difference in the world. I love my Chanel Salesperson. The Cartier Salesperson is good. I am sure if she can get that bracelet sooner she will. Other than that I haven't had great experiences. I'm currently trying to switch Hermes salespeople, which is sort of like switching hairdressers at the same salon. Its tricky. I might have to switch to New York for Hermes as well.

Did you know that we are getting a van cleef? The banana republic on newbury is closing. They are going to make it into a multi story Cartier mini mansion. Van cleef is going into the current Cartier space.

But honestly people are so much nicer and more helpful in New York.

On a more general topic had anyone ever successfully or unsuccessfully tried to switch Hermes SAs at the same store?

What an apt comparison, like switching hairdressers at the same salon!
I have switched SA at the same Hermes store. It is still quite awkward (but I think I am more easily embarrassed than some people), however I still prefer the shopping experience now to the previous one. It's been best when I go at low traffic times, then SA2 and I can camp out at an out of the way location and not be interrupted by meaningful glances from SA1.