Hermes Cafe Bon Temps~Good Times Cafe

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I realize this isn't exactly the right thread for this question, but I have no doubt that someone (or many someones) will have a definitive answer, and Doc Ride's fabulous leather thread is so humongous at the moment that I despair of finding what I want. I always thought (being the dull blade that I am) that Barenia doesn't like rain and will end up with permanent water spots if it gets wet. Then I learned (I think) that as a well-oiled leather, Barenia is okay with water; it's Vache Naturel that will water spot. THEN, someone posting about the new grained Barenia Faubourg said her SA had warned her to avoid water at all costs. So, for once and for all, what is the deal with Barenia and water?!?! Bueller?
My Barenia Christine has been soaked by rain and it dried out quickly all by itself. What you should *not* do is take it to the nail salon because something dripped on mine and I am still working on getting out those spots.
 
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Go in less frequently but still go in. Just so they know that you are still interested. Even if you don't see anything that you want to buy. And be honest with your SA about what you want and your timing. Although timing is tough with Hermes. If they have what you want you should take it whenever it appears.

My SA at FSH did tell me that etain is slowly being rested so I can't think of a more reliable source than that. There are a lot of new etain bags coming out right now so I think he means soon. Maybe for the fall or next spring. So definitely get your etain Kelly when it's offered. You are good to wait and turn down other things in the meantime.

I'm in the same boat. I like too many pretty thing and they all seem to be limited production and coming at the same time. Im prioritizing the things that are most important to me and not stressing about the other things. If they sell out, I'll live without them. I decided that Chanel was lower priority for me this season especially since most of the pieces aren't a good fit for me.

Thank you for the insight! I'm also glad none of the pieces at Chanel or even bags are really speaking to me so I can start saving up. My husband told me I should wait until the end of the year and didn't really understand the concept that if the call comes in for the right bag, I have to take it or I might never get it again. Sounds like this is definitely the case do etain!
 
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I passed on the boots as they have fabric/grosgrain heel and toecap. They were about 1700 cad after taxes so, not cheap. I really liked how narrow they were at the ankle and they were very comfortable to wear.

If I had the budget I would buy them - they'd be very cute with skirts and shorts.

I also tried on a sweater dress, the pink jacket and the caban, but none were amazing on me. The green Velcro jacket was sold at full price so no temptation there. But the 42 was perfect for me so I will look at resale later.

I saw some Valentino and StLaurent pumps with ankle strap in a 40mm heel - neither had my exact size, but I can order them in. One would be final sale so I will wait for the returnable pair to arrive before taking that risk.
 
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I also tried on these shoes and sandals, but they were easy to turn down due to the fabric bow detail/practicality. And here is the jacket and dress. Neither were most glamorous or flattering on me. The dress was nice but very warm in cashmere
 

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Genie, it's very good that you are being selective. Everything looks good on you but I don't know that any of these pieces is worthy of a place in your wardrobe.

I came to the same conclusion about the boots. For the price I would want to get a lot of wear from them and I don't see that happening. I feel like they are a bit over the top with one of my Chanel jackets. I try to keep it to one statement piece. I might wear them with very simple outfits but not often enough to make them worth my while.I'm still looking for a pretty and versatile high heeled bootie. I'll report back if I find something.

Glad your vacation was so nice and that you found a few lovely souvenirs.
 
Yes, it's hard to say no when it looks nice and fits. But the stylebook app helps, and while I do sometimes wish I had bought certain items, it's been ok to pass as well.

My closet and shoe cabinets are overflowing so I only really need the spring shoe. Even though the Choo sandals are now on super markdown.

The Kelly belt was an impulse buy, and I did worry that I didn't really need it. I do have many dresses that it would match but I haven't worn one yet.

I also took my 2013 jacket to the C store to be altered. They will take in the centre back seam and the sleeves. In a month I will post after-pics. Luckily the SA I've been working with is absolutely not pushy about me buying full price or even on sale just because. I didn't try on any of the cosmopolite pieces as they are lovely but not for my lifestyle or shape. Back to the resale sites for me.
 
My 2 cents on barenia/vache natural.
On a new to me toile/barenia kelly which I had balmed, it was caught in a sudden shower in Paris and was absolutely soaking :wtf:. It dried beautifully and no signs of water damage.
On new barenia which I have not treated, I haven't dared take it out in inclement weather and the only thing I've noticed is oils rising to the surface - the leather looks a bit hazy. I had taken the bag to get looked at and the craftpeople did polish it away but it has returned. I was told to use it more. :blush: On another barenia, I had a soup droplet from pho (!) on it (again in Paris - need to not take bags there!) and there was a mark but it too has dried pretty well (with tissues) and the mark is very minimal.
I saw a vache natural bag in a reseller store and it was very spotty :crybaby:It was rather sad so when I was offered a bag in it, I said no.

I agree, I would avoid VN unless you really want that look. I briefly had a VN Kelly and my experience was that it seems to spot easily and it does not blend in nearly as well as Barenia does.
 
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It's a nice colour, but the actual fit was sloppy - it's a better cut for a less rounded shape than mine. Like the Caban, it was wide at the shoulder, loose on the sleeves and tight on the torso. It actually looks much better in the photo than IRL.

I wish I'd taken a pic of the 2013 after the fitter had pinned it.
 
It's a nice colour, but the actual fit was sloppy - it's a better cut for a less rounded shape than mine. Like the Caban, it was wide at the shoulder, loose on the sleeves and tight on the torso. It actually looks much better in the photo than IRL.

I wish I'd taken a pic of the 2013 after the fitter had pinned it.

Can't wait to see how it turns out!
This is a good example of customer service at the boutique. They don't care where you bought it, they will take care of you.
 
@Genie27 @Cordeliere and @allanrvj , thank you for the travel opinions! I agree with all of you, I guess that's the problem. Europe seems easier mentally. I can handle any language barriers, the food, the culture, and know what cities and museums we would like, plus an 8 hr flight is not so bad. You have great suggestions for Portugal and Spain.
But Japan is sooo different. I've only been to Asia once, Bali and Jakarta, and it was amazing. It's so completely different, the smells, the air, the alphabet, lol.....it's an exciting idea to do this with her. I would be fine not visiting but since we have the chance to do this together I feel like we should try. Her list includes a lot; Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt Fuji, onsen, owl cafe, temples, all stuff we would never see anywhere else. It sounds fantastic but I wonder if it's a trip she should take with friends one day. Cordie, 18 hrs in a plane is my idea of hell, that's why I mention it. 10 additional hours of anxiety :lol: even if it's business or first I worry that I would not sleep.
I agree that Japan is completely different from European countries (I've only been to France and UK) but even with the language barrier, it is not so difficult to get around and find your way. Especially the big cities Tokyo and Osaka where the signs would almosy always have english translation. It's a very tourist-oriented place. Tokyo even has free wifi for tourists :)
Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto have very different vibes so if you have time try to visit them. They also have regional specialties so when you've tasted sushi or ramen in one city, most certainly it's going to be different in another. The people are also verh friendly, even if they can't understand you, they will try to help you with your directions if you get lost. Good luck deciding! I'm sorry if I sound like a commercial for Japan. I just love them because everything is so clean and orderly!
 
Just quickly checking in!
@Mindi B , my distance memory tells me water spot on barenia leather will disappear when it dries. But I could be wrong.
@momasaurus hope you are having a great time in Axi! I am very jealous!
@Genie27 I like those sandals you tried, did you get any? The boots are a "no" for me too due to limited usage.

Anybody still watching Wimbledon? Remember I tried a few concierge services to see what tickets they have avalaibe? Well Amex Centurion has come back quoting final hospitality tickets at £4750 each! Giving the face value is £190 + £25 ground admission, that's a bit much! So my diligent SO asked to see if they have any earlier tickets at cheaper prices. This time it was so much better, not! They came back with Friday tickets at £3750 each! Hahaha! After paying £2200 fee per year, this is what you get from them! LOL! So to borrow my dear friend's words, I'd rather watching it on TV at home, drinking champagne and stroking my Birkins! Got to love it! I still remember their "offer" of an luxury RV trip to Glastonbury for £12,000 a few years ago. We obviously didn't take up the offer because how come Chanel wellington boots were not included in the price! :biggrin:

Went to an exhibition/fair with a dear friend (who was invited by VCA) and saw a lot of things I couldn't afford! Tried an antique 3ct centre stone diamond ring with some special spec and it was a mere £192,000! :rolleyes::rolleyes: but the highlight of the evening was we got to walk in the ground like this. It was a very warm day and fresh evening. So all good!
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