Hermes Cafe Bon Temps~Good Times Cafe

[Genie27]

I have vachetta trim on a keepall - did something upthread mention some kind of baum/balm to protect it from water stains?

I'm such a heathen, I've used it as is, and have water spots. Not the end of the world to me, but it is nicer to not have them.

 

[dharma]

I've wondered about this, too! But I only have barenia watch bands, so haven't concerned myself with it too much. I would love a barenia bag at some point though, as I love its casually elegant feel. Some of you likely remember the original Coach leather of the 70s and 80s? I remember it being very similar to barenia, as it was a gorgeous, thick, oiled leather, and it slowly developed a similar patina. I didn't wear my Coach bag from that era in the soaking rain, but didn't really baby it either. I never treated it with anything, and it aged beautifully. I do think oiled leather is inherently somewhat protected. ETA Haven't heard much about the new grained barenia faubourg, also wondering why it would behave differently than regular barenia.

For those interested, I'm posting a link here to hermesgroupie's excellent reference thread on the various types of leather. She notes that rain drops evaporate on barenia, leaving it unharmed.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/reference-hermes-groupie-s-leather-book.49095/

Yes, I remember Coach in that era, they were gorgeous. My sister worked for them at the time and we had a lot classic pieces in the family. How I wish I still had them for DD.
I miss Hermesgroupie too! Those were the days! It was all so new in here and so much fun to learn. I hope she's out there collecting still

 

[dharma]

Love all the travel talk! I have a very hard time with long flights, and I don't sleep well on planes, so I sympathize! Would dividing the trip be possible...maybe a layover of several days somewhere interesting along the way?

I did think of that, a pit stop in Hawaii maybe. But it just seems better to get it over with. Maybe I just need the right drugs

 

[Genie27]

Xiang, I passed on them even though they were super comfy because I already have 12 pairs of very similar sandals. I'm trying to use up what I have before buying more.

Also, should probably stop buying M Missoni knit dresses and cardigans, but I keep finding my size and style to suit. They are so easy to wash and wear, just a bit fragile, so I'm not sure how long they will last. Since they make it almost effortless to get dressed in the morning and still look pulled together, I think it's worth it.

 

[dharma]

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!

Thank you! It's good for you to be a commercial for Japan because I really have no clue what I'd be getting myself into and I want to make an informed decision. Is three weeks enough land time to see all three cities? I think I need to pick up a few travel guides and plan on a few guided tours. I dislike tour groups for entire trips but some guidance would be a stress reliever.

 

[dharma]

Xiang, I passed on them even though they were super comfy because I already have 12 pairs of very similar sandals. I'm trying to use up what I have before buying more.

Also, should probably stop buying M Missoni knit dresses and cardigans, but I keep finding my size and style to suit. They are so easy to wash and wear, just a bit fragile, so I'm not sure how long they will last. Since they make it almost effortless to get dressed in the morning and still look pulled together, I think it's worth it.

Missoni knits are great, I could easily see you in that look. I have found them to be quite hardy, but I've never washed them. Do you do it in the machine?

 

[EmileH]

Oh yes coach leather. It was fabulous. It's an absolute tragedy that happened to that company. I saw someone with a vintage bag in natural leather recently. She bought it for $10 in a thrift store. It was still beautiful.

Genie it's smart to not buy more of the same. Tastes change over time so you want your style to evolve and you might tire of these things over time.

My little experiment of moving 30% of my wardrobe to my guest room closet is working well. I'm not missing any of those things and I think I'm dressing better by concentrating on using my best pieces.

For anyone who is interested, I noticed that the Alexander McQueen leather jacket that I bought in Paris is on clearance on their website for a very good price. Only a few sizes are left. I can't wait for fall to wear it again.

My Dior alterations arrive this week. So excited to see how they turned out.

 

[Genie27]

I put them in a garment bag (laundress ones are fantastic) and in the machine on delicate. Then on a drying rack, never in the machine. I have cotton blends for summer and a couple of wool blends for cold weather. But these are the bridge line, not the main $$$ line.

 

[Mindi B]

Thanks again to those who've chimed in on Barenia/VN. The outlier in my limited research is the single SA who is quoted as saying Barenia (Faubourg) can't get wet. I suppose it's possible that this new Barenia has different properties than the old, but it's also very likely (unfortunately) that the SA didn't know what he/she was talking about. Wouldn't be the first time.
So, I think Barenia is okay with water; VN and other "naked" un-oiled leathers are not. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

 

[EmileH]

I put them in a garment bag (laundress ones are fantastic) and in the machine on delicate. Then on a drying rack, never in the machine. I have cotton blends for summer and a couple of wool blends for cold weather.

Interesting. I'll have to try this. I have a few of their lightweight cardigans. They are very useful.

 

[Genie27]

Here is most of my active closet. I have forgotten to enter some - this is about 80% and I also have a rehome/alter/donate section. Interesting that I have so many outerwear (some have not yet been entered) - I included cardigans there because that is how I wear them when it's not jacket/coat weather. My sub categories seem to be very evenly broken down - summer/winter/evening, etc.

 

[EmileH]

Here is most of my active closet. I have forgotten to enter some - this is about 80% and I also have a rehome/alter/donate section. Interesting that I have so many outerwear (some have not yet been entered) - I included cardigans there because that is how I wear them when it's not jacket/coat weather. My sub categories seem to be very evenly broken down - summer/winter/evening, etc.

Wow! You are really organized. Very impressive. The best that I managed to do with an app is to take photos of my outfits on most days. Some days I forget especially on a casual day. I'm too lazy to even type in the details. But at least I can look back at them to decide what works and what doesn't.

 

[prepster]

Love all the travel talk! I have a very hard time with long flights, and I don't sleep well on planes, so I sympathize! Would dividing the trip be possible...maybe a layover of several days somewhere interesting along the way?

Leaving from LA shortens it to a little over 11 hours to Tokyo as I recall, or 8 from Hawaii. I will never fly to Asia again directly. I guess I'm getting older (probably not wiser) definitely crabbier, but thankfully somewhat richer than in my youth so I could not force myself onto a plane again for 18-24 hours. I am now a layover queen.

I did think of that, a pit stop in Hawaii maybe. But it just seems better to get it over with. Maybe I just need the right drugs

I would have to be unconscious. And do not even think about doing it in Coach. Even in Business/First at hour 10 you will be ready to climb the walls, and then you'll realize you still have another 8 hours to go...I can't even imagine Coach. Nonononononononooooooo........ (Okay, yes, I am a total wimp.)

 

[Genie27]

I use Stylebook and Cloth. Cloth is useful when changing seasons and forgetting what went together with what. SB is great for putting things together as well, but more importantly when I'm at the store agonizing over pretty glittery shoes, I can look in my "event" shoe category to remind myself of the 5 pairs I already have.

I spent a couple of hours upfront on SB and now I only update when I buy something new. I also didn't bother with out of season items when I started so all my summer stuff is only entered when I wear it.

Then I usually create/save my look in the elevator on my way to work.

 

[EmileH]

The most useful part seems to be having the gallery of what you already have to prevent repetitive purchases. I do that with my bags scarves and jackets and I have found it very helpful. I should do it with shoes as well!