Paris trip for Hermes

[papertiger]

Please try to stay on topic. I realise because of the complexity of some of the posts members may veer off but in answer do not 'go there'.

For info and questions on US customs please post on the thread below: post https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/us-customs-discussion-airports-importing.905560/

Detaxing (to US from Europe) https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/best-way-to-detax-after-h-in-europe.178302/

or non-US destinations: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/does-h-store-paris-wants-to-ship.605014/page-3

For questions relating to prices https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/reference-hermes-current-prices.102567/page-357

For traveling with boxes https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...me-hermes-boxes-when-traveling.1044553/page-5



I will leave this reminder as a sticky because tthis is often a thread that new members (or new Hermès lovers) post on - hopefully temporarily.

 

[sf_newyorker]

Here she is, introducing my birthday present fresh from FSH: my Gold Birkin in Veau Jonathan leather with PHW all dressed up with twillies
View attachment 4386316

Sublime - and those matching twillies.

 

[BagsofOC]

It's sorry pretty. Congrats on your bag.

 

[sarahfl]

Here she is, introducing my birthday present fresh from FSH: my Gold Birkin in Veau Jonathan leather with PHW all dressed up with twillies
View attachment 4386316

OMG, I am in love with this leather. Does it get scratched as easily as box/swift?

 

[frankiextah]

Guys I’m home!

*** WARNING - LONG POSTS ***
Also there are 3 PARTS to this story!!!

BEFORE THE TRIP

My trip to Paris was planned for Monday - Thursday which technically gave me 4 tries with my passport. However I applied 5 times in total in attempt to get my first rejection “out of the way”. I thought to take a risk as reading the forum for quite some time most first attempts are rejected.

My first rejection came on Friday for the Saturday “dummy” appt, which I sort of expected. On Saturday I applied for the 2nd time, I was quite hopeful to receive a slot on Monday after I land but was sadly rejected again.

DAY 1

My flight landed in Paris at approx 11:30am on Monday morning, I jumped online immediately for my 3rd attempt. Side note: my European friend from Rotterdam planned to hang out with me in Paris on Tuesday so she applied online also on Monday morning at approx 10:35am. She had been unsuccessful the past few attempts in Paris and wanted to try her luck again. Like me, she also tried to get her “first rejection” out of the way the day before, like me she was also rejected the first try.

I checked into my hotel and changed into a new outfit - a beige fisherman cable sweater, white skinny jeans, Celine khaki trench jacket, H Eperon d’or bandana cashmere scarf, and mini Roulis in black with permabrass.

I headed to FSH at around 2:30pm, the store was surprising quiet. I went straight up to the fine jewelry dept in hopes to find 2 choker necklaces I saw online and loved. I was greeted immediately with a sweet and kind SA who assisted with looking on her iPhone for inventory. It turned out that one of the chokers - the Kelly Chaine choker in yellow gold, is only available to be made-to-order in Europe (it is available on the US website currently for $6550 plus tax vs 5000 euros before detax).

She showed me the longer version to try on before making a final decision, as I would need to put down 50% deposit with a 6 month production wait time. It was love at first sight and I agreed to place an order and added 4 small diamonds one on each corner of the Kelly plate which brings the total to be 5500 euros (500 more than no diamonds).

As for the other choker - the Chaine d’ancre, it was also not in stock but she would transfer the piece to FSH. She gave me her name card with her direct email to keep in touch on the delivery.

She then asked if there was anything else she could help me with, and I asked if she could help me with non jewelry items, she said yes - so I told her I was rejected from the leather appt twice and would love to see if there is an opening for the day. She said yes there should be a chance and asked what was on my wishlist (k25, k28, b25 in black or neutral). She offered me with a much needed shot of espresso and off she went.

She returned after 10 minutes, told me that she actually went ahead to check on real time inventory prior to putting me in the Appt system as she wanted to make sure the appt was worth my while, and I was so thankful for that. She mentioned once a client is placed on the confirmed appt list is unlikely to receive another approval repeatedly over the next few days. She said due to the Saturday protest there had been no delivery since Friday, with Monday morning the roads were still partially barricaded and closed off. She said instead of wasting an Appt today let’s wait to see if I am successful in getting a slot for Tuesday. If not, she would gladly help me no matter what when I return to see her on Wednesday for the other choker. The key is to keep signing up online. During this time we made small chats where she giddily talked about her toddler son and her French bulldog. She also complimented my Roulis and how it paired well with my bandana scarf.

She then took me to the home dept where another SA took me on to help with 2 mini plates (for jewelry) and a neoprene pouch I had on my wishlist. The overall experience was very pleasant, and I left the store feeling hopeful that afternoon.


Evening came around and I was very very sadly rejected for the 3rd time. I was feeling so frustrated. My friend received a confirmation for 6:20pm - the last Appt of the day. I sent a quick email to my jewelry SA informing her of yet another rejection.

To be continued...

 

[Lady_S]

Guys I’m home!

*** WARNING - LONG POSTS ***
Also there are 3 PARTS to this story!!!

BEFORE THE TRIP

My trip to Paris was planned for Monday - Thursday which technically gave me 4 tries with my passport. However I applied 5 times in total in attempt to get my first rejection “out of the way”. I thought to take a risk as reading the forum for quite some time most first attempts are rejected.

My first rejection came on Friday for the Saturday “dummy” appt, which I sort of expected. On Saturday I applied for the 2nd time, I was quite hopeful to receive a slot on Monday after I land but was sadly rejected again.

DAY 1

My flight landed in Paris at approx 11:30am on Monday morning, I jumped online immediately for my 3rd attempt. Side note: my European friend from Rotterdam planned to hang out with me in Paris on Tuesday so she applied online also on Monday morning at approx 10:35am. She had been unsuccessful the past few attempts in Paris and wanted to try her luck again. Like me, she also tried to get her “first rejection” out of the way the day before, like me she was also rejected the first try.

I checked into my hotel and changed into a new outfit - a beige fisherman cable sweater, white skinny jeans, Celine khaki trench jacket, H Eperon d’or bandana cashmere scarf, and mini Roulis in black with permabrass.

I headed to FSH at around 2:30pm, the store was surprising quiet. I went straight up to the fine jewelry dept in hopes to find 2 choker necklaces I saw online and loved. I was greeted immediately with a sweet and kind SA who assisted with looking on her iPhone for inventory. It turned out that one of the chokers - the Kelly Chaine choker in yellow gold, is only available to be made-to-order in Europe (it is available on the US website currently for $6550 plus tax vs 5000 euros before detax).
View attachment 4387540
She showed me the longer version to try on before making a final decision, as I would need to put down 50% deposit with a 6 month production wait time. It was love at first sight and I agreed to place an order and added 4 small diamonds one on each corner of the Kelly plate which brings the total to be 5500 euros (500 more than no diamonds).

As for the other choker - the Chaine d’ancre, it was also not in stock but she would transfer the piece to FSH. She gave me her name card with her direct email to keep in touch on the delivery.
View attachment 4387545
She then asked if there was anything else she could help me with, and I asked if she could help me with non jewelry items, she said yes - so I told her I was rejected from the leather appt twice and would love to see if there is an opening for the day. She said yes there should be a chance and asked what was on my wishlist (k25, k28, b25 in black or neutral). She offered me with a much needed shot of espresso and off she went.

She returned after 10 minutes, told me that she actually went ahead to check on real time inventory prior to putting me in the Appt system as she wanted to make sure the appt was worth my while, and I was so thankful for that. She mentioned once a client is placed on the confirmed appt list is unlikely to receive another approval repeatedly over the next few days. She said due to the Saturday protest there had been no delivery since Friday, with Monday morning the roads were still partially barricaded and closed off. She said instead of wasting an Appt today let’s wait to see if I am successful in getting a slot for Tuesday. If not, she would gladly help me no matter what when I return to see her on Wednesday for the other choker. The key is to keep signing up online. During this time we made small chats where she giddily talked about her toddler son and her French bulldog. She also complimented my Roulis and how it paired well with my bandana scarf.

She then took me to the home dept where another SA took me on to help with 2 mini plates (for jewelry) and a neoprene pouch I had on my wishlist. The overall experience was very pleasant, and I left the store feeling hopeful that afternoon.
View attachment 4387550 View attachment 4387549
View attachment 4387555
Evening came around and I was very very sadly rejected for the 3rd time. I was feeling so frustrated. My friend received a confirmation for 6:20pm - the last Appt of the day. I sent a quick email to my jewelry SA informing her of yet another rejection.

To be continued...

Can't wait for the story telling to continue!!!

 

[tbbbjb]

Guys I’m home!

*** WARNING - LONG POSTS ***
Also there are 3 PARTS to this story!!!

BEFORE THE TRIP

My trip to Paris was planned for Monday - Thursday which technically gave me 4 tries with my passport. However I applied 5 times in total in attempt to get my first rejection “out of the way”. I thought to take a risk as reading the forum for quite some time most first attempts are rejected.

My first rejection came on Friday for the Saturday “dummy” appt, which I sort of expected. On Saturday I applied for the 2nd time, I was quite hopeful to receive a slot on Monday after I land but was sadly rejected again.

DAY 1

My flight landed in Paris at approx 11:30am on Monday morning, I jumped online immediately for my 3rd attempt. Side note: my European friend from Rotterdam planned to hang out with me in Paris on Tuesday so she applied online also on Monday morning at approx 10:35am. She had been unsuccessful the past few attempts in Paris and wanted to try her luck again. Like me, she also tried to get her “first rejection” out of the way the day before, like me she was also rejected the first try.

I checked into my hotel and changed into a new outfit - a beige fisherman cable sweater, white skinny jeans, Celine khaki trench jacket, H Eperon d’or bandana cashmere scarf, and mini Roulis in black with permabrass.

I headed to FSH at around 2:30pm, the store was surprising quiet. I went straight up to the fine jewelry dept in hopes to find 2 choker necklaces I saw online and loved. I was greeted immediately with a sweet and kind SA who assisted with looking on her iPhone for inventory. It turned out that one of the chokers - the Kelly Chaine choker in yellow gold, is only available to be made-to-order in Europe (it is available on the US website currently for $6550 plus tax vs 5000 euros before detax).
View attachment 4387540
She showed me the longer version to try on before making a final decision, as I would need to put down 50% deposit with a 6 month production wait time. It was love at first sight and I agreed to place an order and added 4 small diamonds one on each corner of the Kelly plate which brings the total to be 5500 euros (500 more than no diamonds).

As for the other choker - the Chaine d’ancre, it was also not in stock but she would transfer the piece to FSH. She gave me her name card with her direct email to keep in touch on the delivery.
View attachment 4387545
She then asked if there was anything else she could help me with, and I asked if she could help me with non jewelry items, she said yes - so I told her I was rejected from the leather appt twice and would love to see if there is an opening for the day. She said yes there should be a chance and asked what was on my wishlist (k25, k28, b25 in black or neutral). She offered me with a much needed shot of espresso and off she went.

She returned after 10 minutes, told me that she actually went ahead to check on real time inventory prior to putting me in the Appt system as she wanted to make sure the appt was worth my while, and I was so thankful for that. She mentioned once a client is placed on the confirmed appt list is unlikely to receive another approval repeatedly over the next few days. She said due to the Saturday protest there had been no delivery since Friday, with Monday morning the roads were still partially barricaded and closed off. She said instead of wasting an Appt today let’s wait to see if I am successful in getting a slot for Tuesday. If not, she would gladly help me no matter what when I return to see her on Wednesday for the other choker. The key is to keep signing up online. During this time we made small chats where she giddily talked about her toddler son and her French bulldog. She also complimented my Roulis and how it paired well with my bandana scarf.

She then took me to the home dept where another SA took me on to help with 2 mini plates (for jewelry) and a neoprene pouch I had on my wishlist. The overall experience was very pleasant, and I left the store feeling hopeful that afternoon.
View attachment 4387550 View attachment 4387549
View attachment 4387555
Evening came around and I was very very sadly rejected for the 3rd time. I was feeling so frustrated. My friend received a confirmation for 6:20pm - the last Appt of the day. I sent a quick email to my jewelry SA informing her of yet another rejection.

To be continued...

Really looking forward to part 2! Thanks for the tip about making that first appointment for preemptive denial purposes. Great idea!

 

[frankiextah]

DAY 2

I signed up for the 4th time this morning.

Outfit of the day: Chanel beige “la pausa” sweater, dark gray skinny jeans, Celine camel long cashmere coat, eperon d’or bandana cashmere scarf, mini black Roulis bag

I met up with my friend and we had a fun breakfast catching up after not seeing each other for 5 years. I honestly think going through the FSH experience is so much less stressful when there is a friend who is equally invested LOL.

After breakfast we headed over to FSH at approx 11:30am. We went to the concierge to ask for an opening for me, and hope to push up my friend’s appt as she had to catch a 7:30pm train. My friend was granted a 2:30pm appt which I was so happy for her, but unfortunately I was told they couldn’t accommodate me. I wasn’t too disappointed knowing I would be seeing my jewelry SA the next day. We moved over to the next shelf to check out some new bag straps, my friend is a tall girl (approx 5’9”) and she was interested in purchasing a 105cm strap should she be offered a nice bag today. I noticed the 2 concierge ladies briefly checking us out up and down and did some whispering. I didn’t make anything out of it but then suddenly one of them came to us and told me she would be able to squeeze me in at 3:30pm! We thanked her profusely and went off to shop around Rue Saint Honore area.

We returned at approx 2pm to check in with the concierge, and were told it would really be closer to 2:30. It wasn’t until 2:45 my friend finally received a text. A very sweet French SA greeted us and we went over to the saddlery area to chat. Right off the bat she asked “so what bag are you looking for”?! We were taken by surprise how straight forward she was (in a nice way)! My friend’s first choice was a k32 Epsom Sellier in black, but would consider k28 and B30 in black or neutrals like Etain or Etoupe. It was a pretty small list but this would be her first H bag and she wanted to take it seriously. What I noticed this time around was our SA directly clicked on her iPhone as my friend spoke her choices instead of writing words down on paper. I have a feeling she is getting an instant visual cue of what was available in real time and perhaps this provided a faster “grabbing” process as she reaches the stock room? She then went off and returned quite quickly - approx 10 mins or so. She approached us with a kelly shaped box and I was so excited for my friend!

By now the store was getting very crowded again. We were lead to the area next to men’s shoes, which was very visible and public and we could feel many eyes staring. Our SA took the bag out and there it was - Kelly 32 sellier epsom in black with PHW! She also brought her a solid wide solid black canvas adjustable strap to try on with the bag, explaining the canvas strap is a unicorn and she should take it when one becomes available. She was ecstatic and said yes to both.

As she was playing with the bag a little more, I ran over to the concierge to check if I could take my friend’s SA since she’s been so great. Concierge said no, a different SA would be assigned to me, so I went back and asked the SA if she could take me after my friend. She said of course, let me call concierge, YES!

My turn came and I gave her my wishlist - k25, k28, b25 in black or neutrals, with a backup choice of b30, or b25 touch in black. Rose gold hardware would be a priority but happy to consider others. Again she clicked away and immediately informed me there are no more neutral b30 but possibly yes on smaller sized bags, and off she went!

It only took her a few minutes to return and I could tell immediately it’s a B25 box ahhhh! She set the box down and explained this is a very special color proceeded to open the box - B25 in Gris Tourterelle with Rose Gold hardware! A few of you may recall I actually own this bag (from my home store), but I know my sister is dying for the exact one too, so I texted her and after a few moments of checking it out I said yes! (*** she promises to trade me a black b25 when she gets offered one at her home store! ***) My friend got a little emotional and said she’s never seen this color and hardware before and it’s the most beautiful combo ever! I was just in complete awe how I went from not having an Appt at all for 3 days in a row to being offered such a desirable choice!

Our SA stayed with us for a bit more to select other goodies, unfortunately there were no rodeos and close to no wallet choices as they were still waiting on the delivery to arrive from the weekend. Same for leather bracelets, but I was able to pick 2 scarves (a washed silk scarf for my MIL and a cashmere shawl for myself).

we thanked our SA and she gave us each her business card with her direct email, and told us to email her prior to coming next time!!!

Evening rolled around and I was rejected again for the 4th time.

To be continued...

 

[chkpfbeliever]

Here she is, introducing my birthday present fresh from FSH: my Gold Birkin in Veau Jonathan leather with PHW all dressed up with twillies
View attachment 4386316

Thanks so much. It is gorgeous !! Sure looks like Swift but looks firmer. The smoothness makes it more sophisticated in my opinion. Love the twillies that you picked for her.

 

[odette57]

DAY 2

I signed up for the 4th time this morning.

Outfit of the day: Chanel beige “la pausa” sweater, dark gray skinny jeans, Celine camel long cashmere coat, eperon d’or bandana cashmere scarf, mini black Roulis bag

I met up with my friend and we had a fun breakfast catching up after not seeing each other for 5 years. I honestly think going through the FSH experience is so much less stressful when there is a friend who is equally invested LOL.

After breakfast we headed over to FSH at approx 11:30am. We went to the concierge to ask for an opening for me, and hope to push up my friend’s appt as she had to catch a 7:30pm train. My friend was granted a 2:30pm appt which I was so happy for her, but unfortunately I was told they couldn’t accommodate me. I wasn’t too disappointed knowing I would be seeing my jewelry SA the next day. We moved over to the next shelf to check out some new bag straps, my friend is a tall girl (approx 5’9”) and she was interested in purchasing a 105cm strap should she be offered a nice bag today. I noticed the 2 concierge ladies briefly checking us out up and down and did some whispering. I didn’t make anything out of it but then suddenly one of them came to us and told me she would be able to squeeze me in at 3:30pm! We thanked her profusely and went off to shop around Rue Saint Honore area.

We returned at approx 2pm to check in with the concierge, and were told it would really be closer to 2:30. It wasn’t until 2:45 my friend finally received a text. A very sweet French SA greeted us and we went over to the saddlery area to chat. Right off the bat she asked “so what bag are you looking for”?! We were taken by surprise how straight forward she was (in a nice way)! My friend’s first choice was a k32 Epsom Sellier in black, but would consider k28 and B30 in black or neutrals like Etain or Etoupe. It was a pretty small list but this would be her first H bag and she wanted to take it seriously. What I noticed this time around was our SA directly clicked on her iPhone as my friend spoke her choices instead of writing words down on paper. I have a feeling she is getting an instant visual cue of what was available in real time and perhaps this provided a faster “grabbing” process as she reaches the stock room? She then went off and returned quite quickly - approx 10 mins or so. She approached us with a kelly shaped box and I was so excited for my friend!

By now the store was getting very crowded again. We were lead to the area next to men’s shoes, which was very visible and public and we could feel many eyes staring. Our SA took the bag out and there it was - Kelly 32 sellier epsom in black with PHW! She also brought her a solid wide solid black canvas adjustable strap to try on with the bag, explaining the canvas strap is a unicorn and she should take it when one becomes available. She was ecstatic and said yes to both.
View attachment 4387572
As she was playing with the bag a little more, I ran over to the concierge to check if I could take my friend’s SA since she’s been so great. Concierge said no, a different SA would be assigned to me, so I went back and asked the SA if she could take me after my friend. She said of course, let me call concierge, YES!

My turn came and I gave her my wishlist - k25, k28, b25 in black or neutrals, with a backup choice of b30, or b25 touch in black. Rose gold hardware would be a priority but happy to consider others. Again she clicked away and immediately informed me there are no more neutral b30 but possibly yes on smaller sized bags, and off she went!

It only took her a few minutes to return and I could tell immediately it’s a B25 box ahhhh! She set the box down and explained this is a very special color proceeded to open the box - B25 in Gris Tourterelle with Rose Gold hardware! A few of you may recall I actually own this bag (from my home store), but I know my sister is dying for the exact one too, so I texted her and after a few moments of checking it out I said yes! (*** she promises to trade me a black b25 when she gets offered one at her home store! ***) My friend got a little emotional and said she’s never seen this color and hardware before and it’s the most beautiful combo ever! I was just in complete awe how I went from not having an Appt at all for 3 days in a row to being offered such a desirable choice!
View attachment 4387752
Our SA stayed with us for a bit more to select other goodies, unfortunately there were no rodeos and close to no wallet choices as they were still waiting on the delivery to arrive from the weekend. Same for leather bracelets, but I was able to pick 2 scarves (a washed silk scarf for my MIL and a cashmere shawl for myself).
View attachment 4387760 View attachment 4387761
we thanked our SA and she gave us each her business card with her direct email, and told us to email her prior to coming next time!!!

Evening rolled around and I was rejected again for the 4th time.

To be continued...

Congrats to you and your friend! I'm jealous you have a sister to trade bags with!

 

[Sock the cat]

Do you have a B25 already? Just curious because for some people the smaller drop on the arm is annoying and they actually prefer the b30 to run errands for that reason.. i personally Prefer the 25. But i also Only carry 3 things in my bag.

Yes I got a B25 in Gris T Togo, and I found it much lighter than my ghillies B30 and also since the size is smaller I tend to stop and think and carry fewer stuffs with me, while when I am using the B30 I will put every thing in.

 

[Nhope]

Thanks @fabuleux @leuleu @sf_newyorker @nsolanki @chkpfbeliever

@sarahfl I have only had it for a few days so am not sure how easily scratched this leather is. So far no scratch yet but my husband made a comment of how soft the leather is, it seems like it might be easy to scratch but hopefully not
I notice the lining is of different leather I think is chevre, which maybe doesnt get scratched as easily?

 

[GoldFish8]

DAY 2

I signed up for the 4th time this morning.

Outfit of the day: Chanel beige “la pausa” sweater, dark gray skinny jeans, Celine camel long cashmere coat, eperon d’or bandana cashmere scarf, mini black Roulis bag

I met up with my friend and we had a fun breakfast catching up after not seeing each other for 5 years. I honestly think going through the FSH experience is so much less stressful when there is a friend who is equally invested LOL.

After breakfast we headed over to FSH at approx 11:30am. We went to the concierge to ask for an opening for me, and hope to push up my friend’s appt as she had to catch a 7:30pm train. My friend was granted a 2:30pm appt which I was so happy for her, but unfortunately I was told they couldn’t accommodate me. I wasn’t too disappointed knowing I would be seeing my jewelry SA the next day. We moved over to the next shelf to check out some new bag straps, my friend is a tall girl (approx 5’9”) and she was interested in purchasing a 105cm strap should she be offered a nice bag today. I noticed the 2 concierge ladies briefly checking us out up and down and did some whispering. I didn’t make anything out of it but then suddenly one of them came to us and told me she would be able to squeeze me in at 3:30pm! We thanked her profusely and went off to shop around Rue Saint Honore area.

We returned at approx 2pm to check in with the concierge, and were told it would really be closer to 2:30. It wasn’t until 2:45 my friend finally received a text. A very sweet French SA greeted us and we went over to the saddlery area to chat. Right off the bat she asked “so what bag are you looking for”?! We were taken by surprise how straight forward she was (in a nice way)! My friend’s first choice was a k32 Epsom Sellier in black, but would consider k28 and B30 in black or neutrals like Etain or Etoupe. It was a pretty small list but this would be her first H bag and she wanted to take it seriously. What I noticed this time around was our SA directly clicked on her iPhone as my friend spoke her choices instead of writing words down on paper. I have a feeling she is getting an instant visual cue of what was available in real time and perhaps this provided a faster “grabbing” process as she reaches the stock room? She then went off and returned quite quickly - approx 10 mins or so. She approached us with a kelly shaped box and I was so excited for my friend!

By now the store was getting very crowded again. We were lead to the area next to men’s shoes, which was very visible and public and we could feel many eyes staring. Our SA took the bag out and there it was - Kelly 32 sellier epsom in black with PHW! She also brought her a solid wide solid black canvas adjustable strap to try on with the bag, explaining the canvas strap is a unicorn and she should take it when one becomes available. She was ecstatic and said yes to both.
View attachment 4387572
As she was playing with the bag a little more, I ran over to the concierge to check if I could take my friend’s SA since she’s been so great. Concierge said no, a different SA would be assigned to me, so I went back and asked the SA if she could take me after my friend. She said of course, let me call concierge, YES!

My turn came and I gave her my wishlist - k25, k28, b25 in black or neutrals, with a backup choice of b30, or b25 touch in black. Rose gold hardware would be a priority but happy to consider others. Again she clicked away and immediately informed me there are no more neutral b30 but possibly yes on smaller sized bags, and off she went!

It only took her a few minutes to return and I could tell immediately it’s a B25 box ahhhh! She set the box down and explained this is a very special color proceeded to open the box - B25 in Gris Tourterelle with Rose Gold hardware! A few of you may recall I actually own this bag (from my home store), but I know my sister is dying for the exact one too, so I texted her and after a few moments of checking it out I said yes! (*** she promises to trade me a black b25 when she gets offered one at her home store! ***) My friend got a little emotional and said she’s never seen this color and hardware before and it’s the most beautiful combo ever! I was just in complete awe how I went from not having an Appt at all for 3 days in a row to being offered such a desirable choice!
View attachment 4387752
Our SA stayed with us for a bit more to select other goodies, unfortunately there were no rodeos and close to no wallet choices as they were still waiting on the delivery to arrive from the weekend. Same for leather bracelets, but I was able to pick 2 scarves (a washed silk scarf for my MIL and a cashmere shawl for myself).
View attachment 4387760 View attachment 4387761
we thanked our SA and she gave us each her business card with her direct email, and told us to email her prior to coming next time!!!

Evening rolled around and I was rejected again for the 4th time.

To be continued...

Omg “to be continued”?!?! There’s more?

 

[Nhope]

Wow you are so lucky @frankiextah
And thank you so much for sharing your story with such detailed info. It really is giving us so much tips that seems to be working well. I now understand why people dress up nicely to Hermes, for example, and I will certainly dress nicer next time I visit FSH Paris.
I think it plays a part to wether the SA will want to offer a bag (provided they have the stock) or to squeeze in an appointment or not.

We actually got offered our bags on the same day. And I think maybe they indeed do not have black B25/30 or K25/28 since both you and I are not offered a black one although we mentioned we prefer black (mentioned first) or neutral.. otherwise I think it might be other supplementary information like how you prefer RGHW that made your SA offers you the Gris T with RGHW (their black might be with different hardware) or in my case I was stressing how I prefer a smooth leather like Swift combined with PHW that lead my SA to offer my Gold Veau Jonathan with PHW to me. There maybe other black but maybe not in a smooth leather.

This Hermes experience is truthfully quite addictive and I am certainly planning to visit Paris again hopefully sometime this year to score a K25/28 or B25 in Black

DAY 2

I signed up for the 4th time this morning.

Outfit of the day: Chanel beige “la pausa” sweater, dark gray skinny jeans, Celine camel long cashmere coat, eperon d’or bandana cashmere scarf, mini black Roulis bag

I met up with my friend and we had a fun breakfast catching up after not seeing each other for 5 years. I honestly think going through the FSH experience is so much less stressful when there is a friend who is equally invested LOL.

After breakfast we headed over to FSH at approx 11:30am. We went to the concierge to ask for an opening for me, and hope to push up my friend’s appt as she had to catch a 7:30pm train. My friend was granted a 2:30pm appt which I was so happy for her, but unfortunately I was told they couldn’t accommodate me. I wasn’t too disappointed knowing I would be seeing my jewelry SA the next day. We moved over to the next shelf to check out some new bag straps, my friend is a tall girl (approx 5’9”) and she was interested in purchasing a 105cm strap should she be offered a nice bag today. I noticed the 2 concierge ladies briefly checking us out up and down and did some whispering. I didn’t make anything out of it but then suddenly one of them came to us and told me she would be able to squeeze me in at 3:30pm! We thanked her profusely and went off to shop around Rue Saint Honore area.

We returned at approx 2pm to check in with the concierge, and were told it would really be closer to 2:30. It wasn’t until 2:45 my friend finally received a text. A very sweet French SA greeted us and we went over to the saddlery area to chat. Right off the bat she asked “so what bag are you looking for”?! We were taken by surprise how straight forward she was (in a nice way)! My friend’s first choice was a k32 Epsom Sellier in black, but would consider k28 and B30 in black or neutrals like Etain or Etoupe. It was a pretty small list but this would be her first H bag and she wanted to take it seriously. What I noticed this time around was our SA directly clicked on her iPhone as my friend spoke her choices instead of writing words down on paper. I have a feeling she is getting an instant visual cue of what was available in real time and perhaps this provided a faster “grabbing” process as she reaches the stock room? She then went off and returned quite quickly - approx 10 mins or so. She approached us with a kelly shaped box and I was so excited for my friend!

By now the store was getting very crowded again. We were lead to the area next to men’s shoes, which was very visible and public and we could feel many eyes staring. Our SA took the bag out and there it was - Kelly 32 sellier epsom in black with PHW! She also brought her a solid wide solid black canvas adjustable strap to try on with the bag, explaining the canvas strap is a unicorn and she should take it when one becomes available. She was ecstatic and said yes to both.
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As she was playing with the bag a little more, I ran over to the concierge to check if I could take my friend’s SA since she’s been so great. Concierge said no, a different SA would be assigned to me, so I went back and asked the SA if she could take me after my friend. She said of course, let me call concierge, YES!

My turn came and I gave her my wishlist - k25, k28, b25 in black or neutrals, with a backup choice of b30, or b25 touch in black. Rose gold hardware would be a priority but happy to consider others. Again she clicked away and immediately informed me there are no more neutral b30 but possibly yes on smaller sized bags, and off she went!

It only took her a few minutes to return and I could tell immediately it’s a B25 box ahhhh! She set the box down and explained this is a very special color proceeded to open the box - B25 in Gris Tourterelle with Rose Gold hardware! A few of you may recall I actually own this bag (from my home store), but I know my sister is dying for the exact one too, so I texted her and after a few moments of checking it out I said yes! (*** she promises to trade me a black b25 when she gets offered one at her home store! ***) My friend got a little emotional and said she’s never seen this color and hardware before and it’s the most beautiful combo ever! I was just in complete awe how I went from not having an Appt at all for 3 days in a row to being offered such a desirable choice!
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Our SA stayed with us for a bit more to select other goodies, unfortunately there were no rodeos and close to no wallet choices as they were still waiting on the delivery to arrive from the weekend. Same for leather bracelets, but I was able to pick 2 scarves (a washed silk scarf for my MIL and a cashmere shawl for myself).
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we thanked our SA and she gave us each her business card with her direct email, and told us to email her prior to coming next time!!!

Evening rolled around and I was rejected again for the 4th time.

To be continued...

 

[GoldFish8]

Yes I got a B25 in Gris T Togo, and I found it much lighter than my ghillies B30 and also since the size is smaller I tend to stop and think and carry fewer stuffs with me, while when I am using the B30 I will put every thing in.

Very true! I adore My b25 for size... but find i love The overal “look” of the b30... i hope You will come to love the b30! It is truly a gorgeous bag

 

[frankiextah]

DAY 3

I signed up again this morning because I just wanted to validate my jewelry SA’s statement on how one may not receive anymore appts once approved with one, why not right?

In the morning I received an email reply from my jewelry SA telling me my necklace arrived and also congratulated me on the very nice bag I scored. I thought that was nice that she checked on appts for me as promised.

Outfit of the day: I only brought 3 outfits with me to maximize luggage space for shopping (lol) so I had to mix and match some pieces I had already worn - Celine heather gray sweater, dark gray skinny jeans, Celine khaki trench coat, eperon d’or bandana cashmere scarf, mini Roulis in black

I went back to FSH around 2pm and before checking in with my jewelry SA I made a final attempt at the wallet dept and low and behold they had a fresh delivery - I was able to find a Calvi and 24 change purse both in the new mauve sylvestre color!

I then tried my luck and asked if there were any rodeos - she explained per store policy rodeos are only offered with leather appts. I told her I did receive an appt and did purchase a bag the day prior but there were none available and wanted to see if she could help me. She smiled, said alright and asked if there were any colors I was looking for, I braved it and asked for solid black or solid dark green. She scrolled and scrolled and then said there may be an MM size but no guarantees and off she went! Less than 5 mins later she returned to ask me to follow her (LOL YES FOR A RODEO?!), and she opened the box and there it was, black rodeo in MM size! I thanked her profusely and she was very happy for me.

My final stop was to visit my jewelry SA on the 2nd floor - she gave me 2 cheek pecks (guess she was happy to see me!). Unfortunately the choker didn’t look as good as I had imagined it fit a bit longer than a choker and I didn’t love that look, so I passed on it. She then went back, came out with another tray and showed me the bracelet version of the gold Kelly chaine choker I ordered with her, said one arrived in each size and urged me to try it on. I fell in love with the style and took it!

She said it would be a nice tide over until I have the matching choker. We made more small talks and she showed me photos of her baby son and her dog and I shared cat photos with her lol.

Evening rolled around and I was rejected for the final 5th time.

What I have learned from this trip:

• Don’t give up even with rejected appts
• Always sign up for an Appt no matter what, absolutely no appt can be granted is there is no record of an attempt
• Be very sincere and polite when speaking with concierge, try not to push or argue as you will not get accommodated and they will remember you when you return the next day
• Buying less popular categories could potentially help with getting a bag appt, but only buy what you love
• Braving the system with a friend helps ease stress
• Knowing the brand and the items you are looking for help break the ice with SAs, they appreciate enthusiasm toward the brand and in turn they will try harder to accommodate you
• Having a French female SA that is slightly younger (30’s) tend to be more accommodating, I am Asian and personally observed most Asians were paired with Asian SA’s, in my past experiences I always had terrible experiences when paired with Asian SAs
• SA’s at FSH are humans too and they very much appreciate your return in kindness and sincerity
• Overall there is almost always a work around with their “rules” , it all depends on your luck / who you are dealing with - same SA doing cross category selling, same day appt accommodation, SA sharing direct email addresses with clients, rodeos being sold outside of leather appt, etc