I just got back from a family vacation to Paris a couple weeks ago. We had an amazing time and it was an unforgettable trip with our kids. Since it was a family vacation, I really didn’t want H to take over… as I’m sure you all know how that can happen. But of course I still had to make time for a little shopping.
I was not able to get a leather appointment through the lottery. My husband and I applied 6 days in a row and were unsuccessful, despite a prior history and new purchases made at the start of the trip.
I had arranged to meet with my RTW SA a couple weeks before my visit. This was not a leather appt, just a casual hey are you working this day, I would love to visit. He put us in a room with a comfy sofa and spent 2-3 hrs with us. I got some beautiful pieces that I had not seen at home and was also very happy they had the platform loafers that had been sold out in the US. (I posted in the RTW thread.) It was a really fun experience and my daughters enjoyed it too. I was secretly hoping he would offer a bag or a leather appt at the end of the visit, since my bag offers at home are usually surprise offers, but it didn’t happen lol. However, I specifically did not ask him about a leather appt. We were having a lovely time and I didn’t want to spoil the mood, so not sure what he would’ve said had I asked. He probably would’ve told me to keep trying the lottery! Granted I did not buy a set of sofas, nor am I a long established client or a VIP in any way, but same day purchases in an amount that is a multiple of what you read on this forum do not necessarily result in a bag offer or leather appt and of course should not be expected.
I had an appt to meet with my FJ SA towards the end of our stay. We have a great connection and probably spent 15 min looking at jewelry and 2 hours chatting and catching up. I did purchase a beautiful necklace. (Posted in FJ thread.) When I told her I had not been successful with the lottery, she offered to speak to her manager to see if she could get a leather appt for me. She said she would text me the next morning and didn’t think it would be an issue. I did not hear from her the whole day and just assumed it was not going to happen. Literally at the end of the day, at 6pm, she texted me that she secured a leather appt for me the following day, our last day in Paris!
The leather appt went well. I asked for some limited items that I knew would be difficult, and of course he did not have any of it (for me.) He said he would check what was available. I was first offered a K25 noir lizard touch, which I already have, so I declined. My SA then came back and said “I know you don’t have this one because it is new for the fall.” It was a Birkin 25 in bleu saphir velvet and caban swift leather with Permabrass hardware. The color was gorgeous and the bag itself was so different from anything I currently have in my collection. Of course I accepted!
I wish I knew the magic formula for Paris. Obviously there isn’t one and everyone’s experience is different. I feel very lucky my story ended the way it did and grateful to my SA for helping me out. Unfortunately for me, but happy for her, she’s leaving H for other opportunities and securing the appt for me was a favor/parting gift. (No she is not the influencer.) I don’t think it matters where you apply for the lottery, how many times you apply, or which store you select. I also don’t think your purchases make a significant impact. (For those of us who are not furnishing our homes with H.) I do feel that it really boils down to a LOT of luck and the human factor, the relationship in the end. Just my experience at least.
And here’s my blue velvet Birkin.
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hugs