I arrived in Paris this morning at 11 am after a delayed overnight flight. Needless to say I was tired and only wanted to get in a bed. However when I got to my hotel at 1 I was told my room wouldn't be ready until 3.
Although I planned to change out of my scruffy but comfy oversized fleece sweatsuit that I like to wear when traveling I decided to keep it on as it was cold and rainy. I did however switch to my LV neverfull which is my weatherproof workhorse bag and grab my umbrella.
I first went to LV on avenue Montaigne where I purchased a bag, wallet, and some rain boots. I mentioned to my amazing SA that I planned to try for a birkin. He warned me that it was difficult and the SAs aren't too friendly.
Initially I was going to go to Hermes tomorrow after I'd had a chance to freshen up and look more presentable. In my sweats and dirty tennis shoes I felt like a total bum and by this time I'm totally exhausted.
However I thought what the hell all they can say is no and this thread prepared me to take it in stride and try again. So after arranging the delivery of my LV items I asked the SA to hail me a taxi which he did.
I arrived at FSH around 5 pm. I walked around the first floor and quickly found the line. There were only about 10 people in line all of them smartly dressed Asians. I felt like jabba the hut standing next to these chic petite folks. I knew I wasn't getting a bag today.
After about 20 minutes I was next in line. I was looking around and saw the man who was in front of me speaking with a female SA. She had returned from the back and informed him they didn't have what he was looking for. He insisted that she check again and she repeated herself more firmly.
When he left she was clearly perturbed and I thought God please don't let me get her. Sure enough she walked right to me and escorted me to a counter.
When she asked what I was looking for I gave her a list of 4-5 colors I want and 3-4 I don't. But I told her raisin was my absolute favoritest color ever. She then asked for my passport. She also asked if I had other Hermes bags and how long I was in Paris. I told her yes a garden party and I was here for a week for my birthday.
Before she left I asked if I could see some bags in different sizes to confirm 35 was right for me. She said of course and took me to another counter. Then she pulled out a 30 and 35 in raisin. When my eyes lit up she reminded me it's only a sample. I laughed and said I know! I also looked at the 40 but she warned me it was too heavy and it was.
With the size confirmed she went to the back to check availability. While I waited I overheard several SAs turning folks down but asking how long they would be in town. To me this was a clear indication that if you come back they'll probably sell you the bag you want.
About 10 minutes later the SA returned and asked me follow her. We went to another counter close to bag area where a big orange bow was waiting. We proceeded upstairs to the RTW area where I sat down at a table.
The SA was trying hard to suppress her smile and I was trying not to squeal like a fool. She did an elaborate unboxing and said welcome to Paris and let me be the first to wish you happy birthday.
With a flourish she unveiled my HG of all time Togo Birkin 35 in Raisin with ghw. I think I was too tired to feel much of anything but I thanked her several times while apologizing for my appearance. She was gracious and said if you can't be casual on holiday then when can you. LOL! I agreed and then we went off to the payment counter. The entire experience took less than an hour.
All in all a great experience to get this done within my first 6 hours in town. Now I can focus on enjoying Paris. Thanks to all the ladies who shared their stories and offered so many valuable tips. The knowledge in this thread made all the difference.
It's such a gorgeous bag. 
I also love comfy sweats heh. Congrats on your new raisin beauty and happy birthday!!!
