Polène handbags

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Just made my first purchase! I’d been thinking about getting a bag from them for awhile, hesitating between the Sept, Sept Mini, and Un Mini. Fortunately, I live in Paris, so I decided to treat myself yesterday and go pick up a bag.

The store is honestly weirdly lit. It’s very warm lighting in some areas and more white lighting in others, which naturally affects how the colors come across especially since so many colors are very similar. I looked at a Sept Mini in cognac thinking it was the burgundy, then looked closer and realized it wasn’t red enough. I wonder if they do it on purpose. There were a lot of bags on display, but they displayed rows of different bags in the same color. Not all of the bags in every color were on display.

There was also a small queue when I arrived, of mostly tourists. The store itself was packed. Granted, it was a Saturday afternoon. There simply weren’t enough people working the floor (maybe four employees total?), so there was a bit of a wait if you needed help. It’s a very hands-off environment generally, which is pretty French. You walk around, try on the bags, get a couple minutes of advice from an overwhelmed sales associate, and are mostly left to your own devices. Like I said, the store was full. I’d gone with a friend so if I wanted a second opinion, I asked him. So you don’t feel like the workers are hovering, which is good, but you also don’t feel particularly attended to.

I initially leaned towards the Sept Mini because I really liked the chain and the size on me (I’m 5’3 and very thin). Then I realized nothing fits, honestly. I carry a few cards with me, as well as my BC, and when I went to put my phone (iPhone 13) into the bag, it already distended the sides a bit. I wanted an everyday bag that would actually be useful on top of being cute, so I opted for the full-sized Sept. I decided the Sept Mini wasn’t usable on the daily (again, my phone barely fit comfortably), despite it being the prettiest bag in my eyes. The Sept is roomier, takes up more space so makes more of a statement, and I currently have in it a small wallet, my phone charger, had my phone in earlier, hand sanitizer, keys, a pair of gloves, and a few packets of glasses wipes. Much more usable, very pretty, strong look. The one issue (and I’m considering exchanging it over this) is that the leather seems to be slightly scratched and therefore white right on the bottom of the bag. I’ll insert a photo. It’s not worth the trek back there, but it’s bothering me currently.
 

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Just made my first purchase! I’d been thinking about getting a bag from them for awhile, hesitating between the Sept, Sept Mini, and Un Mini. Fortunately, I live in Paris, so I decided to treat myself yesterday and go pick up a bag.

The store is honestly weirdly lit. It’s very warm lighting in some areas and more white lighting in others, which naturally affects how the colors come across especially since so many colors are very similar. I looked at a Sept Mini in cognac thinking it was the burgundy, then looked closer and realized it wasn’t red enough. I wonder if they do it on purpose. There were a lot of bags on display, but they displayed rows of different bags in the same color. Not all of the bags in every color were on display.

There was also a small queue when I arrived, of mostly tourists. The store itself was packed. Granted, it was a Saturday afternoon. There simply weren’t enough people working the floor (maybe four employees total?), so there was a bit of a wait if you needed help. It’s a very hands-off environment generally, which is pretty French. You walk around, try on the bags, get a couple minutes of advice from an overwhelmed sales associate, and are mostly left to your own devices. Like I said, the store was full. I’d gone with a friend so if I wanted a second opinion, I asked him. So you don’t feel like the workers are hovering, which is good, but you also don’t feel particularly attended to.

I initially leaned towards the Sept Mini because I really liked the chain and the size on me (I’m 5’3 and very thin). Then I realized nothing fits, honestly. I carry a few cards with me, as well as my BC, and when I went to put my phone (iPhone 13) into the bag, it already distended the sides a bit. I wanted an everyday bag that would actually be useful on top of being cute, so I opted for the full-sized Sept. I decided the Sept Mini wasn’t usable on the daily (again, my phone barely fit comfortably), despite it being the prettiest bag in my eyes. The Sept is roomier, takes up more space so makes more of a statement, and I currently have in it a small wallet, my phone charger, had my phone in earlier, hand sanitizer, keys, a pair of gloves, and a few packets of glasses wipes. Much more usable, very pretty, strong look. The one issue (and I’m considering exchanging it over this) is that the leather seems to be slightly scratched and therefore white right on the bottom of the bag. I’ll insert a photo. It’s not worth the trek back there, but it’s bothering me currently.

Thanks for the review of the store! Interesting about the lighting. There’s rumors that they are opening a store in New York and I cannot wait to go if/when it becomes a reality.

Sorry to hear the Sept Mini didn’t work out but I commiserate. I’ve always admired it but hesitated for this same reason. I don’t carry much and my phone is on the smaller side, but I like so many of their other bags that this one doesn’t tend to be right at the top of the list.
 
Does anyone know if polene will offer free ship around this time? I’ve been eyeing a bag and I want to see if I should wait or just take the plunge. Thanks!!
I am wondering the same. I have also checked if there were any specials throughout the year in their newsletter but it looks like they only do free shipping for the christmas period.
However, they seem to have a special for an occasion where they were giving away free card holders I believe.
I guess if they don't offer anything for valentines day than there won't be any free shipping deals for a while.
 
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