Taking an Hermes break or just slowing down. Feel free to join or give support.

[textilegirl]

It is helpful to my own pace of consumption to look at an item I am considering and ask myself if it is as good as or better than what I bought before

Is the new item (leather jacket, cashmere coat, sweater, skirt) different enough; nice enough; functional or versatile enough…

Do I need another pair of [fill in the blank] and would I wear them in addition to what I have, or would they displace something else… is it an upgrade

A side test: am I buying this to wear? I do not need more clothing or bags bc they fill a ‘theoretical’ place. I’m not an accessories and RTW archive after all lol. I can love many things that I don’t have to buy. I can also exercise my muscle that says no, thank you. *

And,finally price and space . If I bought a cashmere leather jacket three years ago for x price, is this new one worth 2X. Is it worth the space I have to make for it. Who can I rehome the prior item to (I usually donate my stuff to friends and family)

* my SAs find it hard to argue if I make the astute observation that they have already sold me a version of the current item that is cuter; higher quality; or better in a previous collection lol. If I have so many other versions, have I worn those enough to add to their number? Usually the answer is no.

ETA: there is a practical reason to dressing as one would normally when shopping with your SA. It communicates your style and what you have immediately without saying a word

My sentiments exactly. I congratulate myself for merely ‘window shopping’ new or intriguing pieces that ultimately would just add to the clutter (in my terms) that I’m committed to reduce. It requires considerable discipline when it comes to Hermes because there a some things that are so aesthetically pleasing to my eye that they’re just barely resistible (looking at you sellier Kellys). But ‘some in’ and ‘more out’ better suits my current outlook.

 

[HoneyLocks]

I’m not an accessories and RTW archive after all lol. I can love many things that I don’t have to buy.

Thank you for the useful reminder!
(matching my signature)

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

I haven't bought anything since December when I charge-sent some gifts and picked up a small Kelly 🤷‍♂️ I just don't feel the need. I did pick up something DH had MTM back in January in the States, but there wasn't anything instore that blew me away except a Barenia B25 (which was not available to me hahaha).

Since then my family has been dealing with a lot of pretty heavy stuff, and retail is just not on my mind except as a distraction/anaesthetic (ie, surfing tpf, reading magazines). I think my focus, when I can focus, has been on what is really important in life

I also think living in Paris causes me to be much more cautious with shopping anywhere else. We are lucky with selection and also with price. Maybe if things get better, I will do a little spring perk-up shopping. But right now all I am up to is staring at eye candy, preferably online.

Wishing you and your family calmer seas ahead.
Sending a hug

 

[etoile de mer]

My sentiments exactly. I congratulate myself for merely ‘window shopping’ new or intriguing pieces that ultimately would just add to the clutter (in my terms) that I’m committed to reduce. It requires considerable discipline when it comes to Hermes because there a some things that are so aesthetically pleasing to my eye that they’re just barely resistible (looking at you sellier Kellys). But ‘some in’ and ‘more out’ better suits my current outlook.

Thank you for the useful reminder!
(matching my signature)

@textilegirl and @HoneyLocks, yes!! Both of your signature lines have always resonated with me. Such wise words from both William Morris, and then, also, from our very own HoneyLocks!

 

[etoile de mer]

I haven't bought anything since December when I charge-sent some gifts and picked up a small Kelly 🤷‍♂️ I just don't feel the need. I did pick up something DH had MTM back in January in the States, but there wasn't anything instore that blew me away except a Barenia B25 (which was not available to me hahaha).

Since then my family has been dealing with a lot of pretty heavy stuff, and retail is just not on my mind except as a distraction/anaesthetic (ie, surfing tpf, reading magazines). I think my focus, when I can focus, has been on what is really important in life

I also think living in Paris causes me to be much more cautious with shopping anywhere else. We are lucky with selection and also with price. Maybe if things get better, I will do a little spring perk-up shopping. But right now all I am up to is staring at eye candy, preferably online.

 

[storytotell]

I felt so connected with the feelings and thoughts shared in this thread. I have read all 15 pages and I must say it is invaluable that TPF'ers shared all their perspectives on putting a H shopping on hold/slowing down.

My first H purchases were 10-12 years ago on a different continent, then I took a pause to travel 40+ countries and see the world. Now in my mid-30s, I thought I would feel more accomplished with a Kelly lol

Though I have a very nice SA at H, I feel the whole notion of "what H expects" makes the shopping experience less enjoyable. I do admit to myself that I am thinking if I should buy an FJ or a pair of shoes as supposedly FJ will have more "weight" to support my "QB case". As many noted on this forum, H is no longer a "luxury experience". I may want to have a B and C later, but the idea of thinking of "what else can I buy" to bump up my prespend drives me nuts. Let's see how I feel after I get my Kelly

 

[880]

I felt so connected with the feelings and thoughts shared in this thread. I have read all 15 pages and I must say it is invaluable that TPF'ers shared all their perspectives on putting a H shopping on hold/slowing down.

My first H purchases were 10-12 years ago on a different continent, then I took a pause to travel 40+ countries and see the world. Now in my mid-30s, I thought I would feel more accomplished with a Kelly lol

Though I have a very nice SA at H, I feel the whole notion of "what H expects" makes the shopping experience less enjoyable. I do admit to myself that I am thinking if I should buy an FJ or a pair of shoes as supposedly FJ will have more "weight" to support my "QB case". As many noted on this forum, H is no longer a "luxury experience". I may want to have a B and C later, but the idea of thinking of "what else can I buy" to bump up my prespend drives me nuts. Let's see how I feel after I get my Kelly

Agree. @storytotell , the prices of QBs at resale are coming down, and the popularity of bigger bags (size 28 and 30) are on the rise. There are plenty of deals should one decide not to go the boutique route. I recommend authenticating prior to purchase (via pics either on TPF or @bababebi or a trusted expert; paying with fee based PayPal backed by Amex or some such, and exercising due diligence. I buy both boutique and well priced resale.

 

[sparklehop]

I’ve appreciated reading this thread as I go through a similar internal dialogue. I had never considered myself a bags person but then some friends suggested I needed some (… likely they said ‘one’ 🤪) to match my jewelry so here I am down the rabbit hole!

I have only been shopping at H for 3 years. I have no regrets for all of my purchases aside from the very first scarf I selected since I didn’t think it through. I thought I would slow down after my first QB, which was my dream K25. But a week or so after, I started thinking about the next bag, was manifesting a K28 and trying it on at a reseller to firm up my plan.

I want to try harder to be more in the moment, enjoy what I have. Also try not get influenced by media or this forum (although it is tough so much temptation!).

I was unexpectedly offered 3 K28 options in Jan (gold/gold and black with diff HW), and turned them down since my heart was really set on etoupe. It also wasn’t in my mental budget for January. I had regretted passing for some time but reading this helps me remind me I should feel more excitement than nerves. I feel lucky my SA doesn’t pressure me at all, she actually encouraged me to pass on the bags! I wish I didn’t have to feel so calculated in my communications, though.

I feel more in my skin when I use my non QB’s so I think I’ll definitely aim to slow down after the next offer. Perhaps try to not enter the store for a couple of months. I think it’s ok to enjoy the eye candy but doesn’t mean I need to have it all.

I’m also going to try to spend more time working on my art since I have a project I’ve been months behind in starting, be more present for my kids and once the weather is nicer go back to longer walks and exploring museums. Maybe I’ll even try to produce some social media for my 🦷 practice, let’s see! I also want to continue my home decor projects. Thanks for giving me a space to vent/share.

 

[tinkerbell68]

It is helpful to my own pace of consumption to look at an item I am considering and ask myself if it is as good as or better than what I bought before

Is the new item (leather jacket, cashmere coat, sweater, skirt) different enough; nice enough; functional or versatile enough…

Do I need another pair of [fill in the blank] and would I wear them in addition to what I have, or would they displace something else… is it an upgrade

A side test: am I buying this to wear? I do not need more clothing or bags bc they fill a ‘theoretical’ place. I’m not an accessories and RTW archive after all lol. I can love many things that I don’t have to buy. I can also exercise my muscle that says no, thank you. *

And,finally price and space . If I bought a cashmere leather jacket three years ago for x price, is this new one worth 2X. Is it worth the space I have to make for it. Who can I rehome the prior item to (I usually donate my stuff to friends and family)

* my SAs find it hard to argue if I make the astute observation that they have already sold me a version of the current item that is cuter; higher quality; or better in a previous collection lol. If I have so many other versions, have I worn those enough to add to their number? Usually the answer is no.

ETA: there is a practical reason to dressing as one would normally when shopping with your SA. It communicates your style and what you have immediately without saying a word

Some really great advice here! Thank you! I’m trying to be more thoughtful about my scarf consumption…I find them so beautiful but can really only wear one at a time so do I need 40? 50? I’m trying the ‘is it different enough?’ Challenge moving forward! Also exercising that ‘it’s beautiful but not for me’ muscle!

I will add that when I took a month away from tPF in January, I thought much less about H and when I might get my next [insert item]. While I love to see everyone’s new items, it clearly makes me think about what I might want.

 

[Build-a-B-K-collection]

Originally when I started on this trajectory of purchasing Hermes I wanted the bag “set” - B/K/C. I’ve not achieved that at all.

Now, I “only” want a Black and Orange Birkin then I will be out this game.

I’m a B30 girl. I did love B25 not anymore and the 30 just works better for me no matter what I say/said in the past.

I did lean towards Kelly for some time but I’ve been noting that my Birkin is my go to bag moreso.

I’ve jokingly moaned I receive QB but not Constance bags. I don’t even want to pursue that now either!

So I have 2 colours left for a Birkin 30, then thereafter a major stop for me.

I no longer want items in the home that sit in boxes unused or unopened.

My mindset, organisation and Decluttering is on a whole new level whereby :

If I was to move to a new country/ continent do I really want to take items with me to remain in boxes. That’s a waste of thinking for my little brain.

If something serious happened to me would I really want my kids to go through my possessions / items and question why I have clothes and accessories brand new or hardly worn just for a bag ultimately. Items which they have no interest in and would sell for pennies.
I’m not buying homeware. I already have posh high street fancy unused crockery. Not adding H or any other item to the mix.

Slowing down and then bowing out soon.

 

[Build-a-B-K-collection]

I aim to be a ‘mindful’ shopper. Thinking about purchases no matter the price point. Hermes tends to produce items in relatively small quantity - hence the shortages and low stock complaints. Not just for bags /SLG’s
it’s frustrating when we can’t buy what we want, BUT personally I’d find it more frustrating, if everyone I knew had the same scarves, blankets, plates, bags, jewellery etc.
In some ways Hermes polices slow everyone down.

In my circle everyone does have the same blankets, crockery, bags, shoes.

Now it’s a race to be queen B with croc 🐊 bags with the richer ladies. I don’t fall into that category 😂.

I’m happy with what I have from the store.
Some ladies I know can only purchase resale and can afford to spend that type of money too.

 

[Build-a-B-K-collection]

It is helpful to my own pace of consumption to look at an item I am considering and ask myself if it is as good as or better than what I bought before

Is the new item (leather jacket, cashmere coat, sweater, skirt) different enough; nice enough; functional or versatile enough…

Do I need another pair of [fill in the blank] and would I wear them in addition to what I have, or would they displace something else… is it an upgrade

A side test: am I buying this to wear? I do not need more clothing or bags bc they fill a ‘theoretical’ place. I’m not an accessories and RTW archive after all lol. I can love many things that I don’t have to buy. I can also exercise my muscle that says no, thank you. *

And,finally price and space . If I bought a cashmere leather jacket three years ago for x price, is this new one worth 2X. Is it worth the space I have to make for it. Who can I rehome the prior item to (I usually donate my stuff to friends and family)

* my SAs find it hard to argue if I make the astute observation that they have already sold me a version of the current item that is cuter; higher quality; or better in a previous collection lol. If I have so many other versions, have I worn those enough to add to their number? Usually the answer is no.

ETA: there is a practical reason to dressing as one would normally when shopping with your SA. It communicates your style and what you have immediately without saying a word

This is exactly what my mindset is . My reality is I don’t wear / use my items as much as I should. And yes season to season the colour change isn’t enough to buy the same item again in a different colour.

I’ve cleared out so much stuff as a family that we keep that my mindset has shifted dramatically. Lol who am I now. ????

 

[880]

I’ve taken up skiing. It’s significantly cheaper than shopping lol even at fancy places.

Thank goodness my non TPF friends have no idea about clothes or jewelry or bags. Or fancy homeware.

 

[may3545]

I’ve taken up skiing. It’s significantly cheaper than shopping lol even at fancy places.

Thank goodness my non TPF friends have no idea about clothes or jewelry or bags. Or fancy homeware.

I started doing 4 hour hikes! Definitely keeps me from the mall, and I gain a different perspective as I connect with nature, the land we live on, and what is most important: my health, my family, and my community.

My non shopping friends would be shocked at the things I have and the prices.

I still love H RTW, so I will go in to see what this season has to offer. But I am more picky for sure.

 

[scarvesandhandbags]

I’ve taken up skiing. It’s significantly cheaper than shopping lol even at fancy places.

Thank goodness my non TPF friends have no idea about clothes or jewelry or bags. Or fancy homeware.

I’ve also taken up skiing! Had a blast the past few months skiing around Europe and made me forget all about my scarf addiction, and I was almost hoping I’d give up my Hermès craze and spend all my money on skiing instead… Didn’t help when I saw some wonderful scarves being worn at the last resort I went to, and since coming home I’ve been back on TPF and have bought 2 more scarves 😭

I’m really hoping this thread will keep me sane and help me realise that I don’t need a gazillion scarves, but every time I see something I like (or even pre-loved) all common sense goes out the window and I always come up with an excuse to purchase it. Most of my friends don’t care about Hermès, so I really don’t have an excuse to be so addicted…