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

[A74]

I’m feeling this way as well. As a long-time customer of Hermes, I have acquired a lot of beautiful items of clothing, jewelry, bags, scarves, shoes. What I love about Hermes is that it is classic and always relevant. On Christmas Day, I wore a dress I bought from Hermes 10 years ago. It still made me feel and look fantastic. I went to shop with my SA before Christmas and she noticed that the scarf I was wearing was also one she sold me many many years ago. What makes Hermes so classic and relevant though is that is often repetitive. I don’t need multiple colors or patters of the same thing, and I enjoy having a very diverse wardrobe, so I think I am pushing it with Hermes. I also don’t feel the need to add another QB. I barely wear what I have, often preferring their more limited or under the radar bags. So, I think I will still be shopping at Hermes, but I will probably shop less, as I will only buy things that are different and add something unique to my wardrobe. Let’s see if it works!

Good luck everyone!

 

[Midge Maisel]

I'm not looking for a break, but I will say that my attitude towards H, as ridiculous as it may sound, is that it's a marathon, not a sprint. Building a wardrobe, setting up a home, so many H things are lifelong activities, rather than "get it all done at once" affairs. So I see it as a long journey, and obviously, on a long journey, you spend more or less time on it depending on whatever's going on with you at the moment.

It's also probably fair to point out here that I'm a pretty new customer (less than a year) and a bit younger than the average H forum poster (young millennial), so my expectations and goals may be different (I can totally see wanting a break after years of H purchases, multiple QBs, etc.).

 

[shrpthorn]

This is a very timely thread for me.
In general I have only bought scarfs & shawls (no bags, shoes, or jewelry but some belt kits in the past). I have amassed MANY over the years (an inventory spreadsheet to prove it!). However, I was truly repulsed (which is a strong word I know) by the current increase in scarf & CSGM prices that happened in Canada first of the year. The price increase, combined with what I think a serious deterioration in the design esthetic & quality of the SS 2024 offerings, has really turned me off. Add in the impact of the "colour families" which to me often seems to mean that many of the 90 scarfs issued over several seasons/years have the same "look"/vibe when tied, and I expect to take a break from Hermes (at least until the AW 2024 silks become available - LOL ). Hopefully I can stick with this, and only hunt for vintage scarfs that are on my wish list.

 

[gogingercat]

Thank you for starting this thread!

I'm a relatively new H client, having started in June 2023. I did kind of go crazy at the beginning and bought some FJ and scarves as well as a cashmere coat. I do not regret any of my purchases, or the timeframe in which I purchased them, but I did remind myself to maybe take it a little slower in the New Year and not be motivated by a sense of FOMO.

But alas, as it is convention with many of my new years resolutions, I deviated from it fast when I recently ended up purchasing a hefty piece of FJ that my boutique had in store. To be honest I didn't expect it to be available, and I was very surprised when my SA said it was. I never felt pressured to buy it in any way but I was motivated a little bit by a sense of FOMO (if I pass now, what if it gets transferred to another store and I would have to wait ages to get it?). So I have spent quite a bit more faster than I would have liked to.

Looking on the bright side, my prespend ratio is more favorable (if it makes any difference at this point) towards the bags I would like in the future.

I am planning on slowing down with the FJ purchases for now and will likely only be picking up a few twillies and some office goods until the AW24 RTW collection drops.

I am also proud of myself for passing on an 'exceptional' scarf I saw on display, because although it was absolutely beautiful, I'm just not in a place in my life where I would use the item very often, and I would hate for such a beautiful item to be sitting in a drawer somewhere. I believe the right one for me will come along in the future. 😇

 

[Veritybelle]

I’m not specifically trying to slow down or take a break, but for me this thread could be subtitled “keeping Hermès in perspective”. I often feel that there’s not much to buy at Hermès, whether it’s because of my store’s edit or because not everything has an aesthetic that appeals to my taste, or both. I don’t keep track of my spend history, but even so I am wary of falling down the rabbit hole and shopping for the sake of it. I try not to go into the store without something specific in mind, and I always ask myself, as I inspect whatever “surprise” piece my SA might have brought out, “would I really want to buy this if my spend history were truly irrelevant in this store?” The answer is “no” far more often than it is “yes”. Very effective at controlling the pace.

 

[girlfriday17]

As someone who has been trying to live more mindfully this thread has really struck a chord. I really try to live thoughtfully. I’m a firm believer of buying what I love but also knowing the right piece will come along when it’s meant to (like the hard to get pieces like bags), and if it’s not meant for me that’s okay too. I want to release the frenzy panic shopping that so many people seem to have that I know I’ve been caught up in from time to time. Veritybelle mentioned “keeping Hermès in perspective” which is very astute and although I often find many things I like to buy I have to make sure I’m buying because it fits a gap in my life and I will love using it not buying as a means to an end. Shopping this past holiday was quite enjoyable as I felt it was a lovely experience that was filled with surprise and wonder. I literally gasped when I asked about a particular scarf and my SA brought out, every purchase should be like that imho.

 

[Rami00]

My latest bag acquisition traces back to 2019, a conscious choice reflecting my contentment with the items in my closet. I've actively shifted my mindset to appreciate and fully utilize what I already possess. Though I've made a handful purchases since then, they were not fueled by to maintain that "relationship." While I shared a color or two that caught my attention with my SA, but I wasn't driven by a compulsive need to possess it. I think it's the purse peace for me! Do I need to have the identical bag in various colors?

 

[Midge Maisel]

Do I need to have the identical bag in various colors?

Fun fact: for years, I've made it my goal to only have one bag per designer. I'd rather explore a range of different options than be married to one. With the exception of two Pradas that are very different, I've been able to do that.

And then I discovered H.

 

[CTLover]

Thank you for chiming in @CTLover.

Could you kindly share with us your tips to be intentional with each purchase and not feel overwhelmed with all the beautiful things H has to offer.
How was your buying history ? Constant? Irregular ? With some breaks from time to time ? With each item bought planned beforehead?
Thanks for sharing

Again, I've always just bought what I like, when I can afford it, and what I use. I bought Hermès regularly when I was a young professional in NYC in the 1980's and 1990's. Once I became a stay at home Mom, bought things occasionally, and got some gifts from DH. Over the last decade or so, I started buying more regularly because I've been at a point were I can.

 

[carolle]

Great thread.
I have been a shopping H since 2009 (when a good friend introduced me to it). I have been fortunate to get offers for BKC and even more fortunate to have been able to afford them.
As I reflect on my shopping habits, there was an initial frenzy - especially with scarves as I learned about the brand and wanted some old ones and feared missing out on the new ones. I also really like their bags and started with non-BKC (Lindy, Evelyne). I think I was buying other things to help get a B and a K but it was never a 1-1 pre spend (at least not consciously). Over time, I became sated and slowed down and in fact, I bought very little in the beginning and at the height of the COVID Pandemic. Admittedly, by then, I have 5Bs, 3Ks, 3 Evies, 1 Lindy, 1 picotin, 1 Bolide and the cinhetic clutch (most of these were gifts from hubby to mark momentous occasions), so there was no urgency to get more.
Recently, I fell for RTWs; got a Constance and a Geta (2023). I am quite satisfied with what I have although I would love a B in 25 (all my others are in 30) and a Kelly pochette. Truth be told, maybe that is why I am buying more RTWs at a faster rate, but I can honestly say I am not buying anything I don't love nor am I just buying to up my pre spend. No scarf sings to me; I don't have the funds for furniture or home goods; and am not a FJ person.
In summary, I am happy with what I have but still dreaming of 2 pieces to add to my purse collection. Although I have fallen hard for RTW recently, I don't have the budget to go on a spending blitz or splurge too often. I can, and will be more thoughtful with my H purchases - as my SA said, you can admire and enjoy the eye candy but you don't have to buy them all.

 

[Fixxi]

For those of us who have plenty of bags and RTW already, taking breaks or slowing down is natural and expected.
I don’t sell stuff and I very rarely consign, but I have family and friends who are happy to take items that no longer suit my taste or lifestyle.

*raises hand* I am available for adoption!

In all seriousness... I was just thinking this. I dont *need* another handbag. Before 2021, i was content purchasing 1 luxury bag a year, if even that. Then I had a baby, and I didn't have time for hobbies. I have a very addictive personality, so when I get into things, I really get into it. I have my camera stuff, which I spent ridiculous amount of time and effort (and $), I even got good enough to do some paid side gigs, both by companies and people. But with a baby, I don't have time or the energy for that level of commitment.

Being into H was like finding a new hobby. And fashion is not really my thing (so Chanel's 6-7 seasons/yr was overwhelming and not very aligned to my lifestyle) but H provided so much more learning opportunities (just learning about the different leather, artists, art of making/printing scarves, history of the maison's leather work, maison itself, etc.) It was much easier to fall in love.

I'm not so much about taking a break because I don't need things, but I am trying to be more mindful about choices I make in life, Hermes included. I think before my K25, I definitely felt more pressured (my own pressure I put on myself) to buy more things (i.e. the whole "prespend" fallacy) but with at least 1 QB I am feeling more rational and reasonable when it comes to purchases.

Do I love all the purchases I've made so far? Yes. I want a B30? Yes. Do I like 3 cws of a scarf? YES. Do I love all the shades of Orans? Yes. But do I need it? No. Will they get used if I buy it (or are all my precious purchases currently getting used enough)? Hardly.

I recently took out my Bolide 30, and remembered how much I loved it. My c18, k25, or evelyne tpm is always in rotation, but now I'm taking out the other handbags.

 

[textilegirl]

@Veritybelle’s comment on keeping Hermes in perspective really resonates with me. The days of scarf frenzy have come and gone, and in some respects come back again because I appreciate so much of what I have and am enjoying the search for vintage/older designs to consider, even just to admire from afar as I hardly need more scarves!

I’m really happy with my current bag collection; there’s really no need for further acquisitions (how can I get a wonderful patina on my barenia bag if I rarely wear it?). I’ve dabbled in RTW and other metiers, and I’m ‘good’. But I’m still fascinated by Hermes and I enjoy watching them navigate their way toward whatever future they envision for the company. On the one hand, the price increases are in some cases hard to justify (at least from my outside perspective as a consumer; I’m not looking at their books); on the other, some of the new manufacturing facilities they’ve built are architectural wonders. Somewhere in all of the hubbub they seem to be hewing to their core values… maybe.

I’m still watching, but only buying what makes sense for me at this point.

 

[benjinito]

I’ve been trying to be more intentional with my purchases in general (not just as H).

I make a habit of taking notes when I get dressed now. For example, if I’m struggling to put together an outfit because I’m missing x item, I write it down on a note on my iPhone. I try to stick to that list when I shop.

 

[Rami00]

I’ve been trying to be more intentional with my purchases in general (not just as H).

I make a habit of taking notes when I get dressed now. For example, if I’m struggling to put together an outfit because I’m missing x item, I write it down on a note on my iPhone. I try to stick to that list when I shop.

I love this

 

[SDC2003]

Many of the comments above resonate with me. Where am I with H? I’m not really sure. I’ve had some great experiences but also some disappointing and frustrating ones, and for what these things cost today I’m finding myself more turned off with the less desirable experiences. I don’t think I’ll stop shopping altogether but my overall and pandemic experiences have lead me to be really thoughtful about what I wish to purchase going forward. So perhaps this is a slowing down.

Quality and durability is above board but I can’t say they’re truly the best because I’ve had my share of issues which I’ve already shared elsewhere.

Service in person is very good but external communications are inconsistent and need some serious improvement. And I’m not just speaking to my experience but that of the many many comments I’ve seen here and elsewhere and through conversations with other clients. Yes I know the boutiques are busy but then why not hire more staff? Why is it so difficult to say no we don’t have that? Why do clients need to followup due to lack of response?

Stock is often limited and it’s difficult to buy some items online so you are compelled to shop through an sa. Further you’re compelled to buy only what’s in the boutique. And this is another one of my primary annoyances. I get the brand wants to hit sales goals but this brand particularly seems to have an obsession with this beyond others. And it’s very easy to get caught up in this when you’re wanting a qb. The whole system seems setup to favor those who buy high commission /margin items like Rtw home fj.

It’s easy to get caught up in the aura of H. So much so that I found myself occasionally buying cws or items that I may not have purchased but for building profile for an offer. Or, getting caught up in just shopping H at the expense of another brand. When I hear new clients say I only bought what I love, I chuckle. Please let’s just be honest. Ok?

I intensely dislike the level of competition brought on by many new clients who spend like the sky is the limited and game the system by reselling. This has left some longtime clients in the dust - having to wait much longer times for an offer. I guess loyalty doesn’t count as much anymore?

But of course even when service is lacking and prespend is unreasonable all is suddenly forgotten when that offer comes and it’s almost like clients get Stockholm syndrome. Oh my sa is the best, they’re the H fairy.

For me, the pandemic experience really turned how I feel how about H on its head. It’s no longer on a pedestal. i feel they’ve increased their client base at the expense of older clients. And I’m guessing their strategies are working extremely well. It’ll be interesting to see q4 results.