VCA ~ Van Cleef Arpels Discussion thread!

[WingNut]

I could use a bit of advice… Chanel jacket or Frivole pendant??? I’m treating myself, but can only choose one. Sigh…
Chanel jacket: love this piece more than anything I’ve seen from Chanel in a while. Love a good masculine/ feminine look. Cons… I’ve got some more baby weight to lose before it’s comfortable for me to wear and not feel self conscious.
Frivole: would be my first VCA necklace. I have a pave 5 motif VA bracelet and matching earrings. Love the idea of a similar, but different pendant. Would be worn daily.

Would love your thoughts on if you would choose the Frivole and why? Or if I should just keep the jacket and know I’ll be back to my usual size soon enough
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OK I'm not gonna lie I love the cut of that Jacket! However, you'll get more wear/$ out of the necklace, so if I had to choose it'd be the jewelry.

 

[BigAkoya]

I really appreciate your thoughtful response, and think you are 100% right.
Fail. Time to go get that necklace…

I think you will love the necklace! Frivole just sparkles like mad.

One last thought on the jacket and not to beat a dead horse in case you are going back to the jacket...

The sleeves are too tight on you, especially the upper arms which I can see it is pulling, which I am sure you know and can feel. I think you are wearing a tank top, so if you wear anything thicker, it will be super super tight on the upper arm sleeves.

As you are losing baby weight, your arms upper arms may not always shrink with baby weight. I would say I am small, but I have chunky upper arms that never seem to want to shrink, which is super annoying for fitted jackets like Chanel which the armpit is cut very high (a look I love as it lengthens the torso).

Hence, if you are thinking of the jacket, I would be careful in case you do not loose the baby weight in your upper arms. I would just wait to get back to your happy size first before you buy a jacket. I know.. sigh... the drama of losing baby weight. You'll get there soon though!

I just wanted to share this one more thought as it's a lot of money to spend on a jacket that may not fit you properly, even after you lose the baby weight. The Frivole pendant is gorgeous, it's super blingy, and the best part is it's one size fits all! I hope you get the necklace.

Hope that was helpful thoughts. Also, congratulations on the new baby!

 

[Nata321]

I could use a bit of advice… Chanel jacket or Frivole pendant??? I’m treating myself, but can only choose one. Sigh…
Chanel jacket: love this piece more than anything I’ve seen from Chanel in a while. Love a good masculine/ feminine look. Cons… I’ve got some more baby weight to lose before it’s comfortable for me to wear and not feel self conscious.
Frivole: would be my first VCA necklace. I have a pave 5 motif VA bracelet and matching earrings. Love the idea of a similar, but different pendant. Would be worn daily.

Would love your thoughts on if you would choose the Frivole and why? Or if I should just keep the jacket and know I’ll be back to my usual size soon enough
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The frivole pendant, it looks radiant on you!

 

[BigAkoya]

@San2222 Thanks too. Meaning within same country is 12mth and from other country it will be 3?

I just checked the VAT rebate (is it typically hovering 12% in europe?). The difference is only significant if item is priced like 5-figure, if compare to my local price.

I would just buy the bracelet local. It's not a lot of savings. For me, the aftercare of servicing a product is far more important than saving a few dollars. This also includes building a relationship with one boutique, especially if you plan to get other VCA pieces.

Your purchase will be logged in the system, and you can go to that boutique anytime without worry if the SA or boutique manager will give you any attitude about servicing your piece, even a simple cleaning.

Just my two cents.

 

[waterlily112]

@San2222 Thanks too. Meaning within same country is 12mth and from other country it will be 3?

I just checked the VAT rebate (is it typically hovering 12% in europe?). The difference is only significant if item is priced like 5-figure, if compare to my local price.

I've purchased the 5 motif chalcedony in Paris and brought it in the US boutique to get it shorten. My SA told me I have 12 months to do it and when I received my bracelet back from the adjustment, he told me again that if it feels too tight shoot him a text and he'll help me send it out for another adjustment, free of charge. I guess you should ask the SA to be sure.

I can't speak for other countries in Europe, but specifically in Paris, I was told that any purchases valued below €30,000 you'll get 12% VAT, but 16% VAT if you spend over that amount. Considering you'll have to pay back some taxes as you return to your home country, the saving becomes even less significant. Agreed with @BigAkoya, the small saving in the VAT isn't worth getting it oversea, unless you're going for the exclusive pieces at Vendome or other specific boutiques around the world. I'd rather purchase from a home boutique to build up the profile so I can eventually get approved for SO's and other LE pieces. Last year when they release the holiday pendant, I didn't get offer one in the US because I didn't have a home boutique here, they somehow flagged Vendome as my home boutique because I've made several purchases there throughout the years while on vacation. Vendome did offered me the holiday pendant, but if I didn't already have a trip planned around that time then I wouldn't be able to get it.

 

[BigAkoya]

I've purchased the 5 motif chalcedony in Paris and brought it in the US boutique to get it shorten. My SA told me I have 12 months to do it and when I received my bracelet back from the adjustment, he told me again that if it feels too tight shoot him a text and he'll help me send it out for another adjustment, free of charge. I guess you should ask the SA be sure.

I can't speak for other countries in Europe, but specifically in Paris, I was told that any purchases valued below €30,000 you'll get 12% VAT, but 16% VAT if you spend over that amount. Considering you'll have to pay back some taxes as you return to your home country, the saving becomes even less significant. Agreed with @BigAkoya, the small saving in the VAT isn't worth getting it oversea, unless you're going for the exclusive pieces at Vendome or other specific boutiques around the world. I'd rather purchase from a home boutique to build up the profile so I can eventually get approved for SO's and other LE pieces. Last year when they release the holiday pendant, I didn't get offer one in the US because I didn't have a home boutique here, they somehow flagged Vendome as my home boutique because I've made several purchases there throughout the years while on vacation. Vendome did offered me the holiday pendant, but if I didn't already have a trip planned around that time then I wouldn't be able to get it.

Yes, per my SA, this "traveller" flagging is getting more focus, and my SA said they know and track who are travellers (VCA's term for those who buy elsewhere). These clients do not always get priority for things such as SOs, new pieces that are released, the HP, etc... as travellers are not viewed as loyal to their boutique.

If you go to Paris often, then it's not a big deal to have it as your home boutique.
If not, and you plan to buy more VCA pieces, it would be good to start a relationship with a boutique in the US. Next time you go to your SA in the US, you might just want to casually thank her for her help, tell her you will continue to work with her going forward, and you want that location as the home boutique. I don't know how to change your home boutique designation, but my SA said a home boutique is tagged to your name, regardless of where you buy, so the SAs know once they look you up. Maybe you can get that changed to your US boutique.

With the US SA and boutique manager knowing you will be loyal going forward, even if you have not bought a lot at their boutique yet, they will keep you at higher priority on the list. You may get this year's HP and offers/first dibs for new pieces coming out (e.g. like the recent new turquoise butterfly collection).

 

[Daffodil1718]

Has anyone been offered a frivole piece with noticeable hairline scratches? I was offered the small YG earrings recently, I do not have a VCA store closeby so I always order over via distance sales. On the videos she sent me the earrings had noticeable hairline scratches and one that is long and quite visible, even on video. I unfortunately passed on the hard to find piece eventhough it’s been on my wishlist for quite some time! She said that it was a new piece and no one has even tried them on! I do not know what to expect and if hairline scratches are “normal” for new pieces because of the nature of the earrings and the fact that it’s hand polished. When I referenced the long noticeable scratch, she acknowledged that she sees a “tiny line” and that there are hairline scratches but not noticeable. Is this normal? While I don’t expect the piece to be scratch free forever, I do expect the piece to be close to pristine when brand new, especially one that’s never been touched or tried on by anyone. I want to to temper my expectations for next time. So now I’m back on the waitlist…sigh

 

[waterlily112]

Yes, per my SA, this "traveller" flagging is getting more focus, and my SA said they know and track who are travellers (VCA's term for those who buy elsewhere). These clients do not always get priority for things such as SOs, new pieces that are released, the HP, etc... as travellers are not viewed as loyal to their boutique.

If you go to Paris often, then it's not a big deal to have it as your home boutique.
If not, and you plan to buy more VCA pieces, it would be good to start a relationship with a boutique in the US. Next time you go to your SA in the US, you might just want to casually thank her for her help, tell her you will continue to work with her going forward, and you want that location as the home boutique. I don't know how to change your home boutique designation, but my SA said a home boutique is tagged to your name, regardless of where you buy, so the SAs know once they look you up. Maybe you can get that changed to your US boutique.

With the US SA and boutique manager knowing you will be loyal going forward, even if you have not bought a lot at their boutique yet, they will keep you at higher priority on the list. You may get this year's HP and offers/first dibs for new pieces coming out (e.g. like the recent new turquoise butterfly collection).

I definitely plan on making the US boutique my home store from now on since I have really good relationship with the SA and the SM there. The SA still sent me gifts despite me taking up hours of his time to decide on a $11k bracelet only to have me returned it a week later (yikes!). This motivated me to shop there more often because I feel really really bad lol, also because I feel like I won't be judged or treated differently if for any reasons I'm unhappy with my purchase. The Vendome experience has definitely been more transactional and superficial since I don't have a go-to SA there.

 

[BigAkoya]

I definitely plan on making the US boutique my home store from now on since I have really good relationship with the SA and the SM there. The SA still sent me gifts despite me taking up hours of his time to decide on a $11k bracelet only to have me returned it a week later (yikes!). This motivated me to shop there more often because I feel really really bad lol, also because I feel like I won't be judged or treated differently if for any reasons I'm unhappy with my purchase. The Vendome experience has definitely been more transactional and superficial since I don't have a go-to SA there.

That's wonderful! As you are a repeat buyer, I think you will truly love shopping locally.
Yes on the returns. My SA always reconfirms I can return it if I don't like it.

Speaking of returns, here is the best part which I am sure you will soon find out or maybe already have...
I do not live near a VCA, so I fly there once or twice a year, depending on new merchandise to see. It sounds like you do not live super close to one either.

My recent purchases have been from my home, and I am actually getting more used to shopping VCA this way.
My SA sends me pieces "on consignment" (VCA's term) to my home to try on, and I can return any or all pieces.
The biggest benefit for me is when buying rings. I am super picky with ring size as I like my rings loose, but not super loose.
My SA will send me two rings to try on, and I can compare and go back and forth in the comfort of my own home.

I am sure your SA can mail pieces to your house as well, especially if you need to do size comparisons.

I can't wait to see any new gorgeous pieces! Feel free to share if you wish.

 

[nicole0612]

Congratulations and best of luck going back to work!

Thank you @A bottle of Red !

 

[WillWork4Fashion]

I could use a bit of advice… Chanel jacket or Frivole pendant??? I’m treating myself, but can only choose one. Sigh…
Chanel jacket: love this piece more than anything I’ve seen from Chanel in a while. Love a good masculine/ feminine look. Cons… I’ve got some more baby weight to lose before it’s comfortable for me to wear and not feel self conscious.
Frivole: would be my first VCA necklace. I have a pave 5 motif VA bracelet and matching earrings. Love the idea of a similar, but different pendant. Would be worn daily.

Would love your thoughts on if you would choose the Frivole and why? Or if I should just keep the jacket and know I’ll be back to my usual size soon enough
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I agree with the others about jewelry being a better choice because it has greater longevity, but the jacket is divine. I have a a Moncler jacket this color with sweater arms and wear it nonstop. It surprisingly goes with everything. I personally love this jacket on you. If you want to lose more weight you will. The necklace will always be available. As a new mom you will get so much more use out of a necklace, but will the jacket be the piece that got away? Dare I suggest keeping the jacket? I’m no help!! : )

 

[waterlily112]

That's wonderful! As you are a repeat buyer, I think you will truly love shopping locally.
Yes on the returns. My SA always reconfirms I can return it if I don't like it.

Speaking of returns, here is the best part which I am sure you will soon find out or maybe already have...
I do not live near a VCA, so I fly there once or twice a year, depending on new merchandise to see. It sounds like you do not live super close to one either.

My recent purchases have been from my home, and I am actually getting more used to shopping VCA this way.
My SA sends me pieces "on consignment" (VCA's term) to my home to try on, and I can return any or all pieces.
The biggest benefit for me is when buying rings. I am super picky with ring size as I like my rings loose, but not super loose.
My SA will send me two rings to try on, and I can compare and go back and forth in the comfort of my own home.

I am sure your SA can mail pieces to your house as well, especially if you need to do size comparisons.

I can't wait to see any new gorgeous pieces! Feel free to share if you wish.

Oh wow, didn't know 'on consignment' is an option! I'll probably need to shop there more often before they would offer this service to me How does it work? Do they have to keep your credit card info on file when they ship out the pieces or when you make the purchase? I usually just text my SA a week in advance prior dropping by the boutique and I do enjoy the in-person shopping experience, can never say no to the snacks and coffee I'll be sure to post more try-on photos here as I'm trying to build my VCA collection, can definitely leverage you ladies' expertise to help me prioritize my wish list.

 

[nicole0612]

Oh wow, didn't know 'on consignment' is an option! I'll probably need to shop there more often before they would offer this service to me How does it work? Do they have to keep your credit card info on file when they ship out the pieces or when you make the purchase? I usually just text my SA a week in advance prior dropping by the boutique and I do enjoy the in-person shopping experience, can never say no to the snacks and coffee I'll be sure to post more try-on photos here as I'm trying to build my VCA collection, can definitely leverage you ladies' expertise to help me prioritize my wish list.

You may want to inquire. I am sent items to try which I can return for cc refund if desired, since I am a remote client. I do have to pay for them though before they are shipped.

 

[San2222]

@San2222 Thanks too. Meaning within same country is 12mth and from other country it will be 3?

I just checked the VAT rebate (is it typically hovering 12% in europe?). The difference is only significant if item is priced like 5-figure, if compare to my local price.

i just checked the website again to be sure, it said "COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE WITHIN 12 MONTHS AFTER YOUR PURCHASE". I'm wondering if the policy has changed but good to know that it's now 12 mo. I don't think it matters where you purchased it...should be 12 mo.

 

[BigAkoya]

Oh wow, didn't know 'on consignment' is an option! I'll probably need to shop there more often before they would offer this service to me How does it work? Do they have to keep your credit card info on file when they ship out the pieces or when you make the purchase? I usually just text my SA a week in advance prior dropping by the boutique and I do enjoy the in-person shopping experience, can never say no to the snacks and coffee I'll be sure to post more try-on photos here as I'm trying to build my VCA collection, can definitely leverage you ladies' expertise to help me prioritize my wish list.

Yes, they have my credit card on file. The first few times I did consignment, they charged me for the pieces they sent. The more recent times, they only charged me for one piece, so it probably varies a bit as every process seems to vary at VCA.
I do not think VCA is worried about me keeping their pieces without paying for them. Since they have my credit card on file, I am sure they will immediately charge me for the other pieces if I do not ship them back.

I am super honest though and very sensitive to the fact they want to sell these pieces, so I mail them back as soon as I have decided yay or nay. Oh, return shipping is covered by your SA of course. You will be sent a return label when you tell your SA you are ready to return the pieces.

You do not get a receipt or a COA when they send you the pieces on consignment. Once you decide on the piece(s) you want, you are then sent an actual receipt and COA with the serial number registered to you.

As @nicole0612 mentioned, you may want to ask about this. I did not know about this until my SA offered this to me. If you live far from your VCA boutique, I am sure after a few more purchases, your SA will offer this to you.

Yes, please share any try-on photos! We are a happy bunch here and love to see photos!