Good morning fellow Boppers!
One of my favorite memories is the first time I walked into an Hermes store and made my first purchases (2 gator CDCs, a hippo bag charm and a few other small leather goods). That giddy exhilaration and heady, throbbing intoxication is something that will stay with me forever, and has repeated itself multiple times with other subsequent memorable purchases (first bag, first Birkin, first Kelly, the list goes on and on)…
I know I’m not the only one who has been ensnared in the bewitching arms of Hermes… so what about you? What is YOUR “Hermes love story”? What made you fall in love with the brand and how has the love affair progressed? What are your favorite and most beloved Hermes pieces? Do any have special meaning or significance? Where do you see your relationship going?
I would love to hear your stories and see your pics, so please DO SHARE!!
You can read my story and see pics of some of my favorite and memorable pieces on my blog post here:
Pics below:
– CDC collection: my first Hermes love
– Bleu Electrique epsom Constance Mini PHW: my first Hermes bag
– Capucine togo Birkin 35 GHW: my first Hermes Birkin (and second Hermes bag)
– my first CDC Bougainvillea gator GHW and my first Birkin Capucine B35
– my sunshine Soufre epsom Birkin 30 GHW
– my beloved Special Order Turquoise togo/Rose Jaipur interior & stitching Birkin 30 brushed GHW
– my 2 favorite bags: Craie togo and Lagon swift Kelly 32 GHW
– my “Ultimate Holy Grail” bag: Lagon swift Kelly 32 GHW, this took me about 4 years to find!
- LeOrangeBliss posted 10 years ago
- last edited 8 years ago
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I’ve never thought about Hermes, I mean as a bag addict I’v always admired it and thought of it as the ultimate holy grail bag but it has always been out of reach because of its price I have always been a Chanel girl, saved up till I got myself a Classic Flap Bag for my 30th birthday—technically I got it before my 29th- my heart still skips a beat every time I take it out of its dust bag- HOWEVER when I read PurseBop’s entry about buying the Plomb Birkin 35. clemence leather with gold hardware this is was the first time when I’ve seen a Birkin and thought THIS IS IT, the color, size, and leather have hit all the right spots….and now I’ve placed it as my 40th birthday gift from me to me :) Although I’m not sure I can wait that long….any thoughts about Chanel for my 30s and Hermes for my 40s????
- Saf! replied 8 years ago
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I can’t believe I am just now reading this!!! Love it
- rsnqween replied 8 years ago
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Kelly 25 Chèvre Framboise and Baby Kelly 15
- Bagswelovesg replied 9 years ago
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In love with every item!!!!!!!
- Mademoiselle Lily replied 9 years ago
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Love your lagoon dear, it’s definitely worth it to be your holy grail :) and Thank you for sharing your wonderful story
- Devany Bellinda Wijaya replied 10 years ago
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Thank you for sharing The amazing way you first fell in love with Hermes! From that first time in NY to the Fabulous collection you have now
- Siobhan replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much Siobhan, and thank you for taking the time to read my story <3
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Thank you so much for sharing your story and your beautiful beautiful pics! Your style and collection are always so much fun and extraordinary. You really bring things to life and make life look fun and fabulous! I just had one question, may I ask when you started your Hermes collection?
- dessert1st replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I started collecting about 4 years ago.
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I just loved reading this my friend. I read it a while ago and came back to read it again today. I love your gorgeous photos!!
- swedishandstylish replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much my dear swedishandstylish! I am glad you enjoyed, I love looking at your gorgeous pics as well :)
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This was such a wonderful article to read. I think one of the key things that I took away from it was to build a collection as vast as yours, it takes time, patience and having quite a bit of product knowledge doesn’t hurt either. This may be a topic for another article from you, but I would love to learn about the process you went through to get your amazing special order birkin. Such as how you were invited to do it, the numerous options they offer and how you made your choices.
- Stylish Sheba replied 10 years ago
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Thanks so much Stylish Sheba! I think perhaps I should start a new topic on special orders!!
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Thank you LeOrangeBliss, that would be so great! Since I wrote that comment my SA actually broached the topic with me and said I might be able to do one in around 6 months time, so I want to get as much information on the process as I can before then.
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Just wow!
I look like one big mess compared to you. :(
I’m happy to see you are wearing and using all your items. It’s great to see! Your doggy made me smile
- Helenkm replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much Helenkm, I am sure you are not a mess! I do tend to be on the dressier/more feminine girly side, I do not wear pants, hardly ever. Just my style, as I am sure you have yours. Thank you for your sweet comment about my beloved dog, she was my heart and soul; unfortunately she passed away suddenly in January. She is always with me though <3
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love ur cdc collection!!
i rmb my first hermes item was a clic clac in light blue (dont know which blue it was since i was still new to Hermes) with the white H. that was when i was still in university. then my first hermes bag was a gift from my mom – B35 etoupe. Since I was back in my country for work and found out one of the SA was a friend of my husband. I took this opportunity to tell her what I wanted. the first bag she got me was a toolbox 20 grizzly blue thalassa! From that time on, I just fell in love!
- Debb C. replied 10 years ago
- last edited 10 years ago
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what a beautiful bag Decra C. Thank you for sharing it with us :)
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Wow Debra C, amazing!! I am sure your light blue clic clac with white H is beautiful, I can imagine it! And to be gifted your first B by your mom, how incredibly lucky you are! And a grizzly toolbox 20! How rare!!! Use them all in good health, and thank you for sharing!
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I am in love with your love story with Hermès LeOrangeBliss. And your post made me fall even more in love with it too with all the eyecandy you posted. Thanks for sharing.
- Valentina replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read Valentina, I appreciate it!!
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Great story great pics great style! I can’t believe your first bag was constance!!!! So rare these days!
- panthere55 replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much panthere55!! I adore your beautiful collection as well! I know, can you believe it was a Constance in BE?!?!?! I knew it was rare, but had no idea just how rare!! It was pure luck and chance too that I was offered her, just because they got the shipment in that day and I happened to call my SA at the right time!! I have yet to be offered another one, would like an MM one of these days (no rush though!!) xoxo
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New found love for the hermes CDC, the stud combination is perfectly chic & edgy!
- Morgan replied 10 years ago
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Thank you morganrxoxo!! Yes isn’t it just incredible?! My heart beats fast every time I look at it….
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Omg! First ….m a fan & 2nd ur pics are all so beautiful & 3rd thank you for sharing ur story! Ur amazing n I just love ur girly style! Watta beautiful collection u have dear. Luv n hugs! Xoxo
- Geminiigirl__18__ replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much my dear, I can say the same for you and your beautiful collection of items <3 xoxoxo Thanks for stopping by to read my story!
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Thank you so much LeOrangeBliss for sharing your delightful hermes love story, and with such gorgeous and vibrant pictures from your amazing collection too :D I’ve always loved your pics/posts since TPF days and when I joined IG last year, was thrilled to find your gallery and see even more of your stunning pics and collection.
Just from the pics I can so see your love and passion for Hermes. For me, until a few years ago, I was very much Chanel centric so it took a little longer (and a trip to Paris) but once I fell, I fell hard. I thought I just wanted the one bag but ended up loving the history, craftsmanship and of course the designs. Not just in leather but also in silks and accessories. Will share more of my story in my next reply but I now totally get why I always hear that H is a very slippery slope :p
- favloves replied 10 years ago
- last edited 10 years ago
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can´t wait to hear your story favloves ;)
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Awww favloves thank you so much for reading my story, for your kind words and support! Hahahaa one bag, I wonder how many people are actually OK with just that and not wanting more (and not just bags) after??!! It certainly is a slippery slope right??!!! I can’t wait to hear your story, please do share!!! xoxoxo
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?❤️❤️❤️ thank you so much for sharing dear LeOrangeBliss, very inspiring ?. Love your collection, beautiful pieces! I fell hard ❤️ for Hermes too, so much patience (needed), and the anticipation!! ?❤️?
- happybaggage replied 10 years ago
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Thank you happybaggage for stopping by and reading my story!! I know you share my love and passion for Hermes, I too can see it in your pics!! They are always joyous and bring a smile to my face! And yes patience is key… LOL!!!!
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Here is the reveal pic ?? hoping to add a Kelly to the family next! Thanks again Leorangebliss for sharing !
- shoepursemomma replied 10 years ago
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What a beautiful classic for your first B!!! Congrats shoepursemomma, your hubby is a keeper!!!!
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shoepursemomma she’s stunning, Congratulations again! and your hubby is too cute, it’s such a romantic story :)
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woooowwwww awesome hubby shoepursemomma ;) and what a beautiful B! Congrats hun amd thank you for sharing!
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what a stunner shoepursemomma!
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Patiev, this picture is for you… a long time ago, your Bougainvillea chevre Kelly wallet and my Capucine B35 got a chance to meet and hang out :) That’s your baby on my lap… It makes me smile knowing we are connected in some way :)
- LeOrangeBliss replied 10 years ago
- last edited 10 years ago
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It’s true when they say, It is such a small world :)
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OH MY GOD I´m speechlesssssssss :0 that´s my baby on your lap LeOrangeBliss!!! This is way way waaaayyyy too awesome!!!! My baby is the coolest ever!!! She´s been with Blondieluxe AND with you!!!! thank you so much for sharing this hun, you just made my day!!!! Can´t stop smiling at this pic!!! xoxo
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this is really sweet! It really is a small world afterall!
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Thank you Leorangebliss for sharing your story and expertise. Like others, I could hear the enthusiasm in your narrative and enjoyed the feature. I have felt the same butterflies/excitement when I had all my first Hermes experiences. It’s a very addictive type of “orange adrenaline” lol ! Im lucky to have a great relationship with my local Sa but it was my husband who sealed the deal with my B. He sent the picture below from his business trip with a text saying “Merry Hermes Christmas”
- shoepursemomma replied 10 years ago
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OHHHH EMMMM GEEEE shoepursemomma how exciting!!! And what a tease your husband is!!! Please don’t leave me hanging, continue on with your reveal and story!!! :D
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shoepursemomma this is such a sweet story of ‘firsts’, thank you for sharing your joy and story here at BopTalk :)
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LeOrangeBliss your pictures bring smiles to my face! It’s such a pleasure and delight to see and feel your exuberant energy across the pages of PurseBop. I couldn’t help but giggle when I saw your ((hugs)), because I know how much you are missing those emoticons for that extra burst of ‘feeling’!!! They are now available from mobile device and tomorrow you shall have here too, LOL :)
Your replies are thoughtful and helpful. I speak for everyone in saying “thank you… for sharing your beautiful self here with us!” Love your PurseBop family ((hearts))
XOXOXO
I am anxious to share a bit of my Hermes love story in my next reply :)
- Pursebop replied 10 years ago
- last edited 10 years ago
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Dear PurseBop thank you for honoring me with this feature and allowing me to share my stories and love for the brand. I very much look forward to continuing this dialogue and many others with other like-minded women and men, in this safe haven! I can’t wait to hear your story!! <3 And YES I am in desperate need of those emoticons! LOL!!!!
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You know I always have thought you had a wonderful knack at curating your collections, whether it be Louboutin or Hermes or other. I enjoyed your story. Brought back many reminders of the older days and how so much has changed over the years. I am sending you every hug and a big smile. You have such great taste, photog skills and story telling. Hugs my sweet. xo
- pinkblondebrunette replied 10 years ago
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My dear pinkblondebrunette, it’s crazy how much time has passed and how things have changed isn’t it? Part of life I guess… I hope you know you were one of my earliest Hermes inspirations and mentors, and I will never forget the invaluable advice you have given me and continue to give me to this day. And I will never forget that NYC trip when I went to pick up Ms. Capucine… thank you for sharing intimately in my H journey <3
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Well this piece got me thinking (ok obsessing, all day long, I might add) that I should hightail it to my H store for an exotic CDC.
- Guest replied 10 years ago
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LOL maura carlin, you are so funny!! Do it, why not??!! What colors are you interested in?
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i am drawn to those deep blues you have. What are the names?
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Chanelaholic – those are Bleu Electrique (BE) in GHW and PHW (2nd and 3rd row), Bleu Brighton PHW (4th row), and a recent addition not pictured is Bleu Izmir (BI) which is hands down my favorite!!! (you can partially see this in my picture of the Turquoise SO B30 and my beloved dog). I think BE has been re-released this season, and BI is also current, so you should be able to get both. Bleu Brighton is old and rested.
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LeOrangeBliss your pictures speak the language of passion. I have rarely seen anyone take photo’s as you do, with such detail and love. The only other person I know is PurseBop, so it’s no wonder the two of you connect. Please do share more stories with us :)
- BirkinBabe replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much BirkinBabe, for taking the time to read my story and your kind words! I am glad to share them all with you, and look forward to doing so, as well as reading all of yours.
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lol wow, just want to say I’m beyond impressed at the narrative, pictures, and advice. Your hermes story is beyond inspirational for handbag aficionados and people iffy about taking the sticker shocking hermes plunge. Any advice for meeting/forging a relationship with an SA for the first time?
- mrb.165 replied 10 years ago
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Hello mrb.165 and thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and your kind words! I think prior to entering a boutique you need to go in prepared, so to speak, and do a bit of research beforehand. If you have friends who shop at Hermes, ask for their SA recommendations. If you don’t, this thread on TPF has been useful: http://forum.purseblog.com/hermes-shopping/lovely-h-sas-around-the-world-715456.html If the above doesn’t help, I suggest that when you go into the boutique, don’t approach the first SA you see to help you. Take a look around the store and observe all the SAs, see how they interact with their clients. I have heard that speaking with the security guards and getting their recommendations is also very useful; after all, they see everything!! When you have chosen your SA, you can then start your Hermes dialogue. I find that SAs tend to take you more seriously if they feel that you are interested in the brand as a whole rather than just there for a Birkin or Kelly. If you share a little bit of knowledge and genuine enthusiasm and interest about the brand (for example, different leathers, etc), they will know you’re in a different league and will treat you accordingly. I am always polite and kind, and never pushy. The SAs are extremely appreciative of that, as they are under so much pressure from other clients and the SM (store manager) and company as well. When you have finished with your first visit, if you had a good connection with that SA, be sure to ask for their business card, and make sure to consistently go back to the same SA during subsequent visits. Make sure to call before going in to the store to make sure your SA is working, not off or on vacation, or on lunch break. If you did not feel a connection with him/her, then by all means do not feel “stuck” with that one, and try a different SA the next time you go back. When you’ve made that connection, stay in touch with your SA by calling or stopping by the store occasionally, even if you have no purchases in mind. Keep them updated with your wishlist. The more they are actively thinking of you, the greater the chances are that they will remember you when an item from your wishlist comes in, and the greater the chances are that you will be called. In this case, I think the adage, “Out of sight, out of mind” certainly holds true; just remember how many clients and their respective wishlists they have to think of! I hope this helps, and best of luck in your H journey!! p.s. What country and state are you located in?
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What a beautiful story LeOrangeBliss, we can feel your excitement through your words…simply beautiful!!! And all you H pieces are to die for!!! Love it all and thank you so much for sharing!!! Unfortunately I don´t have a “the first time I walked into an H store” or “my first H purchase” to share because I´ve never had the courage to go inside an H store hahaha I know if I go inside, I´ll want everything, but can´t buy, so I rather not torture myself. But I do have a story regarding Hermès to tell that makes me very happy. When Blondieluxe hit 50k followers on IG, she decided to do a giveaway. The prizes were 2 clic clacs and a LV bracelet and there was going to be 3 winners. The rules were to post a pic inspired on one of her pics, tag her and add the #SoBlondieluxe hashtag, one entry per person. When I saw the giveaway post I was thrilled for I´ve ALWAYS wanted to have a clic clac to call my own, it had always been my dream bracelet alongside the Cartier Love Bracelet. And since it was only one entry per person I immediately started thinking about which pic I´d choose as an inspiration. Anyways, I posted a pic on my account and then asked my fiancé to take a look at her pics and choose one he liked so we could recreate it…at first he was like “really? :/” but agreed to it because he knew how much that contest meant to me… so he started looking at her pics and when he saw one that BL was at a club and her friend was holding her with her feet up in the air, he immediately said “this one, let´s do this one”, and helped me recreate it (which was so much fun…we wouldn´t stop laughing while at it)… when the day to reveal the winner finally came (I barely slept during the whole contest period ahaha), BL posted a pic saying that she couldn´t pick only 3 favorites, so she was adding two other prizes, another clic clac and a Bougainvillea chèvre Kelly wallet (I DIE)… first place would choose what she/he wanted and so on… aaaaannnnnnddd (drum rolls)… future hubby´s pic won first place yaaaayyyyyyy!!!! This was one of the happiest and most exciting moments of my life, I´d just won an H leather piece (DEAD!!!) I couldn´t stop screaming and jumping up and down hahaha it just felt so good. Future hubby was so proud of himself :) still when I go out with Miss BLK (Miss BlondieLuxe Kelly, her name hehe) he says “I gave you an H wallet :)”. When I received my prize, I finally understood why everyone who purchases an H piece falls so deeply in love with it… it´s just too perfect and special. And until today when I´m feeling like the person with the worst luck in the world, I look at Miss BLK and it´s like she slaps me in the face saying “ya crazy girl? you WON ME! and I came from the closet of one of the biggest fashionistas in the world! SO wake up and stop with the drama”, and I feel better :) XOXO
- PatiEv replied 10 years ago
- last edited 10 years ago
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wow Pati so lucky! your pieces are gorgeous of course lol
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What great story PatiEv! And he’s def a keeper!
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Patiev I remember hearing about that, but didn’t realize it was you!!! Congratulations, what a momentous event, and what a generous gift from Blondieluxe. I am sure you will treasure that stunning Bougainvillea chevre Kelly wallet forever… Your fiance is a very special man! I have a special surprise for you… I will post it in a bit…
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thank you very much mrb.165 and maura carlin, she really is a keeper :) I love her to pieces!!! Maura, because of you everytime I see a Celine luggage I see the annoying orange hahahaha but still love it though :)
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lucky girl!!! your K wallet is gorgeous!!! congratulations on winning her!
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Amazing story!! I always enjoyed your posts on TPF, but when I found you on IG I was so happy to see and share with you all our amazing pictures! You were so supportive when I had a bad time in my life and I will always remember your kindness!!!! Thank you for beening you! Such a sweet, kind person. Love you and always will follow you everywhere! ❤️
- medicineinstyle replied 10 years ago
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Hello dear M, I remember our TPF days, and I will never forget the day that changed your life… You are a very strong woman. Sending you a big hug!
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The pictures from your post were absolutely stunning, LeOrangeBliss. Now that you find yourself a more seasoned Hermes expert, what are the top 1-3 things on your wishlist right now? any exotics in mind (if you’re a fan)?
- xxChanelplz replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much xxChanelplz! Right now my top 3 wishlist items are a Kelly 28 sellier (rigid; the ones I own are all retourne/soft); something in Rose Shocking chevre (this is my other “Ultimate Holy Grail” in addition to my Lagon), and something in Bleu Atoll Togo. I would love an exotic bag and clutch in the future (lizard and gator/croc), but that will not be for a while, budget and priority-wise. One day!! :D
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Loved reading this! I felt like I was right there with you! Xoxo
- Orangeonmymind replied 10 years ago
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Thank you babe (((hugs))), I hope one day you CAN be there with me in person!!!
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Love your personal style! Everything was really informative and a joy to read. You’re right, Hermes really does have something for everyone :)
- fashionistawearsprada replied 10 years ago
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Thank you so much fashionistawearprada!! I was definitely mistaken when I thought Hermes was soooo old-fashioned, boring and traditional :p
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LeOrangeBliss, I just reread your post and article and have a question. I have been waiting/hoping for my first B/K and find that the longer that time passes without that call, the more my eye wanders and interest sort of wanes. How can I keep my eye on the prize without frustration? Any tips to speed up the process? Many thanks.
- Guest replied 10 years ago
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Dear Maura Carlin, thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. May I ask where you are in your wait/search for a B/K? Do you have an established home store and SA? Have you let him/her know of your wishlist? If yes to the above, I would periodically check in with your SA, update him/her with new colors or styles if the seasons have passed (and new colors become available). I find that looking at pictures of my “dream bags” and keeping myself informed of new season colors/styles always continue to pique my interest. I would give my SA a list of the colors, leathers and styles/sizes I would consider, and don’t hesitate to be as specific about it! The broader your list, the easier it will be to find something to offer you. However, don’t be unspecific either, because this is just confusing to an SA and makes them think you are not truly interested in the brand if you are willing to take anything. So for example I would say “I want bright pop colors such as red, orange, bright blue… grain leather like Togo/Clemence, only B30/K32 or smaller, I will take either GHW or PHW… I DO NOT like smooth leather such as box, swift… I don’t want light colors, My favorite colors are xyz, I hate xyz colors” or something of that sort. As I mentioned before in my response to mrb.165, it is important to periodically stay in touch with your SA either by calling or stopping by the store, to keep you and your wishlist in the forefront of their minds…. Unfortunately, “out of sight, out of mind” holds true because they are just so busy and have so many clients. If you do not have an established home store or SA, that would be a different conversation entirely.
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Chanelaholic may need to convert to hermesaholic!
- Chanelaholic replied 10 years ago
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hahaha loved you comment ;)
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LOLLL!!!!! Too funny Chanelaholic!!!
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