Toasting Hermès
What would we gals do without Hermès? Honestly, I do not know!
While many Hermès pieces are termed "investment", they are worth every penny or centimes. My personal collection is humble but every piece and each perfume I adore, keep the packaging of as well as the gorgeous bottles for my vanity in the master bedroom. As many did, I fell in love with Hermès while living in Paris. I once picked up 3 of the famed handbags for my then boss! I wished I could run away, tear open the beautifully flaming orange wrapping and behold one for my very self. But alas, I did not. I returned to the office only to have them tempt and taunt me until Christmas! {Sadly I was not one of the recipients!}
Today's post comes to you from my dear friend The Antiques Diva. During her years in Paris, she lived as a Parisian princess among some of the most amazing and talented women, French and Expat alike. Two of her Parisian pals, Jennifer and Rebecca were kind enough to do an awesome and extensive interview on Hermès, their knowledge of, complete with tips and tricks for finding special pieces or even "bargain" prices!
Many thanks to The Diva for sharing this wonderful article with the readers here at A Rendez-Vous with Style!
Jennifer B. is an all-around Hermès guru and has been wearing Hermès since she was a Boston teenager. She has that “classy New England look” perfected. After moving to France, she took Paris by storm, teaching expat wives and fellow Americans her Hermès scarf tying tricks and sharing shopping secrets in private workshops. Somewhere along her diva-dom days, she met and befriended Rebecca Magniant, the gorgeous founder of Chic Shopping Paris, and eventually went to work part time for Rebecca as one of her tour guides.
Rebecca is simply one of the most stylish people I’ve met in real life. We were once on the same flight from Paris to Atlanta and while the rest of the passengers climbed from the cabin through customs with bleary eyes and matted-down hair, Rebecca appeared perfectly pressed, fresh and energized looking like she just stepped out of an ad in Vogue.
Rebecca and Jennifer have been friends for years and have let me scurry around in the dazzling peripherique of their lives. So when I realized I needed help, I went straight to the source.
I have to ask myself, “Is any purse worth $10,000 or more?” Maybe if it is made-to-order and by hand in France. I don’t want to name names, but I can think of one famous French luxe brand that is mass produced and not even true leather…. Hmm, think I will hold out for that vintage brown crocodile Kelly Bag, named after Grace Kelly.
Believe it or not, but on one of my Chic Shopping Paris Tours, I had someone buy a Kelly Bag at les puces for 5K – a bargain! Luxury goods bargains are out there. Last time I was in Vintage Expert Didier Ludot’s Palais Royale shop, he confided "Kelly bags are everywhere... Birkin's are harder to find.” You must check out his store -- he does have some premium pieces.
My favorite Hermès gift for the women on my shopping list is the luscious lipstick(matte or gloss), packaged in classic Hermès fashion. Selling for around 25€, it packs a lot of bang for the buck with great packaging.
Before having kids I used to spend hours in the Paris flagship store at 24, rue Faubourg St Honoré. Paris’ Hermès does have bi-annual sales to coincide with the official Parisian soldes periods {sales} one in the winter and another in the summer. Sale dates are set by the French government and are announced a few weeks before the sales start. Check the French newspapers or call the store to find out the date and location. There are Secret Hermès Sales from time to time; they are always held off-site.
I was lucky enough to be given a map, complete with highlighted trail, by the doorman for my first sale. Be prepared to wait in line and declare on a little card anything Hermès you happen to be wearing or carrying, lest they think you shoplifted on your way out! Prices can be half to one third off regular Paris prices. My favorite part is the large scarf pit. Think hundreds of French women (and a few lucky tourists) grabbing scarves for review and throwing them back for another pick. Stockists throw out new merchandise as fast as you can grab them. Ties and enamel bracelets are another favorite and there is usually a decent selection at the sale. Purses, belts and shoes can be hit or miss, depending on size and taste.
At the flagship store, there is a cool, private museum. Have Chic Shopping Paris arrange a private tour!
Rumor has it that if an Hermès product doesn’t sell, they destroy their own stock rather than sell it to you in a discount or outlet store! Great bargains and/or retired designs can be found at vintage (i.e. gently used) merchants at many of Paris’ famous depot ventes. Most Depot Ventes boutiques specialize in high-end designer clothes and leather goods. You will most often find scarves, ties and the occasional purse if you are lucky enough. Reciproque is the most famous, but their prices tend to be a bit higher.
The famous Parisian auction house Hôtel Drouot often has scarves to auction, so watch their sale calendar. But be prepared to bid in French. Our friend Bella Francesca, who is fluent, once bid against herself in the auction frenzy!
There is always Ebay, but buyer beware...fakes are out there!! If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Of course, if you buy them new {or receive them as a gift}, Hermès items such as scarves and ties can be exchanged at any store if in the original box. If your local store does not have the scarf you lust after, come to Paris and exchange it with no hassles! This is not usually a French policy... but Hermès is progressive!
Feel free to ask for the latest scarf book at the scarf counter while you are in the store, and if you purchase something they might even throw in a scarf-tying book. It never hurts to ask! But dress for success and you will be treated nicer. It also does not hurt to speak a few words of polite, basic French such as Bonjour Madame, Merci, etc.
The Hermès website gets better and better all the time for those not near an actual store.
Remember the Hermès chat group - these are serious fans who live all over the world. They discuss vintage & new scarves, how to wear them and how to spot fakes – a perfect tool in your Hermès education, regardless of where you live! And ivillage has an excellent “series of scarf tying tips”! Lastly, if you’re looking for Hermès, you might just want an expert to hold your hand. Next time you’re in Paris, remember Chic Shopping Paris!!
Mille merci to The Diva, Rebecca and Jennifer!
Bon weekend à tous,
Kelli
This was a wonderful day of lunch & shopping with my hubby. One can never go wrong with a gift from Hermès.
A Rendez-Vous with Style offers wardrobe styling & image consulting services for women of all ages and stages of life.
~ Personal Styling
~ Fashion Styling
~ Wardrobe Styling
~ Image Consulting
~ Personal Shopping
~ Styling à Distance
~ The Beautifully Styled Bride
~ Family Photo Styling
~ Intimate Group Classes & Seminars
All photos & ideas expressed on this blog are the sole ownership of A Rendez-Vous with Style unless otherwise stated. If you would like to use a photo, please email me first at kelli@arendezvouswithstyle.com
While many Hermès pieces are termed "investment", they are worth every penny or centimes. My personal collection is humble but every piece and each perfume I adore, keep the packaging of as well as the gorgeous bottles for my vanity in the master bedroom. As many did, I fell in love with Hermès while living in Paris. I once picked up 3 of the famed handbags for my then boss! I wished I could run away, tear open the beautifully flaming orange wrapping and behold one for my very self. But alas, I did not. I returned to the office only to have them tempt and taunt me until Christmas! {Sadly I was not one of the recipients!}
Today's post comes to you from my dear friend The Antiques Diva. During her years in Paris, she lived as a Parisian princess among some of the most amazing and talented women, French and Expat alike. Two of her Parisian pals, Jennifer and Rebecca were kind enough to do an awesome and extensive interview on Hermès, their knowledge of, complete with tips and tricks for finding special pieces or even "bargain" prices!
Many thanks to The Diva for sharing this wonderful article with the readers here at A Rendez-Vous with Style!
THE ANTIQUES DIVA
Exclusive Interview
Revealing Hermès Shopping Secrets
Revealing Hermès Shopping Secrets
Jennifer B. is an all-around Hermès guru and has been wearing Hermès since she was a Boston teenager. She has that “classy New England look” perfected. After moving to France, she took Paris by storm, teaching expat wives and fellow Americans her Hermès scarf tying tricks and sharing shopping secrets in private workshops. Somewhere along her diva-dom days, she met and befriended Rebecca Magniant, the gorgeous founder of Chic Shopping Paris, and eventually went to work part time for Rebecca as one of her tour guides.
Rebecca is simply one of the most stylish people I’ve met in real life. We were once on the same flight from Paris to Atlanta and while the rest of the passengers climbed from the cabin through customs with bleary eyes and matted-down hair, Rebecca appeared perfectly pressed, fresh and energized looking like she just stepped out of an ad in Vogue.
Rebecca and Jennifer have been friends for years and have let me scurry around in the dazzling peripherique of their lives. So when I realized I needed help, I went straight to the source.
Jennifer | Hermès Guru:
It’s kind of funny… since having a baby, my motto has changed from an attitude of “It’s not a good day without wearing an Hermès scarf” {when I first moved to Paris six years ago} to my present day, post-baby daily routine involving a spray of my favorite Hermès perfume and using the homemade Hermès burp cloth that a friend gave me to clean up after my daughter. By the way, shoppers, save that Hermès ribbon and use it to accessorize anything from a baby’s burp-cloth to a très chic pelmet board!! And remember that your shopping bags can even be sold on Ebay, earning you money to buy more Hermès!
I have to ask myself, “Is any purse worth $10,000 or more?” Maybe if it is made-to-order and by hand in France. I don’t want to name names, but I can think of one famous French luxe brand that is mass produced and not even true leather…. Hmm, think I will hold out for that vintage brown crocodile Kelly Bag, named after Grace Kelly.Rebecca | Author of Chic Shopping Paris:
Believe it or not, but on one of my Chic Shopping Paris Tours, I had someone buy a Kelly Bag at les puces for 5K – a bargain! Luxury goods bargains are out there. Last time I was in Vintage Expert Didier Ludot’s Palais Royale shop, he confided "Kelly bags are everywhere... Birkin's are harder to find.” You must check out his store -- he does have some premium pieces.Jennifer | Hermès Guru:
Plus some US stores have special sales; you just have to ask when and if.
My favorite Hermès gift for the women on my shopping list is the luscious lipstick(matte or gloss), packaged in classic Hermès fashion. Selling for around 25€, it packs a lot of bang for the buck with great packaging.Rebecca | Author of Chic Shopping Paris:
Great gift idea, Jennifer – The Lipstick is Red and only available in Hermès stores.Jennifer | Hermès Guru:
Before having kids I used to spend hours in the Paris flagship store at 24, rue Faubourg St Honoré. Paris’ Hermès does have bi-annual sales to coincide with the official Parisian soldes periods {sales} one in the winter and another in the summer. Sale dates are set by the French government and are announced a few weeks before the sales start. Check the French newspapers or call the store to find out the date and location. There are Secret Hermès Sales from time to time; they are always held off-site.I was lucky enough to be given a map, complete with highlighted trail, by the doorman for my first sale. Be prepared to wait in line and declare on a little card anything Hermès you happen to be wearing or carrying, lest they think you shoplifted on your way out! Prices can be half to one third off regular Paris prices. My favorite part is the large scarf pit. Think hundreds of French women (and a few lucky tourists) grabbing scarves for review and throwing them back for another pick. Stockists throw out new merchandise as fast as you can grab them. Ties and enamel bracelets are another favorite and there is usually a decent selection at the sale. Purses, belts and shoes can be hit or miss, depending on size and taste.
Rebecca | Author of Chic Shopping Paris:
Don’t forget about Duty Free Shopping – the airports also have good prices!Jennifer | Hermès Guru:
At the flagship store, there is a cool, private museum. Have Chic Shopping Paris arrange a private tour!Rebecca | Author of Chic Shopping Paris:
Absolutely, this is a great idea. But remember, the museum is by appointment only.Jennifer | Hermès Guru:
Not only do you learn the history of Hermès at the museum, but you also see some of their former designs and if you fall in love with something, have patience!! Many popular designs that have been retired do come back into production! Even if you can't find your favorite scarf or bracelet at the moment, it might reappear.
Rumor has it that if an Hermès product doesn’t sell, they destroy their own stock rather than sell it to you in a discount or outlet store! Great bargains and/or retired designs can be found at vintage (i.e. gently used) merchants at many of Paris’ famous depot ventes. Most Depot Ventes boutiques specialize in high-end designer clothes and leather goods. You will most often find scarves, ties and the occasional purse if you are lucky enough. Reciproque is the most famous, but their prices tend to be a bit higher.The famous Parisian auction house Hôtel Drouot often has scarves to auction, so watch their sale calendar. But be prepared to bid in French. Our friend Bella Francesca, who is fluent, once bid against herself in the auction frenzy!
There is always Ebay, but buyer beware...fakes are out there!! If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.Rebecca | Author of Chic Shopping Paris:
Check out the Hermès chat room group on www.yahoo.com for insider tips to spot fakes. There is a yahoo e-group for die-hard fans.Jennifer | Hermès Guru:
When in Paris, don’t forget les puces – Paris’ famous flea markets occasionally have the odd scarf or purse.Rebecca | Author of Chic Shopping Paris:
My favorite shop at Les Puces for scarves and ties is Le Monde de Voyage – they also sell bags, bracelets, etc and their scarves run for only 140-150 Euros. It’s a good deal for vintage Hermès.Jennifer | Hermès Guru:
Of course, if you buy them new {or receive them as a gift}, Hermès items such as scarves and ties can be exchanged at any store if in the original box. If your local store does not have the scarf you lust after, come to Paris and exchange it with no hassles! This is not usually a French policy... but Hermès is progressive!Feel free to ask for the latest scarf book at the scarf counter while you are in the store, and if you purchase something they might even throw in a scarf-tying book. It never hurts to ask! But dress for success and you will be treated nicer. It also does not hurt to speak a few words of polite, basic French such as Bonjour Madame, Merci, etc.
The Hermès website gets better and better all the time for those not near an actual store.
Rebecca | Author of Chic Shopping Paris:
Remember the Hermès chat group - these are serious fans who live all over the world. They discuss vintage & new scarves, how to wear them and how to spot fakes – a perfect tool in your Hermès education, regardless of where you live! And ivillage has an excellent “series of scarf tying tips”! Lastly, if you’re looking for Hermès, you might just want an expert to hold your hand. Next time you’re in Paris, remember Chic Shopping Paris!!An Hermes scarf is one of those quintessential French items that never go out of style. If you think you might age yourself by wearing the scarf around your neck, try one of the more modern ways of wearing a scarf - tied around the strap of your purse, or wrapped around your wrist like a bracelet. You can even wear the larger ones as a sexy summer halter top - for the bold only!
» » » Rebecca Magniant, author of Chic Shopping Paris « « «
» » » Rebecca Magniant, author of Chic Shopping Paris « « «
Mille merci to The Diva, Rebecca and Jennifer!
Bon weekend à tous,
Kelli
This was a wonderful day of lunch & shopping with my hubby. One can never go wrong with a gift from Hermès.
A Rendez-Vous with Style offers wardrobe styling & image consulting services for women of all ages and stages of life.
~ Personal Styling
~ Fashion Styling
~ Wardrobe Styling
~ Image Consulting
~ Personal Shopping
~ Styling à Distance
~ The Beautifully Styled Bride
~ Family Photo Styling
~ Intimate Group Classes & Seminars
All photos & ideas expressed on this blog are the sole ownership of A Rendez-Vous with Style unless otherwise stated. If you would like to use a photo, please email me first at kelli@arendezvouswithstyle.com
Posted by Kelli Djulus at 4/17/2009 9:45 AM 
Categories: couture, Haute Couture, Paris, Hermès, Guest Blog, Personal Style*, Must Have Pieces, Vintage
Categories: couture, Haute Couture, Paris, Hermès, Guest Blog, Personal Style*, Must Have Pieces, Vintage
I am really enjoying your guest posts Kelli - today's was fabulous. Long live Hermes, xv.
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Kelli, Jennifer and Rebecca, thank you for this wonderful tutorial. Just seeing Hermès orange makes me happy!
I hope to do a post on my small collection of Hermès scarves soon.
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what a fabulous post!!!!!
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Ooooooh how I would love to have an Hermes handbag... sigh!!!!!
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Cashmere Librarian, I can't wait to see your collection!
Vicki, so glad you enjoyed my guest post!
Kel,
Thanks so much for featuring The Antiques Diva on your site today!!! I appreciate your support and encouragement!
Toma, aka The Antiques Diva
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Hi Kelli!
I am LOVING the Hermès orange bag! Thanks to Toma for sharing this fab post with us!!! Have a BON weekend also Kelli!!!
~Miss Kris~
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Thank you Kelli for such a lovely post!
I have never bought anything at Hermes, however my best friend has the brown Hermes (Birkin) bag, which I borrow sometimes...hehe
xoxo
Mimi
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Hermes is the true investment! i only have an Hermes scarf...but i'd really like a purse. but then again i have some other wonderful purses so i can't complain!
great post!!
xoxo
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