Hello my MisoBunnies!
Mr K and I had the most amazing first year wedding
anniversary trip to Italy and France recently.
After coming back we have been having major vacation withdrawals. Nonetheless, it has been wonderful every time
a friend asks us about our trip. Because
we are able to relive these magical moments every time we recall our memories.
Since returning, I have posted a few photos of our trip on
my Instagram. If you don’t follow me on instagram yet you can find me @misojenny
One post seemed to attract many of your attention
I’m quite picky when it comes to handbag purchases. I don’t
consider myself an impulse buyer. I usually do a good amount of research before
taking the plunge. This time even more so than others. Before I start my story,
I just wanted to explain why I decided on sharing this particular journey. I
have always admired and appreciated the classic designs and meticulous
craftsmanship of Hermes pieces. I call them pieces and not purses, scarfs, or
jewelry, because they are truly artisanal.
I consider Hermes a heritage brand and truly feel like I can incorporate
many of their pieces into my lifestyle, not just handbags. At the same time, I
can also see those same pieces passed down to future generations, because they
are timeless and classic.
Prior to my trip I developed quite an addition reading the
stories on TPF (the purse forum) thread on many other’s Hermes experiences inParis. Whether success or not they were
undoubtedly thrilling and I looked forward to refreshing that page everyday. It
was like catching up on my favorite novel to find out what happened next. Did she score? Did the H Fairy grant her
wishes? Is it a B, K, or the particularly elusive C that is rarely mentioned in
this Paris thread? What kind of built? A Sellier or Rutourne? What kind of
leather? Was it Epsom, Togo, Clemence? I was absolutely absorbed in learning about
the history about each iconic piece and their every element. The world of
Hermes is quite magical. In order to appreciate the beauty you
must learn to understand its every detail. This magnificent language, that may
sound foreign or even outrageous to others, was my guilty pleasure after a long
day of work. I want to share this experience in detail for only two purpose;
one, to document and remember the magical experience and second, to hopefully
help those of you looking explore the wonderful world of Hermes via Faubourg
Saint-Honore.
We arrived in Paris on a Thursday and decided to try my luck
at FSH on Friday. As authentic Californians, the crisp February weather in Paris
was quite the challenge. There are two lines at FSH store. The main line is on
Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, hence FSH, and the side door is on Rue Boissy
d’Anglas. I arrived at 8:30 and there were 4 parities at the front door and
probably over 10 people at the side door. I took my place in the front door
line and there I stood for the next 2 hours for the store opening at 10:30.
While waiting in line I met the sweetest sisters from Boston positioned directly
in front of me, and a beautiful girl from New York behind me. I will be honest,
the wait was long and cold but I was truly excited to be in Paris let alone FSH,
thus even the wait seemed magical to me. The doors opened at 10:30 sharp and
after a short security check at the door the line was directed around the store
passing the side door on the way. As I entered the store I felt so overjoyed at
the fact that I was actually there, and everything felt like a blur afterward.
I was greeted by a host with an iPad at the end of the scarf section and she
introduced me to my beautiful SA. She quickly walked me to an empty leather
accessories counter nearby and had a pen and paper ready. It was my first time
in Paris and I told her I was looking for a Kelly 32 or 28 in Etoupe, Rouge
Grenat, Bleu Saphir, or Etain, in gold hardware, Togo or Epsom leathers. I
preferred Sellier but since its my first one I can appreciate the casual relaxed
Retourne as well. The paper had many lines and as I blurted out the many Hermes
jargon of leathers and colors she quickly jotted them down, listening
intently. We had a short chat and she asked me if it the bag was for me and if
it was my first Kelly, to both I answered, yes. She asked for my passport,
wrote down some information and asked me if I would like to wait at that
counter or if I would be browsing around. Honestly I was not ready, because
after nights of research in leathers and colors this was it! This was the
moment that will decide my Hermes fate. I think I must looked a little like a
deer in headlights. My SA quickly said she will only take 5 minute and she will
be right back, at which point I told her I will be in this general area. As I
waited I couldn’t help but browse around at all the beautiful pieces. After
all, this has been the store I’ve always wanted to visit and now that I’m
finally there it seems surreal. I tried to stay put in one spot but I just
couldn’t. Eventually I drifted to the nearby scarf counter where another lovely
SA asked me if I needed help. I politely
told her I was just looking, but after a few minutes I really couldn’t resist
the luxurious silk prints. She pulled a few out and after trying on the first
one I knew I would be addicted. As I was browsing a few different prints my SA
returned and said “whenever you are ready madame”. My heart was racing and I
really did not know what to expect next. I quickly finalized my selection and
made eye contact with my SA, who was standing nearby, informing her that I was
ready. She walked me to the men’s Ready to Wear section and there was an orange
box with a Bearn wallet on top. At this point I was really on cloud nine!
However, the reasonable part of me was still skeptical. Asking questions like,
“what if it's a Lindy? Or Bolide?” As my sweet SA opened the box and peeled the
silky crepe paper back, she said “this was not what you asked for exactly but the
stock is very low currently”. Right when
she finished her sentence, she loosened the drawstrings on the dust bag and
revealed a Kelly 28, Sellier, PHW in Rouge Tomate. I tried on that bag in a
nearby full length mirror and it was a thrilling first experience. However I
really had my heart set on gold hardware and as much as it was a beautiful
color I couldn’t see it being used frequently. Perhaps my SA heard my internal
struggle and told me that I shouldn’t take it if I don’t completely love it. I
told her I was struggling because I felt so grateful that I was even offered a
bag and would hate to lose this chance because I truly appreciated this
experience. My SA was so sweet and I felt like I could really connect with her
on a personal level. She told me that she wants my first Kelly to be special,
and she wanted to make sure I absolutely loved it. I could not agree more, so
we agreed on another visit to find my perfect Kelly.
I returned later to the store. Even the second time in the
store I was a little lost as to where to
go and who to talk to. I found a nice SA standing by the side door and informed
her I was here to see my SA. She made a quick phone call and at the end of the
phone call she told me my SA will be with me shortly as she walked me to the
bottom of the staircase area. She asked if I wanted anything to drink while I
waited, and I kindly asked for sparkling water. About twenty minutes later my
SA greeted me with a big box in her hands. We walked to the same RTW area and
she said “I have good news for you, it was worth the wait!” My heart was
pounding as she revealed a Kelly 28, Togo leather, GHW in Rouge Grenat. She
attached the straps and I tried it on again. At that moment I remember
thinking, “wow 28 Retourne is a little small in person”. I politely asked if
there were any other options. She went through all the other colors available
including blue agate, blue atoll, rouge tomate and some exotic choices! I was
beyond grateful at this point but I asked about B30 choices because that would
be by second choice. She again went through some choices but we settled on the
this cutie.
I also inquired about a Rodeo and a Jige. For the Jige, I was given the choice of Malechite, Nior and a Rose Confetti Epsom, but I was looking for something more neutral so I passed. We then picked out a twilly together and I proceeded to check out along with the scarf from the morning. I could not be happier with my wonderful SA that I met. I wish I also took the Bearn wallet though. It was a major regret for me. So I must make it a point to pick it up the next time I visit.
The day before we left I visited my SA to say thank you and
goodbye. We chatted a little about this wonderful vacation and how much I
enjoyed Paris as we browsed the bracelet section together. I ended up picking
up a Kelly double tour bracelet and she was able to reserve me this cute little
PM Rodeo to match my Kelly. As I’m sharing
this journey, I can’t help but stop and and reflect on how lucky I was. Not only
was I offered a bag, I was able to hear all the colors and leathers available
for both the K and the B? Now sitting here reflecting, it all seemed like a
dream. As with everything in life, people will have difference experiences but my
experience at FSH has truly been magical and unforgettable. I cannot wait to
return!
Lastly, many people get caught up in small details when planning a FSH visit. While reading TPF forum many had questions regarding what to wear, purse to carry, or even bringing your significant other or not. While I do not think any of the above is particularly important, I will quickly share my thoughts. I wore a cashmere sweater with black jeans, Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots, Burberry wool coat with a black Chanel WOC. I visited by myself and did not wear or carry any Hermes pieces. If I was to give my best advise, it would be to just be yourself! Cliché I know, but I truly believe that your individuality would shine through. I really did not do anything special and can’t extract any special formula for being offered the coveted bag. Most importantly try to enjoy your visit, after all you are in Paris!
Thank you for reading my humble experience! I hope you will have a magical experience on your next Hermes visit!
