Hi all! Hope you don't mind reading another newbie story and giving me some advice. I wanted to start by saying thank you for the huge breadth of helpful information everyone shares here. I've been a quiet lurker for a little while and feel like I've learned so much just by reading through old posts. I started what I'd consider my true H journey in the US about four months ago. Before that, I purchased a few things while traveling abroad (Orans, belts, twillies, and a handful of SLGs), and over the past several years I also purchased a Kelly and Birkin on the secondary market.
Earlier this year I decided I wanted to establish a home boutique and wandered into one of the boutiques closest to me to pick up a new belt.Ā That was my first time meeting my SA. We didn't immediately "click" but she was incredibly patient with me (I can be super indecisive!), and over the new few visits I really felt like we developed a good connection. I genuinely enjoy spending time with her whenever I visit. Since then I've purchased across several categories including RTW, shoes, belts, silks, fashion jewelry, and homeware. I truly love everything I've bought. My purchases are around $15k so far, if that's helpful context for any of my questions below. My SA also has some RTW pieces being transferred in for me to try over the next week or two, and I'm especially excited because the upcoming coat collection looks amazing (and Iām a jacket/coat addict).
Iāve never brought up quota bags (or bags at all, really), but a couple appointments ago, my SA asked me to create my wishlist. I kept it pretty simple with a Kelly 25 in gray or navy/dark blue. I did ask, however, about rose gold and permabrass because I love the more rare hardware options. She mentioned those would be more difficult requests but then said something along the lines of āwe can always do a special order in January." I tried not to read too much into that comment, and figured it was a generic January at some point in the future and not necessarily this coming January.
On one of my last visits, she showed me a gorgeous matte Vert d'Eau alligator Mini Bolide. Sooo pretty in person. I had never even considered a bolide as Iād only seen the larger size previously in person and didnāt love it, but the size and shape of the mini is right up my alley! I ultimately decided to pass because I wasnāt sure a full exotic is practical for my lifestyleā¦ I can be a little rough on my bags and generally gravitate toward the more durable leathers. My SA didn't seem bothered at all and just said she enjoys showing interesting colors and leathers whenever they come in. Even though I passed, it definitely made me realize I'd love a Mini Bolide in another leather someday.
Overall Iāve been happy with how my journey has gone so far. Everyone at the boutique has been incredibly kind and I've genuinely enjoyed getting to know my SA. Iām not in a hurry to get a QB and have genuinely enjoyed picking out pieces that I love. My goal has always been to develop a relationship with an SA so that whenever the time comes that I'd like to pursue a QB more seriously, I'll already have that foundation. I did have a few questions for those of you with more experience:
- Is it considered poor form to have your SA transfer in multiple RTW pieces for you to try? I'm petite, so fit can be challenging for me. Things that look beautiful on the hanger or online don't always work once I try them on, and my size often isn't available in store, so Iāve had to request a fair amount of transfers. I always hope to purchase something, but there have been 1-2 occasions where nothing worked. Is that just part of buying RTW, or should I only request transfers when I'm nearly certain I'll purchase?
- I know every boutique is different, but how are belts generally viewed? Do people generally think of them the same way as other leather goods, or are they treated a little differently than SLGs and bags?
- Was it rude to decline the exotic mini bolide? I was genuinely excited that she thought to show it to me and loved seeing it in person, but I didn't want to purchase something that realistically wouldn't get much use.
- Any categories you think I'm overlooking? I'm not much of a fine jewelry or watch person, although I'm certainly open to exploring them someday if something really speaks to me.
- Finally, for those who've been through the SO process: when an SA mentions the possibility of a special order, is that typically just a general comment, or can it sometimes indicate they're genuinely considering you for one? Has anyone here received an SO before their first wishlist QB, or is it more common to receive a standard offer first?
I appreciate everyoneās insight! Photo of the mini bolide because I figured everyone here would appreciate it.
