Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Fun at Louis Vuitton


One of my first shop visits in Paris was, of course, to Louis Vuitton and I found the store on Avenue Montaigne first. I was looking for a clutch and considering something in the Monogram, Damier, or Monogram Vernis. I tried a few styles and decided to think about it, wanting to visit the huge flagship store on Champs Elysees. When we got to that one it was so overwhelmingly crowded and huge that we headed back to the Montaigne store to do any buying.

I settled on the Eva clutch in Monogram after seeing how versatile it is. You can use just the chain and carry on your shoulder, carry as a clutch, hook the chain to just one end and carry as a wristlet, or attach the included leather strap to carry it crossbody on your hip (with chain hanging down). The salesman also showed me that I could sling the chain over my Neverfull straps and carry it that way! (and he said absolutely to get the matching pattern to my Neverfull and not mix it up with the Damier) I also purchased the Complice Trunks and Bags Key Holder. The red logo is what was on the old LV delivery trucks.



Also, when I was there, the salesman told me that that night they were having a little "party" and staying open until 10pm rather than closing at their usual 7pm time and I should come, have some champagne, and get my Neverfull monogrammed with my initials! Usually this takes three days but he gave me an "85% chance" that the monogrammer would be able to do it in 10 minutes. And guess what - they don't charge for this. I don't know if all LV stores will do this, but they assured me emphatically that this was Paris, so of course it would be done any time for free!

So Hubby (very good sport) and I came back that evening on our way to dinner at Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower. They guided us to the shoe department, brought us glasses of champagne, and the salesman I worked with before came over to get the details of how I wanted my initials done. We had reservations at 8pm so couldn't wait to see the whole process, but they had the machine out in the store and I chose my size, location and color (gold) for my initials. They were letting people take pics of the process and were happy to take pictures of us with the monogrammer, but I have cropped him out as I didn't mention anything about him being on a blog! Hubby was there also, supporting my fun, but I know he wishes to remain incognito, so he's cropped out as well.


back at home - my new card & key holder - I must have everything together instead of having separate keys and wallet - that way if I am driving my car I know I have my license/a credit card etc. with me! It is gusseted to hold quite a few cards/cash/even coins - and I love the red detailing.


xoxo

19 comments:

  1. I am so jealous of your LV visit! Love your purchases! I've had my eye in the Eva clutch I just love how versatile it is. I had no idea they did monogramming, I'll have to look into this.

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  2. Absolutely fabulous!! Sounds like quite the shopping excursion - just fantastic...I have no other words... :)

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  3. It sounds like you had a great salesman. Of course they are supposed to know these things, but still. Cute goods and you look great in the Target dress. I so love that you got your Neverfull monogrammed in Paris!

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  4. LOVE this post, thanks! I have the Eva and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It is perfect for vacation and its great if you are chasing little ones around! I'm going to ask about having it monogrammed!

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  5. I also LOVE the Eva clutch!!!! So perfect for your lifestyle and what a luxury item to own:) Love the posts!!!! Keep em coming!! Oh and the wallet/key holder is awesome, too.

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  6. That's adorable that they had a monogramming champagne party! I love it when stores do cute things like that, it gives your shopping experience such a personal touch :)

    Also, Jules Verne looks lovely, especially the desserts and the view!!

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  7. okay, okay, im soooo totally jealous!

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  8. What a wonderful trip! As Ashley says, I am soooo jealous!

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  9. Oh fabulous! I am very jealous;)

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  10. WOW! How much fun was that shopping trip. I had to read this post twice to absorb it all!!!

    I love your purchase

    Fabulous, fabulous!

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  11. How fun!
    I love your new Eva clutch! It is perfect!!

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  12. What a wonderful experience, the cocktail party at LV in Paris while you have your bag monogrammed!

    I wanted to ask you, how are the prices compared to here? I know, I should know, but the last thing from an European high-end brand that I bought was a Tod's bag two years ago and it was definitively more worth it for me to buy it in Italy but only because I still have an account in Euros (the exchange rate was VERY high).
    I'm asking because I kind of fell in love with the LV Bel Air (in Monogram Vernis) some days ago while I was at Bloomingdales looking for a wallet and was thinking that I could buy it when I go to Paris.

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  13. Hi Ema - you should wait and save by buying in Paris. The salesman told me they keep the prices on LV lower in France deliberately and you should save up to about 20%. I checked on the two items I purchased - they would total $805 plus tax if purchased here... the bank charge on my account (I can't recall the euro price) came out to $753.56 which includes about a $7 charge from my bank for exchanging currencies. On top of that, you can get back 12% of the VAT... that is about another $80 back... so all in all I saved about $130 plus US sales tax.

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  14. Oh how much FUN you must have had! I love your new Eva clutch, and you look absolutely gorgeous in your pic, too! :)

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  15. This is DEFINITELY something to blog about! I'm so jealous you're in PARIS!

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  16. Thank you for the info! I will wait. BTW, I like the Avenue Montagne store more than the Champs Elysees flagship.

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  17. Oh what a wonderful experience! I'm so glad you had a fabulous trip!
    When did you change your blog name? I just noticed it-- cute name! :)

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  18. Ema - you're welcome! I *much* prefer the Montaigne store too! Plus, if you go to Chanel & Dior first and look at all the prices there, you feel like LV is priced so reasonably!!
    Stephanie - thanks - I just changed it a couple days ago... seemed a little simpler... I don't think I can change the actual url though without a lot of hassle so that will stay the same. :)
    And Thank you all to everyone for your sweet compliments!!

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  19. That eva clutch has my name on it. Love it.

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