Scoring Hermes Birkin in Paris without Previous Purchase History - Experience

Part 1: My experience of scoring the Birkin in Paris

Part 2: 8 Tips on How to Score Birkin with no purchase history

Part 3: Hermes SLGs Unboxing

Part 4: The Birkin Unboxing

Or, if you want, this is a playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gFZ7xS40oaUSAGJBI4h-CHCppSBAM7S

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So, here's a part of my Hermes Paris story. My dream bag is Kelly 28, etoupe, ghw, togo, epsom or clemence. Apologies for the typos throughout the story, since I'm currently on very little sleep :p


3/14
This is my first day in Paris, and my flight arrived at around 7.
I started heading to FSH at around 9:40, and arrived at 10:58 because of traffic.
They said appointment was full at 11:05, so I headed out of the store empty-handed, and went straight to Chanel (lol).

3/15

Arrived at 8:28 am, about 7 people in front. Mostly men. A girl joined a men who lined up in front so I guess some men are there for their girlfriend/wife?

Then, I started talking to a woman in line at 8:40, and learned that she was lining up for her friend.

It's pretty cold out in March so I recommend wearing furry shoes and glove. I obviously under-layered, and was freezing. It was so cold throughout the 2 hours that I started shaking. Holding a warm cup of coffee also helps, even though the coffee can get cold immediately.

I met the appointment SA at 10:40am and got an appointment time of 12:15. Then, I went to one of my favorite places, Laduree, for brunch.

My appointment time kept changing throughout the hours, so I decided to wait inside the store from 12-2. It was a little embarrassing as I just sat there, in the shoe section, and not even looking or trying on shoes. Eventually I met my SA at around 2pm, and she took my list with a piece of paper.

She came back 15 min later, which felt like forever, and said she has nothing for me. No any Birkin or Kelly, no for anything bigger or smaller. Then, she asked me if I want anything else, and I replied Herbag, even though my heart is set on Kelly 28, etoupe, ghw.

Then I was offered Herbag, black, coated canvas. It was around 1800 euro. I really wanted to get that instead so I don't go back empty handed, but it just didn't make my heart sing. I declined.

3/15 (cont.)

After the unsuccessful attempt at FSH, I decided to visit the other 2 stores: Sevres and George V. After speaking with SAs from both stores for a reallyy long time, I felt comfortable coming back the next day. I also set up an appointment with one of the SAs at Sevres. (Hey there's hope?) Maybe, just maybe, they can get me something. Personally I found it super difficult to connect with the SA from FSH. Maybe it's an individual personality thing, or how busy the store is, or some sort of store policy.... I just didn't feel the same straightforward and friendly vibe.

3/16 (which is today)

I started lining up at 6:45 am, and not surprisingly, I was the first one in line. After lining up til 9:40am, I asked my boyfriend to line up at FSH while I waited at Sevre. That was my "strategy". I thought: why don't I max my opportunity by having us spread out, and visit different places? This is our last chance, after all. So, I took an uber to Sevres, hoping to see the SA I made an appointment with. After waiting there, freezing cold, for 30 min, the store finally opened and I went to the leather department, asking for the SA I made an appointment with.

To my surprise (or should I say shock), I was told that she was sick, and not in today! I was heartbroken, and couldn't even put it in words. I then talked to another SA in the leather department. He seemed nice with his smile, but something was missing. I was so heartbroken with the news of my SA's sick leave that I didn't even ask how he was doing, and that's leading to a rough start. After checking in the back for things on my wish list, he told me that they don't have any deliveries yet. They may have one from 11-5pm. He then asked me what else I want. So I told him, maybe herbag? Herbag was in the back of my mind since yesterday, and I would consider buying, especially with the somewhat promising conversation with the new SA. He seemed to be implying there will be a delivery for sure, today. (Or maybe I'm analyzing?) After 10 minutes, which felt very long, he came out with a Herbag, still in its plastic package. He said, "madam, I think you'll like this." I liked the bag, to be very frank, but I still didn't want to buy just the Herbag, without my dream bag, which is the Kelly 28 in etoupe. I thought it would make the experience so much more special if I could get the Herbag and other items with the Kelly. However, after I told him my thoughts, he basically said he can't hold on to the Herbag or any other items for me, and that he'll have to serve other clients because I'll be wasting his time (and my own time since he can't guarantee a Kelly). I felt a little shocked and mistreated, so I thanked him and apologized for the time "wasted" and proceeded to George V.



At George V, I have established a relationship with one of the SAs, but she was serving other clients, so I waited on the side. After we started talking, I explained to her my wait at FSH, and how I couldn't find my dream bag there. I left out the Sevres part because I didn't want her to think that I was prioritizing the other store. She then proceeded to look for the Kelly, and said she couldn't find any. She also said there were no deliveries today. I was once again, disappointed. Since she was one of the sweetest SAs I know, I decided to complete my wish list with her. There, I bought 2 twillies, one belt and buckle, one perfume, and one clic clac. Sure, I was happy to cross some things off my wishlist, but they were not what I wanted the most. I wanted the Kelly 28 in etoupe and ghw, and I'm not willing to settle for anything different. Throughout the experience, she attempted to search for my dream bag again, but had no luck. After that purchase, I decided to meet up with my boyfriend, and head to sevres once again. It was around 1. Upon arrival, I asked another familiar SA (from home goods department) and told her about my situation: "the SA I made an appointment with was sick today, and I don't know what to do." She took my passport and checked. After what felt like eternity, she came back and said sorry, but she sold out completely. She was shocked to learn that I also came in, early in the morning, but I didn't go find her (the SA in home goods). We happen to completely miss each other in the same store! From the tone of her voice, I think she did have something for me, and maybe even tried to hold on to the item. Unfortunately she didn't see me, and had to let go of the item. Well, at least that's what I think. I was once again, heartbroken, and hated myself for only asking for the SA I made an appointment with. That was soo stupid! Anyway, it's so easy to be a hindsight master. There are so many things I could've done, or could've done better. I should just be satisfied with my one score, which will be told in my guy friend's perspective.

---
I can't really say "I'm the one" scoring the Birkin, since I was not the one in the "secret room". I did, however, create part of the strategy. As I've mentioned, I decided to head to Sevres while my guy friend goes to FSH. Turns out, that's a pretty good strategy. I guess it's not a myth that guys have better luck with getting Hermes bags. This is his experience, written by him (and in bullet points):

Entering Hermes
- Woke up 6am to head to Hermes FHS
- Arrived at around 6:30am, no one in sight. Freezing cold
- 7:00am people started lining up.
- A lot of people think of this bag as a myth, hard to get, only if lucky
- When 10:30 arrived, three guards stood by the door and chatted with each other. They kept opening the inner door, and keeping the outer one closed.
- One man unlocked the door, but I waited outside still. I could see some people inside already, so I was wondering if I should enter
- A man with a letter suddenly walked in front of me and opened the unlocked door, which led to security telling him to leave
- After a few more minutes, a man opened the door and checked my paper bag full of finished Starbucks cups
- During the check, a group of 5 ladies ran past us, running through the store heading to the front. The guards stopped them and shouted "No running!", and sent them back a few places in line.
- I ended up being 1st in my line, but with 2-3 people in front of me (I have no idea where they came from)
- Being escorted by a man upstairs (I wish I got his name), I was sat down in the same seat as yesterday
- He asked me for my passport, then started tapping away on his phone
- I asked him how his day was, and he ignored me, but I think it was because he was busy with my passport
- When he was done, he handed my passport and asked how he can help me
- I basically told him I'll be blunt, and said my friend has a list of things she want. I showed him the list, and he said it'll be better if he took a picture. Which he did.
- as he did, I mentioned that she mainly wants the Kelly, and he said he'll try
- He also asked if I wanted anything to drink, and (although I would usually say yes since that was what I was taught) I declined and said "I wouldn't want to give any inconvenience"
- He smiled and took off out of my sight
- While waiting, I chatted with two girls next to me about the bags around
- I noticed the girls' SA came back, and said there were none. They continued asking what they recommend for them
- My guy came back out after what felt like 5-10min, with a large box and a tiny box
- He went into a room for one second, then popped back out and signaled me to come over
- I went in, as the two girls were saying "Ohhh he's getting you one! Congrats!" In Cantonese
- Skeptical, I just said "We'll see" then walked in
- the room was pretty small, a nice couch along two walls with some empty displays in the counter. The whole room was beige, from the floor to the couch to the walls to the ceiling.
- He asked me to sit, and he closed the door
- He said "Sadly, I couldn't find a bag with the specs you mentioned, but I did find a Birkin that I think is similar in size and looks nice"
- He slowly unwrapped the box, pulling out a beige bag with a Tomato Red Birkin in it
- He placed it on the desk and talked about its specs, particularly mentioning that it's a 25 which is a similar size, and with gold hardware
- He said it was the only one they had that day, and began to show the bag to me
- I quickly contacted Cherry, whom was at another store
- In the meantime, I chatted with him and asked him about the bag and it's popularity. He began to explain about the craftsmanship, how long it takes to make one, and how many come in a day. Said about 3-5 if there was a delivery, but usually none each day.
- With some difficulties in communicating with Cherry, I kept saying "I know I can't hold it, so if you need to take it back and I'm using too much of your time, then that's fine"
- He kept reassuring me and stepped outside a few times, talking with his colleagues
- He also offered the charm, which I said yes to - After taking photos and discussing with Cherry about the bag, I decided to get it, and headed on to the counter.
- He mentioned the charm was bought by someone else (which I was kinda bummed because of the commission nonsense) (Long story short, SA doesn't make commission salary from just selling Kellys and Birkins due to their high demand, so I at least wanted to buy the charm so he gets some commission for being so helpful)
- At the counter, I gave my passport info and got registered with their services
- At the cashier, I have my passport and he mentioned that I'm from Santa Clara, home of the 9'ers. To which i smiled yes and said great team.
- nervous about my card, I kept telling him that if it gets declined, then I'll keep using other ones, to which he said "Just try it" and smiled
- Swiped, and it went through fine, surprisingly
- finished up the tax refund forms, and thanked both the cashier and the SA. He escorted me to the staircase, and I left the store

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So, how do you like our story? Please feel free to ask us questions in the comment section, on here or on YouTube. Hope this helped!

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2018 Update:

I scored another Hermes Kelly in June 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1gFZ7xS40oaDhJxYoPleatVQ2i1qpx1n

The specs are: Kelly 35, black togo leather with gold hardware.

Happiness After Trauma

Happiness seemed like such an easy thing if you don't have to worry about remembering.

Memories can haunt you, especially when they are incomplete. 

I've been debating if I should write about this issue, or even tell anyone about it. 

The stigma, the shame, and guilt act like thick walls that trap me inside my little pathetic corner.

Something is trying to mute me, and that something, may be myself. 

After that incident, I decided that it is most important to take care of myself before attempting to take care of others.

Someday I might be courageous enough to write out the entire story, though it may never be complete because some monster decided to steal my memory away... I guess the key message in this is: take care of yourself. You deserve care and love, no matter how others try to hurt you and take things away from you. You deserve the good things in life, including love, happiness, and material things. It doesn't matter what bullies, or people with malicious motives do to you. What's most important, is how you take care of yourself, and how you respond to those malicious actions.

Yes, we know the system is broken. We know the drill about innocent before proven guilty. Please don't panic, because we also know that karma will get those who attempt to destroy others. We don't need to do anything other than taking care of ourselves, and trusting ourselves that one day, we will recover. We may not be the same as before, but it doesn't matter. We will be stronger, better, and more of a healer for others in need. It has happened. It may happen to anyone. We must prevent, and prepare for the worst. 

Confessions of an Instagram Addict

I, too, have been on the same boat with thousands of other Instagram addicts, who had to perfect every single picture from the lighting to the angle, from the size of my head to the proportion of my body. I created this so-called perfect image online. I searched for photoshop tools that I can use to perfect my photos even further. I searched for trends, and hoped to gain more followers by following them. I was obsessed with numbers, and numbers of followers in particular. I was obsessed with the number of likes I receive from each photo. I was obsessed with Instagram.

Pathetic isn't it? Neglecting real life friends and obsessing with strangers on social media. Unfortunately, this is the society that we live in. People care more about their image on cyberspace than their image in real life, in the cases I witnessed, at least. People search for filters, angles, clothes, photoshop tools, and even plastic surgery that make them look just a little more attractive than before.  (Or at least that's what they/we think). How superficial? How realistic? Why?

Why are people so obsessed with their image online? Because they are not the only ones. They know that others are equally obsessed with their own, and other people's image online. It is how people judge each other. It is how people stalk each other. It is how people compete, secretly, for most cases.

Have you heard of the theory that the more stay you stay on Facebook the less happy you become? It's true, at least for me it is. I tried to stay away from Facebook for a while, not looking at those perfecting lives or should I say lies, and I felt better about myself. It is so difficult to not compare, if you see bits and pieces of everyone's lives right there for you to see and judge. I see two types of people on Facebook. The ones that make their lives uber exciting and the ones that complain about everything. Ironically, people usually get pleasure from reading the tragedies, and get jealous from reading the exciting, perfect adventures that others get to experience.

What have social media turned us into? More correctly, what have we turned our selves into? In the past, people compare, but they do it less frequently due to the lack of access to others' lives. Now, we have all the freedom to access other people's lives without letting them know. All of us become stalkers because there are no apparent consequences. But, there are! We become vulnerable, depressed, self-effacing from just reading a clingy couple or loving family or ambitious college student's posts. We look back to our selves and feel that we are not enough.

Well guess what. You are not enough!

If you're busy enough, you will be able to stay off Facebook. You will be able to focus on your own life. You will be able to improve nothing but yourself, and not your stalking skills. Focus on yourself!

Your time is limited. If you were to make an investment, with time, make it on yourself first.

From Vancouver to Shanghai. The songs from band and what hurts my soul.

You know, up until now, I'm still afraid of hearing my own sound.
I'm not talking about my voice. I'm talking about the songs we played in concert band, in jazz band.
Some things are magical but you don't realize it until you've missed it.

I remember the days I had to wake up extra early just to go to jazz band practices. Yes it was a drag. I remember telling myself, for days I can count with one hand, of how absurd it is to join jazz band and sacrifice sleep. How absurd it is to make my life so stressful, unnecessarily stressful? But, who understood my love for music? For piano, maybe not so much, due to all the discouragement and mandatory lessons. But band! I chose it for myself. I decided to play percussion instruments, after hearing that it is the heart of the orchestra. I decided to start learning french horn, not just because of its elegant look, but also because of its complexity. There are only three buttons, but you play scale after scale, using just slight variation of your lips. I still remember the time, when I was called "First French Horn". I was so proud, as if that's my greatest achievement ever. I remember secretly competing with this boy in my section, seeing who can play the part better. Seeing who can get the first french horn part. So, how are you doing now?

I'm still afraid. I'm tagged in the videos on Facebook, and some nights when I can't sleep, I go on Facebook and listen to those songs. They are so beautiful! They make me cry. They make me realize what I missed out on and what I really wanted and needed in my life.

I moved, and switched schools. But I never moved on. Yes, I attempted to join the orchestra in my new school, but it was not the same. No one was disciplined enough to practice at home. The orchestra was a joke. I felt like a joke. It was not music. I quit.

Some days I still can't help but think to myself, what if I stayed in Vancouver? What if I never agreed on moving? Would things be better? Or am I just giving myself excuses for not achieving certain goals in my life just because I did not get to choose certain paths? I really don't know. All I know is that, if I had some say in moving, I would not be able to blame anything, anyone. I hate blaming and regretting.

The songs are so beautiful and heartbreaking. I'm trying really hard not to cry but it is almost impossible. There is so much I want to do about my past but it is all useless now. The song are not perfect. I hear missed notes and rhythm here and there. But it is that time, those hours we practiced together, the nervousness that we shared... those are irreplaceable memories. Memories that only WE understand. I love music, I really do. I still do, but that passion is starting to hurt me, because I am drifting so far away from it.

The moment I started my life in Shanghai, I had to let go a lot of things. Music was one of them. That includes piano (which I was somewhat thankful for at that moment), concert band, jazz band, and choir. Did I talk about sports? Well that's gone too. It is so hard not to blame when you know exactly who decided on the changes in your life, when you made it so clear that you did not want those changes. When you watch the selfishness swallow a person's soul, and decide for the child's destiny. You witness it yourself, and you fear for your life. The life you desired. The life you were supposed to have, with years of fighting and working.

But, I hate to feel this way. I hate to reveal negativity. Well, it seems that the hate is also a form of negativity.

Good night world. Let's say that tomorrow is better but we never know.

Flexibility and Potential Disaster-- Corrupted Educational Systems and Mandatory Good Grades

Have you ever thought of the downside of being too flexible? Throughout my life, I was always told to be obedient, flexible, a good listener and a good supporter. As an Asian female, I was always told that it is better, or easier for me to live my life as flexible member of the society. A flexible member without much "attitude" or opinion. It is always better to be flexible in your school work. You should always, always learn to love all the subjects at school, and you should always be passionate in whatever you do, or whatever opportunity that comes up.

What happens then, after the point of high school, which everything was planned, scheduled and forced on you? What happens when you finally push yourself to "love" all the subjects and the people you encounter? Is that still love? Is that still passion?

It's not until college that I realize the potential harm of being too flexible or easily convinced. In high school, I was convinced to love English Literature as well and Mathematics and Chemistry and US History and Physics... I was convinced to love practicing the piano and Taekwondo. I was convinced to be easily... well... convinced. I started to forget what I initially wanted to learn at school, and I also forgot what I was good at. I was so used to forcing myself to like A, B and C... that I do not remember which one I actually "loved" and which one I should pursue as a major.

I was admitted as a Cognitive Science major, this low-key, new field of science that not a lot of people know about. It is a pain in a butt to explain to anyone outside of this major, but at the same time, I admire it's flexibility and endless possibility. Then, I added Accounting, this completely different, rule-based form of... well they do call it "science". This Accounting major, this language of business is something so different from what I entered college for. But, after all these years of forcing myself to like, something, I cannot differentiate what is "right" for me anymore. I mean, if I force myself hard enough, anything can potentially feel right. I can potentially get good grades on anything, right? In addition, getting good grade on something doesn't necessarily mean that you have passion in it, doesn't it just mean that you just, coincidentally happened to be good at doing that type of work... or maybe the class was too "introductory"? I don't know what is "love" and "passion"... I can no longer feel.

Is this the danger of being too flexible? Is it wrong to be too flexible?

You know, sometimes I really envy those people who grew up knowing, and doing, only one thing. Let it be music or art, video games or literature... at least they know exactly what to do and where do go. At least they will know to master that one thing. These are the people whom I believe will succeed. It is probably better for them to stay stubborn and not overly flexible?

♡Secrets to Being Happy♡

Being happy can be real hard, especially when you're faced with a new environment, surrounded by unfamiliar people and challenges. Moving around is tough, especially at a young age, when you're still trying to find yourself. In this video I'll be sharing some tips that kept me going, and helped me with staying happy and positive. It is important to note that, just like everyone else in the world, I'm not happy all the time. In fact, I can be sad or pissed off or annoyed, but the most important thing is to prevent the negativity from taking over your life. A positive mindset WILL help you get through those hardship. The highlights of this video include:



- You can only be happy continuously if you practice the positive mindset continuously

- finding Happiness is a trial-and-error process

- Life is about changes. Nothing lasts forever, including pain

- Feeling bitter will never, ever, make things smoother

- Being happy and staying positive is NOT EASY, but definitely WORTH IT in the long run!

♡Valentine's Day♡ 4 Outfit Inspirations| LookBook 2015

How to: YOUTUBE AUTOPLAY FEATURE Video/TRAILER on FRONT PAGE

Alright. I'm writing this post because I struggled with this for the longest time.
For all the youtubers out there, a great way to promote your channel is to have an AUTOPLAY VIDEO on your channel. Your unsubscibed/ subscribed viewers will get to see the content you want to present the second they click on to your channel.

To do this, we will have to click on view channel.

So...

This is my channel, and my featured trailer is ♡Valentine's Day♡ Outfit Inspirations| LookBook 2015

To do this, just scroll over to that section and you should see this:

Here, you can change the video, select whether you want the unsubscribed or subscribed viewers to see the autoplay video/trailer. 

To see the results, just log out of your account and view your channel. You should be able to see the video auto-playing the second your channel loads on the webpage.

Hope this helps!

Good Luck :)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I remember seeing this quote on my friend's status.
For the longest time I thought it is just another "thought of the day" kind of thing, until one day, he told me that this is his favorite film of all times. Well, being the lazy person that I am, I didn't search for the film. Instead, the title of this film popped up on my screen, on my flight to LA. So, as curious as I always was, I clicked on it.

There seems to be the re-occuring theme of "time" in our lives. We constantly fight time or live by time. It seems like we can no longer function without time. Yet, we fail to acknowledge that time can sometimes mess with us so badly! It can cause so much unnecessary frustration and worry.

In the film, I witnessed love. I witnessed forgetfulness. Forgetfulness of memories and forgetfulness of time. I witnessed timeless love-- eternal love. Really, what is more important than enjoying every single moment of now? Why worry about losing someone in the future if it takes away the happiness of now? We are limited beings, as Spinoza points out in Ethics. Yet, our reasoning allows us to realize everything in aspect of eternity. This is what differs human beings from the rest of natural beings.

What is eternity really?
Isn't everything eternal as we can never change whatever happened, and the memories stay with us for as long as we're alive?

Why worry about the future, the unpredictable future, or the undetermined afterlife? We have now, and only now, that we can fully appreciate the moment.

(I guess this brings me back to "The Power of Now")

The Power of Now

I've never read a book so closely and carefully, from what I remember. I guess I can't say that "The Power of Now" is life-changing, since I do not know the exact and universal definition of "life-changing", yet this book did change my perspective of life. Like most other readers, I was extremely skeptical about the content of this book. I thought it would be another book that sounds convincing and useful, but is practically theoretical and pretty much inapplicable to my current state of life. Yet, the book is so straight-forward and conveys a message that is identical to the title-- The Power of Now.

It is so difficult to ignore the past and the future, yet when we really think about it, the past and the future has no impact on our exact moment of "now". The most current state of now. Even if we're upset from some incident that happened an hour ago, so what? It is not now, so we should no longer feel the negativity. Even if we are worrying about some possible outcome, that has to do with the future, something that we cannot control. So why worry? Why stress? Why care about time if you think about life as a finite set of  pictures? Why cry about people leaving, if they were once so close to you? That is enough! Once you are together, that moment is eternal. No one can take away what happened already, as no one can control the future.

When I'm feeling down, I just remind myself of "The Power of Now".