Ordered the TB Nadines! (AW ? too)

[hz80408]

They have a 9 available now and I just completed my order! I'm pretty sure they're not going to fit my calves....but I just had to know for certain.

And now the AW part (I feel like anyways), say they do fit...I do need new Cognac boots; but I was planning on getting a cheaper pair (under $150) and also getting a Louie when we go to Dublin in Sept (with exchange rate and VAT = way cheaper; I still regret not getting one in the spring when traveling). If I were to only do one "big" item; it way more worth it to get another LV instead of keeping the boots, right?

(I know a purse would be more expensive, but I can't justify two big purchases with the other expenses we've had in 2012).

And lastly, I'm thinking the Neverfull GM. I have a Lonchamp Pliage that's getting holes in the bottom corners and thinking this is a good replacement. I'm a little unsure about it not having a zipper closure; but I think I love it otherwise. Does anyone have it that can tell me their opinion?

[hz80408]

Aug 1, 2012 11:58:20 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

WOO HOO!!!! I do not have LV, so can't help you there.

Btw, I just emailed you Ireland rec's. Sorry it took me so long, HZ!!

Thanks! I saw that! Sorry I haven't responded!

[msamyfarrahfowler]

No opinion, just a question on how an LV in Dublin would be cheaper than buying one in the states. Isn't the euro exchange currently 1 to 1.22? How much is the VAT? Also, isn't the VAT an additional itemization?

[joanis018]

Yay!!!! Hopefully you'll love them!

[mrst2]

I would go with the boots if you end up loving them. I have one LV and it's nice, but I don't feel the need to have another especially if I found really great boots. You'll probably keep the boots for a long time and you can get a new bag next year.

[cransplash]

I think you’ll get different responses on here, but I’m on team LV. I know this is ridiculous, but I have 3 LV bags and they are all different shapes/sizes. I use them for various occasions and depending on what I’m carrying. I have a pair of Frye boots I purchased last year that I love, but I carry my LV bags way more than I wear my cognac Frye boots (and I do know cognac boots are versatile).

I think another reason why I am team LV is that each bag had some memorable/sentimental meaning behind (1st one was a gift for my 16th bday from my parents, 2nd one was a Christmas gift from my mom- it was waitlisted everywhere and she managed to find one for me, and the 3rd was from DH for my 30th). When we plan to go to Europe next year (or in 2014), I plan on getting myself another one there (most likely the Neverfull MM).
I remember you’ve been wanting one since your last trip to Europe and regretting not getting one, so I say get it! They will last forever. (DH got me the LV wallet for my bday last year when we were on vaca, and I know I will have that wallet forever. Impeccable quality, and soemthing I know I will most likely never need replacing.)

[krista]

The GM is huge! Way too big, IMO, for an everyday bag. The Neverfull MM (which is still quite large) was my first LV and still my favorite. I thought not having a zipper would bother me but it's not a big deal. I don't like that people can see into it when I set it down, but at least that makes me keep it cleaner and more organized

[misshark122]

if they don't end up working or you don't like them please let me know!

[hz80408]

Will do MissHark!

and thanks for explaining VAT Mav! I KNOW on VAT in Ireland; I about had a heart attack when I realized that Dublin has a LV and how high the VAT is! I was legitimately in bed getting ready to turn out the light and next thing I know I can't sleep for a friggin hour and a half bc I'm beyond excited!

msamy- to piggyback what Mav said; this is how I got my Speed 30 last year. It was before the price rose, but I had saved to buy the bag for my 25th birthday. In Chicago in would have cost $800 (at the time) with taxes. My parents got it for me while in Paris and I paid them $620; so almost $200 cheaper

and since then the strength of the Euro has dropped AND Ireland's VAT is higher than France; so trying to compare LV websites priced in Euros vs. US; it looks like with Euro-USD exchange rate and VAT (VAT is included in the prices of the bags you see in European stores), it looks like the Neverfull could be $300-$400 cheaper in Dublin than Chicago (although that's getting all of VAT back and I prob wouldn't get it all).

Cran- I totally know what you mean! My first LV I didn't even have the joy of buying myself; and now this one would represent our first international trip with friends...

I'm thinking Neverful bc I would use for commuting to work to carry shoes, lunch, etc; plus it'd be good for travel and in general when I need a large bag. Any other suggestions on styles?

[hz80408]

Aug 1, 2012 12:29:52 GMT -5 krista said:

The GM is huge! Way too big, IMO, for an everyday bag. The Neverfull MM (which is still quite large) was my first LV and still my favorite. I thought not having a zipper would bother me but it's not a big deal. I don't like that people can see into it when I set it down, but at least that makes me keep it cleaner and more organized

Thanks for the insight! I'd better check out in store here!

[msamyfarrahfowler]

Oh my. I'll be in Germany later this year where I'll be paying a 19% VAT. So all I need to do is charge the purchase to my CC, and then promptly ask the SA to start the refund process right then and there?

[hz80408]

I cannot wait! I'm going to email you back! We changed to Chase Sapphire CC before our first trip, which has 0% foreign transaction fees, so that's cover!

When I got my first LV the exchange was $1.45eu to $1 USD; so much higher! I need to take advantage and support their economy...right?

msamy- Definitely look into it and consider it! I wouldn't start the VAT refund process in the store itself; often times the stores will charge you a fee and you'll get back less money. My parents sent in the paperwork once they were back in the US and the refund took about 2 months to get. Also, make sure when the SA asks, you want to be charged in EUROS!! if you have them charge in USD then you're using the stores exchange rate, which most likely is not as good as your bank's/CC's rate!

[msamyfarrahfowler]

Where do I get the VAT refund paperwork? In the store, or at customs?

And yes, I'll convince MH that all my luxury good purchases will only help the fledgling euro zone, and thereby save the entire free world from economic collapse!

[msamyfarrahfowler]

Mav and HZ, thanks for outlining all of this! I've never purchased expensive items during my European vacations, and I've always hated the idea of standing in yet another line in the airport. But getting stuff like LV at a heavy discount is surely worth it.

HZ, sorry to hijack your post.

[vampsterdam]

Aug 1, 2012 13:54:26 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

HZ, confirm with your CC company that they won't charge you a currency exchange fee. If they do, someone told me that AMEX is fee free for this. You are so lucky to go now, the exchange rate when we lived in London was around 1.55 euro to $1 USD. Also, I think it's great that your vacationing in Ireland, it's in deep doo doo economically. They need all the tourist euros that they can get. I guess that's why the VAT is so insanely high. I had assumed France would top the charts with the highest VAT rate.

You are gonna love Ireland, HZ. The nicest people in the world.

Just wanted to say I agree! I've been to plenty of cities that are nice to tourists, but it's because hey, you're a tourist and they make money of you (if that makes sense)

The Irish were extra nice though!. I would also recommend doing a day trip to the smaller towns. I planned it once I got there and the tour group did a hotel pick-up.

[hz80408]

Woohoo Mav and MsAmy (no worries on the hijack, happy to help others figure this out too!!), you ladies have me excited!!

I'll confirm with my parents what they did for their VAT and follow up later; just so you know all of your options (I could easily be mistaken on the process they followed).

Definitely have your passport with you though when you go to purchase!

[vampsterdam]

Also, as far as the LV, one of my friend's (we became friends in the last few years) told me her mom works for LV in Chicago.

She told me she will get me any purse with a great discount. I didn't want to ask how much, but now I've been debating if I want to get an LV.

I have a love/hate relationship with the bags so if anyone has recs, I would love to hear them

[hz80408]

Ha Mav, although I refuse to do them, I've heard the same thing about Irish carbombs; is that right?

Did you go to Magners for a tour? I'm wondering if it's worth stopping there!

Vamp- We're doing 7 nights; 1-Kilkenny, 2-Blarney/Cork, 2-Limerick and 2-Dublin; we have a rental car, so if you have any recs for stops along the way, please share!! We want to see the "official" coast but are debating which coast to see. Also, would your friends mom in Chicago store be willing to get me a discount?! Jk

[hz80408]

I've already said I'm only doing one shot of whiskey, I'm not a whiskey fan at all, but we'll see...when in Rome. It's heard the Guiness is better there too. And I've heard the view from the bar in Guiness is amazing. Can't wait! 2 months!

[FormerCityGirl]

It sounds like a win/win either way! You get awesome boots if they fit or an awesome bag if they don't.