to shop / shopping directory: where to buy apc handbags

Last updated Feb 28 2021

Here’s a full directory of where you can find A.P.C. bags on the internet.

• (*) denotes non-US stores.
• (**) denotes sale items (as of press time)
• (***) denotes future sale potential (either markdown or store-wide discount)

A.P.C. is French. It is cheaper in France (as of the current exchange rate) especially if you can obtain a VAT tax refund, however:

1. Do not underestimate the ease of finding what you want in the store. I’ve stopped by the Rue Royale boutique and Le Bon Marche shop in Paris and they barely had any bags out. But I also didn’t ask if they had anything in the back (I was just browsing).
2. The French price post-VAT refund is similar to Black Friday sales in the U.S.

I currently have two half-moon (demi lune) bags. They are both textured, embossed like saffiano leather, as reviewed here. I love them and have no plans to expand the APC family as of this time. The colors/texture for this style may be seasonal, so if you love something, don’t wait!

to shop / shopping directory: where to buy clare vivier (including current discounts)

Last updated March 4, 2018.

Here’s a full directory of where you can find Clare Vivier on the internet.

• (*) denotes non-US stores.
• (**) denotes I’ve seen them have a sale on CV bags.
• (***) denotes that items may be backordered.

This is periodically updated. If you have any updates, please leave a comment.

My Clare Vivier collection started in 2009 and includes two brown Tropeziennes (both handle lengths), a black Tropezienne (short handle), a navy messenger, a black leather simple tote, and various clutches. I’ve also owned the leather weekender, Bando, Wren leopard tote, and a patent shopping tote (that is no longer sold), but bid farewell to them via eBay.

Anthropologie**, ***. In general, they have a nice selection of Clare V’s handbags and clutches. Keep an eye out for markdowns.

Bird Boutique. Limited selection.

Clare Vivier**, ***. Naturally has the best selection. Sales are very infrequent and typically not site-wide.

Eaton Trading Company**. Good sales on major holidays, however, limited selection.

eBay. Secondhand but best way to find something you missed out on.

Garmentory. I’m not linking them here for a reason. I shopped from them and was disappointed that one of their boutiques shipped me a non-flat CV handbag in a plastic Garmentory shipping bag with no padding or protection. That alone is not enough for me to write them off, but the fact that they never bothered to respond to emails is. Stick with the other sites!

Lane-Knight**

Lisa Says Gah

Need Supply

Net-A-Porter US**

Net-A-Porter Europe

Nicole Kwon Concept Store

Nordstrom**

Olivela

Revolve Clothing**

Serafina

Shopbop**

Shop Spring** Similar to Garmentory, it’s a network of retailers/boutiques, but they tend to be much larger and more reputable.

The Outnet** Net-A-Porter’s outlet. Below retail.

TheRealReal** Items may be used. Always below retail.

Yoox

And some collab exclusives…

Apolis market bag

The Inside Pillow home decor and furniture

Clare V wallpaper at One Kings Lane and Lulu and Georgia

Maya Brenner necklaces

Casetify iPhone leather cases

Paige Jeans wristlets

 

to shop / where to find mansur gavriel (feb/march 2016)

Published on February 13. Updated on June 20.

Image source: Mansur Gavriel

Mansur Gavriel isn’t stocking its own web shop until March, but you can find their SS2016 collection at a number of sites. Though you’re not getting a pink box, many of these sites offer returns. Buying directly from MG is final sale, which I learned the hard way, and they also charge shipping. The biggest perk of buying direct from MG is the selection.

New for SS2016 (Update: MG’s own site has been updated with all new styles and colors)

• Shoes in four styles and five heel heights, in many colors. Sorry, none of these appeal to me. And you may have heard about the drama. The shoes pre-launched at Net-a-Porter two days ago, which means you can trust there will be plenty of popbacks.
• New bag styles: the Moon Clutch, the Flat Clutch, the Volume Clutch and Circle bag.
• New bag size: mini Lady bag. It looks substantially smaller than the regular Lady bag. Mini dimensions: 9″ x 10.5″ x 3.5″ vs regular dimensions 11″ x 12.5″ x 4.5″. The handle drop differs by 2″, which means the mini top handle won’t fit on your shoulder. Both have a crossbody strap.
• New color: Rococo (dark berry pink) and Blush (between the existing rosa and peony).

Personally, I am not interested in the new colors, shoes, or new bag styles. I like the lady bag, but not sure if I like the mini or regular size, or if Barneys will have the mini in saffiano.

to shop / repetto shopping directory and sales (as of 2016.01.15)

Image: Repetto

Published: January 15, 2016

Here’s a full directory of where you can find Repetto on the internet. It’s been a while since I did a post on Repetto. Overall, less places carry Repetto and sales aren’t as tantalizing as they used to be. Repettos are still one of my favorite ballet flat brands — it wraps my foot the best, but I will be comparing to Porselli shortly. 

Repetto recently opened a boutique in the US (Soho, NYC) and has a L’Atelier for customized shoes. I haven’t stopped in yet. You can also shop from the Repetto US website, however, all items ship from France via express mail and are priced at US retail, and they are not partaking in the soldes that their French counterpart is. In addition, you also have to pay international duty which appears to be collected at point of sale by Repetto. At least you can return via mail to its NYC office… I can only see myself purchasing straight from Repetto if I’m desperate for a style that the other stores don’t carry and this is highly unlikely!

to shop / longchamp planetes out, le pliage neo in

Updated February 28, 2021.

Image source: Bloomingdale’s

Some time over the late spring, Longchamp replaced the Planetes line with the Le Pliage Neo. I saw it at duty free and compared it to my own Planetes. The new line is glossier, satin like, less thick and stiff (not in a good way), and more casual – all of which I do not like. Planetes has always been my favorite line, so this is a bit upsetting. At first the new line looked appealing because the two smaller sizes come with a detachable shoulder strap, until you realize the strap is unadjustable. Though Planetes is going away, I’ve been using my large Planetes bag in black for 6 years and don’t plan on replacing it any time soon or hoarding another.

If you cannot live without yours, best stock up on another. You can check out the new Le Pliage Neo and decide for yourself whether you like it.

Image source: Nordstrom

In the U.S., you can find Longchamp at:

• Longchamp.com – Largest selection, but I find the website hard to navigate. Once I ordered during a sale and it took them weeks to recognize that an item was out of stock.
• Nordstrom – Free shipping and amazing customer service. Participates in seasonal sales. Good photos of bags on models.
• Bloomingdales – Free shipping typically for orders over $150. Participates in seasonal sales. Sometimes it is excluded from sitewide promotions/friends and family discounts.
• Neiman Marcus – Generally free shipping (look at the top of the page) and is included in discounts/promotions.
• Saks Off Fifth
• Nordstrom Rack

And you can definitely expect cost savings if you buy it in France and meet the tax refund minimum.