June 7th, 2025
On My Mind
Shopping Field Notes
My favorite Hermès Orans are beige. Beware, there are two slightly different shades. I prefer the Beige Natura left to the Beige Lin right.
Holy moly, the tariffs! An order from Ssense in Canada was held hostage until I paid an eye-watering customs duty. The item, which was on sale, cost the same as full price in the end. And, I have been waiting for a bag to be released from customs at JFK, however, I am losing hope of ever seeing it.
On Monday, we followed a woman carrying a large Celine shopping bag through Global Entry. When she responded that she had nothing to declare, the agent asked what was in the bag. “A new handbag” she replied, and looked surprised when she was sent to have her luggage inspected…
:
It’s complicated.
Wasn’t me!!! And, yes, the Beige Lin reads olive green.
I order from Ssense all the time. They are one of the few places that sell size 5.5 shoes. Thanks for the heads up.
I agree it’s complicated. I’m an optimist and betting on America. I believe when it all shakes out – and it could take awhile – we will be in a better, more fair, and more competitive position for global commerce and it will benefit our country. Meanwhile, those of us who buy luxury imports are taking the hit. Most consumers simply aren’t buying this stuff.
This is most definitely not just affecting those buying luxury items. It is affecting those who live pay check to pay check far more than those of us that are fortunate enough to be purchasing luxury goods.
Well smuggling is going to certainly pick up for the foreseeable future isn’t it?
Do you know why your Ssense order was held up? Does it have to do with total order cost? I haven’t experienced this from them yet but your note makes me reconsider purchasing with their ongoing sale!
Well yes, of course, obviously tariffs affect everyone. My comment was specific to luxury goods, which was the topic of the post.
Instead of ‘the hit,’ I should have said ’a hit.’
Personally, I had already cooled on luxury brands as the prices skyrocketed in the past four years. I appreciate and want to support the craft, but honestly, who feels pleasure carrying a $6,000+ wicker bag on a casual weekend?
I showcase what I like and often the items I like cost a lot. Even though this is a high-end shopping post, we are all aware that the tariffs will affect everyone. The truth is that I am not shopping a lot, this is primarily why I post so infrequently.
I find the posts inspiring. They help me to recognize similar items I already possess or what to seek out when I am planning my next purchase. The luxury element is what creates the thoughtful, curated spirit of this forum.
Hi Preston,
Do you like the Saint Laurent Tribute? The color is rich , the Oran natura is tricky to find . Love to know what you think of the tribute . Thank you , Jo
Jo, I have the black tributes and find they don’t get the same love. The black ones are great and want to get the brown ones.
I had the same experience recently with SSENSE, and I called their customer service and they refunded the customs duty. If it happens, just need to send them proof of payment of the duty. Hope that helps!
Are you able to elaborate how the customs/tariffs were calculated? Would love to buy a Fendi bag from Cettire and trying to find out how much all in all will cost me. Read various Reddit threads and seems like it is not an easy chart to calculate, and how the shipping courier also can attach storage fees. Not sure if the sale is really a sale at the end of the day.