What I’m Wearing:
Topshop Denim Boiler Suit, Zara Leather Animal Print Boots, Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini Backpack
Outfit Details
You may have seen this purchase go down via Stories, but I bought my first LV piece back in January. I’ve gotten a ton of questions about the infamous LV Palm Spring Mini Backpack and where I bought it — O’ahu. Disclaimer: I don’t want to make any claims, but from my experience the prices at Louis Vuitton were ~10% lower. When we first strolled into the LV Gump’s Building, I inquired about the Palm Springs Mini (knowing damn well it wouldn’t be in stock, but “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” —Wayne Gretzky, —Michael Scott). The employees gave me an “oh no, honey” head shake and I walked away with my tail between my legs. After the initial sting wore off, I asked about the Pochette. It was out of stock, however the Louis Vuitton Waikiki Pop Up had one in inventory. We crossed Kalakaua Avenue and found the bright yellow LV tucked away in the Royal Hawaiian Center. Good news, they had the Pochette… and in totally unexpected news, they just received a shipment of the Palm Springs Mini Backpacks. What I’ve concluded from my trip:
- Shipments are received at the Waikiki Pop-Up location, then they’re distributed to the other O’ahu LV stores. There was an 18 person waiting list across the street and only a handful at the Pop Up—meaning there would be more bags up for grabs.
- In addition to the ~10% price difference, Hawaii’s sales tax also affects total price: Honolulu ~4.5% vs. San Francisco at 8.5%
- Not all luxury goods are lower priced. Some accessories like shoes and belts reflect Mainland prices.
- They won’t ship to the Mainland. Before I knew the backpacks were in stock, I asked if I could add my name to the waiting list and place an order over the phone. The sales associate said it wasn’t possible for them to ship to the Mainland and that I would need to pick it up in person. (Backstory on how I actually snagged the bag: As luck would have it, the Pop Up location had just received the Palm Springs Mini (a surprise to myself and the sales associate helping me). Her manager said the backpacks may have been delivered with that day’s shipment. He went to investigate in the backroom and two minutes later, emerged from the mirror-front door, flashed a smirk, and gave me a single, approving head nod.)
Headed to Hawaii soon? Watch my O’ahu Outfit Guide (or watch on my IGTV)!