I think it’s completely ridiculous that you have to play a game with the sales clerks in stores. I stopped one day at a major high end department store to get something at the cosmetics area. I was exchanging something I had purchased but not opened because it was the wrong item. The clerk left me waiting for an excessive time while she chatted with a “trophy wife” who bought very little and requested all sort of special treatment. Because I was casually dressed and obviously returning something, she felt it was ok to ignore me. When she finally waited on me she was quite rude. I had stopped in on my way back from our country home. The following week, I returned to the same shop and counter. I purchased a large number of items and was dressed more high end. This time both sales clerks were competing for my business. I looked the rude clerk in the eye and stated that I didn’t want her to wait on me. She looked shocked. I said to her, “Last week you were rude and offensive to me. You won’t be serving me now or in the future.” She stumbled a bit and said she was never rude to any client. I said “do you remember the lady in the jeans and plaid shirt that returned an item last Saturday? I should have received the same quality of service i received today but I didn’t. And so we are done.” Stand up for yourselves. You don’t deserve to be mistreated by sales help.
I totally agree. Money is green and you never know who is buyer is going to be. ALL customers should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of appearances or the SAs preconceived thoughts.
What’s funny to me is that the people that work at these stores often times don’t make enough to afford what they are selling. But they judge those coming in to purchase.
THISS! Not to be rude but I am certain my salary is more than Hermes and Chanel SA’s and to treat people different b/c they “appear” to have more money, or spend on these lux items. Wouldn’t this be me doing the same if I look down on them for being a SA vs getting a degree and being at a good point in my career. IJS
@@samantham9056 If what I wrote suggested that an SA was less than or I was judging them then I could certainly see how it would be the same thing. But that wasn’t what I was doing so I don’t see how it relevant.
@@shaninicole1304 I wasn’t stating you said that, I said what I am saying. What the SA is doing is treating “some” people less than, however, what if I do the same knowing I make significantly more than these SA’s, how would they feel.
I used to work at Tiffany & Co. We were instructed to never make assumptions and the person looking the scruffiest can be a billionaire willing to drop huge amounts on merchandise. But I agree looking polished alters people's perceptions.
Yes, I bought a silver open heart necklace a long time ago from Tiffany in Harrods London and the SA was so sweet. Had a lovely service from there always.
I know friends that dress very casual... very farm-esque lol They look a little disoriented at times but they are the nicest and kindest people and you'll never know they are multi-millionaires. lol Never make assumptions.
Yes!!! Tiffany & Co has the absolute best service! My husband and I pop into our “local” shop (it’s about 120 miles away from us) only once or twice a year. We are far from wealthy and spend maybe $1k a year there total, but their SAs don’t care. They always greet us warmly, are very helpful, and never pushy. They offer refreshments and one SA even calls us around our anniversary!
@@BebeLush2 I agree! When I was trying on diamond rings , they brought me into another private room and waited on me hand and foot. It was so lovely that I didn’t want to leave 😊
I was in a Porsche dealer, a scruffy farmer type chap walked in he then proceeded to buy a car and paid cash....to judge people on appearance alone is a mistake!
Some days I don’t dress up And it Happened to me at harrods I wanted to shop from designer baby clothing brand and the lady was soo rude to me but than one of her colleagues told her that am regular client and how much I spend, she came back to me apologising but didn’t accept it and chose to be served by another one hopefully she learned her lesson to not judge people by their look.
You generally get very friendly service in the boutiques here in Las Vegas - they are used to all kinds of people who have suddenly won some money coming in to spend. Obviously, there will be exceptions to the rule (the associates at the Tom Ford boutique I visited were quite snooty) but I've been "window shopping" in even Chanel and Hermes where the SAs were wonderful. I went into Versace drunk as a skunk and the poor woman didn't even bat an eye, 😅
I wonder if I'm the only person who cuts off entire brands and shops based on rude staff. I don't want brands to profit off being rude, I'll buy second-hand or find something else.
Nope same here. In any shop I want to be treated politely. I seriously don't get the dressing up, bending over backwards to buy overpriced stuff with arrogant staff thing.
I once asked them what they thought was the most high end item I was wearing. They picked the coat my mom made me over a designer bag. So they don't actually have a clue. It just has to look the part. It could be pants from the supermarket as long as it looks good.
When I was much younger, I found it very frustrating and difficult to get sales assistance in the nicer stores. I started to notice how the associates would look at my handbag and shoes straight away. I realized that as long as my shoes and handbag were of good quality and well-kept (not necessarily designer, although it helps), I had much better success in obtaining assistance. Any time I plan to go shopping, I always choose my bag and shoes, then build the rest of my look around them. Still works a treat.
I was just thinking the same. It never matters what anyone has on. The accessories don't have to be flashy either. Just nice quality shoes or bag or wallet.
I recently went to a Chanel boutique with my family, and the SA allocated to us very openly looked at what bags we were carrying lol. It felt terribly judgemental.
One of the things I appreciate about our Southern California culture is how lax everyone is about dress code. In LA, you see millionaires and normal folks alike dressed in gym or beach clothes and all walk around luxury shops just the same. SAs in shops don’t bat an eye. I feel they do pay attention to shoes and accessories to be able to gage who’s a big spender, though.
Oh yes I agree! I’m in Los Angeles. I have countlessly entered lux boutiques and never thought about it. I dressed how I’m dressed where that happens to be with my Hermes birkin or my twelve little 70$ diaper bag. I don’t dress for anyone but myself. I don’t care about the luxury service tho. It’s nice but I don’t care for it. If. I want something I’ll buy it and if I don’t then I won’t. I also tend to know what I’m looking for tho when I go in and try not to take too much of their time especially if I won’t be buying
I get what you mean. Down here, in Rotterdam people are very low key and when people wear too many labels it just looks ridiculous. I love the Saint Laurent shop where I bought a couple of things now and regardless of how I'm dressed I always get treated great. Same brand, in Monaco, is a complete different experience. You really need to show up and show off in order to get decent service. Quite sad really
Same in Saint Tropez.. Everyone ( local ) here is very low key.. maybe just a watch ( AP!? ) shows whether you have a few quid.. The service is exceptional either way..
My husband worked in banking several years ago and loves to relate his favorite “you can’t judge people by how they dress” story. A man came into the bank dressed in a dirty flannel shirt, dirty trousers and work boots. The tellers took one look at him, sneered, & started whispering about him. He turned around and left. Later on that day, his wife (who worked for the same bank) and closed all of their accounts, which had hundreds of thousands of dollars in them! It turned out that they owned a huge commercial fishing business and the husband had just gotten off of work. Normally the wife took care of their accounts but this day the husband came in instead. The bank manager tried to smooth things over but it was too little, too late. The couple said that there no excuse for treating anyone with as much contempt as those tellers had treated the man.
I always dress to a certain level when I go shopping, whether it’s Dior or Target, because that’s the way I was brought up. My mother would have a fit if she ever saw me going shopping or into the city in anything less than smart casual. It’s now so ingrained in my brain that I still do it and would feel awful walking around a shopping mall or in the city looking like I just stepped out after doing the housework. I also feel that it’s showing respect to the people working in the shop to make an effort to look nice.
Shopping is an unfortunate coping mechanism for me. When I'm severely depressed ots the only thing that will get me out of bed and sometimes it's in homeless man clothes. I know I get looks when I shop around with watery eyes and a questionable putfit but I always feel better in the end
I think this is a UK/London expectation, because when I was shopping in the States - Vegas, L.A, NYC and ATL, people walked into designer stores wearing Lulu Lemon and flip flops lol!
I work for a very high fashion brand and most of my clients come in yoga pants and sneakers! I must say we don’t pay attention at all to who wears what , at this day and age people don’t have to prove them selfs anymore. .I think some older generation of SA are still stuck up and living in world of judging people by what they are wearing.. unfortunately
I think you are right. I wore a cute pair of sandals, a light dress and some sunglasses with skin looking smooth and clean and some lipgloss and I was treated like royalty in LV. Understated glam is definitely more sometimes.
I may or may not have walked into Dior for the first time wearing ripped shorts and an orange cardigan with my husband wearing sweats 🤡 still got amazing service and tried on a TON of clothing, bags, and shoes without buying a single thing. I didn’t realize until watching videos like these that my experience wasn’t the norm.
Hi Sophie! It's interesting. I work as a sales associate for a brand that is in-between high street and luxury. We have to approach and serve every customer that walk in. And we are required to sell as much as possible. So of course, if a man is well dressed, sometimes I assume that they will spend. Sometimes they do. But often they are those who want discount and buy as less as possible. So just one item. And then there's those who surprise me by how much they are ready to spend because their looks are deceiving
I used to train my staff to remember that the most dishevelled person could be the richest in the city. quite often they were, and would buy without fuss. I always found that those in labels were the most painful to serve and had less money to spend. I always look for jewellery, skin, hair, watches and in men - I check their shoes, but not women. then I just look at buying signals whilst treating everyone the same. some want help, some don't. respect it.
The other problem with the outfit at 4:10 is that it looks like a duplicate Chanel. It might be a problem in Chanel? If I was receiving rotten service and the service improved so much after they saw my watch, I would walk out of the boutique. That would totally put me off! Thank you for the video!
I have been treated extremely friendly in several places even though I was often not "dressed the part". I think it's not a luxury boutique thing but it's a human-to-human and confidence thing. In any setting there will be people who want to undermine you and will find any excuse to do so. In this case the excuse is that of a luxury boutique, so they feel better than you by definition. These people subconsciously sense your lack of confidence / anxiety in the place, they will pounce on it and make you feel bad. But there are also people who are not like that and for them it will not matter how you present, they will talk to you like with anybody else. I think that I've got this confidence stemming from working on it, psychological knowledge and the fact that fashion is my everyday life, so it probably shows around those places. But the question should not be about: should we adjust to whatever whim someone working at those places will have but how to feel as confident as to genuinely not care if or how we're judges by salespeople.
Best comment here. Way too many people go to those stores to prove something to others, and SA can sniff it, even is they are good workers and nice people, some shit will slip out of their mouth, because this overall nervousness would permeate the atmosphere. My sister act in luxury stores as if they are thrift ones, no one bats the eye
I have had 2 experiences that were so opposite of each other. Several years ago I had saved up for some great shoes, $1-2K range. I was going to Phoenix for a work trip, and stopped in a high end dept store. I was in business attire, as I had been in meetings all day. The sales lady gave me the whole "Pretty Woman" treatment and directed me to the Coach and Cole Haan stores down the walkway. I was so mad, I went to those stores and blew my $2K on stuff instead and got great treatment! Last week I was in Dallas, in jeans, summer shirt, carrying a mid-price bag, but in low-key Tod's loafers walked into Hermes. They were swamped, but they were sooo sweet to me, and got a big sale from me! But I noticed they were really nice to every customer, so I am happy to keep my dollars with them.
I work in Luxury boutiques for a living, often times the people who dress up the least spend the most. It has always been the case in a majority of places I’ve worked. To me it doesn’t matter how they dress. When I shop in luxury stores (which is rarely, you develop connections if you know what I mean lol), I do dressy-casual. Just my thoughts.
I do think age comes into it as well. Even if I’m wearing something that includes one or several designer items, they often aren’t as attentive with me (early 20s) and instead towards someone older (30s+)
The second outfit would certainly work in Texas. I went to a luxury store on my lunch break( attorney so in business attire), everyone thought I was as a sales associate from another store, but they flocked to the ladies in athletic wear (not atheleasure ). Normally, I shop on weekends and am casually dressed, and got better service than in my business work attire. Go figure.
The other day I went into a Coach store, with a Fendigraphy and I wanted to see the pillow tabby. My boyfriend was interested in a Coach backpack and him being tall and no one coming to help us, he helped himself to it. The sales ladies were disconnected the whole time until then and after. My boyfriend didn't want to give them business and said let's just go to a Gucci store. Anyone ever get treated weird because they have higher luxury instead of high end contemporary? I just wonder if anyone has stories
I've done a bit of a binge-watch of your latest videos, and I just want to thank you for all the time you invest and the valuable information you offer. It's also been fun going with you to the spa, the café, the racetrack(!), and shopping.
I sometimes visit luxury boutiques, and if you wear a simple outfit in elegant color with a minimalist watch the salespeople will be all around you, thinking you can afford much more than just window shopping. It's incredible how looks can deceive.
I remember walking into a Barneys for the first time (early 2000s, I was 18) with an Urban Outfitters bag and an SA approached me and said "ooo! is that Marc Jacobs?" Its all about styling.
I was so young and clueless my first time, I truly thought “why should I be going out of my way to impress someone who works at the store vs someone who shops at the store.” To a degree, I still feel no need to vie for attention of a retail worker. I certainly don’t treat people differently at my job based on what they are wearing.
I worked as a cashier when I was young at a major home improvement store. Guys were coming in with dirty jeans and trucker caps but they owned their own contracting business and were making five and six figure business purchases at the pro desk. These guys had bank. Never judge a book by its cover.
I once walked in to a Cartier boutique to pick up a bracelet I had ordered looking like I just got out of bed. They treated me the same. However, I could feel people in the mall stared at me carrying a Cartier shopping bag while not looking decent.
I am in love with your Dior jacket. It's on my fashion bucket list to get a Bar jacket. It's a shame SA base the level of assistance based on appearance. You never know how much money is in their wallet. Thank you for another great video. ❤️
I really love the sporty outfit! I think the other ones look great too (Marge Simpson one aside, I can't believe you referenced that episode, it was such a good one). I'm more on the 'casual' side, I don't like wearing blazers so I think the last one or something similar would be best for me!
For some reason this video makes me remember about the first time I went out to buy a designer handbag. My husband took me out to buy one for my 24th birthday and I was CLUELESS about the whole rigmarole of shopping in luxury stores. I think I was wearing just a t-shirt and jeans and I didn't have an actual handbag at the time, so my stuff was just all thrown into one of those calico bags that you can buy in place of a plastic bag at "Best and Less" or something 🤣 I didn't really know about many labels... but I fell in love with this Burberry tote in the window of the store, went in and asked for it. The staff were a little puzzled but just proceeded to get the bag for me. Then at the register the SA goes "okay, I'll just pop out back and pack this up for you" but I told him not to worry about it and just give me the bag because I'll use it straight away. He looks puzzled, but then agrees and then says that he'll go fetch all the packaging etc. I then told him to not worry about the box or shopping bag etc and to just put the dustbag inside of the new bag. 😂😂 walked out of the store as happy as can be with my new bag strung over my shoulder, but seriously... the SA probably thought I was so weird...
I went into a Chanel cosmetic section in a shopping mall with my boyfriend (we both look like broke tourists who are barely 20) to get one of those plastic mirrors, and I could feel the sales associate thought I am getting the mirror because I can't afford anything else. When she asked if I wanted a bag, and I said no, she was so surprised, that she left her mouth open 😂 I guess most people want to keep all the little bags and packaging because it's special to them, and it's probably rare that someone doesn't want it.
I remember when I bought my first designer item many years ago, my experience was appalling. I went in casual not scruffy but the sales people was so dismissive and actually surprised I purchased anything. Fast forward to date, I get offered Champagne now in boutiques. Take Sophie's advice it's very true. Suffice to say because of that experience I have never purchased another item from that particular brand because of that experience.
As someone who used to work in clothing stores - we were yelled at for "waisting time" with people who came to exchange an item and asked for help in choosing a replacement.
Went to Chanel, Dior, Valentino this summer when visited Côte d’Azur dressed like a tourist, very casual. Everywhere- wonderful service, loads of attention, felt very welcome. Didn’t spend a lot, just shoes and accessories.
Black trousers, well cut blazer and silk shirt are a good place to start. They can be M&S- but the real asset is confidence. It’s a shop and if the workers don’t hit their sales targets, they lose bonuses and risk unemployment.
Dior just knows. They are amazing service. I showed up went and like a complete mess. Was treated very well and they got a sale. I feel like Dior is the one brand you can show up in whatever and still get excellent service.
Regardless of whether you shop at Louis Vuitton or Kohls, you will get better service if you dress up. The first thing an SA does is size you up based on what you are wearing. If you dress down, then you may appear to not have enough money to buy anything in the boutique. The key is to show you can afford their goods or even higher priced goods than they sell. They don't want to waste time on someone who can't afford what they sell because they get paid on commission a lot of the time. Perception is key in dressing for any occasion. Wear nice clothes and mind your manners. Don't assume that if you appear haughty that that will project wealthy to others.
Good advices and tips Sophie. Asides from dressing appropriately, I feel that if you look confident, respectful, and not trying too hard, you will get serviced. And if not, then they don’t deserve to get a commission from you nor do you want to have those kind of human beings in your life.
I'm from the generation that dressed for anything outside of the house. I dress well to travel and have been bumped up to 1st class too many times to count. It is what it is and I act and dress accordingly
I totally agree with everything you said. Also as a uni student i really appreciate the dupes you have in the description box. Am not sure wether it’s better to get the navy blue blazer or the black one. Also please share with us where is your pink blazer from. You look amazing in it. Would like to see more videos like this from you!😍
It's terrible but you are correct. When traveling, I elevate my look and I've noticed that I'm offered upgrades etc. I've shopped in luxury boutiques in a matching casual ensemble only to be ignored until they see my jewelry. Then multiple SAs are hovering.
Fortunately some sales assistants are just interested in doing their jobs properly and providing good customer service. Spontaneously stopped into a luxury store yesterday wearing Levi's denim dungaree shorts and a t shirt, Rag 'n Bone espadrille loafers and a Celine bag. Received friendly and professional service, the offer of a drink (not necessary) and made a large purchase. I think it also has to do with walking in confidently (though respectfully, as you should also do at the supermarket) and expecting to be treated well.
I once walked into an expensive multibrand store right after I had a long walk with my dog. I had no make up on, I was wearing sneakers and ... I can't really remember what I had on, but probably something like an old hoodie and joggers. No one even looked at me, until I asked if I could try on a pullover I'd had my eyes on for a while. So they told me, openly, that it was really really expensive, and that I might consider going to a Benetton store across the street. Those were their exact words. I asked to speak to the manager, told her what I thought in a very polite way, went home and ordered the item from a web store that was in no way connected to that store. I thought about sending an angry mail to the store owner, but I couldn't be bothered, so I just decided to let it go. That was a very long time ago. While I do agree you're going to get better service if you look like you're actually going to buy something, I'm not playing that game with the staff. If they don't want to earn their comission, not my problem, I'll just buy the item someplace else. I don't usually go shopping looking like a homeless person, and I know I looked...well, like I just came from a long walk with my dog, wearing old clothes that I didn't mind getting dirty or destroyed, buy I didn't think it would matter. And it absolutely should not matter.
As a guy I dress semi formal. No label clothes but a sophisticated coat or a suit jacket, depending on the season. That way I look "ok" at first glance when entering the store. I then wear a ring with a bigger diamond, no brand label like Cartier or so. As soon as I talk to a SA I then in some way move my hand casually over my face or collar and it always works wonders. The attitude goes from mildly interested to "let me roll out the red carpet", lol. It's really tragic when you think about it. But yeah, profiling is definetely happening in lux stores.
On a separate note, I just bought the blazer. Thank you for recommending it. I was saving for Balmain, but now thanks to you, no more! Just a bit of feedback if you can pass it along to Silk Lily, their website is filled with bugs and extremely glitchy and slow. Putting the discount code took forever to even load, checking out was a nightmare. I tried 8 times, between the computer and my phone. It would just stay on limbo and it wouldn't let me pay. Eventually, but very slowly, I managed.
Ahh that's why sales assistant in designer shops focus on certain people as they can't afford to waste time on people who they think will waste their time. Your outfits look amazing Sophie I love them and your lovely self of course xx
Actually good idea on showing the dressing lessons. I am personally I am so busy I can’t be bothered to dress up however I feel the way people underestimate me cause I’m not so dressed, to be fair I may look like terribly dressed
I rarely dress up to shop and feel like I get a true picture of the service. Have met some great SAs and some not-as-nice ones but it's all business at the end of the day and I can choose to spend or not to spend. Confidence plays a huge role though so if dressing up helps someone to feel better, by all means do what makes you happy.
I think this depends on where you are going shopping. In nyc I go in wearing a workout outfit sometimes and I never get a different treatment than if I were to go in with a nice dress and a chanel bag. But I can see this happening in different places for sure
You're always so gorgeous! I'm laughing because I ALWAYS go to the boutiques looking HOMELESS lmao BUT they know me in all of them and know I always buy something.
I’ve def walked into a lux shop with my sister who was in complete athleisure (both of us were fresh off travel) and got the most amazing service. We literally had nothing on us of any value (basic brands, cheap purse we use for travel) and it didn’t matter. Really depends on the location! 😫 I’ve found confidence to be more of an indication-I don’t walk in without knowing what I want to look at and potentially walk out with.
I used to work part time at a high end jewelry store during my time at university and whether they were dressed roughly or elegantly I treated everybody like royalty, because the commision at the end of the month was well worth it😆
There are times when I just browse but I always dress properly. I find having a designer bag helps. I am quite up front if I am not really looking to shop.
I remember the days of shopping in stores and receiving professional, courteous service , those days are over . Now I shop online avoid this BS! You can drop the attitude, you only work in a shop .
What’s funny is that the people who work in high end boutique are not able to afford to shop there but they have no problem judging everyone that walks in the store. Usually I am very casual when I am about to do some serious shopping and of course the sales clerks think that I can’t afford anything anyway. On the other hand when I am dressed up and not in the mood to spend any money they flow me nonstop. Crazy! Not smart😂
Love the looks. I have a friend who that I was dressed up when went to a concert which I had on a pair of leggings and a sleeveless shirt with a cardigan over it and a pair white shoes. It was the way I had my outfit styled.
I know it's not what you meant, but I had to laugh when you said tweed because my husband once walked in a Burberry store wearing a tweed jacket (dark green, very muted) and the sales people were friendly toward him. He just wanted to inquire about some of their products. We later went to a Burberry outlet store where he bought me a trench and the sales people were friendly, but more friendly and chatty when they realized we were serious about making a purchase. We plan on eventually going back to get my husband his own trench. The pink tweed ensemble looks great on you!
Yes, I absolutely agree with this concept. When I go shopping I like to dress up a bit. Why not put some effort and show off your lux pieces? I have beautiful and colorful LV sneakers that I wear with jeans when I feel sporty :)
You realise the world is messed up when you have to alter who you are in order to appease some person with a superiority complex that makes a quarter of your salary in order to buy an overpriced bag from a company that is killing the planet (yes LV used to destroy excess bags they were making, meaning that animals died for no reason; they also have questionable work practices). I love Sophie’s videos and I know she doesn’t agree with the behaviour of SAs but rather teaches us to navigate it but it’s just sad where the world is headed
It's really not that deep. Assuming you know what someone makes because they are a "sales associate" who is apparently now responsible for your choice to ruin the planet by purchasing a handbag? Perhaps your comment inadvertently illustrates the "superiority complex" you speak of. I think at the end of the day they are working class people trying to earn that commission and keep their job. You could always just order online if it's putting you under stress to walk into a store. :)
The SAs in Chanel all have little wallets as part of their uniform which they're not allowed to keep. Having said that both my daughter and myself looked pretty ordinary and had good service in both London and Madrid.
for having worked for a few super-brand, it is unacceptable for sales associated to be unprofessional has profiling the client, in Paris, place Vendome a clerk assumed that a certain actress was dressed poorly that day ( yes some super-rich like to do that ..) didn't have the means to pay for the jewellery when she was one of the best customers of the brand ...SHE GOT FIRED, and it was deserved.. At the end, clerks are trained not to make an assumption, if they are doing it, they are being poorly trained and they won't prove to be reliable when you are ready to that one item you wanted for ages. My advice : if you don't like your sales associate that day, come back another day or ask to change, you are paying it's right.
A lot of people feel intimidated about going into designer boutiques. Tip, go in a store that has concessions like Harrods when it is busy and you can look at your leisure. I never dress up when I go shopping, like keeping the shop assistant guessing.
You’re so adorable and true to your craft. Sad how “books are judged by the cover”. I would add to your suggestion posture and attitude. Assertive but polite. Giggly or pompous are obnoxious with or without money to spend. 🤗
I think different places judge people differently. My understanding is in the US is that its accepted to pop in wearing "sweats" irrespective of how wealthy you are. Whereas in the UK its more judgey, but a more underhand way.
I thought this sort of thing only happened in movies. 🙄 Reminds me of Pretty Woman and the sales associates wouldn’t help her because she looked poor. I am curious if it’s different here in Las Vegas or I’m totally sheltered. Hahaha why I prefer online shopping.
Also, if you go with your husband, they profile you better as men are perceived to have more purchasing power. I did that. My husband had his new Rolex in a bag and we walked in Chanel, I was super served and got my sling backs, the classic ones immediately.
I dress differently when I plan to visit Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus or Saks. Just because I'd like to browse in peace and be treated well when I do want help. I don't know if it's sad or not it's just is.
I wore a black turtle neck, light washed Levi's and scruffy white Vejas when I went into LV once and had the best time. It might be that I had a small Gucci bag and a 35mm film camera around my body though. Point is, simple is best and carry yourself with grace and confidence
I used to dress up, but I felt so uncomfortable and not myself, so now I stick with jeans and boots or sneakers, a silk scarf & nice bag. It's wrong, but you're so right, flashing a Cartier watch can make CAs pay attention very quickly! 🙄 Enjoy the long weekend Sophie! 🇬🇧👑🙌🏼💕
not always this happens , Ive been to the luxury boutiques either to shop or in store pick up and honestly I always go how ever I feel like even straight from the gym and Ive never gotten any bad service nor rudeness from SAs and I think what matters the most is how you treat the people around you because the clothes are just a layer, but the manners and education speak more than anything, in my most humbled opinion so no I won't be planning an outfit just to go pick up my purchases or check out their newest collections lol
I think it’s completely ridiculous that you have to play a game with the sales clerks in stores. I stopped one day at a major high end department store to get something at the cosmetics area. I was exchanging something I had purchased but not opened because it was the wrong item. The clerk left me waiting for an excessive time while she chatted with a “trophy wife” who bought very little and requested all sort of special treatment. Because I was casually dressed and obviously returning something, she felt it was ok to ignore me. When she finally waited on me she was quite rude. I had stopped in on my way back from our country home. The following week, I returned to the same shop and counter. I purchased a large number of items and was dressed more high end. This time both sales clerks were competing for my business. I looked the rude clerk in the eye and stated that I didn’t want her to wait on me. She looked shocked. I said to her, “Last week you were rude and offensive to me. You won’t be serving me now or in the future.” She stumbled a bit and said she was never rude to any client. I said “do you remember the lady in the jeans and plaid shirt that returned an item last Saturday? I should have received the same quality of service i received today but I didn’t. And so we are done.” Stand up for yourselves. You don’t deserve to be mistreated by sales help.
100% agree, where people are rude I don't go back. Kindness is free
So true
I get some ‘Pretty woman’ vibes here 😜. Very good to not be treated like that 👍🏻.
I totally agree. Money is green and you never know who is buyer is going to be. ALL customers should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of appearances or the SAs preconceived thoughts.
This 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What’s funny to me is that the people that work at these stores often times don’t make enough to afford what they are selling. But they judge those coming in to purchase.
Preach!
THISS! Not to be rude but I am certain my salary is more than Hermes and Chanel SA’s and to treat people different b/c they “appear” to have more money, or spend on these lux items. Wouldn’t this be me doing the same if I look down on them for being a SA vs getting a degree and being at a good point in my career. IJS
Yes!
@@samantham9056 If what I wrote suggested that an SA was less than or I was judging them then I could certainly see how it would be the same thing. But that wasn’t what I was doing so I don’t see how it relevant.
@@shaninicole1304 I wasn’t stating you said that, I said what I am saying. What the SA is doing is treating “some” people less than, however, what if I do the same knowing I make significantly more than these SA’s, how would they feel.
I used to work at Tiffany & Co. We were instructed to never make assumptions and the person looking the scruffiest can be a billionaire willing to drop huge amounts on merchandise. But I agree looking polished alters people's perceptions.
Yes, I bought a silver open heart necklace a long time ago from Tiffany in Harrods London and the SA was so sweet. Had a lovely service from there always.
I know friends that dress very casual... very farm-esque lol They look a little disoriented at times but they are the nicest and kindest people and you'll never know they are multi-millionaires. lol Never make assumptions.
Tiffany's has the greatest customer service ever! They always go above and beyond trying to help you.
Yes!!! Tiffany & Co has the absolute best service! My husband and I pop into our “local” shop (it’s about 120 miles away from us) only once or twice a year. We are far from wealthy and spend maybe $1k a year there total, but their SAs don’t care. They always greet us warmly, are very helpful, and never pushy. They offer refreshments and one SA even calls us around our anniversary!
@@BebeLush2 I agree! When I was trying on diamond rings , they brought me into another private room and waited on me hand and foot. It was so lovely that I didn’t want to leave 😊
I was in a Porsche dealer, a scruffy farmer type chap walked in he then proceeded to buy a car and paid cash....to judge people on appearance alone is a mistake!
If a farmer type walks even walks into a Porsche dealer, you know he’s so rich he won’t be bothered by mortals. It’s not rocket science.
Some days I don’t dress up And it Happened to me at harrods I wanted to shop from designer baby clothing brand and the lady was soo rude to me but than one of her colleagues told her that am regular client and how much I spend, she came back to me apologising but didn’t accept it and chose to be served by another one hopefully she learned her lesson to not judge people by their look.
This happens!! Hugs xx
Should have told her it doesn't matter if you are a regular or not because the baby clothes are for a baby 😅 not like you were gonna wear it yourself!
You generally get very friendly service in the boutiques here in Las Vegas - they are used to all kinds of people who have suddenly won some money coming in to spend. Obviously, there will be exceptions to the rule (the associates at the Tom Ford boutique I visited were quite snooty) but I've been "window shopping" in even Chanel and Hermes where the SAs were wonderful. I went into Versace drunk as a skunk and the poor woman didn't even bat an eye, 😅
👏👏👏👏😹😹😹😹
I wonder if I'm the only person who cuts off entire brands and shops based on rude staff. I don't want brands to profit off being rude, I'll buy second-hand or find something else.
I do this too!! Customer service makes all the difference!
Yes the same here. I want to like Hermes but omg the Hermes* in Toronto..
Oh definitely. Experience is a very big part of luxury shopping. I don't want to give my money to a*holes.
Nope same here. In any shop I want to be treated politely. I seriously don't get the dressing up, bending over backwards to buy overpriced stuff with arrogant staff thing.
Same! I dont go back to any shop with bad service.
If you want my money you're going to treat me nice, period. I don't dress up for it.
Exactly!
I once asked them what they thought was the most high end item I was wearing. They picked the coat my mom made me over a designer bag. So they don't actually have a clue. It just has to look the part. It could be pants from the supermarket as long as it looks good.
When I was much younger, I found it very frustrating and difficult to get sales assistance in the nicer stores. I started to notice how the associates would look at my handbag and shoes straight away. I realized that as long as my shoes and handbag were of good quality and well-kept (not necessarily designer, although it helps), I had much better success in obtaining assistance. Any time I plan to go shopping, I always choose my bag and shoes, then build the rest of my look around them. Still works a treat.
It's very common in stores like that. It's how they profile you, through accesories
I was just thinking the same. It never matters what anyone has on. The accessories don't have to be flashy either. Just nice quality shoes or bag or wallet.
I recently went to a Chanel boutique with my family, and the SA allocated to us very openly looked at what bags we were carrying lol. It felt terribly judgemental.
One of the things I appreciate about our Southern California culture is how lax everyone is about dress code. In LA, you see millionaires and normal folks alike dressed in gym or beach clothes and all walk around luxury shops just the same. SAs in shops don’t bat an eye. I feel they do pay attention to shoes and accessories to be able to gage who’s a big spender, though.
Oh yes I agree! I’m in Los Angeles. I have countlessly entered lux boutiques and never thought about it. I dressed how I’m dressed where that happens to be with my Hermes birkin or my twelve little 70$ diaper bag. I don’t dress for anyone but myself. I don’t care about the luxury service tho. It’s nice but I don’t care for it. If. I want something I’ll buy it and if I don’t then I won’t. I also tend to know what I’m looking for tho when I go in and try not to take too much of their time especially if I won’t be buying
I get what you mean. Down here, in Rotterdam people are very low key and when people wear too many labels it just looks ridiculous. I love the Saint Laurent shop where I bought a couple of things now and regardless of how I'm dressed I always get treated great. Same brand, in Monaco, is a complete different experience. You really need to show up and show off in order to get decent service. Quite sad really
I am from Palm Desert and I totally agree!
@@oldpalmcity Same, but PS not PD
Same in Saint Tropez..
Everyone ( local ) here is very low key.. maybe just a watch ( AP!? ) shows whether you have a few quid..
The service is exceptional either way..
Does anyone else get Pretty Woman vibes?
“Big mistake, big, HUGE!” 😂
Hahah yes 😅😅
My husband worked in banking several years ago and loves to relate his favorite “you can’t judge people by how they dress” story. A man came into the bank dressed in a dirty flannel shirt, dirty trousers and work boots. The tellers took one look at him, sneered, & started whispering about him. He turned around and left. Later on that day, his wife (who worked for the same bank) and closed all of their accounts, which had hundreds of thousands of dollars in them! It turned out that they owned a huge commercial fishing business and the husband had just gotten off of work. Normally the wife took care of their accounts but this day the husband came in instead. The bank manager tried to smooth things over but it was too little, too late. The couple said that there no excuse for treating anyone with as much contempt as those tellers had treated the man.
I always dress to a certain level when I go shopping, whether it’s Dior or Target, because that’s the way I was brought up. My mother would have a fit if she ever saw me going shopping or into the city in anything less than smart casual. It’s now so ingrained in my brain that I still do it and would feel awful walking around a shopping mall or in the city looking like I just stepped out after doing the housework. I also feel that it’s showing respect to the people working in the shop to make an effort to look nice.
Shopping is an unfortunate coping mechanism for me. When I'm severely depressed ots the only thing that will get me out of bed and sometimes it's in homeless man clothes. I know I get looks when I shop around with watery eyes and a questionable putfit but I always feel better in the end
I think this is a UK/London expectation, because when I was shopping in the States - Vegas, L.A, NYC and ATL, people walked into designer stores wearing Lulu Lemon and flip flops lol!
I work for a very high fashion brand and most of my clients come in yoga pants and sneakers! I must say we don’t pay attention at all to who wears what , at this day and age people don’t have to prove them selfs anymore. .I think some older generation of SA are still stuck up and living in world of judging people by what they are wearing.. unfortunately
I think you are right. I wore a cute pair of sandals, a light dress and some sunglasses with skin looking smooth and clean and some lipgloss and I was treated like royalty in LV. Understated glam is definitely more sometimes.
I may or may not have walked into Dior for the first time wearing ripped shorts and an orange cardigan with my husband wearing sweats 🤡 still got amazing service and tried on a TON of clothing, bags, and shoes without buying a single thing. I didn’t realize until watching videos like these that my experience wasn’t the norm.
I go always in sweats or joggers suit. I don’t care and I’ve never had someone Terrible
Dior service is impeccable.
Came here to say what the other user also said: Dior is A+. Their service is absolutely remarkable.
I think your experience IS the norm. It's just once in a while someone has a terrible experience and those experiences shout louder for some reason.
I’ve always had amazing service in Dior!
Hi Sophie! It's interesting. I work as a sales associate for a brand that is in-between high street and luxury. We have to approach and serve every customer that walk in. And we are required to sell as much as possible. So of course, if a man is well dressed, sometimes I assume that they will spend. Sometimes they do. But often they are those who want discount and buy as less as possible. So just one item. And then there's those who surprise me by how much they are ready to spend because their looks are deceiving
Thank you so much for sharing this my friend! Honestly, it’s so interesting to learn how it all works! Hugs xx
men want a 'deal' it's their psychology
I used to train my staff to remember that the most dishevelled person could be the richest in the city. quite often they were, and would buy without fuss. I always found that those in labels were the most painful to serve and had less money to spend. I always look for jewellery, skin, hair, watches and in men - I check their shoes, but not women. then I just look at buying signals whilst treating everyone the same. some want help, some don't. respect it.
I really like the first look, the tweed pink suit. I don’t care if it’s too much or Marge Simpson,to me it’s a timeless classic outfit
My thought too. It's a suit. I have noticed that no one ever tells a man that his suit is too matchy-matchy.
“Never judge a book by its cover”, the most important rule to follow when you are a sales assistant.
I agree with you 100% The nicer your dress the better you get treated anywhere not just designer stores.
The other problem with the outfit at 4:10 is that it looks like a duplicate Chanel. It might be a problem in Chanel? If I was receiving rotten service and the service improved so much after they saw my watch, I would walk out of the boutique. That would totally put me off!
Thank you for the video!
I have been treated extremely friendly in several places even though I was often not "dressed the part". I think it's not a luxury boutique thing but it's a human-to-human and confidence thing. In any setting there will be people who want to undermine you and will find any excuse to do so. In this case the excuse is that of a luxury boutique, so they feel better than you by definition. These people subconsciously sense your lack of confidence / anxiety in the place, they will pounce on it and make you feel bad. But there are also people who are not like that and for them it will not matter how you present, they will talk to you like with anybody else. I think that I've got this confidence stemming from working on it, psychological knowledge and the fact that fashion is my everyday life, so it probably shows around those places. But the question should not be about: should we adjust to whatever whim someone working at those places will have but how to feel as confident as to genuinely not care if or how we're judges by salespeople.
Exactly!
Best comment here. Way too many people go to those stores to prove something to others, and SA can sniff it, even is they are good workers and nice people, some shit will slip out of their mouth, because this overall nervousness would permeate the atmosphere. My sister act in luxury stores as if they are thrift ones, no one bats the eye
I have had 2 experiences that were so opposite of each other. Several years ago I had saved up for some great shoes, $1-2K range. I was going to Phoenix for a work trip, and stopped in a high end dept store. I was in business attire, as I had been in meetings all day. The sales lady gave me the whole "Pretty Woman" treatment and directed me to the Coach and Cole Haan stores down the walkway. I was so mad, I went to those stores and blew my $2K on stuff instead and got great treatment! Last week I was in Dallas, in jeans, summer shirt, carrying a mid-price bag, but in low-key Tod's loafers walked into Hermes. They were swamped, but they were sooo sweet to me, and got a big sale from me! But I noticed they were really nice to every customer, so I am happy to keep my dollars with them.
I work in Luxury boutiques for a living, often times the people who dress up the least spend the most. It has always been the case in a majority of places I’ve worked. To me it doesn’t matter how they dress. When I shop in luxury stores (which is rarely, you develop connections if you know what I mean lol), I do dressy-casual. Just my thoughts.
I do think age comes into it as well. Even if I’m wearing something that includes one or several designer items, they often aren’t as attentive with me (early 20s) and instead towards someone older (30s+)
The second outfit would certainly work in Texas. I went to a luxury store on my lunch break( attorney so in business attire), everyone thought I was as a sales associate from another store, but they flocked to the ladies in athletic wear (not atheleasure ). Normally, I shop on weekends and am casually dressed, and got better service than in my business work attire. Go figure.
I cannot keep my eyes away from that bar jacket! Absolutely a stunning piece, and especially in that colour xx
The other day I went into a Coach store, with a Fendigraphy and I wanted to see the pillow tabby. My boyfriend was interested in a Coach backpack and him being tall and no one coming to help us, he helped himself to it. The sales ladies were disconnected the whole time until then and after. My boyfriend didn't want to give them business and said let's just go to a Gucci store. Anyone ever get treated weird because they have higher luxury instead of high end contemporary? I just wonder if anyone has stories
I've done a bit of a binge-watch of your latest videos, and I just want to thank you for all the time you invest and the valuable information you offer. It's also been fun going with you to the spa, the café, the racetrack(!), and shopping.
Love the pink sister Jane tweed set! I remember you wearing that years ago so it’s nice to see you wear it again!!! 😍😍😍
I sometimes visit luxury boutiques, and if you wear a simple outfit in elegant color with a minimalist watch the salespeople will be all around you, thinking you can afford much more than just window shopping. It's incredible how looks can deceive.
I remember walking into a Barneys for the first time (early 2000s, I was 18) with an Urban Outfitters bag and an SA approached me and said "ooo! is that Marc Jacobs?" Its all about styling.
I was so young and clueless my first time, I truly thought “why should I be going out of my way to impress someone who works at the store vs someone who shops at the store.” To a degree, I still feel no need to vie for attention of a retail worker. I certainly don’t treat people differently at my job based on what they are wearing.
I worked as a cashier when I was young at a major home improvement store. Guys were coming in with dirty jeans and trucker caps but they owned their own contracting business and were making five and six figure business purchases at the pro desk. These guys had bank. Never judge a book by its cover.
I once walked in to a Cartier boutique to pick up a bracelet I had ordered looking like I just got out of bed. They treated me the same. However, I could feel people in the mall stared at me carrying a Cartier shopping bag while not looking decent.
I am in love with your Dior jacket. It's on my fashion bucket list to get a Bar jacket. It's a shame SA base the level of assistance based on appearance. You never know how much money is in their wallet. Thank you for another great video. ❤️
I legitimately snorted when you were talking about the tweed suit & you said, "some of you might say 'Marge Simpson', & that's fine..."! 🤣
I love to dress like the first outfit! It has little to do with branding (especially since I own nothing luxurious) but over the top is my style 🤣
I really love the sporty outfit! I think the other ones look great too (Marge Simpson one aside, I can't believe you referenced that episode, it was such a good one). I'm more on the 'casual' side, I don't like wearing blazers so I think the last one or something similar would be best for me!
For some reason this video makes me remember about the first time I went out to buy a designer handbag. My husband took me out to buy one for my 24th birthday and I was CLUELESS about the whole rigmarole of shopping in luxury stores. I think I was wearing just a t-shirt and jeans and I didn't have an actual handbag at the time, so my stuff was just all thrown into one of those calico bags that you can buy in place of a plastic bag at "Best and Less" or something 🤣 I didn't really know about many labels... but I fell in love with this Burberry tote in the window of the store, went in and asked for it. The staff were a little puzzled but just proceeded to get the bag for me. Then at the register the SA goes "okay, I'll just pop out back and pack this up for you" but I told him not to worry about it and just give me the bag because I'll use it straight away. He looks puzzled, but then agrees and then says that he'll go fetch all the packaging etc. I then told him to not worry about the box or shopping bag etc and to just put the dustbag inside of the new bag. 😂😂 walked out of the store as happy as can be with my new bag strung over my shoulder, but seriously... the SA probably thought I was so weird...
I went into a Chanel cosmetic section in a shopping mall with my boyfriend (we both look like broke tourists who are barely 20) to get one of those plastic mirrors, and I could feel the sales associate thought I am getting the mirror because I can't afford anything else. When she asked if I wanted a bag, and I said no, she was so surprised, that she left her mouth open 😂
I guess most people want to keep all the little bags and packaging because it's special to them, and it's probably rare that someone doesn't want it.
I only ever shop online but I'm making my first trip to LV next Tuesday! This couldn't have been timed better! Thanks Sophie ❤
I remember when I bought my first designer item many years ago, my experience was appalling. I went in casual not scruffy but the sales people was so dismissive and actually surprised I purchased anything. Fast forward to date, I get offered Champagne now in boutiques. Take Sophie's advice it's very true. Suffice to say because of that experience I have never purchased another item from that particular brand because of that experience.
As someone who used to work in clothing stores - we were yelled at for "waisting time" with people who came to exchange an item and asked for help in choosing a replacement.
Went to Chanel, Dior, Valentino this summer when visited Côte d’Azur dressed like a tourist, very casual. Everywhere- wonderful service, loads of attention, felt very welcome. Didn’t spend a lot, just shoes and accessories.
Black trousers, well cut blazer and silk shirt are a good place to start. They can be M&S- but the real asset is confidence. It’s a shop and if the workers don’t hit their sales targets, they lose bonuses and risk unemployment.
I was treated like a queen when I walked into dior for the first time sweaty after Pilates wearing activewear and a tote I got for free 😂
Dior just knows. They are amazing service. I showed up went and like a complete mess. Was treated very well and they got a sale. I feel like Dior is the one brand you can show up in whatever and still get excellent service.
Yeah, like why dress to go shopping. People have lives and stuff to do
So sad there is no Dior near me. This makes me want to go even more!
Can you let us know about your skin care routine … your glowing ❤️❤️
Oh that’s so kind of you lovely Rashmi 🙏 absolutely I can, keep an eye out for the next haul, I’ll show the routine in that ☺️👍 Hugs xx
Regardless of whether you shop at Louis Vuitton or Kohls, you will get better service if you dress up. The first thing an SA does is size you up based on what you are wearing. If you dress down, then you may appear to not have enough money to buy anything in the boutique. The key is to show you can afford their goods or even higher priced goods than they sell. They don't want to waste time on someone who can't afford what they sell because they get paid on commission a lot of the time. Perception is key in dressing for any occasion. Wear nice clothes and mind your manners. Don't assume that if you appear haughty that that will project wealthy to others.
Good advices and tips Sophie. Asides from dressing appropriately, I feel that if you look confident, respectful, and not trying too hard, you will get serviced. And if not, then they don’t deserve to get a commission from you nor do you want to have those kind of human beings in your life.
The pink jacket is so beautiful! Have you seen anything similar on the budget? I adore the cut and the color!
I'm from the generation that dressed for anything outside of the house. I dress well to travel and have been bumped up to 1st class too many times to count. It is what it is and I act and dress accordingly
I totally agree with everything you said. Also as a uni student i really appreciate the dupes you have in the description box. Am not sure wether it’s better to get the navy blue blazer or the black one. Also please share with us where is your pink blazer from. You look amazing in it. Would like to see more videos like this from you!😍
The concept of commission converts the sales person into a greedy person . The customer is viewed with disdain , this negates customer service .
It's terrible but you are correct. When traveling, I elevate my look and I've noticed that I'm offered upgrades etc. I've shopped in luxury boutiques in a matching casual ensemble only to be ignored until they see my jewelry. Then multiple SAs are hovering.
The timing of this video could not be more perfect. I’m going to my first boutique tomorrow!
Reminds me of when they insinuated “you were too fat “ for the Balmain jacket x
Fortunately some sales assistants are just interested in doing their jobs properly and providing good customer service. Spontaneously stopped into a luxury store yesterday wearing Levi's denim dungaree shorts and a t shirt, Rag 'n Bone espadrille loafers and a Celine bag. Received friendly and professional service, the offer of a drink (not necessary) and made a large purchase. I think it also has to do with walking in confidently (though respectfully, as you should also do at the supermarket) and expecting to be treated well.
Actually your outfit sounds quite nice tbh
I swear in my city the big spenders show up to boutiques in pajamas lol
Yes I know what you mean. The pink tweed suit is more for going to a wedding or ascot!
I once walked into an expensive multibrand store right after I had a long walk with my dog.
I had no make up on, I was wearing sneakers and ... I can't really remember what I had on, but probably something like an old hoodie and joggers.
No one even looked at me, until I asked if I could try on a pullover I'd had my eyes on for a while. So they told me, openly, that it was really really expensive, and that I might consider going to a Benetton store across the street.
Those were their exact words.
I asked to speak to the manager, told her what I thought in a very polite way, went home and ordered the item from a web store that was in no way connected to that store.
I thought about sending an angry mail to the store owner, but I couldn't be bothered, so I just decided to let it go. That was a very long time ago.
While I do agree you're going to get better service if you look like you're actually going to buy something, I'm not playing that game with the staff.
If they don't want to earn their comission, not my problem, I'll just buy the item someplace else.
I don't usually go shopping looking like a homeless person, and I know I looked...well, like I just came from a long walk with my dog, wearing old clothes that I didn't mind getting dirty or destroyed, buy I didn't think it would matter. And it absolutely should not matter.
As a guy I dress semi formal. No label clothes but a sophisticated coat or a suit jacket, depending on the season. That way I look "ok" at first glance when entering the store. I then wear a ring with a bigger diamond, no brand label like Cartier or so. As soon as I talk to a SA I then in some way move my hand casually over my face or collar and it always works wonders. The attitude goes from mildly interested to "let me roll out the red carpet", lol. It's really tragic when you think about it. But yeah, profiling is definetely happening in lux stores.
I think it’s just a question of treating the store (and by extension, the house) with respect.
Love your dior Choker whenever i see it! Is it the bracelet worn as a necklace or did they ever released an actual one? You look fabulous!
Hello lovely! Yes you can wear it as a choker or wrap it as a bracelet- I love it! Hugs xx
On a separate note, I just bought the blazer. Thank you for recommending it. I was saving for Balmain, but now thanks to you, no more! Just a bit of feedback if you can pass it along to Silk Lily, their website is filled with bugs and extremely glitchy and slow. Putting the discount code took forever to even load, checking out was a nightmare. I tried 8 times, between the computer and my phone. It would just stay on limbo and it wouldn't let me pay. Eventually, but very slowly, I managed.
Ahh that's why sales assistant in designer shops focus on certain people as they can't afford to waste time on people who they think will waste their time. Your outfits look amazing Sophie I love them and your lovely self of course xx
Thank you for sharing your insights. I particularly learned from your anecdote about the Cartier watch.
Yes that one surprised me when a subbie shared it with me! Hugs xx
Actually good idea on showing the dressing lessons. I am personally I am so busy I can’t be bothered to dress up however I feel the way people underestimate me cause I’m not so dressed, to be fair I may look like terribly dressed
I rarely dress up to shop and feel like I get a true picture of the service. Have met some great SAs and some not-as-nice ones but it's all business at the end of the day and I can choose to spend or not to spend. Confidence plays a huge role though so if dressing up helps someone to feel better, by all means do what makes you happy.
I think this depends on where you are going shopping. In nyc I go in wearing a workout outfit sometimes and I never get a different treatment than if I were to go in with a nice dress and a chanel bag. But I can see this happening in different places for sure
You're always so gorgeous! I'm laughing because I ALWAYS go to the boutiques looking HOMELESS lmao BUT they know me in all of them and know I always buy something.
I’ve def walked into a lux shop with my sister who was in complete athleisure (both of us were fresh off travel) and got the most amazing service. We literally had nothing on us of any value (basic brands, cheap purse we use for travel) and it didn’t matter. Really depends on the location! 😫 I’ve found confidence to be more of an indication-I don’t walk in without knowing what I want to look at and potentially walk out with.
I used to work part time at a high end jewelry store during my time at university and whether they were dressed roughly or elegantly I treated everybody like royalty, because the commision at the end of the month was well worth it😆
Great tips! However, SAs need to realize that appearances don’t necessarily equate with purchases.
There are times when I just browse but I always dress properly. I find having a designer bag helps. I am quite up front if I am not really looking to shop.
I remember the days of shopping in stores and receiving professional, courteous service , those days are over . Now I shop online avoid this BS! You can drop the attitude, you only work in a shop .
What’s funny is that the people who work in high end boutique are not able to afford to shop there but they have no problem judging everyone that walks in the store. Usually I am very casual when I am about to do some serious shopping and of course the sales clerks think that I can’t afford anything anyway. On the other hand when I am dressed up and not in the mood to spend any money they flow me nonstop. Crazy!
Not smart😂
Love the looks. I have a friend who that I was dressed up when went to a concert which I had on a pair of leggings and a sleeveless shirt with
a cardigan over it and a pair white shoes. It was the way I had my outfit styled.
In my experience it’s almost how you walk into the store how you act in boutiques is how they’ll treat you
I know it's not what you meant, but I had to laugh when you said tweed because my husband once walked in a Burberry store wearing a tweed jacket (dark green, very muted) and the sales people were friendly toward him. He just wanted to inquire about some of their products. We later went to a Burberry outlet store where he bought me a trench and the sales people were friendly, but more friendly and chatty when they realized we were serious about making a purchase. We plan on eventually going back to get my husband his own trench. The pink tweed ensemble looks great on you!
Yes, I absolutely agree with this concept. When I go shopping I like to dress up a bit. Why not put some effort and show off your lux pieces? I have beautiful and colorful LV sneakers that I wear with jeans when I feel sporty :)
You realise the world is messed up when you have to alter who you are in order to appease some person with a superiority complex that makes a quarter of your salary in order to buy an overpriced bag from a company that is killing the planet (yes LV used to destroy excess bags they were making, meaning that animals died for no reason; they also have questionable work practices). I love Sophie’s videos and I know she doesn’t agree with the behaviour of SAs but rather teaches us to navigate it but it’s just sad where the world is headed
It's really not that deep. Assuming you know what someone makes because they are a "sales associate" who is apparently now responsible for your choice to ruin the planet by purchasing a handbag? Perhaps your comment inadvertently illustrates the "superiority complex" you speak of.
I think at the end of the day they are working class people trying to earn that commission and keep their job. You could always just order online if it's putting you under stress to walk into a store. :)
The SAs in Chanel all have little wallets as part of their uniform which they're not allowed to keep. Having said that both my daughter and myself looked pretty ordinary and had good service in both London and Madrid.
I wonder if you could reference that pinkish-creamish blazer you're wearing. You look amazing.
for having worked for a few super-brand, it is unacceptable for sales associated to be unprofessional has profiling the client, in Paris, place Vendome a clerk assumed that a certain actress was dressed poorly that day ( yes some super-rich like to do that ..) didn't have the means to pay for the jewellery when she was one of the best customers of the brand ...SHE GOT FIRED, and it was deserved.. At the end, clerks are trained not to make an assumption, if they are doing it, they are being poorly trained and they won't prove to be reliable when you are ready to that one item you wanted for ages. My advice : if you don't like your sales associate that day, come back another day or ask to change, you are paying it's right.
A lot of people feel intimidated about going into designer boutiques. Tip, go in a store that has concessions like Harrods when it is busy and you can look at your leisure. I never dress up when I go shopping, like keeping the shop assistant guessing.
this really does happen (unfortunately)! and these tips are spot on 🎯
You’re so adorable and true to your craft. Sad how “books are judged by the cover”. I would add to your suggestion posture and attitude. Assertive but polite. Giggly or pompous are obnoxious with or without money to spend. 🤗
The Marge Simson comment cracked me up lol 😂 wonderful video Sophie, greetings from Sweden
Awesome makes us feel more comfortable in uncomfortable and unknown situations
I think different places judge people differently. My understanding is in the US is that its accepted to pop in wearing "sweats" irrespective of how wealthy you are. Whereas in the UK its more judgey, but a more underhand way.
All this pandering to sales associates sickens me
I thought this sort of thing only happened in movies. 🙄 Reminds me of Pretty Woman and the sales associates wouldn’t help her because she looked poor. I am curious if it’s different here in Las Vegas or I’m totally sheltered. Hahaha why I prefer online shopping.
Also, if you go with your husband, they profile you better as men are perceived to have more purchasing power. I did that. My husband had his new Rolex in a bag and we walked in Chanel, I was super served and got my sling backs, the classic ones immediately.
I dress differently when I plan to visit Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus or Saks. Just because I'd like to browse in peace and be treated well when I do want help. I don't know if it's sad or not it's just is.
Another great video! I so appreciate all of the prep time and thought you put into your videos. I always take away something useful. Thank you again!
I wore a black turtle neck, light washed Levi's and scruffy white Vejas when I went into LV once and had the best time. It might be that I had a small Gucci bag and a 35mm film camera around my body though. Point is, simple is best and carry yourself with grace and confidence
I used to dress up, but I felt so uncomfortable and not myself, so now I stick with jeans and boots or sneakers, a silk scarf & nice bag. It's wrong, but you're so right, flashing a Cartier watch can make CAs pay attention very quickly! 🙄 Enjoy the long weekend Sophie! 🇬🇧👑🙌🏼💕
not always this happens , Ive been to the luxury boutiques either to shop or in store pick up and honestly I always go how ever I feel like even straight from the gym and Ive never gotten any bad service nor rudeness from SAs and I think what matters the most is how you treat the people around you because the clothes are just a layer, but the manners and education speak more than anything, in my most humbled opinion so no I won't be planning an outfit just to go pick up my purchases or check out their newest collections lol