Chanel SoHo Story, a story of extreme frustration! This lovely collection was introduced to celebrate the reopening of Chanel's SoHo boutique and "was" exclusive to Chanel.com and the boutique. I tried to order three pieces - not greedy, right?I wanted SoHo de Chanel Highlighting Powders and Blush ($65 and shown below), Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss ($32) in Confidence (a gorgeous shade and not ostensibly part of SoHo), and the Quadra Eyeshadow, Stupendous ($56). I was able to order only the highlighting and blush compact. The others are sold out on Chanel's site, and no one in the beauty department answers the phone at the SoHo store.
Within hou
rs of successfully placing my order for the one item, I got a cancellation notice via e-mail. When I called Chanel.com's customer service line, I learned that my order wasn't really cancelled. It turns out one little fragrance sample I had selected wasn't available, so their computer sent me a cancellation notice, telling me that "I had cancelled my order." Huh? My helpful representative assured me that I would receive the item. I'm holding my breath.In our conversation, I learned that most of the these limited-edition SoHo items sold out in days. SoHo? Sold out! I'll bet Sarah Jessica Parker, who attended the opening night in New York in Chanel black and white, got hers! When I asked about Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss and its arrival at Saks, I learned that it was so popular it might not make it to all of the Saks stores - that I should call the flagship store in New York. How can that be? It's not listed as limited. Go figure.
It reminds me of the hysteria that surrounded Stereo Rose. I have to work for a living. I can't spend my days jumping on every new item the second it's available on the Web! If I get Confidence, great. If I don't? I have plenty of fabulous makeup.
P.S. You want Les Khakis de Chanel? Word has it that the three nail colors will soon be sold out.
Update 9/14: You should read my darling friend Sabrina's post on Chanel Confidence at The Beauty Look Book. She also believes that Saks will receive the shade. Despite what Chanel told me, I've got Loyd Cassler on a mission to nab one for me if they show up at Saks Chevy Chase.
Photos courtesy of Chanel
I firmly believe that all the so-called limited editions and the deliberate scarcity of them is nothing more than a marketing strategy and advertising ploy designed to push women to buy now or be left out forever. What a crock! I never worry about it. If the product I'd like to have is available, great. If not, that's perfectly fine by me because newer, better, and more beautiful products are constantly being launched and more fashionable looks are being introduced. Besides, the cosmetic industry is so incestuous that if one line no longer has what I want, another line will usually have something similar.
ReplyDeleteCharlestongirl,
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the khakis (nail colors), there are still plenty of them, at least in France!
I agree with every word written by Eileen : it's only a marketing strategy (Mac has done it for a long time and now they all do that)!
If you take Dior Tailleur Bar it was launched in Japan in March with the same marketing technique: there is only a limited number of palettes, so it was a huge rush.. then in England in May or June (same bla-bla -bla and same result) and now it's the USA...no news of the Tailleur Bar in France yet, it might be only meant to be sold abroad ....
Hi Eileen and Clarisse!
ReplyDeleteEileen, you are so right. "Buy now or you won't be beautiful tomorrow." "Crock" is a great term for that message - and one more fitting to a blog than the one that came to my mind. :)
It's just so frustrating when you really want to try something (new Chanel color) and can't get your hands on it. I understand limited-editions. Companies are acknowledging the seasonality of their products, and that's OK. However, making so few of certain limited editions is foolish. Don't they want to make money?
BTW, my one piece shipped.
Clarisse, I was reading about the Dior palette and its launch in other countries before the U.S. I can't believe they wouldn't launch it in France! Keep your eyes out for it. It really is pretty. :)
I totally agree with all of you ladies. And it makes me mad, because like you said, we're willing to pay the money for them, so where is the product??? Listen-up cosmetics companies!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, Valerie! Listen up, companies! I wouldn't leave money on the table. Why would anyone else?
ReplyDeleteWe aren't paying a fortune for Chanel, so you don't need to telegraph "exclusive." What's the deal?
Woo hoo! I got my compact today. Swatches will go up in the morning.
ReplyDelete