Style Dilemma: Solving a Style Ethics Question

On Monday, I shared a crazy story from a friend. Short version? She found what looks to be like an Hermés scarf for sale at Target. For $14.99. So what does she do? I asked Malena Martinez, of Malena's vintage boutique, for her thoughts on the matter. I forwarded my friend's story, and here's what Malena had to say.

Well that is very strange.  It seems like we have two issues here.  . How did it get there, does she keep it, and 2. Is it real.  

I think her explanation of how it got priced at Target is likely. Maybe to quell her conscience she should go back to that target and ask if anyone reported a missing Hermés scarf. If so, find the right owner,  if not. Take good care of that and appreciate it as a special gift from the fairy fashion godmother.  

As for the authenticity there are a few points to consider...fakes generally do not have the same exact print as the real ones. For instance, I have an Hermés scarf with keys, the real one has 72, the fakes out there only have 46 keys. So explorer the photos here and see if her scarf has the right amount of bugs, monkeys, mermaids, etc.  

This scarf also has the artists name hidden in the print. Not all real scarves have this, but it is one more point to look for. Hermés Paris should also be printed, some times twice, on every scarf. The appearance of the accent over the e, and the copyright symbol can also have date the piece. And lastly, the white corner hang tag. These have been known to fall off, but if it is there, and if it says some thing other than may add to the authenticity of it. I recently had a 1977 Hermés scarf in the store that had a Neiman Marcus tag attached next to the white Hermés one, another variation on what to look for depending on the age.

So now we have an expert opinion. Change your mind from Monday? Would you keep the scarf you bought for $14.99? Would you check in with the store? Would you even have bought it in the first place?

Dreams Do Come True

I'm an incredibly lucky girl.

I have two beautiful children, an amazing husband, and friends and family around me that I'm constantly reminded how amazing they are.

And a girl has dreams.

And they come true.

From my "dealer's" (Malena of the wonderful eponymous boutique) description:

The bag is authentic, had one owner, no dust cover or lock. It is chocolate brown calf skin. I lightened the photos so every tiny scratch is visible. Most you cannot see in real life.

The leather housing of the keys is called the pouchette. The Hermes store in KOP told me to replace the lock and keys is under $150, but problably below $100. It will take a few weeks since it comes from (duh) Paris.

The good news- No broken stitching, no stains, no chipped metal, no missing feet, strap in great condition. Interior is flawless as well. No gold initials of the original owner.

The bad news- No lock, and 2 of the corners need a touch up with brown polish. It is not visible when the bag is sitting on the table. Damage no larger than 1/4 inch. The worst of it is photographed, including the
scratch on the bottom.

For the age and quality of this bag it really is in impressive condition.

I know I shouldn't. I know it's a luxury. And I also know that it's an amazing, wonderful, beautiful thing.

Grace's biography was the first one I remember reading - in elementary school. I can still see Mrs. Wilson and the shelves and then can remember reading that wonderful book. I wanted to be her. Her wedding dress was the first picture I had in my head after H proposed.

I could be spending this money on other, more useful things - like clothes I'm comfortable in or a trip with H. But instead, I'm trying to figure out the best way to get this piece from West Chester, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C. without shipping it, exposing it to cold, or putting it in harm's way.

And it will be The Bean's. And she will have a piece of wearable art, Nigel.

*Photo cropped from one I found on Letters to Betsy (great blog and name, btw - another childhood memory)