Just in case you aren’t familiar, last month I wrote a post about The Boots from Hell. These boots were purchased quite a few years back at Nordstrom. They were purchased during The Anniversary Sale and I paid $300 for them, which was a great price for Tory Burch boots. Anyway, these boots ended up to be the bane of my existence.
The Nadine boot by Tory Burch. Beautiful yet Baneful!! We all know that by now!
It took two years to finally break them in. They were stiff, they were uncomfortable, but yet, I persevered. They sat in the closet for a couple of years after that unworn. Then, when I took them out again, I happily wore them until a zipper pull broke. It cost me time to have them sent back and money to repair. Then I happily wore them some more. Then, this year, I noticed that the zipper on one of the boots wasn’t working properly. Lo and behold, the zipper’s fabric ripped from the leather on the boot.
To make a long story short. Nordstrom sent them out for repair and I found out it would cost $100 to have the zipper fixed. No dice. I paid $300 and was not willing to put another hundred into these boots that would only break again.
The staff at the Tory Burch boutique was so rude that I am still suffering from PTSD. Post Tory Stress Disorder.
Luckily for me, the best people read this blog. It was suggested by a few readers who both commented and emailed me that perhaps I should email Tory Burch’s corporate offices. I did.
And got the ball rolling.
My first point of contact was a phone call from Gerardo, one of the customer service reps at Tory Burch. Gerardo should be the CEO of this company. He was incredible helpful but also very kind and he listened carefully to my story.
Yes! I got a phone call!!
He told me that he would be getting back to me after speaking with a supervisor in order to see what could be done.
What evolved was that I was sent a UPS label to return the boots to the company, and I, in turn would receive a digital gift card for $300. And this was incredibly fair to me because had I not sent that email, the boots would have been trashed!
I received the gift card the other day, just in time for the Tory Burch sale. Since I’m not really a fan of her clothing, and trust, me, I’m no fan of her boots, it was an interesting evening of on-line shopping for me.
I got some stuff!
What I settled on was a tote bag that I could use for work, shopping, travel and as a beach bag. It reminded me of the Goyard totes that are way out of my price range. Yes. This is more of a poor-girl’s Goyard tote. Anyway, I really like it. The tote is the Gemini Link Tote and I ordered the cordovan/navy color.
True. I cannot afford this coveted Goyard St. Louis Tote–it’s over a thousand bucks!!
I opted for the Gemini Link Tote. I love the cordovan and navy colors. Some call it “burgundy” I prefer “cordovan”–it has a nice ring to it!
Here’s the back view. The straps are sewn very tightly to handle all the crap I lug around..
There’s plenty of room in this tote and it’s been great for work.
The coated canvas makes the bag easy to clean–especially given the fact I’m such a slob! In addition, the front has a little “link” so that I can attach my office fob to it.
Next was an overpriced pair of flip flops. Yeah. I know. Don’t judge. I figured I could always use a “good” pair of flip flops if we go to a summer party. (as if I’ll be invited anywhere). Surprisingly, these flip flops are a good fit for me because the sole is very narrow—just like my feet.
The flip flops came in this shoe box–another plus because I keep all my shoes in boxes!
A dust bag came with the flip flops as well. I guess that’s why they cost $79!
The best thing about these flip flops? They are cut narrow and fit my narrow feet very well. I hope they hold up!!
And last of all, I could not resist this leather wrap bracelet. I’ve got a lot of black so this will look good to offset black shoes, sandals or my new overpriced flip flops!
The Hermes wrap bracelets are out of my price range so this sufficed well!
Came in a little dust bag…
And I love the way it looks!!!
But—the best was the packaging. OMG. I’m such a sucker for packaging. And when I ordered this stuff, there was the option of free gift wrapping. Hey!!! Why the hell not? It was a present to me for all the trouble those boots put me through.
The packaging damn near made me faint with delight! The tote bag came in this….
And I love the little velcro closures!
The bag even matches the box the flip flops came in…
The bracelet was packet in this. I swear I can’t even with that bow!!
And I have a couple of bucks left over too!
Gerardo and I still keep in touch. I asked him to send me a photo of himself for my post. He declined!
Oh well, but I have to thank Gerardo for all the great assistance he gave me, and Tory Burch’s customer service was stellar. Her brick and mortar sales assistants could learn a lot about great customer service from her customer service staff!!!
Thank you, Gerardo! And thank you Tory Burch Company. Ya did good! And thank you to everyone who told me to get in touch with Tory Burch Corporate!!!
Here’s my YouTube Video so you can get a better look at what I bought!
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Good job! I think often it is a pain in arse to have to deal with issues like the boots. Sometimes it’s easier to just roll over and let it go. But making a complaint not only did you good but all the people that come after you. Some companies make it so hard to settle things to make you give up. But we know where we will shop and where not to. I am actually surprised that Nordstrom didn’t settle this for you from the outset.
Too bad I’m on the opposite coast, love to see your stuff…….you are cutest.
I’m still here in jammies recovering from flu……..least I know I’m getting better when my interest in makeup and fashion returns.
Thanks as always!
Hi Chris! I think Nordies did NOT take the boots back because I worked there. I was a bit shocked because the s*it that I HAD to take back was disgusting. Handbags that reeked of cigarette smoke and that were stained and filthy. My boots, other than the shoddy workmanship were in great shape. But–it is what it is and I am glad that it was suggested I get in touch with Corporate. I’ll tell you, Gerardo was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m glad it all worked out.
PS. That packaging!!!!!!!! I can’t get over it either!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
PS. TB packaging is amazing………I bought a couple of fragrance things (perfume is my downfall)
and it came in beautiful boxes and packaging . I would rather spend $$$ on perfume than most anything else. I have a whole large cabinet of fumes……..bad girl!
Hi Chris! That’s very, very intriguing that you collect perfume! I think much of the appeal of perfumes is the packaging–some of the bottles and falcons are beautiful! I remember my very first scent. I received it when I was about ten years old. Pretty Peach and it came in a decanter that looked like a fountain shop soda. I loved it! It was from Avon.
These days I stick to my favorite three scents, Fleur d’Oranger, La Petite Robe Noire and L’Instant and all three come packaged beautifully!!! XOXXOXOXO!!!
Truly enjoyed your boot post today plus you always give me a good laugh. Wish we lived closer to each other.
Hi Linda! I wish we lived closer to each other too! I wish we lived back in BS!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Love how lightheaded and fun this post is! Great stuff ❤️
Thank you so much! Glad that you enjoyed! Don’t be a stranger to this blog and welcome to the neighborhood!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Wow the packaging is gorgeous and ya did good on your haul too! So glad your Tory had a happy ending, I am sure you’ll find a good looking pair of cognac leather boots in the sales this spring;)
Hi Momcat! You know–I don’t even care about trying to find another pair of boots anymore. I can’t stand wearing them to the office because it’s difficult for me to drive in boots–I prefer to drive barefoot anyway. But—I am thrilled with my replacement items–especially the tote bag!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
So awesome that you were able to get your money back and were able to find a few things that were even better! I love the bracelet and am a sucker for the packaging too.
Hi Kenz! Isn’t it great??? The bracelet is adorable. I wore it to work on Friday–but the packaging…………….XOXOXOO!!!
Lovely, funny and uplifting post to go with the beautiful Spring morning here in Oxfordshire,UK.
Reminds me that the warmer weather is coming – I want some of those flip flops 🙂
Thank you so much Anna! I am always pleased when someone gets my humour!! I thank you!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Glad it all came good in the end. You chose some nice items from TB, I thought the bag was really expensive (I watched your video last night ) but hey, you didn’t have to pay ! Love the bracelet, I had one similar but think it fell out of my bag on the cross channel ferry along with several pairs of earrings! Are you planning another trip to France this summer? xxx
Fiona. I was afraid that the bracelet would fall off but so far, so good!!!! Ugh. Sadly we are not going to France this summer. It’s the first time in over 11 years we won’t be going to the South of France–with the job that I started, it’ll be difficult to swing that much time. Plus, Vincent doesn’t want to go–he’s still upset about his dad’s passing. We may do a long weekend in Paris in the fall or closer to Christmas and will be resuming our summer trip in 2019 god willing!! XOXOXOXO!!!
You seriously make me laugh out loud, you are soooooooo funny! TB should absolutely have fantastic customer service, it’s shame the sales staff are rude. You got such great pieces and your $300 went quite a long way – must have been a good sale! I wanted the TB Miller sandals everyone has but in all honesty I have such ugly feet and I need a more cushioned footbed so they wouldn’t work for me. Your feet are pretty and the flip flops are adorable, I bet you’ll wear them plenty. Thanks for sharing your Tory with a happy ending!!!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks Kellyann! I think I did well with the items that I purchased. But I have to tell you, even though my feet are in decent shape, I do not care for the way the Miller Sandal looks on me. And for the money, the Rondini sandals I have gotten in France fare so much better–they are custom made for less money!! I definitely will get a lot of wear out of those flip flops though!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Great story, and you certainly found some wonderful pieces!!! I love them all!!! I had a chuckle too with the remark about being invited to a party. That’s sort of the way it is around here, too. The only parties we seem to attend are the ones we take the time and effort to HOST. I guess our friends here are either too busy or just can’t be bothered to have parties.
Hi Vava! LOL. It’s so true. I haven’t been to a party in ages–actually years. Nobody likes to “host”. I love to host. But I’m with you a hundred percent!!! XOXOXO!!!!
Oh what a wonderful ending to that horrible boot experience, I would have had the new items gift wrapped also, you absolutely deserve it! Good picks, everything looks great and so versatile too. Enjoy it ALL!!!
Thanks Margaret. Spot on with the gift wrap. I’m so glad I did order that wrapping. It’s so adorable and made the grand opening more special!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
This reminds me of when the handle broke off my LV handbag. I bought it as a gift to myself upon my 25th wedding anniversary. Three years later, the handle broke off. Now, I had never had a handle break off a purse in all my years.. So this VERY expensive purse was the first..At the LV store they told me it would cost somewhere near $100 to send it in to their repair shop, wait a few weeks, etc.
Personally, I thought for the price of the purchase they should have repaired it for free. So, anyway I took it to the local shoe repair shop. They charged about $70 (gulp), but it was ready in 2 days, and they did a great job.
Yay Gerardo – such a shame however that he probably spends all day every day fixing the rudeness and bad customer service of the shop staff, but Gerardo sounds a total peach and a real asset to TB. I am adoring the packaging (yes I AM that shallow – I love something nicely packaged like many of the posters above – Miller Harris perfume or Diptyque always make me quivery with excitement when I look at how pretty their bottles and packing are. Did I read above you wont be going for your long French summer this year? I am so sorry to read that, but if it isnt right for Bonaparte then I guess it isnt right – selfishly I had fantasies about all your girly gang who follow this blog pitching up for a holiday in adjoining apartments (yes, no practicalities involved), I may have to switch this fantasy to a meet up for all concerned in Paris sometime
Excellent…Decent Customer Service…the customer is truly always right. Perfection Packaging. And my favorite of your purchases…$79 Flip Flops…that’s my girl. 🙂
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