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