Okay let’s walk through what went down when I hit up that fancy Louis Vuitton spot on Rodeo Drive for some menswear shopping. Honestly? It felt kinda like a movie set over there.
Deciding to pull the trigger
Woke up last Tuesday feeling restless, scrolling through feeds seeing guys flaunting LV bags. Thought “screw it, been saving up, treat yo self”. Grabbed an Uber, told the driver “Rodeo Drive”. Dude chuckled and said “Good luck spending money”.
First step inside was overwhelming. Felt like walking into some rich person’s living room. Cold marble floors, insane flower arrangements everywhere, and quiet – weirdly quiet. Sales guy in a sharp suit materializes like Batman. “Good afternoon sir, my name is Antoine”. Felt weird hearing “sir”.
Actually trying to buy stuff
Started looking at those classic monogram duffles. Antoine slides over gloves – actual white gloves – before touching the bag. Wild.
- Tried keeping it casual: Asked “How much for this one?”. Antoine gives that polite rich person smile. “This beauty is $3,600”. Barely flinched. Damn.
- Asked to see wallets: Pulled out a display model with security cables thicker than my phone charger. Antoine leans in whispering “Sir, due to high theft incidents, certain items require management approval for examination”
- Got schooled on bags: Told him I wanted something for gym and work. He points to a backpack. “For sports? Consider our Eclipse line. Discreet yet sophisticated”. Felt like he said “sophisticated” extra slow for me.
Saw a jacket that looked fire. Reached to check material. Another salesperson appears instantly holding it open for me to try. Freaky how they move.
Tips they don’t tell you
After actually buying a wallet and that gym backpack (my credit card wept), here’s what I wish I knew:
- Seriously ask to see items: Thought I’d browse like Target. Nope. They unlock cabinets like museum pieces
- No dumb questions: Asked Antoine “Why are your bags so expensive?”. Instead of laughing, he talked leather sourcing for 10 min. Guy loves his job
- Phone pics are awkward: Tried snapping the store ambiance. Manager politely asked to “respect privacy of other guests”. Got it. Put phone away
- Hydrate beforehand: Was nervous drinking the free champagne they offered at 11am
Biggest shock? Walking out past tourists taking pictures of the storefront like it’s the Eiffel Tower. Holding that iconic brown LV bag felt surreal. Antoine waves goodbye like I’m leaving a yacht club.
Would I go again? Honestly? Maybe when my bank account recovers. That $25 bottled water in the fridge by checkout? Didn’t even buy it. Priorities people.
