Okay so let’s talk about my AMI Paris visit in Soho last week. Woke up early thinking I’d beat the crowds – big mistake. Got there around 10:30 AM and the place was already packed like a subway at rush hour. Should’ve remembered this is New York, nobody sleeps in.
The First Impression
Walked into that crisp white boutique feeling all fancy. Immediately noticed two things: First, the smell – like expensive leather and someone’s fancy cologne. Second, the lighting made every damn sweater look Instagram-ready. Sales guy named Marco bounced over like an over-caffeinated puppy. Dude knew every item’s backstory though – color me impressed.
The Hunting Part
Went straight for their signature hoodies. Tried pulling this cream-colored one off the rack. Thing was so delicate I felt like I was handling raw eggs! Marco saw me struggling and just casually floated over: “Gotta pinch the hanger clasp, not grab the fabric”. Life-saving tip right there. Proceeded to destroy half the displays like a bull in a china shop anyway. Whoops.
The Disaster Zone (Fitting Room)
Got handed one of those brass token things for fitting rooms. Waited 20 damn minutes watching fashion influencers pose in front of mirrors. Finally got a stall the size of a phone booth. Tried on the hoodie – fit perfectly but showed every speck of dirt. Spilled coffee on myself trying to take selfies. Classic.
Checkout Chaos
Decided to buy it anyways. Found out at register they don’t take Amex. Like what kind of bougie store rejects Amex? Thank god I had Visa. They wrapped it in this stupidly pretty tissue paper that took 3 minutes to unwrap later. Asked about returns – “14 days with tags on” but dude warned me their tags rip stupid easy. Played tag roulette all the way home.
Things I Wish I Knew
- Don’t go before noon unless you enjoy crowds
- Bring exact size info – their sizing runs weird
- Seriously leave that Amex at home
- Practice “hanger pinching” before you go
Final verdict? That hoodie cost me 3 coffees and mild humiliation but damn does it look good. Just might go back when the bruises to my ego heal.
