Ready Set Go, January 8th

About twenty years ago my Mom bought a fabulous coat at a small independently owned clothing store in Northern New Jersey called Hamrah’s owned by the Hamrah sisters. Hamrah’s was known for trendy designer labels, fancy party dresses, upscale staples, and even a few imports directly from France. The family had great taste, and so did my Mom. Fast forward the twenty years I mentioned and Mom’s coat is still incredibly fashionable, gorgeous and in perfect condition.

So last winter while she was visiting me in NYC, I finally took a peek at the label and learned that it was designed by a company called Pret Pour Partir– translated from French this means Ready Set Go. How perfect right, as it’s been her go-to travelwear since forever. So I googled the name to see if they were still around. Much to my delight I found that this Parisian designer has a lovely website with online ordering and shipping to the States available. But even better… knowing that I was going to be in Paris, I found that they actually had what appeared to be a retail store right in the 1st Arrondissement. Yay! So I told my Mom that we’d go together to check it out during her visit in the midst of my month-long Paris workcation. We were both super excited.

A few days before she arrived, I decided to do a little recon and visit the store myself to spec out the offerings. I eyeballed a few beauties online that I was anxious to try on in person. So at promptly 10:05am on a sunny Thursday, I attempted to enter the well lit store. But it was locked. Curious? A tall, very well-dressed gentleman with round glasses opened the door and let me know that this was his showroom, and not a retail outlet. OMG. It was the designer himself! Xavier granted me entrance from the cold just long enough for me to tell him my tale of The Mothership’s coat and how excited we both were to shop his brand. He was so enamored by the story, that he let me browse the space. And while we chatted I selected two incredible coats for myself.

The first one was a slightly puffy but slim navy parka in water-repellent wool gaberdine with sublime greenish gold insides and a stylish hood, and the other was a waterproof coated cotton in blueblack with a detachable wool lining. I absolutely couldn’t decide between the two contemporary styles. They were both so urban and cool! So I put them both on hold, took his number and agreed to make an appointment to return during my Mom’s trip.

A few days later Mom and I Metro’d over to visit Xavier. Not only did she love the store and him, she loved both of the coats that I pre-selected (of course) and even found a light jacket ideal for the colder temps in Florida that fit her perfectly. How amazing!! You know how this story ends, right? Of course I bought both coats for myself and Xavier was so incredibly friendly and generous that he gifted my Mom her coat for free. It was a dream shopping spree!

Back in the States, I’ve already worn my winter parka several times and it’s become my go-to overcoat for cold weather travel. I feel so sophisticated in the design and just love the surprise pocket in the back. The design is universally flattering and oh so chic. And I have the blueblack coated cotton one on deck ready for warmer temps. It will for sure be an amazing early spring style star.

After meeting X and sharing this heartwarming story, I’m so lucky to be a superfan of Pret Pour Partir and a self-proclaimed ambassador of this modern luxury brand. My Mom and I will never forget his Parisian hospitality at the place that permanently improved both of our wardrobes.

We can’t wait to return next year to visit and shop. X definitely marks the spot for fashionable fun!