Passementrie — Local services in Santa Fe

A friend asked me to look for a particular dress at this shop while I was visiting Santa Fe. She had met a lady at a concert in Orange County CA who was wearing a lovely print dress from Passementrie. Although the specific pattern was not available, the manager and shop assistant helped find something similar. They also agreed to ship the dress to my friend. Though a tad risky, sight unseen, they do have a 14 day return policy... for store credit, not refund.

The shop is rather small and cramped, tucked into a niche along the block occupied by La Fonda. You can access it from within the hotel or from outside. As it was a hot day, some A/C would have been welcome. Also, the young woman completing the transaction was probably in need of additional training with the computer system as the length of the process rather annoyed people in line behind me. But such is life sometimes. Their goods are colorful and seem well made (in India) and for those who like the styles, there is a nice array of colors...

I spent the whole day trying to find a big purse (needed it to carry all my purchases from this trip on the plane ride home) among the stores in Downtown, and I had completely given up when I stumbled upon this store.

It is fantastic. I found a few purses I really liked and spent an hour deciding which one to get. In the meantime, one of the store owners, Lorenzo, told me about the fabric he had upcycled for part of the bags, showed me other similar fabrics, and shared stories from his travels to Thailand and India where he purchases a lot of their materials to transform into goods for the store. Very thoughtful of him! The other owner, Christina, also spoke with me for quite a while, and that was lovely too.

I finally decided on a bag and I am very happy with it. I’m glad I could buy a handmade high-quality item from the person who made it - exactly what I was hoping to do on my trip to Albuquerque....

I love this store, and I will never shop there again. A man named Lorenzo was incredibly rude. Today I was purchased 3 small items totaling $120, and asked for a merch bag they have hanging outside on their porch. This bag is like what you get at Free People. He arrogantly told me I could buy one for $10, as they are for people who buy higher priced items- like $200. If I hadn’t found the perfect birthday gift, I would’ve never spent my money there. I will never go back. I don’t know if he’s the owner, but he was so nasty. Lorenzo, you’ve lost me as a customer forever. Keep...