Showing posts with label designer bags. Show all posts
Showing posts with label designer bags. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

How to Spot a Fake Designer Handbag

How to Spot a Fake Designer Handbag
Make Sure You are Buying an Authentic Bag
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide

If you are looking to invest in a designer handbag, make sure you are getting the real thing. By following these simple tips, you can easily spot a fake bag. If you are still tempted to buy replicas, be sure to check out these reasons why you shouldn't buy a fake designer bag.

Know your bags.
The easiest way to spot a fake bag is to familiarize yourself with what the real thing should look like. Head to the department store, boutique or the designer's website where they sell the authentic bags. Make notes about the logo placement, hardware, size, materials and other important details about the bag that you want. By doing your research, you should be able to easily spot a replica.

Pay attention to detail.
When shopping, inspect the bag closely and pay attention to the detailing. Authentic designer handbags are made from quality leather with topnotch construction. The bags are normally hand-stitched. Look at the labels, where you will find the brand names and possibly serial numbers stamped, etched or stitched. Make sure the logos or monograms are the right shape and aligned properly.

Look for documentation.
When you buy an authentic designer bag, it will normally come with a certificate of authenticity or some kind of documentation. These can be faked too but falsified certificates are usually obvious. Many designer bags also come with dust bags as well.

Is it to good to be true?
If the price is pennies on the dollar of the MSRP, it's probably fake. Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. If you spot a Louis Vuitton bag for twenty bucks on eBay -- it's not real. Instead of purchasing a counterfeit designer bag, save your money for an authentic one and buy a couple less expensive bags in the meantime.

Be careful where you shop.
Designer handbags are sold in boutiques and department stores, as well as on department store and manufacturer websites. They generally aren't sold in kiosks, flea markets, street stands or out of the trunk of cars. Online, go to the designer's website and find out where their bags are sold. Also avoid online auction sites. Portero.com may be one exception -- they are known as a trusted resource for pre-owned authentic designer bags.

MY THOUGHTS

imagine that! fake authentications. there's no logic to it, is there. thing is- fake designer bags are evrywhere. they are even online.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Why You Shouldn't Buy a Fake Designer Handbag

Reasons Why You Shouldn't Buy a Fake Designer Handbag
Avoid Knockoffs and Replica Handbags

From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide

Many times you may covet a designer handbag that is out of your price range, but don't run off to the flea market to get a replica. Instead, save your pennies and look for an authentic bag on sale from a reputable retailer. Let's take a look at some of the reasons that you shouldn't buy a fake designer handbag.

Legality
Selling fake designer handbags is illegal. Counterfeit bags infringe on the copyright and trademarks of the designer and brand. By purchasing these bags, you are supporting these illegal acts. Instead, put away some money each month into your handbag fund and buy yourself the real thing for Christmas.

Child Labor
Most designer replicas are produced by organized crime and illegal enterprises. They are made by young children in very poor working conditions. By supporting organized crime, you aren't just supporting and contributing to child labor, but also to their other crimes including human trafficking, child abuse and prostitution.

Appearance
Most fake bags look cheap. They are made from low quality leather. The colors and dyes are oftentimes uneven. The stitching and general construction are poor. Authentic designers take pride in their workmanship. Sweatshops don't. Who wants to look like a poser anyway? If you can't afford the real thing, don't buy it.

Designers
By purchasing fake bags, you are hurting the designers and the manufacturers. The time, effort and creativity put into producing a bag is extensive, from the initial sketches through the time it goes on the shelves. Additionally, if designers and brands are constantly having to spend money in court protecting their designs, the cost of their bags will rise too.

MY THOUGHTS

something to think about. most definitely. that is,if you still have sound values and try to live your life based on principles. what's in bag anyway. nothing maybe. just leather and zipper and buttons. and the lives of the people who mada that bag possible. so, why think about it?

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Must-Have Handbag Styles

Must-Have Handbag Styles
8 Purses Every Woman Should Own

From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide

Handbags come in all shapes, styles, colors and fabrics. When building your handbag collection, be sure to look for these essential styles. These different types of handbags are defined by their shape as well as how they are carried (handheld, over the shoulder, crossbody, etc.). Check out these must-have purses that every woman should own.

Office Handbag
Your handbag for the office should be well-constructed and not too flashy. It should be medium to large sized--big enough to carry your essentials but not much more. It should have organizational pockets inside and out for easy access and convenience. A neutral color is the best in smooth or patent leather. Leather satchels, bowlers, shoulder bags and totes are ideal. This B. Makowsky leather bag is just perfect. This handbag is priced at $368 from Nordstrom

Weekend Bag
A roomy weekend handbag is a must. Select a tote bag, shopper, oversized hobo or large satchel. This should be the biggest bag that you own but it shouldn't so enormous that it overwhelms your body. It should be large enough to hold a simple change of clothes and your toiletries. This bag should have both interior and exterior pockets for convenience. Play with color, textures and prints. This bag should be durable--you never know where the weekend might take you.

This extra large convertible satchel from Juicy Couture is a fantastic option. With its adjustable strap, you can convert it into a crossbody bag. At 21 inches wide, it will hold everything you need. This bag is available at Nordstrom (Buy Direct) in three colors, priced at $228.

Everyday Satchel
This should be your go-to handbag for everything from dinner with your parents to a daytime date. A satchel has short handles and the top can have a zipper, snap, drawstring or buckle closure. Your everyday satchel should be medium-sized with high-quality construction. You can experiment with fun colors and patterns, but realize that you are looking for something that will work well with most of your wardrobe. The domed satchel is a popular shape right now. If you want to splurge on a designer bag, the Chloe Astoria (pictured here in pollen yellow buffalo leather) is a classy option. You can order this satchel from Neiman Marcus (Visit Their Website) and other top department stores and boutiques.

Casual Shopper
This versatile purse is perfect for shopping trips. It should be fairly large and definitely roomy. Instead of leather, pick a shopper in canvas or cotton to make it light and easy to carry. This soft body bag needs to be durable enough to get enough to get knocked around. This coated canvas shopper from Dooney & Bourke is a fun choice with its cheerful duck print. Get it now at Nordstrom for $195

Slouchy Hobo
The hobo comes in all sizes from small to oversized. If you only have one hobo, make it medium to large in a slouchy rather than structured style. Hobos are recognized by their distinct crescent shape. They come in leather, suede and just about every other fabric. For spring and summer, pick up a colorful bag like this Tarnish printed cotton hobo. This handbag is priced at only $68 at Nordstrom

MY THOUGHTS

second to shoes, i have a thing for bags, too. until i openedmy closet one day and all the bags fell on me. they didn't hurt one bit. but i realized i had too many bags. i stopped buying. but then, friends and family know i love them. so, i get them as gifts. 2-4 new bags a year is certainly better than 1 new bag a month. guess what? with all the bags i've amassed i can;t find that perfect weekend bag. it's always smaller or bigger. maybe i should change my packing habits, too.

Friday, November 5, 2010

On Accessories: How to Spot a Fake designer bag

How to Spot a Fake Designer Handbag
Make Sure You are Buying an Authentic Bag
From Kori Ellis, former About.com Guide

If you are looking to invest in a designer handbag, make sure you are getting the real thing. By following these simple tips, you can easily spot a fake bag. If you are still tempted to buy replicas, be sure to check out these reasons why you shouldn't buy a fake designer bag.

Know your bags.
The easiest way to spot a fake bag is to familiarize yourself with what the real thing should look like. Head to the department store, boutique or the designer's website where they sell the authentic bags. Make notes about the logo placement, hardware, size, materials and other important details about the bag that you want. By doing your research, you should be able to easily spot a replica.

Pay attention to detail.
When shopping, inspect the bag closely and pay attention to the detailing. Authentic designer handbags are made from quality leather with topnotch construction. The bags are normally hand-stitched. Look at the labels, where you will find the brand names and possibly serial numbers stamped, etched or stitched. Make sure the logos or monograms are the right shape and aligned properly.

Look for documentation.
When you buy an authentic designer bag, it will normally come with a certificate of authenticity or some kind of documentation. These can be faked too but falsified certificates are usually obvious. Many designer bags also come with dust bags as well.

Is it to good to be true?
If the price is pennies on the dollar of the MSRP, it's probably fake. Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. If you spot a Louis Vuitton bag for twenty bucks on eBay -- it's not real. Instead of purchasing a counterfeit designer bag, save your money for an authentic one and buy a couple less expensive bags in the meantime.

Be careful where you shop.
Designer handbags are sold in boutiques and department stores, as well as on department store and manufacturer websites. They generally aren't sold in kiosks, flea markets, street stands or out of the trunk of cars. Online, go to the designer's website and find out where their bags are sold. Also avoid online auction sites. Portero.com may be one exception -- they are known as a trusted resource for pre-owned authentic designer bags.

MY THOUGHTS

if you don't have the original, how can you spot the fake ones. they are everywhere.