Designer Steals!!!

Anyone who knows me can tell you I have two weaknesses- designer handbags and designer sunglasses! But if you're anything like me, you don't have $1,000 plus to spend on one handbag. For designer deals at knockoff prices try buying on ebay, Amazon, even Craigslist. In this ecomony, consignment shops are popping up everywhere...there are even shops that specialize in "recycling" designer goods.
I got a Real Kate Spade Handbag for $50, retail price-$400. Thats a BIG saving! While it was used, it looked brang new.


Now a true diva would never rock a fake handbag, or at least not an obviously fake one. There are steps you can take to varify that your handbag is real.

#1. Look at the material. If the bag is leather make sure that it smells like leather. Also, it should be heavy like a leather jacket.

#2. Verify the logo. Bags with Logos: The most "knocked off" bags are the ones you should be careful of because it's so easy to be taken advantage of. Most Design houses like Louis Vuitton who make bags with their signature logo or monogram have ways to tell if it's fake or real. Louis Vuitton's signature "LV" bags are the hardest to detect a fake. When you look at the stitching on the sides and you see the "LV" it should be continued onto the other side of the bag and this also goes for the other symbols on the bag. The leather on the handle, after a few weeks, should look like a good worn leather jacket does. It should have that aged look.

#3. Look for evidence. Look for things to see if it is authentic. Look for a serial number, a stamp inside that says the brand (may not be in all bags). Also, check and see if the logo is true when it comes out of a dust bag. For example, most knockoff Chanel bags have interlocking Os instead of Cs. This actually makes it legal to sell. Then they snip it to make it look real when it comes out. Beware of this.

#4 Examine stitching. Make sure that the stitching on the bag is nice and neat. No sloppy stitching! Design Houses take pride in the quality of their products.

#5 Check the tags. Make sure the tags inside of the bag are either stamped into leather or hand-stitched (example of an obvious fake: the tag on the inside doesn't have a name on it). Also look for a tag on the outside. Many designers have authenticity tags on the outside of the bags.


If you are purchasing the bag online, ten be sure to only purchase from a respected seller. Read the sellers reviews. And ask for close up pictures on the bag including the inside, tags, and lining.
Check out sites like Bag borrow or steal. Its a handbag rental site that gives you the option or purchasing their handbags!