Spotting the Horror: spotting fake bags

Snooki's Clutch

As long as a famous brands are creating new and beautiful bags with their special artistic touch and that special "mpf" which separates the difference between each brand and why people like buying them. Not many people have the money to buy the real things so they go for the counterfeit. I read in a Clinton Kelly's book and I had the exact same sentiment, don't have the money to get one, than don't. Its better to have your integrity then to be spotted with a fake Louis Vuitton Bag or a fake Alexander McQueen Knucklebox clutch but that doesn't stop other designers for creating a replica for either commercial purpose or private clients. Either way, both are illegal. However, the difference is that private clients are usually those who create them with cheap materials and only sell them to certain people and are usually doing it in secluded areas. So I came across this interesting article on yahoo and decided to share it with you guys. I personally think that if you have seen these stuff more than many times, you would know how to differentiate the genuine from the imitations through the logos and etc.. For those of you who don't, the below article might be of great help to you.   

Alexander McQueen's clutch 

"The only thing we love more than a nice handbag is getting a deal on a nice handbag. But it's so easy to be scammed! Counterfeit purses are tempting, but the truth is they're illegal, cheaply made, and a waste of money. And whileCoach bags are currently the world's most popular handbags, they're also the most-imitated. So how can you tell real from faux? We spoke with the experts atCouponCodes4u.com, the leading coupon code websites in the US, on how to spot a knockoff. They're experts deal hunters and they work closely with major retailers like Nordstrom so they know how to find a legit purse at a great price. Here are their six tips to avoid falling for designer imposter bags. 

1. Look out for obvious indicators 
Spotting replica handbags used to be simple; check the hardware, logos and material. Lightweight metal accents, slightly skewed logos and cheap materials are still the first lines of defense for warding off fakes, but with today's higher-quality knockoffs, it's a case of needing steps two through six as well. 

2. Seek brand-specific signs 
Know the signs to look for in the specific bag. For instance, Marc Jacobs' zippers are embossed with either RiRi or Lampo and all Louis Vuitton bags made since the early '80s have a date stamped somewhere on the interior. Brand fanatics spend time spotting knock-off bags to protect their favorite designers' integrity, so a quick search before you buy will reveal specific tells for each high-end brand. 

3. Beware of online trickery 
When buying a handbag online, make sure it's from a reputable source. If sites are based in China, specifically Hong Kong, proceed with caution, as the country makes up 88.8 percent of the goods seized for Intellectual Property Rights by the ACG. Also, check the descriptions and reviews for signs of inauthenticity. If customer reviews say the bags aren't the real thing, then they likely aren't. 

4. Find trustworthy resellers 
Just because a bag is sold online, it doesn't mean it's fake. Authentic and vintage handbags are often sold on eBay; buyers just need to be smart in researching the seller. If the deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. A Chanel bag will never be $50, so use common sense. Certified resale sites also offer discounts on authentic bags. 

5. Check for design flaws 
A Burberry or Prada handbag will not have crooked stitching or unfinished edges. High-end brands take ultimate pride in craftsmanship, so no imperfect bag would leave their factory for a legitimate retailer. The leathers and fabrics of authentic bags will always be perfectly stitched and lined up, never crooked or gapped stitched. 

6. Do your handbag homework 
Before you spend big money on a big brand, make sure to check out the designer's website and/or retail store to make sure the styles you're looking at even exist. The only noticeable differences in some high-end imposters are styles and colors that were never made by the particular designer. If you've never seen a zebra Hermes Birkin bag on a celebrity, then it was probably never produced. 

These tips should help you find great deals and avoid crummy knockoffs. If you can't afford the real deal, an authentic, quality purse from a lesser-known brand is better than fake leatherette Gucci bag that falls apart. Really. "