Original vs Fakes

Hello Ladies,

It's been a while but thought I would do a bit of updating on my blog!

As I pride myself on buying and selling authentic items, I thought I might give some tips I've learnt on how to tell from an original handbag to a fake one. Below is an article I came across that gives us some tips to look out for when buying a handbag from websites or second hand shops.

Hope this helps!

1. STITCHING
Stitching can be a dead giveaway. Inconsistent stitching and sloppy construction in less visible areas, such as the underside of the bag or inside pockets, are details to look for immediately. Authentic designer bags tack on an extra zero on that price tag due to extra, carefully-crafted construction. They cost more because they are built more complexly. Counterfeit products usually do not have the care of construction that the real item has. If the construction looks simplistic, it's likely to be a phony.

2. MATERIALS
Many fakes are no longer made of PVC but of reasonably good leather, even lambskin; however, they are seldom as good as the materials labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Coach would use. Fake purses tend to be stiff and often have some sort of discoloration. When dealing with replica leather handbags, make sure the leather does not have an uneven look that is consistent. Also, people generally assume designer bags should be lined, which is why many replicas are lined. But, on the contrary, real purses are not. 


3 THE LABEL
Look for any kind of misspelling - at all -  on labels and tags. In any quality product, the label is stitched in, but in Gucci counterfeits (for example), a cheap hand tag will hang from the handle. Look at authentic purses online, and study the real tags. That way, it will be easier to spot the fake labels. Fake labels are generally cheaply made, unclear in impression, and has a lesser quality of stitching (and the attachment of the label). Two examples: for one, sometimes cheaply replicated Coach bags will include tags with misspelled and run-on words; secondly, Burberry bags will often be stamped "Burberrys" instead of "Burberry - London" in gold or silver on one side.


4. PACKAGING
Luxury retailers put a great deal of care into packaging their products. This includes the works: tissues, wrapping paper, shopping bags, these extra touches are usually part of a real transaction. Look for items that have their original packaging. It's important that the box or bag the item comes in is neither too big nor too small, and is of the same brand as the purse you are purchasing. Makers of luxury goods seldom cram things into boxes or flimsy dust bags. Most luxury dust bags are made of thicker, soft cotton and flannel. Smaller items, like wristlets or wallets, will usually come in boxes.


5. DETAILSEverybody knows that details can make or break a dress; well, the same goes for purses. The intricity of threads, leathers, fabrics, metals and stamping make a luxury bag what it is and should be...expensive. Most luxury items don't just come with authenticity cards; they also come with a product booklet with details on the details. Key things to look for when it comes to details: make sure the handles are of equal length, the logo is straight and firmly fastened, the details of the bag match up, and that the zippers are in full working order


Article taken from www.associated.content.com 

Celine Luggage Tote - Envelope and Zip 2010

Celine Luggage Zip Tote

Hello Ladies!

It has been a while since I've last updated my "Bag Bulletin" because there are just too many bags out there that's worth writing about! My current love at the moment would be Celine's Luggage Tote, I adore this bag  and think that the craftsmanship is purely exquisite. The lady responsible for crafting such a beautiful design is no other than Phoebe Philo, Creative Director for Celine. It's not your normal typical bag but beautiful blend of classic designs with bold shapes and quirkiness. It definitely is an "acquired" taste as not many people can appreciate it's size and shape. 

The bag comes in 3 different sizes - Mini, Medium and Oversize which is made from different textures of materials. The collection comes in suede,smooth calfskin, mongolian lamb, baby buffalo and for the more luxurious feel - python and crocodile skin. You can tell that they didn't compromise on the bag. The charming beauty of the design combined with the high range of materials make the Celine Luggage Tote a must-have bag. It's luxurious design exudes class and beauty all in one bag. What's the damage you might ask? Well lets just say that it might burn a hole in your pocket for a while ranging from RM6k, but definitely worth every penny and you'll definitely be the envy of every stylish lady out there!

Gossip Girl Stylista - Leighton Meester with her Celine Luggage bag in canvas!

Celine Luggage Envelope Tote

The allure of a Chanel 2.55

The Chanel 2.55 is every handbag lover's dream. It's the must have bag for a complete collection of all the classic handbags - It's like the Boogie bag for Celine and Birkin for Hermes. All off which are timeless classics that never goes out of style or fashion. Personally I dont follow the trends too much when it comes to handbags or conform to the latest "It" bag, but a Chanel 2.55 Caviar is a MUST to complete the assortment of classic handbags.


Read on about the history of the Chanel 2.55 bag.

The History of the Chanel 2.55 Bag

The Chanel 2.55 bag has inspired many imitations. However, Coco Chanel, herself had a very refreshing attitude to copies of her famous designs: “I would shed tears the day no one copied me.”

During the 1980s, a Chanel bag was the most coveted status symbol, according to Anna Johnson in her book Handbags, the Power of the Purse. With its famous quilting, the 2.55 is based on the quilted coats worn by boys at the race track, as Coco Chanel’s designs were influenced by her love of horse racing. Chanel used a running stitch, quilting the bag in a diamond or herringbone pattern, according to Stephanie Pendersen, inHandbags, What Every Woman Should Know, and introduced pockets into the bag, another passion of Mademoiselle Chanel's. The 2.55 contains a secret pocket inside the front flap, where is it claimed that in her original, Coco Chanel hid love letters received from a beau. 

Carried on arms of the rich and famous the world over, the Chanel 2.55 chain bag represents the epitome of style and the ultimate status symbol. The bag takes its name from the year of its birth, 1955 and is made from silk, lambskin, calfskin or fur, in a combination of colors. Whilst today, it has been updated in various guises (including the fastenings) the iconic Chanel 2.55 is still instantly recognizable, and remains one of the world’s most sought after bags.

The Introduction of the Chain Strap

The Chanel 2.55 bag was one of the most revolutionary of its time due to the introduction of a chain strap, enabling women to carry their purse on their arm instead of in their hand. At this time, when socialites were busy holding their glasses of champagne, eating canapés, and reading their theatre programmes, Chanel recognized a need for women to have their hands free.

After becoming tired of holding her own bags in her hands, and losing them, Chanel added thin chain straps “I know women — give them chains, women adore chains,” she said, in deciding the nature of the strap. Interestingly, the double chain is said to be based on her experiences as a child, in an orphanage, where the caretakers would dangle keys from their waist.

Read more at Suite101: The History of the Chanel 2.55 Bag: The Story of Coco Chanel's Iconic Purse http://www.suite101.com/content/the-history-of-the-chanel-255-bag-a59107#ixzz136kyH1Hg