Tips to Recognize an Authentic Designer Handbag

Well, have you lately purchased a designer handbag? Did you get a whopping discount on the Christian Dior tote, or Gucci handbag? You are perhaps at the top of the world. It’s likely. But did it ever strike you as to whether the designer handbag is authentic? How do you recognize the original designer handbags from their fake replicas? Here are some tips.

Determining the authenticity of any product is never easy. But it is not impossible if you understand the basics.

Well, the first step to recognize an original designer handbag from its phony counter part is to take a look at the bag thoroughly. Remember, all designer bags are made of quality materials that account for their steep prices. So if it is a Coach handbag made of leather, examine the quality. Many handbags are made of different types of leather, like Lambskin, Calfskin, Goatskin and Patent leather, but it is not difficult to spot the quality of the leather. An original handbag will not have the brand printed on it, but it should be engraved. Also thoroughly check the stitches. There should not be any missing stitches. The stitches should also be evenly spaced. The color of the thread should match the color of the designer handbag.

Take a look at the exterior of the bag. The façade should be free of any mark or scratches. Designer brands like Gucci, Fendi and Prada offer their bags in removable plastics which are to be taken out only after the purchase. All the elements of the bags should be matching in color. Nothing should look out of place.

Beside the leather it is also important to check the interior lining of the bags. Most designer handbags have the interior lining made of satin. The cloth looks glossy and attractive too. The name of the designer brand should also be present on the lining.

Most designer handbags are available with leather accents. The fake ones could be available with plastic accents. But they are so coated that at times it becomes difficult to spot the difference. Under such circumstances look at the edge of the strap, near a stitched joint. This will show a leather core, if authentic.

Many designer handbags come with authenticity cards. This is a small card that has the logo of the designer brand embossed on it. It will also contain the other details about the bag. It will also contain a magnetic strap, bar code. Most designer brands like Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Kate Spade and Coach, are available with these cards.

Another yardstick to check the authenticity is the serial number. However, all designer handbags do not come with such numbers but many do. In Fendi handbags to find the number, turn the inside pocket out. The number will be printed on the fabric or the leather tag. In Gucci hand bags, the leather tag on the zipper seam will have the serial number.

If you shop wisely, it is not difficult to buy an authentic designer handbag.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Fashion Handbag

Not everyone is desperate to buy the latest celebrity handbag, and there are even those of us who don't need a designer label on our handbags. Fashion handbags are fun, affordable and you can always find one to complement your unique personality. However, it is easy to fall into the trap of buying quantity versus quality when you go the fashion handbag route, and you can end up with a wardrobe full of bags you hardly ever use. Here are 5 things to consider when buying a fashion handbag:

1. Quality

Quality is still important when buying fashion handbags. Buying a cheap bag that breaks or rips soon after you've acquired it is not a saving. Check that straps are firmly attached, zips open and close easily and the bag is properly lined. A bag without a lining is likely to end up with holes in the seams making it easy to lose small items.

2. Longevity

Although part of the fun of fashion handbags is that you can afford new bags as the fashions change, it's not worth buying bags that are so ‘of the moment’ that you know it won't last more than a season. You do still need one or two bags in classic styles that will see you through several seasons and hopefully several years. Disposable fashion is commonplace these days, but it's not good for the environment and it clutters up your wardrobe with things you don't use.

3. Uniqueness

One of the things I love most about fashion handbags is that there is such a huge selection to choose from, so you can usually find one that is unique to you. Who wants to walk around looking like a clone? Choose a bag that represents your personality and individuality in fabric, style and embellishment. Whether you're creative and expressive, practical and sensible or smart and minimalistic, the bags that are your favourites will always be the ones that feel like ‘you’.

4. Practicality

Before buying a bag it is worth considering exactly what you will use it for. It is no use buying a beautiful evening bag that is so big you cannot be bothered to take it out with you, or a smart little day bag that you never use because you can only fit your keys into it. If you need a big practical bag to hold all your toddler and baby bits, try to opt for a bag in a practical hard-wearing fabric too, like leather or denim. Something delicate and beaded is not going to last long when it is being thrown around the park or dumped on the pool changing room floor!


5. Conscience

One of the issues with fashion handbags is how they are produced. Many are churned out in sweatshop style conditions. It is possible to buy affordable fashion handbags without compromising on fair trade conditions. These days it is not hard to find out whether an item has been ethically sourced or not, and there are plenty of shops and boutiques that have committed themselves to selling only products that have not exploited people. The bonus is that fair trade fashion handbags are usually better quality and more exciting in design than those that are mass produced.

Louise Longworth is the founder of Jacaranda Blue an online shop specialising in fairly traded gifts such as handmade jewellery, handbags, organic bath products, unique homeware and more.

You can view the range of ethically sourced gifts at http://www.jacarandablue.co.uk
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