How to Spot a Fake.....Handbag

From the trash bags of street vendors to the ritziest stores on Rodeo Drive, designer handbags are everywhere. Most of us can't afford the authentic thing (with bags costing, on average, $1,500+), so we gravitate towards the Internet, the streets of big cities, or purse parties for the next best thing. However, those replicas can sometimes be more fake than we thought. Here are five major things to look for when buying a designer knock-off and tips for spotting a spoof.

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.