Where can I buy a *REAL* Louis Vuitton bag?

[MzDiz]

Why do you care?

Because if every shmuck in Walmart has a bag that looks like the real deal, then those who shelled out the big bucks won't be "special" anymore. That, or they'll have to tell every passer-by that it is, in fact, a real bag to retain their special status.

I really do love these threads. I wonder if anyone's considered taking their fake bag pool hopping?

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Because if every shmuck in Walmart has a bag that looks like the real deal, then those who shelled out the big bucks won't be "special" anymore. That, or they'll have to tell every passer-by that it is, in fact, a real bag to retain their special status.

I really do love these threads. I wonder if anyone's considered taking their fake bag pool hopping?

You know, I kinda agree with you, to a point. When ever I see a knock-off bag (and yes ladies, we can tell) I just give a little inside giggle and try to figure out exactly who that person is trying to fool and why would they even bother. I mean, why would you even want something that is fake? I don't mean that as being snarky, its just that what you you trying to prove by walking around with a 3k bag while paying at the supermarket with food stamps?And if its not in line at the supermarket, its someone boarding public transporation (which I ride daily) in the heart of the city who is digging for train fare. Believe me I see it EVERY SINGLE DAY. It clearly couldn't be real, and if it is real, then you are probably doing something illegal to afford it.

 

[debbiedoo]

I really do love these threads. I wonder if anyone's considered taking their fake bag pool hopping?

 

[dg39]

I have a LV. Bought it on 5th Ave. in their boutique. Macy's on 34th St. in NYC DOES sell the real LV. I know they do, because after I bought my bag, I went directly to Macys for something else and did a price comparision while I was there. This was around 3 yrs. ago. The LV's are in the glass case and the sales girl in both stores told me that all the prices of the bags are the same all over. THey said no matter where you buy your LV, you will all be paying the same price, unless of course there is diff. sales tax.

As far as selling fake bags on the streets of NY, there fake bags, not knock-offs. The knockoffs have a strange looking LV logo all over the bag, while the fakes just have the same coloring all over the bag itself and not the letters LV.

 

[Beth76]

So if it's so obvious that the fakes are fakes, then where's the problem? They obviously don't look like the real ones then. What's the difference between a cheap purse from Target and a cheap purse from a street vendor (or whereever you get the knock-offs)?

 

[JadenLayne]

I disagree that everyone can tell the difference. I have the real thing and the fake and honestly the fake is pretty darned good. Of course when you hold it in your hands you can definitely tell the difference in a zillion different ways. To look at them from a distance though, I honestly don't think your normal person could tell. I actually bought it because it looked so real. They had Coach and Fendi and Gucci that looked absolutely real as well.

I think the fake sellers must be making a mint because the look is so absolute. Of course, again, the quality isn't even in the ballpark. My 30 dollar fakes probably won't last a year if that but they "look" good.

 

[LisaL]

And again, it's not a crime to PURCHASE the purses, just to sell them. I'm pretty sure US law does not apply to the folks in the country DH will (possibly) be purchasing from. It IS a crime for DH to buy a bunch, bring them home, and me to sell them on eBay. It is NOT a crime for him to buy one for me.

I didn't say US law applies to the other country. I said it applies to your DH when he travels. Think about it: US businessmen who do business overseas cannot secure business via bribes, even if it is completely acceptable or even legal in that country. Why? Because US law makes it an illegal act and a citizen is under that law at all times.

It's my understanding that the intentional purchase of a fake bag is illegal. But ultimately, because the laws are not stringently enforced at this point, it becomes a matter of conscience. Just remember the people who have to make those bages - sweatshop workers, the oppressed. And once purchased, you become a part of that because your purchase supports that activity.

Just because someone can get away with it, doesn't mean he/she should.

 

[sydally9367]

I love my Dooney, but it was a gift, so I am mostly attached to it for that reason. That being said, who cares if they are real of fake...they are freakin' purses for crying out loud.

I have more to say, but I like the DIS and don't want to get booted over purses

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Coach girl speaking here! I'd like an LV, but I'm happy with what I have.

Speaking of knock-offs, read this website's disclaimer and maybe you'll see how some vendors get around the "fake" issue. It's a CYA disclaimer if I ever read one!

ETA: To add the proper link: http://www.spicybags.com/AboutOurBags.aspx

 

[Disney-Kim]

It doesn't seem like any other online places carry LV bags, just all other designers. I've only seen them on eluxury.com, but I was looking to compare prices with other sites. I just can't find ANY. Does anyone else know some?

be careful on ebay...I personally would never buy off Ebay...although I have sold many of my real LV's on Ebay.

eluxury.com is the OFFICIAL website for LV. the ONLY one too.

but...you can call the 1-800 # on the LV website and order over the phone.

You can also call Neiman Marcus/Saks that carry LV and they will do a ship order over the phone for you.

The prices are the always the same at LV boutiques and dept stores. They are different prices in other countries.
I am a LV FANATIC and and LOVE it....so I know a lot about it.

 

[Disney-Kim]

Myself and my 2 DD's included...when did buying a purse get so crazy???
It seems to have really spiralled in the past couple of years into such a craze?

I have a closet full as do my daughters...Chanel, Coach, LV, Fendi, Juicy you name it. But I still think it's nuts and wonder when I first began thinking that it wasn't!

I have loved LV and Gucci since I was 19....so thats 21 years.
I have always noticed bags and they have always been hot....but now the fakes are so easily attainable that everyone carries Coach, LV, etc (real and fake with 10 yrs old to 90 yr olds)....the market is SATURATED. and Ebay has brought that to the masses.....
So I think you notice and see them more than ever before...where as before the internet/ebay....they were harder to get and more special.

I hope that makes sense.

 

[LisaL]

I care because counterfeiters exploit human beings and it is next to impossible to make them accountable. Upon whom will we bring pressure to stop the practice? The only way to halt the tide is for people to stop supporting counterfeiters.

 

[Disney-Kim]

OK, if selling fake handbags is against the law, why are so many people allowed to do so on Ebay?

I'd love a Louis, but I'm pretty happy with my Dooney for now

they aren't allowed to...but there are so many that Ebay can't keep up.
and...have you noticed they LIE and guarantee authenticity on a bag they are selling for $299 that retails for $1400. As long as they say its real...Ebay doesn't do much.
and....
once you buy a fake one...try proving to the seller that its fake...LV stores will authenticate a bag for you in person, but not on paper. The sellers know this....so really you are SOL once you buy it.
and....
some people actually think they are getting the real thing.

***since I have posted 3 times I guess you get the idea I like the subject**

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I care because counterfeiters exploit human beings and it is next to impossible to make them accountable. Upon whom will we bring pressure to stop the practice? The only way to halt the tide is for people to stop supporting counterfeiters.

Do you realize how many products in our stores come from the same sweat shops? Anything that is imported could be from a sweat shop but there is no way of really knowing. I don't care for counterfeit bags myself, but I do not think they are the root of human oppression.

 

[LisaL]

Do you realize how many products in our stores come from the same sweat shops? Anything that is imported could be from a sweat shop but there is no way of really knowing. I don't care for counterfeit bags myself, but I do not think they are the root of human oppression.

The difference between a named business and a counterfeiter is accountability. When Nike is called to the table for the practice, public pressure forces them to change their manufacturing procedures. Better wages and better conditions for workers.

A counterfeiter operates under the radar; no name, no face, no public accountability.

I never intimated that the purchase of a counterfeit bag is evil or the root of all oppression. But look at what's going on in the world. So much harm, and often little most of us can do personally (for example, see the Darfur thread). We can't fix it all, but we can decide to act responsibly and to understand that on the other side of this handbag is corruption. Do you really want to partner in that? Your actions matter. There are consequences. Even if you never personally affected.

 

[meloneyb21]

I'm trying to choose between the Trouville and the Speedy 30. I'm leaning more towards the Speedy 30 because it looks cute and basic. Anyone have that one? If so, is it a nice size?

 

[Beth76]

I never intimated that the purchase of a counterfeit bag is evil or the root of all oppression. But look at what's going on in the world. So much harm, and often little most of us can do personally

One could argue that you could take $1000 and give it to a charitable cause (how many starving children would that feed?) rather than buying one purse.

 

[katerkat]

It's my understanding that the intentional purchase of a fake bag is illegal. But ultimately, because the laws are not stringently enforced at this point, it becomes a matter of conscience. Just remember the people who have to make those bages - sweatshop workers, the oppressed. And once purchased, you become a part of that because your purchase supports that activity.

Just because someone can get away with it, doesn't mean he/she should.

From everything I've read, there is nothing illegal about buying a fake, even knowingly - only selling, which we don't intend to do. Sure, there's the matter of conscience, but given where my husband usually ends up, 90% of what he can buy is going to be made in dubious conditions. I doubt the couple of souvenirs he buys is going to make a major difference - and I'm guessing what he does when he goes overseas makes up for it.

 

[Disney-Kim]

I'm trying to choose between the Trouville and the Speedy 30. I'm leaning more towards the Speedy 30 because it looks cute and basic. Anyone have that one? If so, is it a nice size?

yes...I am back. I have had the Trouville and Speedy 30.

The Trouville is great looking but I didn't care for the pockets inside and the plastic lining...as its meant to be a makeup bag. But its easy to get in and out of. Its a cute cute style too. a little small for me.
The Speedy 30 is a great easy to use style...but once the bag softens up...all your stuff gathers in the bottom in a pile. It takes a while for it to soften...but this happens.
I currently carry the Speedy 25 (smaller one) and love it. Its just a fun bag...but I miss the cell pockets that my other LV's have. It still holds it shape.
my next bag will be the Popincourt Haut....LOVE LOVE it. Very easy to carry on the shoulders and has nice structure to it and easy to get in and out of.

 

[LisaL]

From everything I've read, there is nothing illegal about buying a fake, even knowingly - only selling, which we don't intend to do. Sure, there's the matter of conscience, but given where my husband usually ends up, 90% of what he can buy is going to be made in dubious conditions. I doubt the couple of souvenirs he buys is going to make a major difference - and I'm guessing what he does when he goes overseas makes up for it.

A lack of legal enforcement does not mean it is not illegal. The rest is justifications...

I never intended this to be a debate or to put you on the spot. I do understand what you have said, even if I don't agree. In the end, we all have to decide where we stand and even that position may change over time, the longer we live and the more we experience. I wish you the best.