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

[Beth76]

Sure, and you can also take the cost of your Disney vacation and do the same thing!

Absolutely. Same goes with our houses and cars and whatever we spend our money on. The intent of that comment was to point out the irony that someone was whining about oppressed people in third world countries, yet this thread is talking about uber-expensive purses. Why are the people who pay $20 for a purse so much worse than people paying hundreds or thousands?

 

[sydally9367]

And I know that's harsh, and it may sound obnoxious, but I really cannot stand knockoffs. I don't see the point of them, except to look like you can afford something or to present a certain image.

Isn't that the same image presented by owning and wearing a real LV, Dooney, Coach, Burberry, etc?? Maybe some people love the look of said designer brands but can't afford them ( or choose to spend their monies on other things ), does that mean they shouldn't enjoy or be looked down upon because they can't afford the real thing?

 

[JadenLayne]

OMG, WOW!!!! Maybe you could then. I don't have a clue about everything you posted above and I spent over $1,000 for my LV. I am passing my crown.......are you a purse designer or just obsessed with them?

 

[Evil Princess]

OMG, WOW!!!! Maybe you could then. I don't have a clue about everything you posted above and I spent over $1,000 for my LV. I am passing my crown.......are you a purse designer or just obsessed with them?

Maybe people can tell in New York. Here though, I seriously doubt that 1 person in 1,000 would ever know the difference.

Haha I'm OBSESSED, and I worked at Coach for awhile. I can show you pictures of my collection if you'd like, everytime I get a new bag I post it on a handbag community on Live Journal, along with many other psycho designer handbag obsesed girls.

My obsession for Disney and Designer handbags are almost equal! It's kind of embarassing, actually lol.

 

[Beth76]

I don't see the point of them, except to look like you can afford something or to present a certain image.

Well what's the point in paying all this money for a purse? Are you not trying to present a certain image?

 

[Evil Princess]

Isn't that the same image presented by owning and wearing a real LV, Dooney, Coach, Burberry, etc?? Maybe some people love the look of said designer brands but can't afford them ( or choose to spend their monies on other things ), does that mean they shouldn't enjoy or be looked down upon because they can't afford the real thing?

Sure, you are presenting an image I suppose. But I think more so if you're buying a knockoff, you're trying to present an image that you either cannot afford, or choose not to fully participate in (if you're not carrying the real thing). I think that image is weighed more heavily on the buyer of the knockoff, or else why buy a knockoff, why not just buy a bag from Target or a no name brand?

I LOVE designer handbags. Why do I buy them? The craftsmanship is amazing. You can tell me the bag on Canal Street is the same, but I'll disagree.

Designer handbags are meant to last. At many stores, if your Coach, Burberry, Louis, etc breaks, they will take it and repair it for you, sometimes for a minimal charge, sometimes for free. I've had bags that I bought when I was 14 and used QUITE frequently still be in near perfect condition today, and I'm almost 22.

 

[JadenLayne]

You can tell me the bag on Canal Street is the same, but I'll disagree.

Oh I 100000% agree with you here. There is absolutely NO WAY that my fake/knock offs are even in the same ballpark in any way shape or form as the real ones. I mean not even 1%. They are cheap knock offs.

I guess honestly I do like the thought of people seeing me carrying the designer bags all the time (whether they be the real of fake ones.) I just don't feel comfortable in my crime ridden area carrying around a purse worth $1,000 dollars every single day so I carry my knock offs. I do like the design of them too though.

 

[doxdogy]

So someone who can't afford to buy the real thing shouldn't buy the knock off? I say if it makes them feel better, more power to them. I certainly would not look down upon them for doing so. I honestly would not know a fake LV from a genuine LV. Same with a Coach bag. I know (from what I have read), that there are ways to tell. It all comes down to what image you want to project. To me a certain brand of purse just doesn't do it for me. I don't pay attention to what kind of purse someone is carrying. Be it real or knock off.

Sure, you are presenting an image I suppose. But I think more so if you're buying a knockoff, you're trying to present an image that you either cannot afford, or choose not to fully participate in (if you're not carrying the real thing). I think that image is weighed more heavily on the buyer of the knockoff, or else why buy a knockoff, why not just buy a bag from Target or a no name brand?

 

[kdibattista]

Sure, you are presenting an image I suppose. But I think more so if you're buying a knockoff, you're trying to present an image that you either cannot afford, or choose not to fully participate in (if you're not carrying the real thing). I think that image is weighed more heavily on the buyer of the knockoff, or else why buy a knockoff, why not just buy a bag from Target or a no name brand?

So when someone purchasing a knockoff they are presenting an image of something they can't afford. What kind of image are you presenting by purchasing the authentic bag? Your image is that you can afford it . I have to say, that sounds very snotty.

 

[Beth76]

Designer handbags are meant to last. At many stores, if your Coach, Burberry, Louis, etc breaks, they will take it and repair it for you, sometimes for a minimal charge, sometimes for free.

This is an absolute serious question. What happens if you spill something on or in your purse? Ink or makeup or something? I got pepto bismol all over the inside of my target purse--no biggie. I wouldn't say that if I had spent $$$$ on it though. What if someone walking past you burns it with a lit cigarette?

 

[minnie56]

 

[Evil Princess]

So someone who can't afford to buy the real thing shouldn't buy the knock off? I say if it makes them feel better, more power to them. I certainly would not look down upon them for doing so. I honestly would not know a fake LV from a genuine LV. Same with a Coach bag. I know (from what I have read), that there are ways to tell. It all comes down to what image you want to project. To me a certain brand of purse just doesn't do it for me. I don't pay attention to what kind of purse someone is carrying. Be it real or knock off.

Well that is you, but there are many people who do. Like I said before, alot of it comes from the area that you're in. Where I'm from, people are very aware of what peope are wearing, or whether or not an item is fake. I'm not denying that it's shallow, but places like this do exist, and its what I've been surrounded by my whole life (even though my parents tried to shelter me from it. I bought every bag I own with my own money, or they were Christmas/birthday presents, to which they'd be my only present, due to the price).

Personally, I don't think that people who can't afford the real things should buy the knockoff. Besides the fact that I believe that they're trying to project an image that they can afford something that they can't, I have other reasons.

First of all, fakes ARE illegal. I'm not going to get into the sweatshops, possible funding for terrorists, and all that other stuff because I don't have proof right now, but stripped to the bare minimum, it is against the law. Yes, I know, we all break laws.

My biggest confusion about buying knockoffs is this though. TJ Maxx and Marshalls both tend to sell authentic Coach and Dooney for fractions of the price sometimes, making them more affordable. The Coach outlets sell their bags at discount prices, and are much easier to obtain if you hit them on a sale. I've seen bags there marked almost 75% off. The Saks outlet also sells designer handbags discounted.

With other options, why not save some money and purchase a more affordable authentic bag that will last you longer?

I'm also confused by people who spend about 50 bucks or so on a knockoff on Canal. Okay, I get it, even if you buy a fake bag for 100 dollars that is a knockoff Louis Vuitton, it's a drastic price difference from the real thing. But what about Coach? You can purchase an authentic Coach bag for as little as around 100 dollars. Most of the fake bags are at least half that. Why not just buy one real authentic bag instead of one fake? There is a designer handbag heiarchy, and if one saves their money instead of buying 3 or so cheaply made and short lasting fakes, they can buy one authentic Coach that can last them a lifetime.

 

[JadenLayne]

What if someone walking past you burns it with a lit cigarette?

Ha, this made me think of a funny story! When I was a teenager I got my very first Dooney and Bourke. It was real and cost over $200 at the time. I was so proud of the darned purse!!!! I even had the matching wallet which cost as much as the purse. Anyway I had a habit of coming in from school and throwing my purse and my car keys on the stove which was the first thing there when you walked in our back door.

So I came in from school one day, threw my purse and keys on the stove as usual and my daddy got home early from work and cooked an egg. The heat from the burner discolored a huge area in my gorgeous cream colored Dooney!!!!

I remember yelling "Daddy do you know how much that purse cost?" I remember him not believing me when I told him I picked on him until the day he died about burning my expensive purse!!!

I don't know if Dooney would have replaced it or done anything since it was my fault. Luckily it was on the back so I still carried that purse for years. I actually think I still have it somewhere.

 

[Evil Princess]

So when someone purchasing a knockoff they are presenting an image of something they can't afford. What kind of image are you presenting by purchasing the authentic bag? Your image is that you can afford it . I have to say, that sounds very snotty.

Well, yes that is an image. Are you asking what I'm trying to project, personally?

I would hope that if someone was looking at my outfit or bags, they would think, "Wow, she has really cute taste"

Perhaps it all is snotty, but isn't the whole designer thing snotty in general? It by default creates a division between people who can afford it, and those who cannot.

 

[Evil Princess]

This is an absolute serious question. What happens if you spill something on or in your purse? Ink or makeup or something? I got pepto bismol all over the inside of my target purse--no biggie. I wouldn't say that if I had spent $$$$ on it though. What if someone walking past you burns it with a lit cigarette?

Coach used to clean bags, they no longer offer this service. I can't vouch for other designers, because I never worked there.

However, that sort of thing is kind of user-fault related. Designers stick by their items if something breaks, because that is their fault. The bags are designed to last a lifetime. If a pen explodes though, they can't be held responsible for that.

Coach will give you cleaning suggestions though.

 

[LisaL]

...

I get amazed over how people get their, excuse the expression, panties in a twist over judging people by what they spend money on. Not necessarily you, because I'll admit I haven't read the whole thread, but still.

....

I don't think many of the responders have read all the posts, but they have no problem jumping in with an opinion.

It was never about buying a real bag or how people spend their money. It wasn't about unfair labor practice. It wasn't even about consumerism or materialistic status possessions. I don't feel like repeating myself - again. If you want to know, you can read.

Justification is a comfy place to live. Enjoy.

 

[JadenLayne]

I will say that my 3 fakes all together didn't total $100 dollars. I paid $29 for one, $25 for one and $30 for the other. Found one in New Orleans, one in Memphis and the other in Mexico.

I have no guilt over buying these whatsoever. I like them and I feel comfortable carrying them. If I spent my entire life worrying over every single thing I bought being made in a sweat shop of paying for terrorists or drug money or etc. etc. etc. then I would be worrying my entire life away.

I'll enjoy my purses, both real and fake, and not worry a second over either of them. I WILL ENJOY!!!!!!!

 

[Evil Princess]

I don't think many of the responders have read all the posts, but they have no problem jumping in with an opinion.

It was never about buying a real bag or how people spend their money. It wasn't about unfair labor practice. It wasn't even about consumerism or materialistic status possessions. I don't feel like repeating myself - again. If you want to know, you can read.

Justification is a comfy place to live. Enjoy.

LisaL, I wasn't even addressing you! lol

And I read all of it now that I"ve had the time to catch up.

 

[Evil Princess]

I will say that my 3 fakes all together didn't total $100 dollars. I paid $29 for one, $25 for one and $30 for the other. Found one in New Orleans, one in Memphis and the other in Mexico.

On Canal Street in New York, fakes can range anywhere from 20 bucks to over 100. I will say, the ones that are that expensive are much better copies, but you get my original point

 

[rcraw45425]

Coach used to clean bags, they no longer offer this service. I can't vouch for other designers, because I never worked there.

However, that sort of thing is kind of user-fault related. Designers stick by their items if something breaks, because that is their fault. The bags are designed to last a lifetime. If a pen explodes though, they can't be held responsible for that.

Coach will give you cleaning suggestions though.

OMG! About 15 years ago, DH and I were dining in a restaurant with my parents. At the time (pre LV) my favorite bag was a brown leather Coach Hobo, back when they were unlined, strictly raw leather inside. Well, let me just say that our server was very clumsy and she had a full pitcher of ICED TEA at the time..........get the picture? Yep, the entire thing, in the bag. She was so upset I couldn't pitch a fit, I simply took it home and tried my best to clean it up. I still have it somewhere in my closet after all these moves, do you think there's any hope for softening it back up?