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

[Maleficent13]

I followed your advice and educated myself. You're incorrect.

From the US State Department:

3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

A link in case you want it - http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

I just wanted to say, I love this post.

Oh, and sign me up for the "I can't believe I read the whole thing" prize!

 

[Evil Princess]

You know that feeling you get while watching "My Super Sweet Sixteen" on MTV? Yeah, I'm there.

Pardon me while I go find a puking smiley.

Why, because people who enjoy expensive things make you want to puke?

People are into different things. I happen to be into handbags, you, obviously, happen to be into cats. Now, I HATE cats with a passion. But you know what, to each her own.

I just happen to be into something that many people find to be snobby by nature. I don't think my reasons for owning are snobby though. Ah, well.

There's a slight difference between buying expensive things with your own money, and getting Daddy to do so. That show is ridiculous. But BTW, the girl from New Hampshire, her bags were fake...very bad fakes, so bad that it was easy to tell on TV.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Post pictures, I'll tell you in a heartbeat

I come from Long Island, New York, which is a place that is very caught up in image and brand names. Everyone I know, including the boys that I hang around, can tell the difference between the real and the fake bags.

Where can I begin? It might be something as simple as the fact that in a certain handbag, Louis Vuitton uses only one piece of canvas continuously, so the LVs are actually upside down, while the fake uses two and they're both faceing upwards. The color of the leather is a dead giveaway for LV's too, as the leather on LV's patina (or turn darker with exposure to light and from the oils on your hands), while the fakes don't have real leather and the color of that "leather" is all off.

You may want to stop by the LV store in Manhasset and tell them how to spot a fake. DH got stuck selling a bag on Ebay for a friend, subsequently the buyer said it was a fake and DH refunded his money. He brought it to LV store and they weren't sure if it was a fake or not.

I've lived on LI for almost 30 years. I wouldn't say most areas are caught up in image and brand names. Just a few select areas.

 

[Evil Princess]

You may want to stop by the LV store in Manhasset and tell them how to spot a fake. DH got stuck selling a bag on Ebay for a friend, subsequently the buyer said it was a fake and DH refunded his money. He brought it to LV store and they weren't sure if it was a fake or not.

I've lived on LI for almost 30 years. I wouldn't say most areas are caught up in image and brand names. Just a few select areas.

I've been under the impression that Louis Vuitton is very cautious about informing people as to whether or not a bag is real or fake.

I've lived on Long Island for almost 22, and have lived elsewhere. I didn't think it was that bad, until I moved off and realized how obsessed with image the areas are compared to other parts of the country. I'm always all over the island too, friends in many different towns.

 

[MzDiz]

Why, because people who enjoy expensive things make you want to puke?

Err, no, you sorta missed the point there. Dear, with all due respect, you and I live on different planets. We'd probably have a good chuckle at each other if we were to pass on the street. I'm ok with that. Carry on, pursuivants of expensive handbags! I'll go start a thread on how to make your own laundry detergent, or something.

 

[Maleficent13]

I've been under the impression that Louis Vuitton is very cautious about informing people as to whether or not a bag is real or fake.

What would be their motivation for being "cautious" about this?

 

[katerkat]

Pardon me while I go find a puking smiley.

Oh, c'mon, the llama scarf isn't that bad.

 

[MzDiz]

Oh, c'mon, the llama scarf isn't that bad.

Hey, I have a cat scarf! No, wait, that's just hair on my shirt from the couch. *sigh*

 

[lulu71]

I cannot believe the amount of judging that I am reading on this thread towards those who buy real bags. Unbelievable!!

Just so Evil Princess is not alone, I'll step up and say I buy the real thing and can usually spot a fake, especially the leather bags. The microfiber bags, like Kate Spade, are harder to spot unless the labels are hanging off and I have actually seen a woman carrying one and the label fell off and was stuck to her shoe! Seriously!

The reasoning behind my distaste for the fakes is simply the quality is awful. I have bought, over the last 20 years, maybe 5 bags. All well-made, looked like the day I bought them, and would still be with me today if they didn't go out with Katrina floodwaters. I am currently carrying a reasonably priced (IMO - $300) Michael Kors that I have worn everyday for about a year and looks like the day I bought it. No one would ever know that it is a real "designer" bag just by looking at it.

FWIW, I don't buy bags with letters all over them that are obvious brand-in-your-face bags. I just won't. I dont care for that look and I don't advertise for anyone. I buy for quality, not for status, which brings me to the point of fakes. I don't think I have ever seen a fake discreet looking designer bag. If one is not trying to look "the part", why buy one of these unless it is just for show? I'm not judging, I just don't get the appeal.

 

[Maleficent13]

I don't think I have ever seen a fake discreet looking designer bag.

I have; I *think* one of my SIL owns two of them. I say *think* because honestly we don't know if they're fake or not. They were gifts, and for the price the giver paid for them, I cannot believe they are real. But neither one of them indicates in any way any "brand" on the outside. They just look like leather purses. She has owned them for 10 years now, so the quality is pretty good IMHO. Maybe they are real; who knows?

If one is not trying to look "the part", why buy one of these unless it is just for show? I'm not judging, I just don't get the appeal.

I buy cheap Target purses for one reason: they're cute. I know they're not going to last me forever, and for the price I don't care. I just like them. Maybe those who buy the fakes buy them for the same reason?

 

[kdibattista]

I don't think anyone was judging anyone for buying the authentic bags... people can do whatever they want with their money. For the record, I won't by knockoffs either because of the quality. But what most people have a problem with (I think) is pretty much calling people who buy knockoff purses inferior because they want to "act like they can afford it"... that's what is snobby.

 

[Evil Princess]

I don't think anyone was judging anyone for buying the authentic bags... people can do whatever they want with their money. For the record, I won't by knockoffs either because of the quality. But what most people have a problem with (I think) is pretty much calling people who buy knockoff purses inferior because they want to "act like they can afford it"... that's what is snobby.

Find me a quote where I said that they were inferior.

I said many times that I didn't understand WHY people would spend money on them. Portraying a certain image, such as being able to afford them, was one of the many reasons why I don't understand knockoffs. Yes, it was a reason, but it was one of many. And nowhere did I state that these people were inferior to others who buy authentics!

I think people tend to read what they WANT to read on this thread, instead of actually absorbing the words.

 

[Evil Princess]

I have; I *think* one of my SIL owns two of them. I say *think* because honestly we don't know if they're fake or not. They were gifts, and for the price the giver paid for them, I cannot believe they are real. But neither one of them indicates in any way any "brand" on the outside. They just look like leather purses. She has owned them for 10 years now, so the quality is pretty good IMHO. Maybe they are real; who knows?



I buy cheap Target purses for one reason: they're cute. I know they're not going to last me forever, and for the price I don't care. I just like them. Maybe those who buy the fakes buy them for the same reason?

And I'm sure there are people like that, who don't want to spend the money on something so trendy. I don't doubt that people have different reasons and motivations.

However, I cannot tell you how many people when I'm talking handbags with someone else will chime into the conversation with, "Oh yes, I only own authetnic bags, I know exactly what you're talking about".

Then the next day or when they pick up their bag, it's blatantly fake. Obviously they are trying to portray SOME kind of image that they can afford designer bags. Although, I don't rule out the possibility that they were gifts and they had no idea that they bag was fake.

Funny thing is, I'm not going around with people hating on fakes, it's usually a conversation with someone who doesn't know much about designer purses asking me why I spend so much money on them, and me defending myself and explaining things like quality.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I don't think I have ever seen a fake discreet looking designer bag. If one is not trying to look "the part", why buy one of these unless it is just for show? I'm not judging, I just don't get the appeal.

I bought a discreet fake one time. I am a "real purse" kinda gal, DH and I were at a Flea market in Ft. Lauderdale. I got caught up in the moment and bought a fake Kate Spade.

We were actually staying in South Beach and that night at dinner we were eating at an outdoor cafe on Ocean Drive, We had a 4 top table, and I didn't want to put my "new purse" on the floor, so I put it on the table.

DH kept looking at my purse with this confused looked.....he kept asking me, what kind of purse is that? I said "Kate Spade". We did this about 5 times through out dinner. He finally pointed to the label and said that he must me nuts or something because that lable CLEARLY says KADE SPATE.

So, my first and needless to say LAST experience with a fake was not a pleasant one. Funny yes, but not pleasant. It makes a good story though.

 

[Darth Cupcake]

When I look for bags, I look for quality. I HATE anything that screams "look at my logo... I'm rich." I recently bought a Miu Miu purse precisely so that it wouldn't be "recognized" as other brands are. It was certainly very expensive but the leather and quality are flawless.

Now my personal opinion is that the designer is an artist. And I have strong feelings about others using an artist's work as a way to make undeserved money.

To the OP: There are several places where you can be assured that your bag is an authentic LV. I would go to a LV store. If you don't have one in your state, you can try calling one. I'm not sure where all the LV stores are but there is one in Denver that may be able to mail it to you.

 

[PrincessTiff]

Err, no, you sorta missed the point there. Dear, with all due respect, you and I live on different planets. We'd probably have a good chuckle at each other if we were to pass on the street. I'm ok with that. Carry on, pursuivants of expensive handbags! I'll go start a thread on how to make your own laundry detergent, or something.

Oh wow, stereotype much? The poster to which you are referring never once said anything derogatory towards you.

 

[Evil Princess]

I bought a discreet fake one time. I am a "real purse" kinda gal, DH and I were at a Flea market in Ft. Lauderdale. I got caught up in the moment and bought a fake Kate Spade.

We were actually staying in South Beach and that night at dinner we were eating at an outdoor cafe on Ocean Drive, We had a 4 top table, and I didn't want to put my "new purse" on the floor, so I put it on the table.

DH kept looking at my purse with this confused looked.....he kept asking me, what kind of purse is that? I said "Kate Spade". We did this about 5 times through out dinner. He finally pointed to the label and said that he must me nuts or something because that lable CLEARLY says KADE SPATE.

So, my first and needless to say LAST experience with a fake was not a pleasant one. Funny yes, but not pleasant. It makes a good story though.

My favorites are the ones that say "Kate Spade: New Jersey".

Kate Spade fakes (well, some of them) seem to be much more discreet, since Kate Spade bags in general are VERY plain.

 

[kdibattista]

Find me a quote where I said that they were inferior.

I said many times that I didn't understand WHY people would spend money on them. Portraying a certain image, such as being able to afford them, was one of the many reasons why I don't understand knockoffs. Yes, it was a reason, but it was one of many. And nowhere did I state that these people were inferior to others who buy authentics!

I think people tend to read what they WANT to read on this thread, instead of actually absorbing the words.

So then please explain what you mean why you have a problem with people "acting like they can afford it"... when comments like that are made then yes, I get the impression that people feel others are inferior. I could be completely misinterpretting what you are trying to say... I hope I am.

Here are your responses and all have a similar theme:

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.

Becuase, it seems to some of us, if there is NO difference, then why would one buy the knockoff?

Answer: Because they are trying to look like they have a Louis Vuitton, Coach, Gucci, Burberry, etc.

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?

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.

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.

I was talking about in general and speaking honestly, that yes, I probably do project an image that I can afford something that others cannot.

I am not peeved that people are trying to be like me. I just never saw the point in buying a knockoff unless you're trying to act as though you can afford something that you cannot.

 

[Evil Princess]

So then please explain what you mean why you have a problem with people "acting like they can afford it"... when comments like that are made then yes, I get the impression that people feel others are inferior. I could be completely misinterpretting what you are trying to say... I hope I am.

Here are your responses and all have a similar theme:

Again, I never said it made anyone INFERIOR, I have a problem with people pretending to be something that they're not. Trying to create an illusion that they have more money than they do.

BTW, this goes for people who cannot afford to pay their morgage, yet insist on leasing BMW's. People who overspend on their houses, and cannot afford to furnish the insides. They are all trying to convey a certain image that they can't afford, and that will probably put them into debt and get them into trouble.

I also can't stand people who dress identical to their friends, even if it's not their personality or their preferences. People who like a certain music that may match the way they look, just because they're afraid to be judged or because it's not the norm for how they "should" act.

I don't like when people try to portray something that they aren't. I guess you can say I dont' like fakeness, not just in the handbag world!

You know, you can disagree with me. You can call me a snob, you can think I'm superficial. But I like to think that I'm always honest, and if that means being attacked on a message board, oh well. Better than agreeing with everyone and not stating my true viewpoints.

 

[kdibattista]

I wanted to apologize for contributing to this thread going off topic.

To respect the OP I am bowing out