I think the story is the same for a lot of us who become interested in becoming "experts" at authenticating the designer items we love--we got screwed over!
Yep, I learned from my mistakes. When I bought my first TWO Louis Vuitton items from eBay, I did not even realize that people counterfeited such items (naiive!).
So I bought two bags, the LV Popincourt and the Papillon. I carried them proudly--I got a DEAL, or so I thought.
In the Cleveland area there isn't an LV boutique around so when I went to Florida, I stopped in, and just out of curiousity, I had the sales associate (SA) look at my bags to tell me what model they were (I didn't know the names at the time).
She told me what they were "supposed to be" and she was quite rude about it so I asked her what she meant by "supposed to be"--she explained that these were counterfeit and that the store could take them out of my arms at that moment since it was illegal to buy them.
I was SHOCKED! I had no idea, and I never carried them again. I was too embarrassed.
That is when I discovered authenticforum and the Purse Forum. I was searching for "authentic Louis Vuitton" and these forums popped up as they provide FREE authentications from their moderators...
That is where I started learning what counterfeit meant, who counterfeits (the terrorists of 9/11 used counterfeit handbags to raise money for their attacks), and why it is illegal and wrong to carry such bags.
Reading and viewing pictures made me realize that is wasn't worth carrying fakes. The satisfaction of saving up for a brand new, REAL bag would beat any deal that I could find on the internet, and that is what I have been doing ever since...
Take time to visit and explore these forums that got me started:
www.forum.purseblog.com
www.authenticforum.com
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
My Poupette.com and Recommended Sellers
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to share a great website with you. Mypoupette.com is a wonderful resource where you can have items authenticated (for a fee), buy items from their consignment shop online, and become a recommended seller.
Recommended sellers are so important, especially when backed by mypoupette.com.
What is a recommended seller?
A MPRS is an indivudual that has basically signed a contract with MP and agrees to only sell authentic items. If MP hears about a MPRS selling something fake, they will take action against the seller in order to get your money back.
My Poupette has organized a list of sellers they recommend on eBay, which can be found here: http://www.mypoupetters.com/page2.html
Always make sure to check with mypoupette when buying authentic goods! It never hurts to see if your seller is a MPRS! If they aren't, it doesn't mean that they are not selling an authentic item! If they are a MPRS, you should be able to have peace of mind with your transaction!
Coach Debuts POPPY this Friday!
Coach is debuting its new line, Poppy, this coming Friday, June 26.
The line is said to be of fun, bright, and flashy colors and accessories, with prices more affordable than their usual lines.
Here is a sneak peak of a new bag and some accessories, as provided my Coach's facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1857350&id=24902886692#/Coach?v=wall&viewas=20911775.
Also, if you live in New Jersey, the Short Hills Coach Boutique is holding a special event just for the launch of Poppy!
Coach's facebook page says :
"Join us for a soirée celebrating the launch of Poppy, the latest collection from COACH. You won’t want to miss it—The Misshapes will be spinning the Poppy playlist, the Poppy Candy bar (chock-full of sweets and treats) will be open, a Poppy-razzi photo booth is all yours to make and share fun pics, and more.
Plus, enter to win Poppy Prizes, including a $1,000 shopping spree! Want a sneak peek at the collection? Check it out: http://www.coach.com/poppy "
View their event page at : http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1857350&id=24902886692#/event.php?eid=99677945799
Also, be sure to visit your local boutique on Friday, as they will be giving away FREE gifts with the purchase of $200 or more!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Celebrities Spotted Wearing Our Favorite Bags!
Here are some pics of celebs with the latest and hottest handbags!
Up first is Coach!
Here is Halle Berry with a large leather editorial zoe
Next is Eva Mendes carrying the new parker hippie
Here is Gabrielle Union carrying the large patent leather editorial zoe
Lastly, here is Selena Gomez with her beautiful white convertible ergo
Now for Louis Vuitton!
Here is Tiny, TI's wife, carrying a vernis alma
Next is Lindsay Lohan, carrying her watercolor papillon frame
Lastly, we have Vanessa Manillo with her monogram speedy!
Up first is Coach!
Here is Halle Berry with a large leather editorial zoe
Next is Eva Mendes carrying the new parker hippie
Here is Gabrielle Union carrying the large patent leather editorial zoe
Lastly, here is Selena Gomez with her beautiful white convertible ergo
Now for Louis Vuitton!
Here is Tiny, TI's wife, carrying a vernis alma
Next is Lindsay Lohan, carrying her watercolor papillon frame
Lastly, we have Vanessa Manillo with her monogram speedy!
Authentication Guide for Louis Vuitton!
Ok everyone--here are some general tips to make sure you have the real thing!
Make
Please make sure that the style you are looking at was actually made by Louis Vuitton! A lot of the time, fake bags will just have a general shape and sometimes will resemble an actual structure of a real bag..either way, compare the model of the bag with an image of the actual bag from louisvuitton.com.
Along with this, make sure that the bag was actually made in the color you are proposing to buy. If you are looking to buy a Vernis Houston in black, well Louis Vuitton never made this bag in black, so that alone should tell you that the bag you are looking at is not real, it is FAKE!
Pieces and Parts
Be advised that Louis Vuitton handbags are not lined in suede for the majority of the line. Some are though! Usually, the lining is a brown stiff material. Also, compare the bag you are looking at with pictures of a real bag to notice if the bag should have feet, to look at the base, and to see what kind of details it should have inside (a d-ring, cell phone pocket, zipper pocket, etc)
The Date Code
ALL LV items have a date code! The date code is a combination of letters and numbers that tell you what year it was made and what the model is! Date codes are located in the same position for the same bag--for example, in normal sized handbags, the code is located in the corner of the zippered pocket.
Monogram
Louis Vuitton has a very popular monogram line! Please make sure to look carefully at the placement of the monogram! The monogram should be symetrical from side to side.
Here is an even monogram!
Stiching
As with other designer bags, stitching is very key to being able to tell that your bag is real or not! The stitching should be even and of equal lengths. If there are 5 stitches across the top of the base of the handle, there should be 5 stitches on the other side of the base of the handle, etc.
Notice the even stitching in this image
Sellers
Please be advised that Louis Vuitton does NOT ever go on SALE! Louis Vuitton does not ever wholesale to sellers. You should not expect to buy a Louis Vuitton from anyone (eBay) for much less than the retail cost.
Comparison of real v. fake (image courtesy of googleimages)
Make
Please make sure that the style you are looking at was actually made by Louis Vuitton! A lot of the time, fake bags will just have a general shape and sometimes will resemble an actual structure of a real bag..either way, compare the model of the bag with an image of the actual bag from louisvuitton.com.
Along with this, make sure that the bag was actually made in the color you are proposing to buy. If you are looking to buy a Vernis Houston in black, well Louis Vuitton never made this bag in black, so that alone should tell you that the bag you are looking at is not real, it is FAKE!
Pieces and Parts
Be advised that Louis Vuitton handbags are not lined in suede for the majority of the line. Some are though! Usually, the lining is a brown stiff material. Also, compare the bag you are looking at with pictures of a real bag to notice if the bag should have feet, to look at the base, and to see what kind of details it should have inside (a d-ring, cell phone pocket, zipper pocket, etc)
The Date Code
ALL LV items have a date code! The date code is a combination of letters and numbers that tell you what year it was made and what the model is! Date codes are located in the same position for the same bag--for example, in normal sized handbags, the code is located in the corner of the zippered pocket.
Monogram
Louis Vuitton has a very popular monogram line! Please make sure to look carefully at the placement of the monogram! The monogram should be symetrical from side to side.
Here is an even monogram!
Stiching
As with other designer bags, stitching is very key to being able to tell that your bag is real or not! The stitching should be even and of equal lengths. If there are 5 stitches across the top of the base of the handle, there should be 5 stitches on the other side of the base of the handle, etc.
Notice the even stitching in this image
Sellers
Please be advised that Louis Vuitton does NOT ever go on SALE! Louis Vuitton does not ever wholesale to sellers. You should not expect to buy a Louis Vuitton from anyone (eBay) for much less than the retail cost.
Comparison of real v. fake (image courtesy of googleimages)
COACH AUTHENTICATION GUIDE!
Ok everyone! Here is my first guide! Please feel free to ask questions, ask for more images, etc as I want to make sure to provide as much information as possible.
Also, if you need something to be authenticated, just leave a comment and I will return your comment with what I think about the item!
Signature Fabric
-On fake Coach handbags, the "C" pattern is not straight, instead it is usually crooked.
-The tip of one "C" should touch the tip of another "C" in which the "C" is horizontal from.
-In terms of the pattern, the pattern should be aligned and begin in the center of the front of the handbag. The pattern should line up evenly near pockets. Near the seams of these handbags, the signature fabric should be even, but it might not be as it is difficult to perfectly align against a seam.
Here is an example of a real signature fabric bag
*Note how the "C"s are propery aligned and even!
Here is an example of a FAKE signature fabric bag
*Note how the C's seem bumpy-they aren't in even lines!
Here is another image of a FAKE bag
*Note how the "C"s are not aligned whatsoever.
"C" as "G"s
Off the bat, if the "C" pattern even looks remotely like a "G", it is usually a fake!
Stitching
Authentic Coach handbags have immaculate stitching--is is even and tight. Fake handbags are very sloppily stitched together--stitching will be uneven and not the same length as other stitches.
Mass Listing
Specifically in regards to auction sites such as eBay, if a seller as more than a few of the same bag, this should be a red flag.
Seller Photos
Never trust a seller with unclear photos or stock photos. Always ask for more pictures, and clear pictures, of important details such as the creed and stitching. If they are selling an authentic product, they usually will send you as many photos as you want.
Claiming "Authenticity"
Please be advised, if a seller does not claim that a bag is authentic-it probably is not! You can ask the seller directly and by asking for more pictures. Normally, as stated before, authentic sellers would be happy to provide any information in order for a sale.
Creed
Coach bags are assigned to a serial number. This number is stamped on a square leather piece inside the handbag. While not all bags have a creed, most normal sized do--smaller sized accessories and clutches may not. Just because a bag has a serial number does not mean that it is real--fakes have FAKE serial numbers
Hardware
Hardware refers to zippers, kisslocks, turnlocks, etc. "COACH" should be engraved in all hardware on the handbag.
In regards to zippers, YKK should be engraved in the zipper pull
Interior Lining
If your bag is made out of signature fabric, the interior should NOT be signature lining. It should be a solid color, unless it is from the Legacy line--then it will be striped.
Also, if you need something to be authenticated, just leave a comment and I will return your comment with what I think about the item!
Signature Fabric
-On fake Coach handbags, the "C" pattern is not straight, instead it is usually crooked.
-The tip of one "C" should touch the tip of another "C" in which the "C" is horizontal from.
-In terms of the pattern, the pattern should be aligned and begin in the center of the front of the handbag. The pattern should line up evenly near pockets. Near the seams of these handbags, the signature fabric should be even, but it might not be as it is difficult to perfectly align against a seam.
Here is an example of a real signature fabric bag
*Note how the "C"s are propery aligned and even!
Here is an example of a FAKE signature fabric bag
*Note how the C's seem bumpy-they aren't in even lines!
Here is another image of a FAKE bag
*Note how the "C"s are not aligned whatsoever.
"C" as "G"s
Off the bat, if the "C" pattern even looks remotely like a "G", it is usually a fake!
Stitching
Authentic Coach handbags have immaculate stitching--is is even and tight. Fake handbags are very sloppily stitched together--stitching will be uneven and not the same length as other stitches.
Mass Listing
Specifically in regards to auction sites such as eBay, if a seller as more than a few of the same bag, this should be a red flag.
Seller Photos
Never trust a seller with unclear photos or stock photos. Always ask for more pictures, and clear pictures, of important details such as the creed and stitching. If they are selling an authentic product, they usually will send you as many photos as you want.
Claiming "Authenticity"
Please be advised, if a seller does not claim that a bag is authentic-it probably is not! You can ask the seller directly and by asking for more pictures. Normally, as stated before, authentic sellers would be happy to provide any information in order for a sale.
Creed
Coach bags are assigned to a serial number. This number is stamped on a square leather piece inside the handbag. While not all bags have a creed, most normal sized do--smaller sized accessories and clutches may not. Just because a bag has a serial number does not mean that it is real--fakes have FAKE serial numbers
Hardware
Hardware refers to zippers, kisslocks, turnlocks, etc. "COACH" should be engraved in all hardware on the handbag.
In regards to zippers, YKK should be engraved in the zipper pull
Interior Lining
If your bag is made out of signature fabric, the interior should NOT be signature lining. It should be a solid color, unless it is from the Legacy line--then it will be striped.
Welcome!
Welcome to Authentic Luxury! I hope you will stay and learn a bit about luxury items from designers such as Louis Vuitton and Coach. Here, I hope to provide you with enough information regarding counterfeit items, in order to avoid the hassle of purchasing and returning such items..please use my authentication guides to aid you in this process. Also, please feel free to comment if you would like me to look at an auction or pictures of an item you have purchased or are going to purchase!
In time, I will have authentication guides for Coach and Louis Vuitton. Then, hopefully as my knowledge expands, I will be able to provide more guides for a variety of designers and their items!
In the mean time, I will focus on showing fake items vs. real items as well as celebrities in the media seen with our favorite designs!
Have fun!
In time, I will have authentication guides for Coach and Louis Vuitton. Then, hopefully as my knowledge expands, I will be able to provide more guides for a variety of designers and their items!
In the mean time, I will focus on showing fake items vs. real items as well as celebrities in the media seen with our favorite designs!
Have fun!
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