If you are considering on purchasing a handbag from a questionable source, then go to the coach website or even go into a reputable store that carries Coach products.

The simplest way in determining authenticity would be examining the layout of the signature C’s. The C’s should be lined up perfectly to the center. However, it is not uncommon for the mini-signature C collections to be off by tiny bit only on the sides. So don’t panic.

Difference between real and fake Coaches

The signature style for Coach will always be the two C’s next to each other in doubles, not as the picture shows below, in a single row of C’s

If the overall figure of the bag appears to not resemble one that coach would produce, then chances are it’s a replica.

You can tell by not only the style of the bag, but also the pattern. If the pattern is not the famous Coach signature C, but rather a different letter, such as an O or a G then it’s an obvious fake.

Dust bags should be dark chocolate brown with a red drawstring. In the bottom right the words in all caps “COACH EST.1941″ written in white. Coach does not use cheap material to make these. There are many replica dust bags floating around on the Internet. So if you see one stay away, chances are that bag is fake.

Up until 2002 about 75% of coach handbags were manufactured in the US. Now, most are assembled in China.

The interior serial number should start with “No”, the abbreviation for number, and have 4 numbers after the dash, not 3.

The writing should be neat on the authenticity tag, not crookedly stamped on. Also the paragraph above the serial number should be in all caps, and in English.

Make sure that the authenticity number matches up with the style of the bag that you are interested in purchasing. If you are about to purchase from an unauthorized dealer, call Coach, their representatives will be more then willing to verify if the authenticity number matches the style.

There also needs to be a serial number.

Coach commonly uses logo tags that are attached by a beaded chain. Usually, the tag should match the trim of the bag. The words “COACH” should be raised, not imprinted.

Some styles to have metal tags. Do your research to make sure that the tag goes with the bag you are getting. It is not uncommon for counterfeiters to mass-produce these metal tags; it’s the cheaper more profitable way. Tags are never made out of hard plastic.

Other minor flaws
Coach uses ykk zippers. Be sure to check if the markings are on the zippers.

The seams of the bag and interior authenticity tag should not be glued on but rather neatly stitched on. Coach takes pride in experienced craftsmanship on each and every piece. If the stitching is of poor quality, by being raised in some areas, or if you see the string knot then it is a replica.

The bag should look neat and sturdy, not slouching to one side or lopsided. This is caused by either uneven lousy stitching or not quality material that’s to thin. Coach uses leather or suede trim, not pleather or shiny plastic.

It’s easier to tell the difference between leather and plastic in person. You can usually tell by the smell, however, there are handbags out there that are made of plastic and sprayed with leather perfume, which smells more like a new car than a purse. If you are looking at a picture, you can generally tell if it looks too shiny or cheap looking.

Main point
Coach in my opinion degrades their image by having discount stores. However, this could be a reason why there are less fakes online. More people are going to the outlet stores or purchasing them on sale, only to turn around and resell.

I also must applaud the US government for a attempting to end the importation of counterfeit items coming into the US. It is a big goal to accomplish, considering the fact that the law making it illegal to sell counterfeit items was recently passed in the mid 1990’s. The government at this time does what it can to catch these criminals. However, lets just say I won’t be too impressed until it’s illegal for vendors to sell them on the streets! It’s not only the governments lack to enforce which keeps this multi-million dollar industry in business, but you as a consumer must not purchase these items. Most people do not know the trail of money when purchasing a counterfeit item.

You ask your self how they could get away with this? They import them without the fake designer labels. Then upon purchase by an unsuspecting person, the vendor will glue on a cheap label.

There is such thing as a good deal. However, if someone claims to have a handbag for sale that isn’t even in stores yet, you should pass. If purchasing from an unauthorized dealer or from an auction site, the only understandable good deal would be if it were a bag from a past season.

If you’re unsure if you are purchasing from an authorized Coach dealer, then contact Coach. Just call their 800 number and they should tell you if you are dealing with a certified seller. Read into the website by checking the “about us” or “customer service” section. If anywhere on there sounds suspicious then stay away. Con artists try to hide the fact that they are selling fakes. Commonly when describing their products, they would state they are “designer inspired”, or “grade A replica’s”. They put these words in there to protect themselves from any lawsuits.

How do I report counterfeit Coach merchandise?

Combating counterfeiting of Coach product is an important objective for Coach. Please e-mail your information to lawdepartment@coach.com or use the Coach anti-counterfeiting hotline to report counterfeiters and unauthorized distributors of Coach merchandise at .

Step 1

Check the lining of your bag or tie. The lining should have “Salvatore Ferragamo” stitched into it. Fakes often have blank, solid colored lining.

Step 2

Check the tags of your product. An authentic product should have one to several tags, one of which has the serial number underneath. Fakes never have a serial number.

Step 3

Examine the font of the tags. The tags or labels should proclaim “Salvatore Ferragamo,” and the font should match the font of this designer exactly: some of the letters should touch, others should not. Visit the official Salvatore Ferragamo website to double-check.

Step 4

Check all the hard or metal-based items attached to the item, if any. They should all have “Ferragamo” engraved on them. Check closely for misspellings.

Step 5

Look for a small white dust-bag, complete with a red drawstring mouth, if you are examining a handbag. Non-authentic bags rarely have this small trinket.

If you want to buy a jewelry which is absolute best in terms of quality and style, then you should focus your eyes to T&CO jewelry. Tiffany & Co jewelries have occupied a very prominent position in the world jewelry industry over the past decades. From rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants, spectacular designs for men and women are available to make any occasion extraordinary. For the utmost in jewelry gifts, there is no higher standard than Tiffany jewelry. Their creations are of stunning elegance and captivating originality.

When people buy genuine tiffany jewelries, it’s natural for them to expect that the quality is worthy of the price. There are unscrupulous jewelry stores, especially online, that will try to pass off their merchandise as being made by the Tiffany Company. This is what makes it vital to be aware of how to spot the differences between real Tiffany & Co jewelry and a fake. We will inform you of several useful tips to buy your most desirable authentic tiffany jewelries.

One of the tips for you to tell if a piece of designer jewelry you bought is authentic Tiffany & Co jewelry or not is to exam the photo. Look for a clear and close up photo, one that shows detail, and not blurred one that shows detail and flaws. Another tactic that sellers use to sell non authentic T&CO jewelry is use different terminology. Reading the complete descriptions can help you avoid buying fake Tiffany & Co jewelry. When buy real ones, you should pay attention to all details from materials, texture, outer and inner appearance, designers to source of origin and so on. You should avoid any possibilities that can prove the falsity of your jewelries.

When shopping for Tiffany & Company at a place other than T&CO, one of the first and most important things to check is the price. While the prices may be different, if they are not close you could be looking at a piece that is not authentic. Too many of us get blinded by what we consider to be a great price and an amazing bargain, and don’t realize that they are being duped into buying counterfeit jewelry.

When shopping for Tiffany & Co jewelries at a place other than T&CO boutiques or franchised stores, one of the most important things is to check the price. You should compare prices of the same pieces in different online jewelry stores. While the prices may be different, if there is vast disparity you could be looking at a piece that is not authentic. Too many of us get blinded by what we consider to be a great price and an amazing bargain, and don’t realize that they are being cheated into buying counterfeit jewelry.

Prior to making any purchases, contact the seller for any information or questions you might have. A good salesperson or online shop here is knowledgeable about all the jewelry they sell, regardless if you purchase anything or not. Tiffany co jewelry is genuinely unique and no other jewelry on the planet can hold a candle to it. Beware of frauds! Be sure that the jewelry you are buying is genuine Tiffany and not a cheap imitation. Just following the above tips, you whole purchase process will be as smooth as eggs.

Left: Prada Pizzo S Satchel
Right: Valentino Vanite bag

Left: Prada Nappa A Satchel
Right: Be & D Chatterley

Left: Prada Nappa E Clutch
Right: Fendi Puckered Bag

Does anyone else think the new push-lock closure on the Prada bags this season look similar to Marc Jacobs’ style..

Prada

Marc Jacobs (05/06-ish)

What do you guys think?

FAKE- (SHRiNK WRAP + SKiNNY CC’S)

FAKE CHANEL INTERIOR:

AUTHENTIC CHANEL INTERIOR:

Another FAKE!

There’s some fake Chanel all around us even with our Celebs!!

If you are shopping for a Vintage Louis Vuitton handbag, here are some tips. Remember that just because it says its vintage doesn’t mean that it is. Counterfeiters have been replicating Louis Vuitton items since the labels first trunk was produced back in the late 1800’s.

- No Date Code? Date Code is important for the new Louis Vuitton handbags but not so much for the older pieces. The vintage as well as the “French Company” prior to the early 1980’s will not have date codes.

- Darker treated Leather. The leather used on the vintage Louis Vuitton handbags was a darker treated carmel color leather, not the untreated vachetta leather with a patina that we know today.

- The strip across the bottom. The current Louis Vuitton Speedy handbags being produced have the “LV’s” upside down on one side. The French Company Speedy actually has a seam on the bottom, covered with a leather strip. The LVs on each side are “”rightside up.”

- If vintage and produced by the French Company, then it will be labeled so. The French Company handbags and luggage will have labeling that says that notifies the buyer that the item was made under a special license and that it was made in the USA. Most often, the tag is an almost paper-like tyvek tag sewn into a side seam of the bag.

- Zipper Pulls. The vintage Louis Vuitton handbags used Talon and �clair zipper pulls.

- Vintage “French Company” pieces do not have a removable lock. The “French Company” used press-lock closures.

- Hardware. French Company Louis Vuitton hardware is quite different from the hardware used today. Today the hardware used on the Louis Vuitton handbags are mostly made of goldtone brass however, vintage pieces commonly used plated nickel. Also the Louis Vuitton name (as well as “LV” symbol) was not embossed on the zippers.

What’s sad is lately Foley + Corinna handbags, especially the City, has been replicated by many counterfeiters, and it’s now common to see this bag along with other rip-off Vuittons and Prada’s on Canal Street. Even Forever21 is copying the design, which is nothing new when it is a popular style. No designer is safe.

Now for the surprise.. the bag above is actually not by Foley + Corinna. It is forever21’s plastic “Versatile Hobo Handbag”

< * gasps * >

It’s described as a perfect sized handbag to hold all your essentials. Details include an optional shoulder strap, two exterior zippered compartments with tassel zippers, two interior zippered compartments, and antique metal hardware. Hold it by the handles for a hobo handbag look or fold it and wear it on your shoulders. Sounds pretty identical to the Foley + Corinna City, don’t you agree?

The difference is not only the material (foley + corinna being made of leather while forever21 uses plastic), but the quality.

I understand the reason why someone would pick the F21 bag over the F+C, to save money right? But think of it in the long run. Do you want a bag that would last more than a season without fraying and falling apart in your hands? Or wouldn’t you like to have a bag that gets attention, in a positive way? You don’t want to be known as that girl that carries fakes!

Maybe these deals will set you in the right direction, and away from that fake F21:
ShopBop – 25% off everything with code “inthefamily25″
Pink Mascara – 10% of everything with code “enjoy10″

a replica:

A white bag may not be the most practical of accessories, but it’s a fantastic statement piece.

Check out this bag:

a real patent in white from Neiman Marcus:

a replica – it looks very similar to a real bag

I didn’t check out the real Valentino Histoire Bag yet. But I have a look at my friend’s replica Histoire Bag. The patent leather on this fake is quite soft. But because it is soft so it is easy to get creased. I believe you have to use it very carefully otherwise it will soon look like your grandma’s face.

This Valentino Maison bag was spotted from Katherine Heigl and Nicky Hilton already. It might be the next IT bag …

An authentic one from Neiman Marcus:

An authentic Maison in bone color:

Here is the replica:

I had thought the replica has the leather pleated in the wrong way. But if you check this photo, you can see the replica was pleated correctly. The photo of the authentic was taken fron the front and the photo of the replica was taken from the back of the bag.

But you still can see the pleats of the authentic bags are hard-pressed while the pleats of the replica are not pressed – they look very loose and natural.

Jessica Simpson with her creamy Saba

Having written a lot of articles regarding replica and authentic purses, I found the common thing in replica: their hardware tend to be shiny.

Here are some comparison photos between the fake and real Saba bracelets.

a fake: it is shiny yellow-golden!

the authentic: it is light white-golden! what a big difference!

the inside of the authentic Saba: one golden zipper and one white zipper

inside of a replica: it has almost the same details – even the color of lining is the same.

When a replica is carried – it has the same glossy nappa as the authentic one.

To spot this bag, check its bracelet – the second ring should be white-golden, not yellow-golden.