| So, you have just bought a new designer handbag. | | | | Inspect the material the bag; lining, hardware and |
| Maybe you have had your eye on a Christian Dior | | | | accents are made of. Many handbags are made of |
| Saddle Handbag, or Gucci Jackie-O that you know | | | | different types of leather, from Lambskin, Calfskin, |
| your friends will drool over . You got a huge discount | | | | Goatskin and Patent Leather, but it is easy to |
| off of the hefty retail price and you're feeling pretty | | | | distinguish if the leather is of a good quality or not. The |
| good about yourself. But now you are wondering- is | | | | lining is usually made of a satin material that has a nice |
| my designer handbag authentic. | | | | shine to it and most designer handbags have the |
| Determining the authenticity on any product can be a | | | | name brand name or logo on the lining. Designers |
| little tricky, but if you know the basics, you will be able | | | | almost always use leather accents, not plastic. Some |
| to spot a fake in just a few seconds. | | | | purses have straps that are specially coated and |
| One of the best ways to ensure your new handbag is | | | | seem to be artificial. However a quick look at the edge |
| authentic is to look at the bag itself. Designer handbags | | | | of the strap, usually near a stitched joint, should reveal |
| are popular and cost as much as they due because | | | | a leather core. |
| first and for-most they are made from quality | | | | Is there an authenticity card. An authenticity card is a |
| materials. Take a good look at the stitching. There | | | | little card that usually has the manufactures logo |
| should be no loose or missing stitches, the color of the | | | | embossed on the front and has some information |
| thread should match the main color of the bag and the | | | | about the product you purchased and sometimes |
| stitches should be evenly spaced. If the handbag is | | | | includes a magnetic strip, bar code. Many |
| leather, the logo should be engraved, not just printed on | | | | manufacturers, including Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Kate |
| the leather. | | | | Spade and Coach, use these cards. |
| Also take a look at the hardware. All of the hardware | | | | Check for a serial number. Not all manufacturers use |
| should match in color and sheen. The hardware should | | | | serial numbers, but many do. The serial number for |
| also be free of scratches. Many manufactures, | | | | Fendi purses can be found on the inside pocket. Simply |
| including Gucci, Fendi and Prada, protect their hardware | | | | turn the pocket inside out and there will be a printed |
| with a removable plastic cover that is to be removed | | | | number on the fabric or possibly on the leather tag. |
| only after it has been purchased. The brand name or | | | | Gucci includes a small leather tag on the zipper seam |
| logo should be engraved, not embossed or simply | | | | of the handbag which includes a serial number. |
| printed on the hardware. You can also find the brand | | | | If you shop wisely, and inspect the bag carefully, you |
| name of logo engraved on the strap hardware on | | | | will be able to spot a fake from a mile away. |
| Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Chanel. | | | | |