Sunday, December 16, 2007

Is your Authentic Designer Handbag Really Authentic?

So, you have just bought a new designer handbag. Maybe you have had your eye on a Christian Dior Saddle Handbag, or Gucci Jackie-O that you know your friends will drool over . You got a huge discount off of the hefty retail price and you’re feeling pretty good about yourself. But know you are wondering- is my designer handbag authentic.

Determining the authenticity on any product can be a little tricky, but if you know the basics, you will be able to spot a fake in just a few seconds.

One of the best ways to ensure your new handbag is authentic is to look at the bag itself. Designer handbags are popular and cost as much as they due because first and for-most they are made from quality materials. Take a good look at the stitching. There should be no loose or missing stitches, the color of the thread should match the main color of the bag and the stitches should be evenly spaced. If the handbag is leather, the logo should be engraved, not just printed on the leather.

Also take a look at the hardware. All of the hardware should match in color and sheen. The hardware should also be free of scratches. Many manufactures, including Gucci, Fendi and Prada, protect their hardware with a removable plastic cover that is to be removed only after it has been purchased. The brand name or logo should be engraved, not embossed or simply printed on the hardware. You can also find the brand name of logo engraved on the strap hardware on Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Chanel and

Inspect the material the bag; lining, hardware and accents are made of. Many handbags are made of different types of leather, from Lambskin, Calfskin, Goatskin and Patent Leather, but it is easy to distinguish if the leather is of a good quality or not. The lining is usually made of a satin material that has a nice shine to it and most designer handbags have the name brand name or logo on the lining. Designers almost always use leather accents, not plastic. Some purses have straps that are specially coated and seem to be artificial. However a quick look at the edge of the strap, usually near a stitched joint, should reveal a leather core.

Is there an authenticity card. An authenticity card is a little card that usually has the manufactures logo embossed on the front and has some information about the product you purchased and sometimes includes a magnetic strip, bar code. Many manufacturers, including Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Kate Spade and Coach, use these cards.

Check for a serial number. Not all manufacturers use serial numbers, but many do. The serial number for Fendi purses can be found on the inside pocket. Simply turn the pocket inside out and there will be a printed number on the fabric or possibly on the leather tag. Gucci includes a small leather tag on the zipper seam of the handbag which includes a serial number.

If you shop wisely, and inspect the bag carefully, you will be able to spot a fake from a mile away.

Deanna Key is the author of many articles and resources concerning desinger handbags. She has worked as an importer/exporter of designer fashions for over 5 years, and has imported over $25 million worth of designer goods. Read more helpful articles and get discounts on designer handbags at http://www.handbag-spot.com.

Its Faux Fur Scarf Time - Look Gorgeous and Get Noticed

It’s a week before Christmas and all though the house not a creature is stirring except for the husband. Everything is wrapped and under the tree except for one present. His wife’s! Some people seem to be perennially hard to buy for and for many men it’s their wives who are the hard-to-buy-for person.

Faux fur scarves look great and come in a variety of sizes, fur thicknesses, and colors. However, because they are natural colors, they tend to go with more things (and you don’t have to worry about matching her periwinkle blue top… whatever periwinkle blue is).

Of course you do want to think a little bit about what she’d prefer but I’ll make it really easy for you:

1. Does she like to wear smooth shirts or coarse top? A smooth shirt might be made of cotton, for example, while a coarse top might be a wool sweater, for example. If she prefers smoother fabrics like cotton, silk, or jean tops, consider a thicker fur scarf. If she likes big wooly sweaters and bulky tops then find a thinner scarf made of a shimmery, silky fabric.

2. Does she like to wear dark colored tops or light colored tops? If dark colors, get a faux fur scarf that is lighter in color. If wearing lighter tops, get fur scarves that are darker in color.

3. Is her hair short or long? Someone with shorter hair can wear a furrier faux fur scarf than someone with longer hair.

4. This might be a little advanced for some, but if you can, find a scarf that will look great against her skin. And for extra points, tell her that when she unwraps it: “I got that for you because I think you’ll look great with it. It really accentuates your skin tone.”

You already know that women love accessories like purses, belts, watches, jewelry and shoes. Fur scarves are another type of accessory but it’s useful, too: you know that she won’t catch a cold this winter because of the cold air on her neck. Us guys might like to wear the same shirt or underwear until it can no longer be called such but women can sometimes feel that their wardrobe gets tired quickly. Women want to feel good about their clothes because they feel good in their clothes. And fur scarves (and other kinds of scarves) will save you money because she won’t have to buy a new wardrobe with the addition of a few of these accessories!

And if your wife or girl (or other special lady… mom, sister, aunt, grandma, female friend, etc.) doesn’t like real fur, you won’t go wrong by getting a faux fur. They look great, feel great, and she’ll be happy, too.

Can you tell the difference between a real mink stole and a faux fur scarf? Yes, you can tell, but most people would have to look closely and feel the fur to know the difference. If that's the case, why not look gorgeous in a faux fur scarf at a fraction of the price? http://www.FashionScarvesandShawls.com has many real and faux furs to choose from with great prices and high quality. Why not visit them today to see the latest in gorgeous fashion accessories and clothing.