Is This Handbag Real or Fake?

You know you want the purse. You know it would go great with your shoes, you know, the red ones you bought on sale. So you've been eyeing up this Prada handbag but if you spend $300 on a purse, you liable to get shot or committed to an insane asylum. You know the price is right, you saw the same purse online for $800.00. So are you going to take the chance? How can you tell if that handbag is a fake? Everyone claims 'theirs' is the authentic one.

Fortunately there are clues to help you differentiate between the real and the imitation or genuine 'replicas'. Here are a few pointers:

1. Check the zipper. A genuine designer handbag has a zipper that is smooth and easy to zip. Most of the fakes have zip that may either open up in the middle after you zipped up or the track feels uncomfortable.
2. Check the fabric or the leather. The fakes have a very rough and stiff feel on the fabric and the 'leather' bags are usually made of dyed rubber.
3. Feel the handle or strap of the bag. It should stay in shape even after prolonged use. Most of the fake bags straps are not shaped properly and the stitches are badly done and uneven.
4. Check for a serial number inside the handbag.
5. Go to a store that carries authentic purses and feel some of the bags. The fabric or leather of the designer purses will be much better quality. If you have a chance, use a wet cloth and rub off the bag. If you see some color stain on the cloth, you got yourself a fake!

Not all discount handbags are fakes. Not everyone is out to rip you off, although there are many that are. They may truly have discounted the line to make room for new collections. If you are buying them online, make sure the merchant is reputable.

Have fun!