It's a Fake World We Live In

Counterfeit merchandise is nothing new. If something is hot, and expensive, cheaper look-a-likes are likely to follow.

But these days, the desire for designer handbags, shoes and jewelry has reached new heights. Is there any harm in saving money by buying a knock-off wallet or watch? The companies and organizations fighting it think so.

Imitations are selling, and at a fraction of the cost of the originals. Who can afford $2,000 for a Rolex watch, or $500 for a Louis Vuitton purse? If the companies didn't charge so much, people wouldn't have to buy fakes.

A recent Internet search for "fake designer handbags" turned up almost 5,000 Web sites. It contributes to approximately 10% of global trade. Just hit the downtown area of any major city. Wherever there are street vendors, you're likely to find knockoffs. Just take a walk in Chinatown, New York City and you'll fing an awesome amount of counterfeit products on display. Four blocks overflowing with fake designer purses, hats, scarves, watches, rings and necklaces. The labels of fashion's most in-demand brands: Kate Spade, Prada, Fendi, Gucci, Dooney & Bourke, Coach, and Burberry. They alert each other of suspicious customers or police in the area. The system worked. When police raided, the tip-off arrived before the cops. Gates slammed shut, doors locked and merchandise flew off tables within seconds. Sorry, closed, outta here. See you later... somewhere else. It doesn't really stop, they just move somewhere else.

It's illegal, plain and simple and, yes, people are going to jail for selling knockoff handbags. Sad but true. Even the most innocent of people who are having purse parties, or selling a table full of handbags or other designer items at flea markets can face charges. Will it stop us? Unlikely. We want what our favorite celebrities have without the huge price tag. Counterfeiters are not paying taxes or trademark fees, and we're stepping on toes when we carry a fake Chanel. It should bother us when we buy a fake handbag, wallet, scarf or watch... Yeah, right.

I HATE Shopping!

I know women are supposed to love to shop. I don't. I hate crowds, I hate traffic, I hate the competition of a big sale. I wish I was rich and had a personal shopper to browse the racks and bring clothes to my house. Everytime I go shopping, I wear the wrong clothes and I'm either too hot or to cold, my shoes hurt my feet or i have too many layers on and can't try clothes on. I figure I'll just stick to shopping online.

You can buy just about anything online and have it delivered right to your door, or for that matter, anyone's door! This can be a great convenience especially if you don't have time, (or you hate) shopping. You often get special internet deals, too. Here are some more great reasons to shop online.

1. Lower prices

Online shopping can reduce overhead costs in a variety of ways, which can translate to lower prices for you.

2. Research ability

You can compare products and prices, surf around until you find the best deal, not only on the item you want but the shipping costs, too. You can get a really good description and information about products on a website versus a print catalog.

3. Increased selection

Most businesses can't stock everything in a store, so they have online shopping and a larger selection.

4. Convenience

You can shop 24/7, at your leisure, even in your undies, or...naked! .

5. Time Saver

There is no traveling, parking, and walking involved. You can shop for 30 minutes after work and find the perfect shoes and it probably would have taken you half a day at the mall!

7. Good for the Environment

There is reduced fuel consumption and air pollution, because so much of our car travel is dedicated to shopping. The need for print catalogs is zero.

8. Personal Shopper

When you go to Shopping.com or Buy.com, it's like having a personal shopper that does all the running from store to store, while you sit at your desk sipping a cool drink or warm cocoa. It's great!