Faking It: Are Counterfeit Designer Bags Worth It?
For some women, shoes are their weak spot, for others it’s clothes, but for me I have a soft spot for handbags. I’m a sucker for a well-crafted, stylish handbag, in the medium- to large-size range, capable of holding a plethora of personal items. I have no problem investing money into quality bags that I know will last and serve a vital function (i.e., keeping my life organized). Admittedly, I have put out money for a fancy designer bag or two simply because I loved the look of the bag or because maybe it had a recognizable logo (okay, go ahead and judge me). And I’m not the only one who has been swayed by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Coach, or Gucci. Stand on any busy city street corner and you're bound to see some recognizable brands parade by. But are they the real deal or just a solid knock-off?
The ubiquity of counterfeit designer bags is stunning when you consider just how easy it is to buy your own little piece of Prada at a cost significantly lower than retail. I once put a fake Louis Vuitton under close scrutiny to look for any tell-tale imposter signs and I couldn’t find any. Had the bag been presented to me as the real deal I wouldn’t have second guessed it.
Given that the quality and construction of counterfeit bags often meets my needs, I’ve often considered dropping the cash for a fake, but there is still something holding me back. It bothers me slightly that purchasing counterfeit goods means that you're in some way supporting illegal practices somewhere in the world. But I also feel that handbags are outrageously priced and designer companies are just asking for products to be ripped off and sold to the public at more affordable costs .
How about you? What are your thoughts on counterfeit goods? Are you okay with faking it knowing that it supports illegal activity or are you a purist and feel it’s the real deal or bust when it comes to designer handbags?
Posted By: Shopping Shorty