I agree with Achtungbaby, if you like the style and know it's a fake, what's the problem? There are a lot of designer styles I like, but there's no way I can pay hundreds of dollars on a purse that's going to be out of fashion in a few months. Besides, people around here probably wouldn't know the difference anyway. There's not a Louis Vuitton store for 300+ miles.

I prefer to go for the "inspired by" look than an out and out fake. I guess a fake LV classic is one thing, because they're so abundant, but the Murakami bags are so rare, most of the time anyone in the know is going to think "who is she kidding"

I guess my problem with it is just that I think it's tacky. To me, it's one of those things like pantyhoes with open toed shoes or a cash bar at a wedding -- it's just not done.

Yup, they're selling them at Payless too for $19.99. I think the fake ones some people call Manonos.

Right on! :D To me, fakes aren't tacky...if they're good ones, that is! Mine has "Louis Vuitton" on the inside and it came in an LV dustbag and everything. If I'm going to spend big bucks, I'll spend it on something that lasts a little longer, like jewelry. ;)

I agree with this but think there's more. I also think that it's ridiculous when people say they like the design. So you like having a bag with L's and V's splattered all over it? Why those two letters?? Or you like simple black bags with a little tag that say Kate Spade? Let me guess...you like how "Kate Spade" looks. Hell you're naming your kid Kate Spade because you think her birth certificate will look even nicer.

I'm betting people with these fakes like portraying a certain image. At the end of the day, if someone asks about the bag they will let them know it's fake because they don't want to be found out as a liar as well.

-Rudey

HA!

I'm not against fake bags, but I don't use them myself. Not because I'm a snob or anything, but I don't really see the point? People can tell fake bags... and to me, I'd rather not "pretend" to be or have something thats not me. And some are just plain TACKY! Some are damn good, though. But, the really GOOD fakes I see are still REALLY expensive! The best fakes I've seen have been like $300. Why not just buy the REAL bag if you're willing to spend that much? But, the really bad fakes... why bother at all?

My favorite bag in the world is my Gucci tan/brown Jackie O bag that I bought last summer with some of my waitress money. I WANTED that bag and loved the idea of having a real "grown up" bag that I'd have forever. Plus, I felt good about spending MY own money to buy it. I wear it almost every day and it goes with almost everything and it's just a timeless purse. Amazing quality, great style, classy, elegant and it will never go out of style.

I had been on a waitlist since January for a Murakami bag. I was on the list in DC, Beverly Hills, Scottsdale and San Fran. As soon as they were released (April-ish), I got a call from the San Fran store. I had wanted the white pochette with the colored monogram. But, they confused the order and sent me the pochette with the pink cherry blossoms and the ADORABLE bow. I LOVE it so much more than the super trendy white ones. I feel like a white purse is so seasonal too. Don't get me wrong, they're super cute! But I'll get much more use out of my bag. It's the natural LV color with the pink blossom painted on. So, it's the classic pochette with a little something to spice it up. It's not as common as the white one either. I paid for half of it and my parents paid for the rest as a late birthday present. I don't know, I guess when I buy it with my own money, I don't feel as guilty about shelling out more money. I EARNED that bag... I deserve it. :)

To me, I'd rather spend my own money on a real bag that I'll have forever than buy a fake one of lower quality that might only last me through summer. I'm willing to spend more on a great bag because I know it'll last me as long as I need it to. Same with sunglasses. And if anything happens? I take it to the store and the repairs are great!

I guess there's just something about owning a status piece that makes me feel good. :)

My senior year of high school, I saved up the money I earned working at Wendy's to buy a Gucci purse. I loved that purse so much and carried it for a good ten years. Sure, I didn't need a $120.00 bag, and maybe some people thought I was a sucker for buying one, but it made me happy and it wasn't hurting anyone so why not?

IHeartAXO, your LV sounds so pretty!!!

PS: One more thing as long as I have you all here :D Bags like the Gucci Tibi stole (j/k, Tibi :) ) from her mom, the brown LV monograms, the Hermes Kelly or some of the more understated Coaches; to me they are beautiful and well made bags that transcend fashion. Ten years from now, when you see a KS Sam or Fendi baguette you will automatically think, "2001". But there are some bags that will remain classics. Just my two cents! :)

Maybe it's all in how your carry it off....an example from yesterday.

I was at the mall and see this busted looking woman - mullet, Loony Toons t-shirt, spandex shorts, the whole nine yards carrying an "LV." Now come on! Like it's real? And if it was by some chance, the money would have been better spent on a haircut. Mullets are cheap imitations of long hair, which is far, far worse than any fake purse.

Moxie, just a guess...Monroeville Mall?

She was probably friends with the chickie-babe I saw yesterday, using her Access card to buy Cheetos and carrying her "Burberry" purse. :p

At this point, the LV, Kate Spade and Burberrys are all sooooooo played out with fakes I don't know how they can be considered status symbols anymore. If the quality is good and you really like it fine, but if you're just trying to impress someone I would think that ship has sailed.

I buy certain "status" items (always at a deeply reduced price) for my amusement and enjoyment, so I agree with your "quality is good" statement. :)

I only buy "status" items when it's something I really really want and have wanted for at least a year, and if it's deeply discounted.

---------------------------

Okay, there is a man who sells "designer" handbags on the main shopping street here. He has tons of "Murakamis" (yeah, right), classic LV monograms, "Coach", and Burberry (more like Fauxberry). I was with a coworker, and we were looking at them.

Everything people have told me about distinguishing a fake from real LV wasn't on these. These were identical to the ones you'd see at the LV store--complete with dustbag, papers, and serial numbers. These were all classic LV monograms.

We found out later that the bags weren't fake. I don't know if they were stolen new or sold by a previous owner. It was just a weird experience.

It's about time for me to buy a new bag for my books; I love my Herve, but it's started bubbling up and it gets dirty pretty easy. Does anyone have any suggestions about a good bag for books (and not a backpack, I gave those up when I graduated from high school)?

Munchkin, I'm not sure what your price range is, but how about something like this?

http://www.coach.com/shop/product_no...easyask_id=200