The Budget Fashionista

3 years later, I would gladly take back the 800 dollars I had spent on my Louis Vuitton bag had I known how many people would ask me day after day if it were fake or not. Shouldve saved my money on a bag that drew attention because it was beautiful, not because of the name

I completely agree with robin, everyday that i go out with my louis vuitton purse i am constantly asked if it is real or not (as if it is anyones business) I am deeply saddened that this designer’s name and image is forever tainted because of lousy people who want to rip people off to have a few extra hundred dollars.  I feel horribly because i love my AUTHENTIC louis vuitton but cant seem to enjoy is because people think that it is a fake.  SOO SOO frustrating!!

I completely think both Melissa and Robin are crazy.  Why would you spend that much money on a Louis Vuitton bag in the first place?  For some people a “few extra hundred dollars” is quite a lot of money… and so is the insane amount you paid for the “authentic” bag in the first place.

I will buy a fake any day a good quality fake.

Good article, I disagree with the if you buy LV not in eLuxury or LV store, then it must be a fake statement though. If you are careful enough, you could buy an authentic LV off ebay.

Not that I actually want to buy it on ebay, as I am not that crazy about LV.

Why would you want to carry a Louis Vuitton right now anyway with so many people carrying the same thing as you whether is real or fake. I don’t like people having the same thing as me. But if I would, i rather have a rea; one too. I don’t care if people question me because i would know in my heart that it is real.

I don’t think it really matters whether the bag is real or fake. Who cares who made it as long as it looks good? Labels are so overrated. I could make my own clothes and as long as they looked awesome and I was getting tons of compliments, then it really doesn’t matter that I sewed it all myself rather than buying it at Neiman Marcus for the entirety of my bank account. You’re not cool beause you’re rich enough to afford a REAL Louis Vuitton bag. Whether the bag is real or fake doesn’t matter as long as you look stylish carrying it. When somebody asks you if it’s real or fake, they’re simply asking how rich you are.

I had a fake LV a couple of years ago. Bacause my husband was part owner of a large,local real estate company everyone assumed it was real!
That sort of annoyed me, I didn’t want to bring that much attention myself. I don’t pay out big amounts for my wardrobe anyway but people just assume I’m a Neiman Marcus type-I just try to dress well-with my liittle bargains. I gave the fake LV to my daughter. I enjoy my Coach purses so much more!

I would like to know if it is true that with a true louie vuitton that the LV logo does not go into the seam of the purse?

What makes a difference if you buy Faux or Real? A lot of people cannot afford a real one. Sorry no one is all rich here. Except Jessica Simpson since she has all the Louis Vuitton in her closest. Maybe we should shop in her closest and ask her for how much she would want it for. Since she may get tired of her old style and never use it again. (LOL)I could spend about spend about 600.00 on 12 items from a China supplier who sells 7 star quality handbags then buy a real for one that the handbag or whatever so small that is about a size of a 5X7 picture. So for me I am better off with the Faux since I am not rich here. Yeah even though I will spend 600.00 dollars on fakes...but hey I have 12 items then just having one item. =)

@My Opinion

Dont you think its better to have one really nice thing then a bunch of crappy things?

As far as fakes go, I personally wouldn’t buy a real or fake LV… Whether or not you can afford a real one, carrying one just says “look at me, I want people to THINK im rich.” It doesnt matter if its real or fake, people will think you are flaunting your wealth, or lack there of.

As for intentionally buying a fake; why?  If you truly do just like the style of a bag, and dont want the logo, you can find LEGAL bags that are the exact same style, just with different logos.  I guarantee it.  One of the hardest things for a company to do is to build brand recognition.  By buying fakes, you are hurting the corporation and their patrons.

Not only do you hurt the “brand” when you buy a fake, you hurt and support underage workers, drug trafficking and raqueteering.  Yes, most of those fakes are made in other countries where conditions are deplorable.  It is a crime to sell them (just not to buy them).  Many of the luxury labels are now going after those who sell fakes. Even those women who have “purse parties.”

The U.S. is robbed of more than $200 billion in taxes due to counterfeiting. Hey, it’s a cash, tax free business and guess who gets to pay those taxes?  All of us!  Even the ones who would never buy a fake (like me).  I’ve done some reaseach on this topic.

Terrorists, gangs and organized crime organizations profit from selling counterfeit merchandise. Sometimes designer handbag knockoffs are lined with drugs and used for smuggling.

I agree that you should just spend that $200 on a great handbag that you like for it’s design, not the label.  Besides, you fool few.  How can you carry it with confidence?

By the way...unless an Ebay seller offers to return all of your money if the bag is proven fake...it’s fake.  My real LV (bought at an LV store) has sat in my closet for 6 years as I can’t stand to see EVERYONE carry it.  Once it got trendy, I didn’t like it.  I am thinking of selling it on Ebay.

First, I would like to start by saying that Louis Vuitton has workshops in Italy, France and the US.  Thus an authentic bag can say “Louis Vuitton France” made in the USA. 
I do own an authentic Louis, it was a 2 year anniversary gift from my husband.  At first I thought I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it, b/c most people would assume it was fake...but then I came to the realization that I should not care what most people think. I should only care about what I know.  It’s fine if some people feel like buying a real Louis is a waste of money, my money is not their money.  I came to the realization early that life is too short, and at 25 I am going to enjoy it and get the things I’ve always wanted.  I love Louis for their craftsmanship.  I don?t care if people think I am flaunting my so called ?wealth?.  I also own two coach bags, and two dooneys.  All the people who care enough to form an opinion about weather or not your handbag is authentic or fake, or think a person is flaunting by toting a designer bag, are ?haters? who are probably jealous of mostly everything around them.  Give people the benefit of the doubt, or just don?t care at all.  If they have a purse that looks nice, assume it’s real, unless they tell you it’s a fake.  Ultimately, people should stop being concerned with what the Jones’s are doing and focus on themselves.

I think branded goods are over-rated whether you can afford them or not.  I prefer to buy the best I can afford (without adding further to credit card debt.) The simple truth is none of us should be judged by who or what we wear but by our actions.  I prefer to buy classics that are seasonless--(I still carry and get complements on items that are 5 or 10 years old, because they suit me--and I carry or wear them with confidence knowing that they suit me and my life style!!!!!!!!!!) I see no reason to support anyone selling fake anything!!!!  Just buy the best you can afford and upgrade when and if you have the money.  I carried a Target black leather purse for 5 years--that most people mistook for a Coach--I bought it because I liked it and could afford it at the time. I was actually a bit sorry when I could afford to upgrade to a Dooney and Bourke.

I work long and hard for my money!!!  Recently while vacationing I bought a (real) LV Speedy bag.  I love this bag, use it every day and not once has anyone had the nerve to ask me whether or not it is real.  I bought the bag because I can afford to treat myself...but I do not pass judgement on those who buy fake bags.  Like it or not, as a society we are judged on our appearance.  You can all say it is what is inside that counts but you can bottle all that right now.  If you really felt that way, this website would not exist!!  Whatever you carry, whatever your style, feel beautiful because you are!!

I agree with the editor that instead of buying a fake, go far a nice leather bag like a classic Coach and put the rest in either an IRA, 401(k) or other investment account. Having wealth is sexier than having a bag you cant really afford!!

Everybody knocks off everybody. Designers steal or politely put… are inspired by each other everyday. What you see at Target or Walmart is just a cheap version of a better brand. William Kasper is “inspired” by Tahari, Tahari by Armani and so on. Knock offs, if anything are great advertising for the original designer.
When LV opened up in Beverly Hills in the early 1970’s I remember as a kid the locals society chicks at the PTA laughing at the overpriced vinyl bags for the stupid “nuveau riche”. Part of LV marketing stradegy is the elite hype. Most of us arn’t living the elite life and LV knows that.They have benefitted from all the press. If you’re a real fashionista, you’ll buy what you like and is truly beautiful.

I think it`s really funny how a lot of people are saying how they would never buy a Louis Vuitton bag, yet they`re at a website educating buyers of its authenticy. Also, some of you are complaining that people spend too much money on them… but in all honesty, it isn`t up to you. For you to *look down* upon someone who has spent THEIR money on a bag, well it`s simply just an act of jealousy. It`s their money. They should be able to spend it on what they want without having to hear someone put them down. If you think it`s too much money, don`t buy one, but don`t make someone feel bad for choosing to spend their money in a way you don`t approve of.

I cant fake bags. They make me itch. Alot of people dont realize that by buying fakes, they are actually contributing to sweatshops, drug cartell and illegal firearms and child labor. Fakes are usually made in 3rd world contries and therefore counterfeiting is controlled by mobsters, gangs and in many cases linked to terrorist!!! Okay so if you feel bad, you should.

I am a college student and as much as I hate to admit it, I cant afford to spend $600 on a designer bag though I drool over them in magazines. Thats why I buy bags from a second hand site that the budget fashionista recommended a few years ago. www.RodeoDriveResale.com Most of their items are in new or like new condition and actually most of the bags I have purchased look brand new. I have purchased atleast 8 bags from them. All of the bags I have purchased have been either Louis Vuitton, Pradas, Gucci, Chanel or Coach. I have taken 7 of them so far to be authenticated and ever single one checked out fine. In the past I have purchased from ebay and EVERY SINGLE bag I purchased (5) were fake! As far as buying a gently used bag, its not a big deal. Afterall, if you go to Neimans, buy a bag, use it one day...well the next day it is used right? I am so hapy with their service and the prices are so reasonable that I can actually afford to carry AUTHENTIC DESIGNER BAGS thank to The Budget Fashionista and Rodeo Drive Resale

I think if you purchase something it should be because you love it. Damn what anyone else says or thinks.  If you are can’t enjoy your bag because people think its fake you got it for the wrong reasons.  I love my LV pieces and I enjoy them to the fullest. Who cares what other people wonder or ask!

Oh lala, quelle discussion les filles!
Don’t forget that Vuitton is a beautiful family business with a thorough know how and high end quality goods. That, after all, is also a reason to buy these pieces of real craftmanship. Those who respect the work of craftsmen and superior materials cannot say LuiVui is just a brand for snobista’s. Buying fakes is just telling yourself a lie. A fake LV will never have the same finishing as a real one, you don’t experience the unique personal service of a LV boutique and you wil always know you’re faking it. That’s just too sad. So I totally agree with Miss Nette. Buy your (genuine) LuiVui for the right reason. If you love it for what it is ( a wonderfully well made object, instead of a snobby symbol), then what others think just doesn’t matter.
A propos: I also love Longchamp and as a Belgian girl, I am a life long fan (we use Les Pliages for grocery’s and as sportsbag here), but let’s be honest, it isn’t that much cheaper than Vuitton and it doesn’t offer the same quality...by far.
Have a nice day and enjoy your handbags whatever brand they are!

I agree for the most part with Brussels girl, except for here in America Longchamp bags are SIGNFICANTLY cheaper than LV bags. At the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlets, you can find Longchamp, Coach, and Marc Jacob bags for up to 50% off retail price. I’ve never seen a brand new leather Louis Vuitton bag, either here or in Europe for less than, $500.

One problem, if you come into France with a faux LV or any other french maker you will have it confiscated and you will be fined heavily.  It is french law.  (And trust me, you don’t want to piss them off.  Many aren’t that nice to begin with.)

I’ll check the d?pots-ventes here in Paris, and let you know.  I saw the LV salon at the Galeries Lafayette on boulevard Haussman in Paris this week--a line of at least 35 Japanese tourists just to get IN the door.  No thanks! 

I do enjoy my Dooney, but haven’t seen any here--I guess they haven’t expanded to Europe yet.  But I admit, the craftsmanship is excellent, and it’s very comfortable, durable and holds a ton.  (I only paid 1/3 of retail, so I don’t feel guilty!)

Also enjoy my fun, cheap fashionable/trendy purses.  It’s not rocket science, it’s fashion.  If you enjoy, great!  Do!  But there’s no need to get so hot and bothered about it.

btw, Even those that are filthy rich buy fake LVs...for instance, a relative of mine, whose parents are SUCCESSFUL doctors, bought some fake LV goods from Chinatown, and gave them to his 16-year-old sister as a birthday present...telling her they were the real deal.  Talk about cold!

hi can i ask you a question my # on my LV bag that it came in is 551047 is taht a fake or real one so please let me know asap Thanks love nicole