Real or fake? This question is asked of a lot of things: paintings, jewelry, bosoms and yes, handbags. Whether your Louis Vuitton is real or fake is your business, isn’t it?
Well, yes and no. Obviously, if your LV is real, you will probably eagerly correct anyone that hints that it is not. After all, you paid good money for the bag, and might even be appalled that someone would assume it is a replica.
On the other hand, if your bag were a replica, would you really tell people that it is a fake? Would you tell them by purchasing a replica, instead of the real thing, that you knowingly took money away from the designers that created the real bag? Would you mention that the money you spent for the bag possibly went to terrorist organizations. Or that the manufactures of your fake bag could have used their handbag business to transport thousands of dollars worth of cocaine into the country? I doubt you would mention any of these things to an inquisitive acquaintance.
I know it sounds harsh, but knowingly buying a replica bag is wrong. (Note: buying replica handbags is not illegal but selling them is.)
Designers like Gucci, Kate Spade, Chanel and Hermes charge so much for their product because they are highly sought after and they are made from quality materials. Many bags by these designers are made by hand. Also, these designers spend millions on advertising, customer care, quality assurance and customs. By buying a replica, you are taking directly from these designers.
Buying replicas also takes from the US economy. Companies that sell replica handbags often do so as cash based, tax free business. If you have bought a replica handbag before, think back, did you pay tax for on the purchase. Probably not.
We all know that authentic designer handbags are pricey, but that doesn’t mean you should buy a knock-off. Just because something is out of your price range is no reason to rip off the company that manufactures the product.
Real or replica…which is right for you? I don’t really see you have a choice. Always buy real.
I was flipping through this months Elle. There’s some terrific style information in it! Looks like we’ve made it full circle to the 1970s. For some of us we’ll get to relive some of our favourite fashions but there may be some ‘yuck’ in the group too.
Flirty cuts in pretty colors with ruffles and frills are in. Remember the vibrant balloon tops - they are back. As are the wool wrap tops and wool jackets. Super high heels have also made their way back into the picture. Your jewelry selections are wide open for mixing and matching. Big and bold will certainly fit the current trends.
Elle says that these items are runway hits: croppped sweaters in acrylic, cotton, or wool. Satin wrap tops ranging from long sleeves to no sleeves, and asymmetrical skirts.
The skirts are definately fun and sexy - black is the hotest color, sequens are very popular, and beaded silk is definately in. Add some sexy earrings or a sparkly necklace and your ready for a night on the town.
Straight leg wool pants are also in, as well as wool jackets with faux fur collars. Chiffon and satin are big and sleeveless cotton knit turtlenecks are ever so in style.
Accessories are bright and bold - hot pink clutches, chintz hand bags, satin and metalic pumps, ballerina flats. Your jewelry can be a mix of bright and bold, and more muted tones. With this years fashions almost anything goes.
Check out the Spring 2005 Elle Runway
Some of Ralph Loren’s Spring Fashions are just terrific and they are fitting for almost everyone. Watch the Ralph Loren Show
Alberta Ferretti has some outlandish and fun pieces this season Alberta Ferretti Show
Alice Roe has some very sexy looks Alice Roe Show And check out Balenciaga formal or evening fashions - they are to die for! Balenciaga Show
Its a great year to set your own limits and make your own fashion style.
There is certainly something for everyone! You may also want to check out some of the other designers such as Blugirl, Calvin Klein, and Prada.
Always remember to complete your look with your jewelry!
They are flashy, hot and very in for the season. Metallic, sequence and don’t forget the faux fur handbags. Just take a look at a crowd and you will see quite a collection of each of these three. They are not hard to spot and definitely make heads turn. Which head turning style do you like to carry this season?
Let’s start with the flashiest of them all, sequence. They are everywhere and everyone is carrying them. They do seem to be a bigger hit with the younger scene. They come in an array of colors as well as sequence styles. Carry them with any outfit and they’ll dress it up no matter what the look. Do be careful, the looks you get may only be on your handbag and not on you. If you want your great outfit to stand out, I don’t recommend carrying one of these handbags.
Metallic is all the rage also. Just wait for the holiday parties and you will see an explosion of these. They come in many different colors but bronze definitely tops the list. There will be the gold rush in December for all those fancy outfits. Gold is being paired with black and also brown. That black little dress is going to look fabulous with the metallic evening bag and the big beaded necklaces.
Now don’t forget the faux fur bags. Some stand out very much but not as much as the sequence and metallics. There are plenty of faux fur trimmed jackets, tops and boots out there. The faux fur handbag will set off the ensemble. Some are a bit on the wild side and others are just really neat looking. As long as they don’t make a roar, these are the tamest out there of all three.
Sequence, metallic and faux fur, get them while they are hot!
