I know people are thrilled to be attending these purse parties.  Hey, it seems like a good idea right?  All those pretty designer names all lined up; PRADA, LOUIS VUITTON, GUCCI, CHANEL, HERMES etc.  Its kind of like a grown up candy isle isn't it?  Pretty colors and shapes, those beconing little tabs proudly displaying the designer name?

Hate to break it to you ladies, but I can spot a fake bag in ten seconds flat, and I know yours is fake.  I used to think that I was just blessed with this amazing talent for discovery, but then I realized, that anyone with good shopping sense, and who has watched at least one episode of Law and Order, can spot a fake.  Though I hate to reveal my secret, here are my tips on how to spot a fake designer handbag.

1. Bag Shape-  Take a moment to look at designer websites to see what the "In vogue" bags look like.  So many times, I'll see someone sporting a pleather "Gucci" bag that is the style of a Louis Vuitton, and so on.  Its the first give away.  Especially with little backpacks.. .yuck.

2. Zipper and Zipper Pull- A huge giveaway.  Designer bags do not have those standard issue "silver rectangle" zipper pulls.  With Dior and Chanel, the pulls are custom.  No designer actually uses those zippers, so if you don't want me to know you have a fake bag there, take that pull off and replace it.  Also, if I can see the nylon from the zipper, your bag is fake. fake fake FAKE!

3.  Stitching- Especially noteable in fake Hermes bags, since they are handstitched.  Stitching in fake bags typically uses larger stitches, and less quality thread that tends to pill easily. Chanel quilted bags... see how easy this is getting.  You best believe that if they are going to charge three grand for a bag, those stitches are perfect. 

4.  Those little metal "feet"- Only used in one style of Louis Vuitton years ago, they are a dead giveaway.  Especially fake Kate Spade bags.

5. Lining- Fake bags use some of the worst linings around; usually low quality acetate with stripes of some kind of pattern.  Designer bags would never ever use that.  Fendi bags typically use a microfiber, and Gucci and Chanel never use less than poly blend.  

6. The Logo- I have even seen fake bags where "Gucci" was spelled wrong.  For the record, they rarely use that metal square logo anymore.  With Louis Vuitton, they LV on the bags are never cut, so the borders and edges will never intersect one.  If there is a logo placed strangely on a strangly shaped bag, guess what, I know you're sportin a fake.  Busted.

7.  THE NUMBER ONE GIVEAWAY THAT YOUR BAG IS FAKE- If you're driving a normal Honda, like me, and you are wearing Gap jeans (I do that too), and a College Sweatshirt (My favorite)... The chances that you are going to be pairing that ensamble with a four thousand dollar designer bag is rare.  My saying is "When I see a gal wearing Old Navy and sporting a Gucci bag, I can only assume that one of the two is fake, and I've never seen fake Old Navy."

Now, you can all have a fun time spending time with eachother, playing "Spot the Fake" at your favorite drinkin hole.  Many fakes can also be spotted at Mayfair, Milwaukee Street, and of course, Water Street.  May I just say that designer labels are fine, but rather that being caught red handed with a knockoff bag, pick out something more individual and creative.  There are great pieces at lots of local retailers (AALA REED!) that have beautiful one of a kind bags that will get lots of attention, and not the bad kind -- not like getting busted with a bag that says "PRADDA"