Thursday, October 15, 2009

Most Common Question

I get about 100 emails a day asking me about, well, handbags, handbag styles, handbags I've never heard of, handbags that I intend to have in stock and handbags that will impress friends and family.

By far, the single question I get asked most is people wanting to know what the difference is between a replica and the real deal.  And my answer always is, if the replica is done well, then really there should be no visible difference.  The difference can only be seen once the lining is removed or once a serial number is checked.  From there, my readers ask, so what is your best replica?

I have to explain in detail here that replication in itself is an art form.  It is done with care and an understanding of the original product.  Replication, good replication, is harder than one might think.  I always tell people that products that get replicated the most are the best replicas.  If you're like me you don't want to hear that that is







Louis Vuitton (of course, I've said it before but Suhali and Mahina have changed me),















 








 Gucci,





















Chloe,












Or any easier to mimic design, like Jimmy Choo or Marc Jacobs.

Having said that, not every single handbag in a line is always good.  That is where I come in, I guess.  I have seen these bags, both replica and real (whether I own them or not), and I know a good replica.  I get great comments from very happy customers because I use that same know how and honesty to let people know that sure, the latest XYZ bag is hot, hot, hot but the replica is not so hot.  I could easily keep my mouth shut and make a sale but then I wouldn't be getting great comments.  If anything I'd be getting a lot of bad mouthing on the internet.

I don't know about you guys but when I purchase anything and I'm putting faith in someone else's know how, that honesty that I speak of is what I appreciate the most.  Even if I'm being told that XYZ handbag in a replica is just not there yet, or that, yes the hot pink looks good in the picture but my use of the handbag will be limited to the type of occasion, even that unsavory truth, as much as I don't want to hear it, is appreciated.  And it's appreciated because it is the truth.

Takes me back to the first time I was choosing replicas at the factory and being told that crocodile skin was probably not the best way to go!

She was right, you know. *Looking down and lowering my voice.*

Happy Shopping!