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Original poster

If you saw someone with a Louis Vuitton bag ...

165 replies

HauntedArmchairOfDoom · 28/05/2013 20:50

... and it was a fairly small bag, and the person was obviously not a millionaire, but just sort of pretty average, would you assume it was a fake?

I've wanted one all my life Blush, and have A PLAN. I'm having a HUGE wardrobe clearout and am going to put the money I get from getting rid of heaps of clobber and unworn shoes towards a Posh Bag (I've never had one), and have my heart set on LV, but DH says there's no point because people will just assume it's not real.

What d'you think? Are my girlish dreams all for naught?

OP posts:
YoniOno · 28/05/2013 21:09

I'm in an enabling mood: just don't feel guilty OP. Men buy cars on a whim and they cost loads more than the flashiest of bags - no-one passes judgement.

Barbie1 · 28/05/2013 21:09

Do you like the bag for the shape/style, the fact it's a Lv or you think it's a great quality bag?

As I said I'm really into bags and own far to many.

There are some better quality bags out there.

If you just want it for the logo then buy a fake.

Original poster
HauntedArmchairOfDoom · 28/05/2013 21:12

Yoni I like your enabling. It's lovely. Do keep it up!

Barbie it's everything, to be honest. Growing up, I was completely sheltered from anything to do with fashion, brands, conspicuous consumption etc., and so I associated LV with amazing 30s and 40s luggage trunks on the Orient Express, not fash mags or trends or actresses or anything. So it's not the logo exactly just that it represents sort of daydreams and romance and travel and beauty and Grace Kelly. Does that make sense? And I assume it's amazingly good quality but never actually seen one in the flesh!

I really should think screw what anyone thinks, and if I want to carry around a reminder of what it was like to be a wistful 17 year old dreaming of being a beautiful sophisticated woman one day chance would be a fine thing that's my business Grin

OP posts:
Mominatrix · 28/05/2013 21:17

No. I'd assume it was real. WHy does one need to be a millionaire to have a LV bag?

Barbie1 · 28/05/2013 21:18

The bag you linked too isn't the most copied version so I would go for it now you have stated your reasons. Why not? You want it and will soon be able to afford it Smile

Just make sure you look after it, oil it and keep it in its dust bag and it will last you a life time Smile

Panzee · 28/05/2013 21:20

I wouldn't even notice what kind of bag you had.

Perhaps this thread is not for me :o

Mominatrix · 28/05/2013 21:21

What matters most is how YOU feel carrying the bag. I only carry Hermes bags and I take public transport as much as possible. I care not what other people think of me or my bag - I carry the bag because I love them and they suit me and my life. If the bag makes you happy, who cares what others think.

Original poster
HauntedArmchairOfDoom · 28/05/2013 21:24

Panzee that's the funny thing - I don't tend to notice people's bags unless they are clearly iconic, like a 2.55 or a Birkin. Of which, I have seen precisely one each in my lifetime Grin

Wow Mominatrix do you buy your Hermes' vintage or new?? I'd probably opt for one over an LV but think it might be out of my league...

Thanks for understanding Barbie! I love the idea of having a bag I need to oil...

OP posts:
DontmindifIdo · 28/05/2013 21:25

that particular style, I'd think real. But the logos all over it do look naff. Sorry.

Barbie1 · 28/05/2013 21:26

Is it very sad that I'm a little excited for you? Such joy to be had purchasing such a lovely item.

I love a good bag thread Smile

Barbie1 · 28/05/2013 21:26

Is it very sad that I'm a little excited for you? Such joy to be had purchasing such a lovely item.

I love a good bag thread Smile

Original poster
HauntedArmchairOfDoom · 28/05/2013 21:27

Logos totally ARE naff, Dont - I don't really understand why I have such a bloody yearning for one, it's most unlike me Confused

OP posts:
Mominatrix · 28/05/2013 21:28

Mostly new (birkins and kellys), but some from auction sites (less in-demand styles). You can always find a second hand box leather kelly for a good price. Really good prices for unknown styles. For the wanted birkins and newer leather kellys, it is cheaper to buy new (crazy but true!).

Original poster
HauntedArmchairOfDoom · 28/05/2013 21:29

No it's lovely of you Barbie and making me feel heaps better about even entertaining the idea! I can't tell you how unlike me this is. You're talking to someone who feels guilty about using shop-bought pastry Grin

OP posts:
FrugalFashionista · 28/05/2013 21:31

Where I live, just about every single person has a LV bag.
The well-off have authentic ones (they often buy the nontraditional designs in solid colors), and the people who work for them have copies from street vendors. It's a bit like jeans - everyone has a pair of jeans, and it really does not make a huge difference whether they are a cheap pair from the street vendor or an expensive designer denim pair.

If you'd like to have a fancy bag, could you consider something that is a bit less ubiquitous? It might be more unique and more 'your bag' and closer to those Orient Express dreams?

This might also be a moment to pause and ask why you would like to have that type of bag. As a status symbol, as a milestone for yourself to mark that you have reached certain goals, because you like its esthetics, because you believe the craftmanship is high quality... The bag will meet some of those expectations but not necessarily all of them.

Hope you are not taking this the wrong way. I have a mixture of expensive and cheap bags and I find that I often prefer the cheaper bags for a variety of reasons (they are sturdier, less precious, more anonymous in a good way). But I have one or two 'power' bags that I carry around when I need a suit of armor. They are shorthand for 'I have power, I belong' - a bit like high walls around your house. These feelings have nothing to do with the esthetic, design and craftmanship. The simple, cheap bags often feel much more 'me' in fact.

Barbie1 · 28/05/2013 21:31

One thing I can recommend is a bag liner.

If its a bag you will use constantly it will be a god send. Which I knew about them before my water bottle leaked inside my Chloe leaving me with a water stain Sad

ifancyashandy · 28/05/2013 21:33

I have a large Mulberry Daria in an unusual colour. Never ever seen another being carried. Couldn't give a monkeys if people think it's fake - I know it isn't. And I too get the tube. And even the bus unless a black cab goes past the bus stop. And even less frequently since Hailo came on the scene!

I can spot a fake one though!

calypso2008 · 28/05/2013 21:33

lemon is totally right. As soon as it is a couple of years old, it will look great.

I found one in a bin in Rome - no zip, new it is about 300 pounds I think, but I LOVE mine. It is really old and beautiful and you can tell it is real.

I would go for it - it will last you a life time. The older they get, the better.

Barbie1 · 28/05/2013 21:34

Are you anywhere near London by any chance?

If so try to pop into tanner krolle. Fabulous bags, same production as Chanel. Excellent craftsmanship and understated..but still looks expensive and most are

They have fabulous sales, customer service is second to none and they reall will last a life time.

Original poster
HauntedArmchairOfDoom · 28/05/2013 21:34

No those are all really good questions Frugal, and I should definitely stop and think before committing to spending what is (to me!) a huge sum...

I would definitely consider something less ubiquitous - it's simply that there is something about the LV design that seems to have been hardwired into my idea of craftsmanship and beauty and heritage 'pieces', if that makes sense.

I actually do have a seriously gigantic milestone to mark, and I'd like to have something to remind me that I grew up and became what I wanted to be (though I have to say, a designer handbag is not the most obvious symbol Hmm)

OP posts:
calypso2008 · 28/05/2013 21:35

I can tell fake ones a mile off (but I don't live in Dubai) Smile I am sure there (and NY) there are great rip off versions.

Mominatrix · 28/05/2013 21:37

Bag liners are fantastic - keeps things organized, protects the inside of your bag, and makes it easy to switch bags.

Frugal, I carry the mark of bag I do because they are so sturdy and relatively anonymous. Why pay all that money for a bag one needs to baby? The hell my bags have gone through and yet are in fantastic condition are a testament to their quality (DS2 even vomited inside one of my birkins as a toddler - no worries, just wiped it down, cleaned and conditioned). They are not a show off piece, but a practical item of use and beauty to last through for decades.

Original poster
HauntedArmchairOfDoom · 28/05/2013 21:38

Never heard of bag liners - that's a good tip (and there is clearly a whole world of Bag Lore out there I know nothing about!!)

I don't live in London but I'm there about once a month. I've heard of Tanner Krolle and shall do some research...

OP posts:
horseonabeach · 28/05/2013 21:42

Where do you get bag liners?! I need!

Get the bag you want OP but I do agree with a few others that a plain, non-logo bag might be better. I too think the logos look naff. Sorry! There are many gorgeous bags in the world though. If you get it though - ENJOY!

ivykaty44 · 28/05/2013 21:43

It wouldn't mean anything to me

BUT if it is a nice looking bag - then I would admire it and think you had wonderful taste Grin

Go and treat yourself to a bag you really like and don't worry what your dh or anyone else thinks