Gucci handbag - real or fake?

[passionfruity]

I know next to nothing about handbags and would be grateful for some advice on this...

I've seen a Gucci black leather hobo handbag for 405 pounds on their website or around 160 for a replica from an online shop.

Ignoring issues such as the morality of buying a fake, the possibility of being ripped off / the ridiculousness of spending so much on a bag:
a)is someone who knows about designer bags likely to spot a replica?
b)will the quality difference between a real and a replica bag be noticeable?

Are you buying this bag so you can show it off as a real gucci, or do you love the bag?

Fake's are easy to spot, I own my own online business importing Italian Handbags, and I can spot the difference, but then I would, I suppose. I would ask yourself how much you want to spend, what would you like and just buy the bag you love most.

Be careful about being ripped off, PU is VERY convincing these days, and the leathers used on fake's can be hard and brittle if they are from the far east.

Ask where the leather is from, if its Italian it'll be gorgeous. Sometimes it's itlian leather, just made in china which again brings the price down.

TBH, just make sure you love the bag, would you buy it if it looked nothing like the Gucci one? Also, check out the returns policy incase its not suitable. It can be expensive to return a heavy handbag.....

I would always say buy a real one because you'll always know it's a fake and real fashionistas will be able to spot the difference. Plus I personally think fake handbags are a bit tacky if you get found out. If you're getting it cos you love the handbag it doesn't matter so much.

The quality probably will be different - leather/stitching/finish etc but that's part of what you pay for along with the label.

To be very honest, I'd be buying it to (feel like I) fit in socially. I have recently been to several events where I've been nearly the only one without a designer bag. The other women weren't fashionistas as such, just reasonably well-off.

I don't love the bag but it looks classic and hard-wearing so, practically speaking, I think it would be a good buy. I couldn't see any I liked at Prada and Mulberry. In fact, I've never seen a bag that I love and only have one everyday bag! My budget is 500 pounds.

Thanks for the advice. I had tried googling 'handbag advice' but not much came up

Beanpot, are you able to disclose your website?

I bought a fake gucci bag from an internet shop not too long ago.
my mil, upon showing her my bag, only knew it fake, because she knew there was no way we could afford 700quid to buy the real deal. my mil only ever buys real designer bags for herself and her daughters, bags from vivienne westward, gucci, dior, LV, burberry etc, and she really knows her stuff, so to speak. she couldnt believe how real my gucci looked, and it only cost me 40 pounds. so some are very convincing, other not so.

sure here, plus I'm happy to give you some advice/help etc, email me on the website link if you want any help..no problem..

Just one more question for now: with my 500 pound budget, which brand is considered the most impressive other than Gucci? I've ruled out Prada, Mulberry, LV, Burberry and Tods as haven't seen one I like - but are there any other brands I should consider? (I want a SMALL shoulder/hobo bag, leather or fabric, stylish but not too 'of the moment', either a bright colour or brown/black)

Good point, Illgetyoubutler - if I do get a fake, I won't get a design that's 1000 pounds+ in real life in case I give the game away!

Will have a look at Beanpot's website later today, thanks.

It depends in the circles you move but generally speaking the more discrete the better - unless you are a WAG!

Apart from the usual suspects I am rather fond of Anya Hindmarch bags.

Does it have to be really designer? I love Gucci bags (and LV, Mulberry, et al) but there are other good medium range brands ie Furla.

I would never, ever buy a fake - I'd rather go without. I don't think you can leave aside the morality of it but I won't go into that here.

If you don't love the bag, don't spend the money on it. Wait until you find one you do love.

Go and have a browse around Selfridges, Harrods or Harvey Nichs and see if anything grabs you. When/if it does, see if House of Fraser sell it and wait for one of their 20% off days!

Good luck...

Passionfruity, look at GABS Evelina Medium on site...bright small hobo..