The Fake Debate: A few simple rules for finding a fabulous bag

Jennifer Watts

Tory Burch, Dooney & Bourke, Kooba, Burberry, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs. Upon recently acquiring the new Coach Legacy Signature sac the question came to my mind…would a handbag by any other name have smelled as sweet?

The shorter the mini, the taller the spiked heel, the bigger the shoulder pads. These things have been marks of beauty and style for women through the ages, but what is the equivalent modern status symbol for women? Well, the handbag of course. It is both an expression of personality and power. In essence, it is the Lamborghini of the X chromosome world. But the question is--how important is it to have a purse that is the real thing?

I purchased the luxury tote because I loved the look of it. But I’ll be brutally honest – it does give me a sense of self-satisfaction when a passerby swoons. But designer duds can backfire too.  Case in point – I own a classic beige and brown monogrammed Louis Vuitton bag that I stopped wearing because its authenticity was always being called into question. In a culture so saturated with replicas, the last thing you want to do is shell out big bucks only to be accused of sporting a knockoff. Remember the white LV model with the multi-coloured monos that you saw EVERYONE with a few years back? That bag makes me queasy – real or not – because it has been faked more times than the female orgasm. And let us not forget the Sex and the City episode where Samantha buys a beautiful gold faux Fendi only to be shamed by a playboy bunny carrying the bona fide bag.

While it is clear that a great deal of stigma surrounds designer imposters and many fashionistas swear they’ll never take a counterfeit, I believe that the answer to the fake debate is quite simple. While toting around the real McCoy has its advantages, it is also a very expensive undertaking and a long term investment.  So here are a few simple hints to help you find your personal style without breaking the bank.

• Seek out consignment stores in well-to-do neighbourhoods and you might stumble upon a cool vintage couture bag
• Go hunting at a boutique for a locally made one-of-a-kind conversation piece and make it your ‘it’ bag this season
• Check out a quality design at a mid-range price that is inspired by, but not a copy of, a designer (think Nine West, Guess, Aldo, Matt & Nat, H&M)
• If you are going to score an imitation piece off EBay or down some dark alley opt for a less conspicuous style and not a standard that everyone expects to be fake
• If the moniker is important to you, but your wallet’s feeling light then log on to www.shouldercandy.com , the premier Canadian bag rental service and pick up one of the latest designs for $40-95 for the first week (reduced rates for additional weeks and free roundtrip shipping)

Whether it is a hobo or clutch, a baguette or bucket bag – the lesson is that it doesn’t have to have a name to make a statement, just like you don’t have to be a rehab-bound, red bull guzzling, pantiless celeb carrying a Balenciaga to be a true style-maker in your own right.