Whenever I see these little video guides- I just think to myself, why didn’t they get someone on there who knows what they are talking about. This is Molly Wood for CNet- Spotting Designer Knockoffs Online. “How To Tell Phonies From The Real McCoy!“  CBS’s put it on their morning show.  It was in response to the $61 million Louis Vuitton v eBay decision.  For example, here is the first hint on their website:

“… Louis Vuitton bags have five stitches across the top, the snaps all say Louis Vuitton, the color is specific. What should the zipper look like? Look for lots of clear, detailed photos with the listings. “     

(Which is partly true…. SOME Louis Vuitton bags have only five stitches across the top of the leather tab– the traditional monogram Speedys for example.  This is NOT true of all bags.  Some vintage bags do NOT have Louis Vuitton on the hardware.  Yes, look at the zipper and make sure it’s the right style for that bag.  And I agree, make sure there are good, detailed pictures.)

Hey, at least it isn’t as bad as my favorite worst video guide of all time.  Check it out if you haven’t.  It’s HILARIOUS!!! 

And, Molly… if you need a hand with one of those videos- give me a ring! You know I’d be happy to help you out.

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Happy Earth Day, Fashionphiles!

We decided that in honor of our mother ship- this pale blue dot that we all live on- we’re going to plant a tree for every bag that we sell. (Well, we won’t actually be getting our hands dirty, but Trees for the Future will be planting a tree for each and every bag that we sell.)

We can’t ship our bags without proper packing materials, boxes, invoicing etc. so we hope that this will off-set our consumption here around the office.

I mean, we all know that Re-use is actually even more efficient than Recycling.  And, that’s all we do around here at FASHIONPHILE.  How green can you get?

And, if you don’t buy into the whole global warming thing… hey, who doesn’t love trees?

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This is hilarious.  I don’t usually critique people’s guides- because the people who write them are usually just trying to help people out.

Expert Village, on the other hand is obviously just trying to make some money (and who isn’t) but how hard would it have been to get some real information (and maybe even a real expert) in the video.

My three favorite lines?  (There are more- this video is a classic!) 

1.  After explaining the registration card in a Prada bag, she says,

    “So if someone asks you, ‘hey, is this bag real or fake’ you can say, ‘oh, I watched this “how to” video, and yeah, it is real because I have my card!”

2.  After explaining that fake Coach bags have “circles” all over them (not “C’s”)… she shows a simple Coach leather wallet- that is not in the signature (monogram C) style, and says, 

    “For example, this bag is Coach, but it doesn’t say (sic), have the C’s all the way around it.  So most likely, a boutique (?) is not going to try to imitate this, because they want to try to sell the most fashionable thing.”

3.  In closing, after sharing those two tips (if it has a registration card, it’s real- and any bag that isn’t signature/monogram is real), she says:

    ”Pretty much, that’s how you tell a real bag from a fake.” 

****  Just in clarification:

1.  The paper work that comes with a bag (receipts, tags, registration cards, etc.) is often faked better than the fake bag itself.  I’ve seen receipts with watermarks, and other very close copies. Don’t rely on these items alone for authentication

2.  Counterfeiters don’t discriminate in what they fake.  The rip-off cosmetic bags, wallets, limited edition pieces in monogram, all leather, canvas- you name it. 

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You’ve probably seen Louis Vuitton’s Trompe L’oeil line before (that’s Chloë Sevigny above wearing the LV Trompe Trocadero). But did you know where it got it’s name?

Some of you know that Ben (my bro-in-law and partner here) speaks fluent French. He lived in Paris for a couple of years, and this comes in really handy around the office! Apparently Trompe L’oeil in French means- a trick of the eye.

This is actually an age old technique where realistic imagery creates the optical illusion that a two dimensional piece of art or architecture contains 3D elements that do not really exist.

For example: We went skiing in Garmish, Germany and there were MANY houses that were quite plain- but they had elements painted on them that made the architecture look more interesting than it was:

(these were just square windows- no borders or treatments at all… but with trompe l’oeil)

Take a look at this fabulous example from Andrea Pozzo… a late 1600’s painter. Here is the ceiling that he painted for the Jesuit Church in Vienna:

(The illusory effect of Trompe L’oeil makes this only slightly coved ceiling appear totally domed!)

This technique is just brilliant and so fun to see! Louis Vuitton uses these elements in the Trompe line… they have details that make the bags look like they have features that are purely design.

Why not own your own bit of Trompe L’oeil art?

We here at FASHIONPHILE have a fabulous little authentic pre-owned Louis Vuitton Trompe L’oeil Pochette listed right now on eBay! It’s discontinued… and was a limited edition piece, so you can’t find it in the boutique anymore! Come take a look!

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OK, Ashley must really love her Louis Vuitton Multipli-cité, because quite frankly… she’s all over the blogs, and while she’s got a ton of LV, she seems to be favoring this little wardrobe staple over other really great pieces. In fact recently… I hardly seen her carrying anything else.

And have you noticed? Take a look at the pics- it’s like she’s doing all she can to make sure we get a good picture- not of her… but of the bag! Don’t get me wrong. The Multipli-cité is a fantastic bag! It’s big, roomy and let’s face it, I can use all the pockets I can get!!! But it just seems that her bags are almost “product placement”. I mean, I’m not saying that LVMH is paying Ash to wear their bags, but maybe she wants it to look that way?

Anyway, if you’re buying what she’s selling… (and I am- I mean, she looks dang cute in that first picture- and the whole Disney High School Musical cast bugs me)… then we can help you wear what she’s wearing, for less than the Boutique or Eluxury $1400 sticker price.

We have a gorgie, authentic, pre-owned Louis Vuitton Multipli-cite listed on eBay right now, that will sell for hundreds less than retail! So, go ahead… check it out! And remember, free shipping on any item that I blog about if you read about it here!!!

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Love this clip from the Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton film… have you seen it?

Isn’t it fun getting a little glimpse of MJ at work?  If you haven’t seen the documentary- set your TiVO asap! It isn’t too late- it’s showing on the Sundance Channel again on Monday!I know I pointed it out earlier- but I thought I’d bring it up for those who missed it- since we happen to have a fabulous and oh, so limited authentic Louis Vuitton Polka Dot Fleurs Viviane in our FASHIONPHILE.com store right now!

Come check it out!

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Well, the nominees were just announced on Tuesday. And since I’m, quite frankly long overdue for a good awards show (since the debacle with the canceled Golden Globes)- I thought I’d get geared up for the Oscars: The 80th Annual Academy Awards, by spotlighting one of my all time favorite bags- The Louis Vuitton “Oskar” Waltz.

I mean, WOW!!! Is she photogenic, or what? No…. not Angie Harmon (although, she is looking hot!) But, that Oskar!

The combo of the traditional monogram with contrasting ostrich, lizard, python and fabulous accenting Cabochons is simply stunning!

It was a Fall/Winter 2005 introduction- limited edition and immediately completely sold out. It’s rarely seen today, even on eBay. But guess who’s got one?

She’s just a gorgeous bag- there’s no way around it. We are so pleased to be able to present this authentic Louis Vuitton Monogram Oskar Waltz on eBay right now. If you have any questions about it- please drop me a note.  And click on the link to see a ton more pictures!

But don’t trust us! Go ahead, ask Oprah!

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Hmmm… so here we go.  You know I always feel kind of bad playing this game- especially when one “player” obviously looks better than the other.  But this one I can do!

So, what do you think?  Who is wearing the Louis Vuitton Multicolore Keepall 45 better?  Unapologetic, amateur sex tape star and semi-celebutante Paris Hilton, or Unapologetic, amateur sex tape star and semi-celebutante Kim Kardashian?

I’m definitely more into Keeping up with Kim on this one.  Her Juicy track suit looks great with her skin-tone AND all the pinks in the multicolore.  That Keepall is striking and the vachetta looks fresh.

Paris looks like she needs an upgrade.  I know it’s a dark picture, but the leather on her bag  looks like it’s been around the block a couple of times.  (Which I guess makes sense, for Paris’ luggage.)   We’d love to help her out!

We have an authentic, pre-owned white multicolore Louis Vuitton Keepall 45 (the only size Keepall available for the Multicolore line) on eBay right now!  It’s a gorgeous bag with a ton of pinks and purples right up front where we like them!

Of course, Paris could pick up a new Keepall down the street, at the Rodeo Louis Vuitton for $2000 (well, I guess till yesterday when they unveiled their latest price increase).  Unfortunately, it’s sold out on Eluxury right now.

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OK… I am a little biased here. I totally have a thing for vintage. I’m not talking old- trashed… I’m talking cool vintage pieces- discontinued, so as limited as you can get. If you can find a unique and interesting vintage bag in great condition- it’s a serious jackpot!

I mean, Sarah Michelle Gellar is pretty safe in assuming, that while there may be other monogram Louis Vuitton bags at the airport with her (note the woman with the Speedy 30 in the pic below)- there won’t be anyone else carrying a fab vintage, discontinued Louis Vuitton Sac Shopping bag! I love it! (I’m not discriminating here- I’m loving her coat, her boots, her hat & her sunglasses too… pretty much the whole kit & kaboodle!)

While the masses can’t get their hands on Sarah’s bag- you know we can! In fact, we have a pristine, authentic Louis Vuitton Sac Shopping right now on eBay. It even comes with the original pochette accessories…

Check it out!

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So maybe you aren’t into the cloudy effects of the Olympe line… here’s another quilt-ey soft favorite of Duff’s from Louis Vuitton.

Hilary loves to add a shocking splash of “wow” to her solid black outfits, doesn’t she. That’s Hilary with her copper Louis Vuitton Limelight. It’s a good look for her, don’t you think?

It would be easy for you to recreate a really similar look- the outfit’s a breeze- black long sleeve tunic/ sweater dress with black textured leggings and peep-toes… coupled with the nearly brand new, authentic copper Louis Vuitton Limelight that we have right now on eBay- and you’re set!

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