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.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

It’s interesting because Hilary Duff and Sara Jessica Parker have totally different styles, are different ages, and wear their Louis Vuitton limelight way differently. I mean, it hardly looks like the same bag.

Hilary wears her copper Limelight like a clutch- but folded over and polished.

But, if you didn’t know what you were looking at- you could mistake SJP’s bag for a crumpled up sack.

I like the softness of this light, quilt-y bag- but I personally wouldn’t wear it like that. It’s interesting, because I have several pictures of Sara Jessica Parker with her Limelight- and she wears it in a similar way in all my pics. I mean, it looks like you can not only see all her stuff- but that, it’s gonna tip over and we’re going to see the contents pictured in next weeks US Weekly.

I’m going with Hilary on this one.  I think she looks put together, but also fun, fresh and interesting.  What do you think?

If you’re loving her look- be sure to check out the authentic pre-owned copper Louis Vuitton Limelight that we have listed on eBay right now! It’s a great price for a great piece… take a look!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

(Louis Vuitton Watercolor Aquarelle Frame)

You knew it wouldn’t take long. While just technically launched yesterday, they’re already up on eBay!

And, while I love to promote our own bags (we have a ton of amazing pieces on eBay and on our fashionphile.com website right now- including our own Richard Prince for Louis Vuitton Heartbreak Joke bag), ya gotta hand it to eBoutique! She’s got some killer stuff. Loving seeing the new Richard Prince watercolor bags up.

She’s got the Louis Vuitton Watercolor Aquarelle Frame Speedy pictured above, the Watercolor Aquarelle Papillon, and the Watercolor Jamais. Take a look.

Very cool, indeed.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

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. 

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Must have been an LV!

I know it’s not a good idea, but I definitely have a few favorite bags- that, placed in the same circumstances, I’d probably hold on just as tight!  

Amazing footage.  The woman kept her bag- and although was probably totally freaked out, came out relatively unscathed.  

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Well… I thought it would be fun to pit sisters against sisters.  So what do you think?  Who’s wearing the Louis Vuitton Cerises Speedy 25 Better?  The Hilton’s or the Simpsons?

I have a hard time calling it for the Hilton sisters- because poor Jessica is clearly just out picking up some milk at Ralphs.  And, I think we can all agree that the black hair phase was never a good one for Ashley.

I’m going to have to go with Nikky Hilton here.  She’s looking so good it doesn’t matter that Paris is wearing Dr. Pepper sweats.

If you’re loving her look- you can have it too!  As you know that Cerises line was a limited edition.  You can’t get it at the boutique or on eLuxury.  But we have an authentic pre-owned Louis Vuitton Cerises Speedy 25 on eBay right now.  Check it out!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

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!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Well, when I read the headline I felt bad that someone would “lase” (basically use a laser to destroy) a perfectly good Louis Vuitton Speedy 30.Upon further inspection, I realized that this was probably for the best- as it looks like Joe Lee picked up this “Louie” in China Town when he was buying the Fireworks!Take a look for yourself:

Compare the monogram placement to an authentic Monogram Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 from our FASHIONPHILE Photophile:

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

What’cha think?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

I always love seeing the results! You know what I mean… you hear through the grape-vine that “so and so” got a little work done. Who doesn’t want to take a peek?

The Louis Vuitton Boutique was one of the original fixtures when the fabulous Copley Place opened its doors in Boston in 1984. It’s high time it got a little overhaul, and it sounds like that’s exactly what happened.

According to WWD, the new boutique is 7,200 square foot! This is more than twice as big as it was in it’s previous life. It’s also now the 15th “Global Store” in the US. This means that in addition to just carrying leather goods, it will have women’s and men’s shoes, ready to wear and even an exclusive, “secluded” fine jewelry section.

Sounds fab! I’d love to see some of the cosmetic changes. From WWD:

The ceiling was pushed up about 3 feet to create a tray ceiling finished with Venetian plaster squares that mimic the signature Damier print. The 185-foot metal-and-glass facade also has a Damier motif.

Wow! If you have any pictures- please send them on! I’m dying to see!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!