Shopping Pre-loved Louis Vuitton (Or Any Designer)

I love this print.
It was launched in 1896. Do you know why? 

The Damier (checked) print was so widely copied that the Louis Vuitton company created the iconic monogram print to combat counterfeits. 
It's a problem that still exists today.
I've been on Canal Street in New York City 
and 
"No, I don't want a bag."  
The signature L.V. canvas is the most counterfeited design in history. For that reason shopping for used or pre-loved Louis Vuitton bags can be intimidating.

Why did I start collecting when so many fakes are floating around?
What if I think I'm getting authentic but get a fake instead?
The thought of that is kind of scary.
 The L.V. handbag comes in and out of popularity but for as long as I can remember I've admired it. 
I just love the antique and vintage look to it. 
There have been some (my husband included) that have questioned my spending so much on a bag. 
I counter that argument with the timelessness of this design. 
The Gucci bag that I longed for 35 years ago (and never got) is still in style today. 
How about the vintage all leather Coach?
My niece and I haggled for one at the GreenFlea flea market for her roommate.  
Timeless-Classic.

Iconic styles wax and wane in popularity but they will always be around.
I've told my husband that in the long run I'll save money because it will never be "out".
Did he buy that argument?
No but I had to try.
;)

The price point was out of reach when I'd made the decision to make my first purchase so shopping for a second hand or "Pre-loved" bag was the only option available to me. 

I bought my first bag from a reputable re-seller in town.

She had gone out of business by the time I wanted a different style of bag so I headed to an auction site.
There are no outlets stores or seconds for Louis Vuitton and 
the company reportedly destroys anything that doesn't pass the standards of quality. 
All those 70% below retail sites for new bags are counterfeiters.

Before you commit to buy here are some steps to take. Touch and feel an authentic bag.
It has a very distinctive feel.
My friend Laura had one and I saw that thing everyday for the five years she worked for me.

Research the characteristics of the bag you desire.
Look at the L.V.s and qua-trefoils. 
For instance on the Petit Bucket there will be a certain number going across and down.

Observe the stitching. 
The yellow threads on the Vachetta leather are distinctive.
For example all tabs on a vintage pochette will have the same number of stitches going around the tab. 

If the Vachetta trim is still a very light color on an older bag it could mean the seller never had it out of her closet or it could be vinyl and therefore the bag is fake. 
Most of the fake bags don't turn that honey color. 

Look at the inside. 

The tags inside the bag are of a finer quality than a typical bag. 
The linings are consistent through out the years.
If the style bag you desire is still available new from Louis Vuitton you can visit that website to look at the distinctive characteristics of the interior and exterior of the bag.
Occasionally, the bag has been revamped by Louis Vuitton but it's easy to fact check that on an internet search.
The Neverfull, a new iconic bag, got revamped last year. 
Its remodel is commonly talked about on blogs and forums. 

You cannot rely on the fact that there is a serial number inside the bag or that original receipts, bags, boxes and authentication cards are included in a sale or auction. Those can be copied as well.
There should be many photos of the bag on the auction site. 
If there are only a few - walk away. 
Once you have seen a bag that looks authentic, check out the seller's feedback. 
If there is negative feedback and accusations of selling fake bags I will pass.

Study the Os in Louis and Vuitton. 

They are very rounded and distinctive. 
Most of the older counterfeits say "Made in France" but the fakers have even figured that out. You can easily do some research and find out which countries manufacture Louis Vuitton.
They are even made in the U.S. 

Finally, if you still aren't sure, there are authenticators that for a small fee will tell you if your bag is genuine. 
Make sure you have buyer's protection with any designer purchase. 
Don't let the thought of getting a fake deter you from an auction site.
I was able to return a fake Dooney and Bourke for a refund. 
Most reputable sellers do not want negative feedback.
With a little research you can find a great bag.
 Katie    
Linking with,
Savvy Southern Style 
Common Ground 
French Country Cottage

Aqua Is Lovely!

I'm so in love with the new kitchen color.

It reminds me of the color of an antique Ball jar. 

It is just so pretty. 

Initially the family said it was too bright. They just weren't used to color on the walls. It's not too bright. It's toned down from the blue that was in here before. 

  
It isn't a neutral but it feels like one.

The aqua of a Ball jar is really one of my favorite colors.

I've collected some pretty stuff over the years and spring is the perfect time to show it off.

I told you about our antique prayer book. 
The color on this is amazing. 

 

I picked up this antique toy sewing machine at one of our local antique stores.

My mom made the little cross stitch for me when I was a child. 
She made a matching one for my cousin, who is a year and a half younger than I am. 
 

My little Art Deco clock came from the same antique shop as the sewing machine. 

It doesn't matter that it doesn't work. The finish is perfectly patinated. 

 We used to have the best antique stores around here but many of them didn't survive the recession.

I wanted an aqua ice cream bucket and couldn't find one so I fiddled around with some paint we had in the garage.

Then I found this one at one of our remaining antique shops. 

Love it! 

This color is such a fun one for spring and we are loving it in the kitchen. I'm patiently waiting for the granite to be picked up by the fabricator. I can't wait to see it all put together. I'll let you know when the granite guy comes to make the template. 
I'm headed to pick out a new faucet tomorrow. 
Katie   
Between Naps on the Porch 
Common Ground 
Have a Daily Cup  
French Country Cottage 

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Hi friends.

I missed posting anything at Easter because life has been a little crazy. 

I'm not sure that it is going to simmer down anytime soon.

I did manage to do a little decorating for spring.

I didn't come up with this idea but have seen it around on Pinterest and on other blogs.

I replaced my old Target rainboots with a pair of Hunter rainboots from Nordstrom Rack. 

They were a complete steal!

The old rainboots, a gift from my daughter, were ripe for a makeover.

I spray painted them with green paint suitable for plastic.

 Someone at the school was throwing away an old parasol.

I snagged it late last summer and a vignette was born. 

The flowers are from Hobby Lobby.
 

They are a little different from your typical silk flowers. The petals are fabric but the leaves are almost like foam in texture.

 The green school chair was another cast off from work. 

 There are two of them and they are painted Alaska Tundra Green chalkpaint by CeCe Caldwell.

 

When I got home from my trip on Wednesday, Bill had sprinkled jars filled with mums around the house.

Nothing speaks to a girl like flowers and Mason jars.

:)

It was good to be home. 

The first thing I saw when I walked through the front door was my little gnome garden on the dining room table.

 

The bench and flower pot came from Michaels. 

The rest came from Hobby Lobby. 

Another gnome is hiding behind the little flower pot. 

Little vines make the clay pot look like it's a basket.

I love that this gnome is out of proportion to the rest of the vignette. 

Isn't that how it should be in gnome world?

The laundry room got a wee one and a toadstool. 

My youngest made this elf in grade school art class.

I used a Michaels gift card to get the bench for Mr. and Mrs. Gnome and a new pillow for the couch. 

 

I love the firefly and the hydrangea.

  

The metal vase got some dried hydrangeas. 

That's about it!

What have you been up to?

Katie

Linking with,

A Stroll Thru Life

Share Your Cup

Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Funky Junk Interiors

Common Ground
 Between Naps on the Porch