Archive for April 27th, 2007

How To Spot Fake Designer Handbags

Friday, April 27th, 2007

handbag designer

by Joyce Dietzel

Designer handbags are all the rage and all women barring those that do not live in ordinary time would probably want to have one, a couple or a hundred if possible. Still, there is that question of price, price and price. Are there any other problems beside that?

With its really pricey price, there are a lot of designer handbags knock-offs being sold in the market today. In the Internet alone, there are literally hundreds of sites selling fake designer handbags at low low costs. Some scammers do not even tell that the designer handbags on their sites are designer knock-offs. And to be totally honest, some are so close in design and workmanship with the original that only a true designer handbag expert can tell if it is the real thing or the reel deal. So how can one spot the authentic from the fake without having the necessary years and years of experience with designer handbags?

Designing the design Thank god then for the Internet as you can easily compare the original from the fake by just logging on to the website of the designer label and download the picture of the handbag that you want to examine. All of the websites carry close-up shots of the handbags that they carry so that it would be easier for consumers to spot differences in design, cut and even the color of the thread being used. Some websites will also carry tips that will further help you spot the telling difference.

Get to the Fabric Remember that paying big bucks for handbag is not only paying for the brand name but also to the materials it used and the quality of its craftsmanship. Most handbags are hand-made, the beaded ones all the more so. Materials used to produce the designer handbags are top of the line and first class. As designer labels have strict quality control, you can be sure that you are getting the best for your money. This is one way to spot a fake. IF there is a problem with stitching or with any part of the designer handbag, then it might not be the real thing. Only those designer handbags that are perfectly done right down to the minutest details are the ones that you are sure of to be originals.

Don’t forget the details While the basic cut, shape and size of the handbag may be identical with the original, small details like the lock, the zipper and even the inside pockets will be different. Sometimes the material itself will feel the same but the print will not. Make sure then that the prints are clear and cleanly printed. Also, Put special attention to cuffs, collar, buckles and other trimmings in the handbag that may point to a less than authentic finish.

Also, when buying make sure that you know the trademarks and symbols of designer labels as most designer knock-offs would not dare copy the exact trademark. Hermes handbags, for instance, should have the Hermes Paris stamp while the Versace, Hugo Boss and Dolce and Gabbana should have the Authentic labels inside.

Packaging has it While the bag may be hard to examine, the packaging of the designer handbag can provide clues on whether the designer handbags are fakes or not. Be alert for things like labels, tags, identity cards and even dustboxes as they may sometimes reveal what the bag itself cannot.

Briggs & Riley Luggage

Friday, April 27th, 2007

Briggs & Riley Luggage

by maxine greco

Luggage is basically designed to protect your clothing and other belongings while traveling. In order to accomplish that goal, the luggage has to be able to withstand the rigors of airline, train, cruises, and taxi travel. Briggs & Riley has designed a line of luggage that gives travelers a better travel experience. Every case is provided with a no-holds-barred guarantee that covers any and all damage, even if caused by a common carrier. They have developed a system called “reality engineering” and it means that Briggs & Riley luggage examines every damaged piece, and continuously improves and refines their cases. Should your case need repair, it can be shipped back to the company for repair or often returned to the place of purchase for repairs at no charge.

Besides the lifetime warranty, which covers functional damage from any kind of travel mishap, Briggs & Riley has many features that make it one of the most popular cases to accompany you on your travels. They’re exclusive outside handles means that the packing space inside is “flat” without the tube for the handle. It gives you much more room to pack, and a smooth surface to hold your clothes. Your clothing is more likely to arrive wrinkle free when packed on a flat foundation. It’s smarter to have your handle on the outside where it cannot interfere with your packing. The handle can also be adjusted to two positions. This makes is comfortable and convenient for all travelers.

Briggs & Riley baseline is available in two different models. The NXpandables has a one-touch expansion system for more space when needed. With just the push of a button, you can pack in up to 30% more space. This will accommodate a longer trip, or allow you to bring home many more souvenirs and purchases. They also offer Superlights, which are the lightest upright cases in their class. All of the wheeled pieces are equipped with quiet-glide, wide profile wheels. There is also a Smartlink system, which allows you to quickly attach a smaller bag to the front of the larger wheeled case. Double zipper pulls are easy to open and close and are lockable. Each piece is equipped with the TSA combination lock. This is the only combination lock permitted for use when flying in or out of airports. These locks have a key entry that bypasses the combination lock, similar to a master key used in hotels. The key is only used by airport security personnel and is not available to anyone else. The leather top handles on the luggage are retractable making it both elegant and easy to carry. Briggs & Riley luggage is made of 2520D ballistic nylon outer fabric. It is self-repairing and resists wear, tear, water, dirt, and abrasions. The corners are protected with ABX corner guards. These are impact-resistant shields designed to prevent corner damage from impact and scratching. The cases feature hybrid frames for durability, flexibility and shape retention. The baseline collection is known for its smart design with smart features. There are many totes and satchels designed with a back pocket, which will slide over the pull up handles. There are multiple organizer pockets inside for your travel essentials. Some of them have expansion features for longer or shorter trips. Many are designed to also be carried when sightseeing or for short overnight trips. Travel is simpler when you can pull your entire luggage with one hand. Both lines are available in three stylish attractive colors, black, olive, and crystal. Yes, it’s as simple as that!