When you're thrifting it can be really hard to tell if something is fake or real. I've been stumped by the most knocked-off item out there: purses. I know to look for the general signs of a fake: cheap hardware, odd interior, a bad zipper, imperfect stitching, and of course logo accuracy. But I am definitely not an expert.
That's why I was so skeptical when I came across this Kate Spade crossbody. It was marked at $4.95 in a thrift store that marks up by brand. I guess the person doing the tagging that day either decided it was in bad shape or more likely just saw a small nylon bag and didn't recognize the brand. In the store I was a bit puzzled. The hardware was right, the inside seemed high quality, but no matter how many keywords I googled, I just couldn't find the same purse model-and I still can't find it anywhere other than eBay.
I took a chance because it was so cheap and am glad I did! When I got it home my friend assured me she had seen the same one for sale on the website. Sure enough, I opened up one of the inside pockets and found a Nordstrom Rack tag still inside, listing the purse on sale for $99. A little bit of stain remover on the bow and bam, good as new.
That's why I was so skeptical when I came across this Kate Spade crossbody. It was marked at $4.95 in a thrift store that marks up by brand. I guess the person doing the tagging that day either decided it was in bad shape or more likely just saw a small nylon bag and didn't recognize the brand. In the store I was a bit puzzled. The hardware was right, the inside seemed high quality, but no matter how many keywords I googled, I just couldn't find the same purse model-and I still can't find it anywhere other than eBay.
I took a chance because it was so cheap and am glad I did! When I got it home my friend assured me she had seen the same one for sale on the website. Sure enough, I opened up one of the inside pockets and found a Nordstrom Rack tag still inside, listing the purse on sale for $99. A little bit of stain remover on the bow and bam, good as new.
Here's one purse I'm not sure I was so lucky on. Though, if it is fake, it's one of the best fakes I've ever seen. It's well constructed with great genuine leather, the logo is completely accurate, and the stitching is awesome. Unfortunately, there are three things that lead me to believe it may not be authentic: the zipper is thinner than other Dooney zippers i've seen, there is no white tag on the inside (although those do occasionally get ripped out), and it is missing the hang tag (again not a dead giveaway since they come off). Also, there seem to be a fair amount of Dooney and Bourke fakes out there from around this time period.
What do you guys think? I'm leaning towards a fake. Of course, if I ever want to sell it I'll get it authenticated first, but for now it's still a good quality purse and one of my favorites!
What do you guys think? I'm leaning towards a fake. Of course, if I ever want to sell it I'll get it authenticated first, but for now it's still a good quality purse and one of my favorites!