It occurs to me that we do and say many a crazy thing in the name of bags so i thought i'd start documenting them...
Number 1 - and a tame one to start - referring to our bags as, well, females.
We do it all the time - "She's beautiful", "She has the most amazing leather", "I can't wait to take her out" e.t.c. e.t.c
We wouldn't be the first group to refer to inanimate objects by gender but it does feel a bit embarrassing when considering the outside world - we're very insulated you see, if you stumble upon our world, you are likely to find us quite... you get the idea...
NB. Boy bags do occasionally make an appearance but these are more likely to be accesories :-)
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Dreams can come true - in the form of the Chloe Paraty...
The Paraty was the last Chloe bag that really made a splash upon release back in 2008 - its arrival caused the bag loving population to take out new credit cards, stop eating and cancel all unnecessary extra-curricular activity just to get their hands on one.
It's already being hailed as a classic, which is no mean feat having only been around for less than 2 years. Is it a classic? Well, it's a tough call, after all, what are the defining characteristics of a so-called classic? There will always be those who can't stand it and those that love it, it's the same with all "it" bags. Actually for me, it's like that with a lot of "it" brands - i for one can't stand Louis Vuitton. Gucci and Fendi i don't really get - the Spy is passable but horribly overpriced and not that special - but then a lot will say the same of Chloe so each to their own and all that...
What is indisputable about the Paraty is with it's sleek lines and deceptively simple shape it certainly has the makings of one in the future, it just needs a bit more time to really make its mark. It already comes in many shapes, colours, sizes and materials from the classic black to the more garish metallics, in regular, large or shopper style, zipped or not, calfskin, lambskin or python. Whatever you like there's bound to be a style to suit. I have just snagged myself a regular Paraty in beautiful dark purple, i am literally so excited right now i don't know what to do until she arrives :-)
I will post some pics once she turns up - this particular bag is like gold dust - in fact most of them still are at the moment which speaks volumes for its popularity - is it destined to become the next Paddington? I actually pray it doesn't, it would be nice to keep it under the radar and a bit more exclusive for a little while longer. Unfortunately, i don't think it will be too long before we see the "Party" fakes flooding ebay...
It's already being hailed as a classic, which is no mean feat having only been around for less than 2 years. Is it a classic? Well, it's a tough call, after all, what are the defining characteristics of a so-called classic? There will always be those who can't stand it and those that love it, it's the same with all "it" bags. Actually for me, it's like that with a lot of "it" brands - i for one can't stand Louis Vuitton. Gucci and Fendi i don't really get - the Spy is passable but horribly overpriced and not that special - but then a lot will say the same of Chloe so each to their own and all that...
What is indisputable about the Paraty is with it's sleek lines and deceptively simple shape it certainly has the makings of one in the future, it just needs a bit more time to really make its mark. It already comes in many shapes, colours, sizes and materials from the classic black to the more garish metallics, in regular, large or shopper style, zipped or not, calfskin, lambskin or python. Whatever you like there's bound to be a style to suit. I have just snagged myself a regular Paraty in beautiful dark purple, i am literally so excited right now i don't know what to do until she arrives :-)
I will post some pics once she turns up - this particular bag is like gold dust - in fact most of them still are at the moment which speaks volumes for its popularity - is it destined to become the next Paddington? I actually pray it doesn't, it would be nice to keep it under the radar and a bit more exclusive for a little while longer. Unfortunately, i don't think it will be too long before we see the "Party" fakes flooding ebay...
Thursday, 21 January 2010
The Chloe Paddington #1
One of the most recognisable and iconic bags of the noughties the Chloe Paddington is so over-produced now that it's hard to turn anywhere without seeing one - or one of the millions of fakes.
The differences between real and fake are enormous but to the untrained eye, how can you tell? There are many guides out there with some good tips but also a lot of mis-information. There are also a lot of fakers lurking around looking out for tips on how to improve their bargain basement replicas so it doesn't seem prudent to spell it out exactly. However, there are plenty of things you can do to get started if you are looking to buy a Paddington off Ebay or Bonanzle or another auction site...
Before i delve into that, what is it about this bag? And what about all the different sizes/styles?
2005 Grenat Paddington Regular
1) The padlock - aaah yes, the famous padlock and key, probably the first thing you notice about the bag. Well it looks good, but it's not exactly functional and it does add an awful lot of weight - an authentic lock from 2005 should weigh around 2-3 lbs. As of 2006, composition hardware was introduced to lighten the load a little and the hardware was subsequently no longer 100% brass. I even find the padlock a bit embarrassing since no one really wears authentic designer bags where i live, they don't really understand, so i tend to just take the padlock off and store it in a safe place.
2) The size - the regular size is indeed pretty regular depending on how big you normally wear your bags. The measurements are approx. 14" x 7" x 8" and the best thing is when they're really broken in, the leather on these bags is to die for. Really thick and smooshy - and unlike popular thinking, the older the better....
The differences between real and fake are enormous but to the untrained eye, how can you tell? There are many guides out there with some good tips but also a lot of mis-information. There are also a lot of fakers lurking around looking out for tips on how to improve their bargain basement replicas so it doesn't seem prudent to spell it out exactly. However, there are plenty of things you can do to get started if you are looking to buy a Paddington off Ebay or Bonanzle or another auction site...
Before i delve into that, what is it about this bag? And what about all the different sizes/styles?
2005 Grenat Paddington Regular
1) The padlock - aaah yes, the famous padlock and key, probably the first thing you notice about the bag. Well it looks good, but it's not exactly functional and it does add an awful lot of weight - an authentic lock from 2005 should weigh around 2-3 lbs. As of 2006, composition hardware was introduced to lighten the load a little and the hardware was subsequently no longer 100% brass. I even find the padlock a bit embarrassing since no one really wears authentic designer bags where i live, they don't really understand, so i tend to just take the padlock off and store it in a safe place.
2) The size - the regular size is indeed pretty regular depending on how big you normally wear your bags. The measurements are approx. 14" x 7" x 8" and the best thing is when they're really broken in, the leather on these bags is to die for. Really thick and smooshy - and unlike popular thinking, the older the better....
Monday, 11 January 2010
Ebay Myth #1 - A receipt proves authenticity
Er, in a word no. In a few words, a receipt proves absolutely nothing without plenty of other authenticating pictures/information. It can be useful for corroboration i.e if a bag is released in S/S 2008 but the receipt is from 2006 - well clearly the seller isn't particularly clever, but you get the idea...
Receipts can be easily bought or faked. Try googling it to see how easy they are to find. Or think about this - how easy is it to buy a genuine bag and use the receipt to peddle off a fake of the same style/colour.
So, not necessarily bad things - but they certainly do not prove authenticity on their own...
Receipts can be easily bought or faked. Try googling it to see how easy they are to find. Or think about this - how easy is it to buy a genuine bag and use the receipt to peddle off a fake of the same style/colour.
So, not necessarily bad things - but they certainly do not prove authenticity on their own...
Things to know when buying designer handbags...
Well, it's been over a year since i even made a post and in that time a lot has changed - except my passion for bags....I had to close my website because i just didn't have time to look after it along with doing my day job and trying to maintain a semblance of a life...
Not to worry, i thought i'd start sharing some things i've picked up since my bag fetish started a couple of years ago. It is possible to find genuine designer bags out there for a fraction of retail - not just on auction sites (i say auction sites, i mean Ebay and Bonanzle - which i will post about later) but in the sales, in the UK and further afield. If you want to know what i know and grow a great collection, keep reading...
My main attention goes to Chloe (as already mentioned several times!) and Balenciaga which was a later arrival - not on my radar, it's always been there, but to my collection since they're slightly pricier. However, i occasionally dabble in other brands and the important thing to remember is that all the same rules apply whatever you're after - do your homework. When dealing with reputable online stores, you will in general be fairly well protected. When dealing elsewhere, you will never have a 100% guarantee that things will go right but you can do plenty of things to help ensure it does. I will try to focus on different topics over the next few weeks including tips on buying and selling on Ebay, specific tips on looking out for fakes and classic scam techniques/stories....
I will also be showcasing the bags/accessories i own, just because it's nice to get them out every now and again!
My beautiful Chloe Terracotta Edith Loaf:
IF ANYONE WANTS TO ASK A QUESTION, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT - NO ABUSE PLEASE! I AM A BAG LOVER WITH A LOT OF EXPERIENCE IN OWNING AND SELLING DESIGNER BAGS - I AM NOT HOWEVER GOING TO PRETEND I KNOW ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING - I AM ALL ABOUT SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE!
Not to worry, i thought i'd start sharing some things i've picked up since my bag fetish started a couple of years ago. It is possible to find genuine designer bags out there for a fraction of retail - not just on auction sites (i say auction sites, i mean Ebay and Bonanzle - which i will post about later) but in the sales, in the UK and further afield. If you want to know what i know and grow a great collection, keep reading...
My main attention goes to Chloe (as already mentioned several times!) and Balenciaga which was a later arrival - not on my radar, it's always been there, but to my collection since they're slightly pricier. However, i occasionally dabble in other brands and the important thing to remember is that all the same rules apply whatever you're after - do your homework. When dealing with reputable online stores, you will in general be fairly well protected. When dealing elsewhere, you will never have a 100% guarantee that things will go right but you can do plenty of things to help ensure it does. I will try to focus on different topics over the next few weeks including tips on buying and selling on Ebay, specific tips on looking out for fakes and classic scam techniques/stories....
I will also be showcasing the bags/accessories i own, just because it's nice to get them out every now and again!
My beautiful Chloe Terracotta Edith Loaf:
IF ANYONE WANTS TO ASK A QUESTION, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT - NO ABUSE PLEASE! I AM A BAG LOVER WITH A LOT OF EXPERIENCE IN OWNING AND SELLING DESIGNER BAGS - I AM NOT HOWEVER GOING TO PRETEND I KNOW ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING - I AM ALL ABOUT SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE!
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