Online research is a dandy place to begin to learn how not to wind up embarrassed. A multi-engine search is the way to go. Look for sites on each of the various designers in whom you are interested. Along with numerous sites offering “inspired” items or “reproductions” (both terms used for fakes) will appear legitimate sites selling the items at their full retail price. One of the premier sellers is eLuxury.com. Inputting “Counterfeit handbags” turned up 75 links, including several informational and many sellers of reproductions. Take your time, visit the sites, and learn what you can.
It is, as has already been mentioned, easiest to pick one designer to start with. To attempt to memorize the details of all designers’ products at once would be frustrating at best, and since they change styles annually, it might also be a bit overwhelming to deal with all of the various items available.
Which designer should you choose? Start by buying a magazine that features pictures of the rich and famous. Whose bags are they carrying this year? If you are going to be a style maven, you need to make sure you are truly in style. It simply would not do to show up dragging a Prada bag if everyone who is anyone is carrying Kate Spade this season! Silly as that sounds, if you intend to fake it, at least fake it well. Buying the current hot label also may allow you to recoup your loss by reselling it on eBay if you decide you’ve gone too far in your quest for class.