January 28, 2021 How to Inspect a Louis Vuitton Bag for Authenticity
If you’re wondering how to inspect a Louis Vuitton bag for authenticity, look no further. We have the honor of inspecting them often, and they’re one of the most popular items we put on consignment in our stores.
Whether you’re looking at a Speedy, a Chantilly, or another bag style, there are a few common checkpoints across all Louis Vuitton bags. I’ll cover the top 4 below. All photos included are of bags we’ve authenticated in our stores.
1. Check the Hardware Weight
Despite the myth, not all Louis Vuitton hardware is brass (which will be easy to identify if tarnished), but it should feel heavy. Lightweight hardware is a major red flag. Most modern bags have hardware made with plated base metals, and brass is now usually reserved for limited edition bags.
2. Examine Leather Stamping
Look closely at all stamping. Stamps should be crisp. This means they align neatly with seams, have well-spaced lettering, and are easy to read.
3. Check the Trim and Handles
Louis Vuitton uses Vachetta leather for its trimming and handles. This leather is untreated and develops a patina (darker color) over time. This means that used Louis Vuitton handbags should show some color change in their handles from the natural wear from hands. In the case of Louis Vuitton handles, perfect ones are imperfect.
4. Inspect the Canvas for Fading
Monogramed Louis Vuitton bags are made with high-quality coated canvas that may show color variation over time, but never fades.
Looking for even more information? There are many great online tutorials about how to inspect a Louis Vuitton bag for authenticity, and nothing is better than learning from a former Louis Vuitton employee. That’s what makes this interview especially helpful.
If you’re in the market for a Louis Vuitton bag, stop into one of our stores to see what we have on consignment or follow us on Instagram to see what’s just hit our sales floor.
Photos Via
January 26, 2021 Living That Thrifted Lifestyle
Let’s talk about living that thrifted lifestyle, the one where you save money, keep used clothing and furniture out of landfill, and create a unique look in your home and fashion that’s all your own.
The more we see it and live it, the more we commit to it. Like you, we’ve fallen head over heels with the very heart of it: the thrill of the hunt. You know it: it’s the thrill of spotting that perfect item and counting the minutes until your home so you can work it into your living room or try it on with the perfect match in your closet.
Now more than ever, it’s so easy to find thrifted inspiration online for both outfit style and home decor. Today we share what a little #thrifted search brought us on Instagram, and how it reminded us of the special draw behind living that thrifted lifestyle.
Are you living that thrifted lifestyle too? Let’s connect! Stop into one of our stores, follow us on Instagram, or sell to us by mail. We hope to see you soon!
January 21, 2021 Quick Steps to Authenticate a Coach Bag
I’ve learned so much from our store buyers about their quick steps to authenticate a Coach bag. Since they buy from the public every day, they’ve learned how to authenticate and price a wide array of popular designer bags over the counter.
They look to detailed internet guides for general staff training and on-the-spot referencing. Our buyers are also avid shoppers, so whenever possible they take the opportunity to touch and study designer bags in department stores and boutiques. They also regularly pass around ones brought into our stores from senior buyers so they can examine signature details. In the case of a Coach bag, they focus on the following three things.
1. Quality is King
Leather bags feel buttery to the touch, have heavy hardware and hold a shape when empty. The first step you’ll often see a buyer take is to just sit a bag on the counter to see how it rests. They then run their hand along the outside of the bag, lift the straps for weight, and check the zippers and hardware for quality and ease of use.
2. Labels are Perfect
A dead giveaway to any fake bag is an error in the designer’s label. In the case of Coach, the label may vary from a current bag to a vintage one, so our buyers learn to identify and confirm what an authentic label will look like.
3. Monograms are Correct
Many Coach bags carry its signature monogram, and any variation on it makes a bag suspect. The easiest way to confirm the monogram is to search the internet for a similar bag, including as much detail as possible and referring only to photos from credible department stores and boutiques, or the label’s own website. Some monograms are more limited in distribution, so don’t be scared off by a new monogram you come across. Just search it online in hopes you’ve discovered something rare!
Here are some photos to help. Scroll down to see just some of the Coach bags that our buyers recently authenticated and brought into our stores.
Photos Via
January 19, 2021 The Gilet: A Fashion Secret for Winter Warmth
I’m a California girl newly introduced to the chilly winters of Strasbourg, France, and I didn’t realize I’d need a gilet for winter. In fact, I didn’t really know what a gilet was until I started following cold-weather style and learned a gilet is the fashion secret for winter warmth.
They are outerwear vests that come in different lengths, textures, and styles, but all provide warmth without being bulky. Some are even designed as thin-fitting vests that magically provide lots of heat because of their down-feather insulation. The best part is they allow you to show off more layers in your outfit.
Scroll down to see the variety of gilets inspiring me and take notice of how they work with everything from suits to sweats. I feel warmer just looking at them.
Now let us know: if you live in a cold climate like me, is the gilet your fashion secret too? We want to see exactly how you style it! Share your look with us on Instagram by tagging @crossroadstrading, and you may find yourself featured on our feed.
January 14, 2021 70’s Inspired Fashion in 9 Pieces
There’s no doubt that 70’s inspired fashion is back, and today we’re sharing 9 pieces from our store racks that capture the look. Each one highlights a major 70’s trend. How many of these do you have in your closet?
1. Mini
Mini dresses and skirts are a classic pick from this decade, especially with ankle boots added. Layer with tights, a long-sleeved shirt and beanie to make it winter-proof.
2. Earth Tones
Colors alone can capture this trend. Look for brown, rust, orange and moss green.
3. Celestial
Prints that feature the stars, moon and sun hint at the decade. We like how this outfit is layered with a zodiac pendant.
4. Bright Floral
We mean really bright, with really big florals. Could these boots be any more perfect?
5. Skater
You don’t even need a skateboard in hand to pull this look off. Just think about That 70’s Show and ask yourself: “What would Kelso wear?”
6. Corduroy
It was everywhere, and it’s back. Here’s a modern Madewell take on it that we want in our closet.
7. Bold Print
Wear a bold print with a neutral, or go all in and add a second bold print. This outfit goes one step further with a gold-buckle weave belt.
8. Throwback
When shopping, look for throwback brands, bands and fonts.
9. Faux Fur
A big faux fur coat or jacket will blend the 70’s trend with your winter need to stay warm. We’re partial to faux rabbit-fur for a 70’s nod.
Are you currently inspired by 70’s fashion? If so, stop in and shop our store racks to find even more.