Blog: Crossroads Style

We hope you’re enjoying our blog series on designer handbag authentication. Today we’re sharing 3 quick ways to spot a real Gucci handbag. The internet offers a wealth of knowledge on this subject, and we really like this guide from Bagvanity. Often times though, a quick glance is all you need to determine if a Gucci handbag is real. Here are the 3 things you should examine first.

1. Inspect the Interior Fabric.

Since replica makers put their focus on getting the outside of the bag just right (which they often do really well), they skimp on the interior of the bag. A real Gucci handbag shows excellence throughout, which means a high-quality interior fabric with clear logos.

2. Confirm Only One Gucci Logo is Used.

Both the touching G logo and overlapped G logo are officially Gucci, but you won’t see both used on the same handbag.

3. Ensure the Interior Tag Engravings are Flawless.

Again, a replica handbag maker will ignore the fine details of a Gucci bag interior. The interior tag will have an unscratchable, well-aligned logo on the front and a clear unscratchable serial number on the back.

Some Examples

Below are examples of Gucci handbags, shoes, wallets, and belts that we’ve authenticated in our stores. Notice the quality craftsmanship throughout.

So that’s it: 3 quick ways to spot a real Gucci handbag. Do you love Gucci? Follow us on our Instagram feed to see new pieces that come into our stores, or consign your designer item with us anytime.

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There are some things so good they always find their way back on the list of latest trends, and flared jeans are one of them. You’re probably already familiar with the rotation: skinny jeans to straight-leg jeans to flares. Now that they’re back on top of the trend list, it’s an excellent time to find your favorite style of flared jeans. Here are the 3 best styles to consider.

1. Boot-Cut Flare

Boot-cut flares are the best choice for those who love to wear combat boots and booties. They give you a little extra room at the ankle and draw attention to those great boot styles.

2. Cropped Flare

If you love to show off your shoes, then opt for the cropped flare. They are an especially good match with strappy heels and sandals.

3. Wide-Cut Flare

If your style leans towards vintage and retro, then wide-cut flares have your name on them. The bigger the flare, the more they evoke the popular look of the 70’s.

Did we help you find your favorite style of flared jeans? Which did you pick? Let us know which one you chose by sharing a photo on Instagram.

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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.

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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!

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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 like this one 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.

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