Ostrich Leather Tote Bag from Marks and Spencer

* Double handle
* Zip fastening
* Tab zip feature
* Stitch detail
* Ostrich design
* L38 x H31 x W11cm

Buy this Ostrich Leather Tote now -

Authentic Mulberry Bayswater Handbag

The price of a Mulberry Bayswater is actually a snip compared to some of the other top designer handbag labels! The second picture shows a replica Bayswater from a UK based retailer of high quality replica designer bags copied from Mulberry, Chloe and Prada handbag styles. They are selling copies of the Bayswater for £219. of course at that price the bag is not going to be made to the same quality as the genuine article.

The quality of the leather will not be the same as the carefully selected and aged hides that are used on a genuine Mulberry and the hardwarewill be much poorer quality, unlike the clasps used on a Mulberry which are built to stand years of use.

The engraved lock carries the Mulberry logo

What I do not like about many of the replica handbag sites is the fact that at first sight they purport to be selling the real thing – albeit at a discount. You have to look very hard to find the statement that the bags are, in fact, copies of the real thing.

So if you find a site that seems to be selling your favourite designer bag for 30 per cent off or more, check carefully before you buy. Mulberry Bayswater handbags are on sale through selected online agents like MyWardrobe, who currently have the Bayswater in black or tan in stock.  Apart from those licensed outlets the rest are likely to be selling replicas or copies.

Here are some of the tell tale signs that show whether a Mulberry Bayswater bag is the genuine article:

- The zips on the pockets close from left to right and the zip closer is oval shaped with a hole in the middle

Replica Mulberry Bayswater - can you spot the difference?

- A real Mulberry Bayswater will have a ‘made in’ label on the inside lining, and there is a brass disc attached to the pocket side of the bag carrying a unique serial number

- The lock is in aged bronze coloured metal with a brass coloured padlock, and there is the trademark mulberry tree embossed on the postman’s lock section. There should be two brass keys supplied for the padlock.

- Always check the quoted dimensions as well – the real Mulberry Bayswater measures 26.5 cm x 36cm x 16cm, and it has metallic bronze feet. I have come across replica bags that are made to slightly different dimensions so that is a quick way to check authenticity before you look at the details of the bag.

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Is it possible that we will soon take recycled handbags seriously? There is already a plethora of bags using scrap packaging and many of them look really sharp, although they are a little too shiny for my taste. This one is made from discarded ring pulls, and it looks better than many.  Almost all of them are manufactured in a fairtrade manner, which is reassuring. If  digital signage ever becomes resuable that would be an interesting design idea.

A French court has ordered eBay to pay 40m euros ($63m) in damages to the owners of luxury designer handbag brands Louis Vuitton, Dior and Givenchy, for allowing online auctions of fake copies of its goods. The brand owning company, LVMH, took the action because it said eBay’s French site had not done enough to stop the sale of counterfeit designer bags and perfumes.

An eBay statement said LVMH was trying to “protect uncompetitive commercial practices at the expense of consumer choice” and added that it would appeal. Read more »

Fahsion trends change so quickly that only those with deep pockets can buy every designer handbag they would like to complete the current season’s catwalk look. If you find yourself craving a designer bag that you cannot afford, a good quality replica designer purse might be the answer for you.

Replica Handbags, sold under that label, are a long way from the cheap designer knockoffs that you will see in street markets and online auction sites.  A good quality copy of a Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Prada bag will fool almost everyone with its high end finish. The makers of these bags check to make sure that every lock, clasp and stitch emulates the quality of the original. Because designer bags dictate the trends for any fashion conscious woman, replica bags are the best affordable alternative if you want to dress for success Read more »

Louis Vuitton Designer Handbags are distinctive and colourful, and that is why they have been copied and counterfeited more than any other designer brand. Cheap copies of Louis Vuitton Bags are sold on street corners and in flea markets in nearly every big town you can think of. Takashi Murakami, creator of the world famous Multicolore bag, says he can always tell when a woman is carrying a knock-off version of one of his handbags. He designed the LV monogram to be printed in no less than 33 different colpurs, giving the subtlety and class that you expect in an authentic designer handbag. Inside, the durable lining in soft suede is stitched and reinforced so it will not split as soon as you use the bag. Zips and clasps will stand up to regular use, and always close securely and smoothly. If you were offered the chance to buy a ‘genuine’ Louis Vuitton bag in a shed with metal roofing (pic right), would you think it was not completely legitimate?

Murakami sees his designs as an art form, and most of us would not expect to rip off the latest painting by an exclusive artist – would we? Leading handbag designers say their bags are worth every penny, as they use the highest quality materials, and the design makes them a pleasure to use. Louis Vuitton is now making more affordable versions of the Speedy bag, which might come closer to your budget.

Takashi Murakami’s latest desgn, the Monogramouflage range, is now available and is likely to become a cult collector’s item, in the same way as its predecessor, the much-loved Multicolore Handbag.

Last week, before I visited the Harvey Nichols Handbag shop, I went to one of the best midweek street markets in London, Leather Lane. For women this is a fantastic place to buy clothes, shoes and, of course, replica handbags, at low prices. If you go there do not embarrass yourself like a friend of mine, and ask for a receipt!! A market like this is not a tourist rip-off joint – all the traders are licensed, and pay a high rent to be there. In spite of this there are plenty of bargains available. I bought a High Street summer top for £5 instead of £30, it fits perfectly and looks fab. Which left me more money towards my Designer Handbag Fund. While I was in Leather Lane, I noticed how many handbags were on sale: I’d say more than half the clothes stalls also carried handbags. Have a look at the photo of this handbag seller, and you will see that the craze for oversize bags is still with us!!

If you know London, you may realise that Leather Lane is just round the corner from Hatton Garden, where you could fins your ideal diamonds – maybe put them on your handbag, in the same way as Chanel have done on their Diamond Forever bag?
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