I’m sure all of you have heard about those notorious Rosie Londoner fake bags. Not just bags but watches, jewelry, sunglasses, and even clothes– the list goes on and on. Well, I just have to share my experience about my fling with fake bags.
It’s not something I’m proud of, but sometimes to look high-end and stylish, I do succum to temptation. About two weeks ago, I got compelled to buy a fake Rosie Londoner bag. To be honest, it was pretty close to the original, the material quality was exceptional and incomparable. The pigmented leather was crisscrossed with two matching laser-cut shoulder straps. The silver detailing and flower pattern across the bottom of the bag was surprisingly perfect.
In hindsight, I could’ve bought the original with almost the same price. But I simply had to get that Rosie Londoner bag. Plus, nobody would know it was a knock-off.
My initial excitement was short-lived, however. When I got home, I discovered the most terrible thing: the bag didn’t have the usual Rosie Londoner signature lining. I had neglected to check this before purchasing, and that oversight totally ruined the whole experience for me. It was a major letdown.
The straps started wearing down in just a few days. By the end of the week, there was visible damage already. It was clear that I wasn’t dealing with any premium stuff here. It was plain embarrassing. Needless to say, I had to return the designer fake bag and regretfully got the money back.
I felt pretty foolish for such an impulsive purchase decision. I imagine this must be the feeling of people who use fake bags to portray a fake lifestyle. It’s so easy to fall victim to the illusion of words like ‘designer’ and ‘luxury’, and forget the value of the original product.
Perhaps, when shopping for luxury items, I should reserve a doubly strict monitoring system– even if it is merely to check signatures inside the bag. If I take my time and do everything in detail, it will leave virtually no doubt about the authenticity of the item.
Moreover, I have started considering the value of money more seriously. In today’s economy, why buy anything fake when I can purchase genuine items? Fake bags can get you compliments from strangers, but I don’t think it is worth the money, energy and time wasted in getting them.
The most important lesson I learned is that it’s necessary to be informed and aware before making any big purchase decisions. Don’t be taken in by flashy labels and expensive prices. Make sure to get 100% original products, because the quality, originality and associated resale value will save you in the long run. Also, do your own research and take the efforts to double check the differentiating features of the bag, such as the type of closure, the finish and the lining.
Furthermore, I have realized that a good item does not necessarily have to come from particular high-end brands. It could also be an item made by local craftsman or even a thrift shop find. All that matters is finding genuine and high quality products.
I have been more careful after all this happened, and will certainly make more conscious decisions while buying items. Just because something appears genuine doesn’t necessarily mean it is. We shouldn’t forget that counterfeits are just that – illegal copies of designer goods.