Don't Go For Second Best

About 4 years ago, I was in visiting Paris with my Mum who pulled me into the Louis Vuitton section of Galleries Lafayette the minute we stepped foot into the store. "It's about time you got a classic" she had told me and back then I had found her persistence to buy me a Louis Vuitton original a bit over the top. With the amount of money we'd spend on one bag, I could have bought 20 or even 40 other!!

I will never forget the look of disapproval she gave me when I dared voice that thought. "Listen" she'd said, "you can buy as many cheap crappy trendy bags as you like, but a classic will always be in fashion and will last forever" and twisted my head away from the Murakami special editions and over to the traditional Louis Vuitton monogram ones.

So I got this one:

Now, 4 years later, I can't thank her enough for that. She was absolutely right: it still turns heads, it is in excellent condition (apart from the oxidised handles which can b replaced) and is one decent bag to hold in formal occasions. It is no Gucci or D&G fluff (even though those could cost you a lot more) and it will never be out of season like them.

Indeed, it is very different to spend a salary's worth in a bag that will be so last year in about 6 months to spending it on a bag that will last a lifetime.

So how did all this come up? I was having coffee with a friend somewhere in Athens and a girl with a clone of my bag on her shoulder sat right next to me. I spontaneously took a look at it and guess what: it was fake. Here's how I could tell:

(video by videoJug.com)

I totally disagree with buying fakes. And before you give my blog the same look of disapproval I gave my mother, let me explain myself.

I fully understand that not everybody can afford the real deal, I can't. But why buy a logo emblazoned item just to pretend you can? Buy a bag you can afford and matches your wardrobe or buy nothing and learn how to save money to buy your favourite classic. It is really worth it.

By buying fakes you are supporting an industry that a) is the basis of paraeconomy and b) produces masses of excess products that will soon end up being garbage and therefore harming the environment too. A "fake" costs so cheap because it IS cheap.

Then again if you think that classic bags are priced at unfair rates, punish them by not buying them and don't sport a knock off instead. You don't agree with what they do so why be seen carrying one anyway?

Let me know what you think.

Aaaaand...my last award!!!Marietta, this is for you.
She says that Dreamville is a "silly blog about clothes, fashion, celebs, food, and my latest love.. make up". I don't think it's silly, I think it's fabulous. And it is all Marietta;)

Award info here.