What to Look for When Buying Vintage Handbags
Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be all linen and wool clothes in subdued hues and baggy silhouettes. If you love designer items, you can still get involved in the sustainable fashion trend! By buying vintage handbags, you can dress fabulously while being kind to the earth.
The only question is, how do you make sure that these beautiful, vintage designer bags are the real deal?
It’s quite simple! Follow these tips for what to look for in vintage designer bags!
Check for Flaws
The first thing you’ll want to look for when buying handbags is visible flaws. Vintage bags are sometimes bound to have a little bit of wear and tear from years of use, but real designer handbags are impeccably made. They should be able to stand up to the test of time.
At the same time, if it’s totally perfect and claims to be vintage, check the serial number to be sure it isn’t a fake replica. Unless it was kept in its bag and box its whole life, you should be able to tell it’s been a little used.
Look Into Store Policy
When buying handbags, you must be absolutely sure that you are working with a reputable store. Store reviews go a long way to help with that, but it’s even better if you can look into the store policy.
Stores with good return policies and authentication standards are much more likely to be selling authentic Chanel and other luxury brands. This is because they care about their reputation and will never ruin it by selling a fake or overly damaged bag. Follow this linked page to see a store that has a high authentication standard for their vintage bags.
Inspect the Logo
The logos on vintage Chanel bags should be clean and crisp. If it’s a piece of hardware on the bag, the metal should be untarnished and not show any chips or peeling paint.
Chanel and other designer bag companies only use the highest quality metals in their hardware, so these rules go beyond the logos. For example, bag chains, zippers, and knobs should all be genuine, unpainted metal.
Check the Leather Quality
Real leather is durable. A couple of minuscule scratches are one thing, but if the whole bag is peeling or cracking, it isn’t authentic leather. Bubbles are also a sure-fire sign that it isn’t high-quality leather all the way through.
Even if it is real leather and is an authentic bag, don’t buy it if there’s a lot of damage. Designer bags depreciate in value if they aren’t cared for, and you don’t want to pay a lot for something that is worth nothing at all.
Buying Vintage Handbags – For Real!
There’s nothing worse than buying vintage handbags and then discovering that they aren’t real after all. But with these handy tips, that should never happen again. First, make sure you’re buying from a reputable store, and then give that bag an in-depth inspection!
Are you looking for more sustainable fashion advice? Check out our Lifestyle section for more!
With over 20+ years of experience in a variety of corporate and entrepreneurial environments, Diana has developed a great understanding of Marketing Strategy, Brand Development, Customer Success, Public Relations and Management. Her internal drive for developing others and external brands, has allowed her to work in some of the largest cities in the world including Milan, Paris, NY, Mexico, and the Middle East. This experience has been fundamental to Diana’s success and ability to communicate cross-culturally.
