How to recognize good vs. bad quality handbags | Justine Leconte
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- How to find good quality handbags / purses? What to look for?
What is good quality and what is bad quality?
This video tackles:
Materials (leather, plastic, fabric, coated canvas...)
Sewing (lining, elements, stitching lines...)
Hardware (closure, metal elements, zipper...)
Edge paint, finishing, handle, straps.
I show you how to recognize a good value handbag and what poor quality looks like (fake vs real quality).
Thumbs up if you enjoyed this video!
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New videos: Wednesday 4pm & Sunday 12pm (Paris/Berlin time).
Take care!
Justine
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• How to recognize good ...
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#handbags #purses #collection #guide
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UPDATE: I launched my own handbag collection, it's available here: ruclips.net/video/LmKKe5vGvjg/видео.html
I have a handbag I won in bingo back when I lived in a homeless shelter and I just checked the quality using this video and to my surprise it passes all of these tests
sounds, as if you made some hard experiences in life. all the best to you an congrats for the high quality bag 😃👍
Let me tell you, the entire series about how to differentiate bad from good quality products is extremely helpful for me to not get carried away with the glitzy stores of the fast fashion brands like zara, h&m thatve sprung up in indian metro cities. Your series has helped me shop with my eyes open and put my money where it's worth! Thanks a lot!
I do have a couple Zara handbags too, which I love~ You don't have to spend a fortune on a bag you adore~
Most of the bags I have found in Zara and H&M are relatively bad quality. However, from time to time one can find really nice leather handbags in Zara. They may be a bit pricey, but well done for the money you pay.
Mugdha I completely agree with you! Now I buy less but good stuff. Especially for clothing best way to get ethical and good quality indian clothes I found, is the good old way of getting the material stitched from trusted tailor! Fortunately in India getting clothes tailor made is not very expensive!
H&M has really good quality basics though -- some of my best quality sweaters, suits, and jeans are from there.
So what brand do you prefer for bags?
I love that one of your bags is +10 years old💔 I wish we can go back in time when consumerism wasn't so dominant and goods were of a better quality in general! Thank you for the tips! Now I can shop for a bag like a pro 😂
I work in a second hand store and my job is to quickly assess quality and saleability to set correct prices. This is very helpful. Thank you!
Perfect timing again for Justine to the rescue! I have several handbags, all were gifts. Judging by your info they're likely designer name, outlet version. I've had them all 5 to 10 years. This year, they all started falling apart! I feel they were good for their cost, but I need new bags. Thanks to you, I know what to look for!
+PowerToolsnPearls cool, happy shopping!
I once bought a handbag where the salesperson said it was leather, and the price was high enough to be leather as well. I hesitated a couple of days because of the price before I bought it, as I didn´t earn much money. I used the bag only for special occasions to make it last long and look pretty. After two years it showed that it wasn´t leather at all, the surface lifted and reveiled it was some artificial material. I was really disappointed. Would never buy from that shop again.
What brand was it?
You surely saved my many bucks!!! Thankyou so much ..you are best.. you dont need fancy background or clickbait or any other hypebeat stuff dor ur channel.. your well researched content is your thing.. love u!!
+Sama Zaidi thank you!!
C'était une video vraiment très instructive, comme toujours, Justine! Un grand merci pour ta chaîne, son contenu, tes connaissances et ton enthousiasme à tous les partager! :-) Davie
I learned that a plain pink Michael Kors purse that I purchased at a Marshall’s (a discount outlet kind of place) and learning that the bag is actually really well made and is worth the 145$ I paid for (it was originally 250$ and thinking that was ridiculous to pay for a bag but I would 100% pay that for again if and when this current purse can be put to rest)
It really did change my mind on how much to pay for a purse and not to go for the fun cute bags but pay the extra 100 dollars for a sturdy bag that will go through the day to day function and not break down over 6 months
Thank you so much for this: it has confirmed my own impressions about what makes a good bag. Years ago, I got rid of all but my two most favorite bags. They are from the same company, but are not a big brand-name, and the only one of the marks of a high-quality bag that neither has is the little feet on the bottom of the bag: the leather, the lining, the sewing and hardware all are there.
Do you have videos on how to care for your really expensive bags and clothing, jewelry shoes etc?? How to store them, hang them, clean them, etc..?
Coach is really upping their game lately. Their runway collection and their 1941 collection is fantastic in quality and looks. Love the Rogue bag. I had a Louis Vuitton Neverfull in Damier Ebene that chipped within 3 months. $1,300 down the drain.
Could you please do a video on cleaning handbags?
Thanks!
This was very helpful and helps me justify the price of the handbags I love to buy. I buy one every two to three years just to build up a wardrobe, and I never buy cheap ones. I didn't know that outlets worked the way you described. I won't bother going to any. Love your channel--new subscriber,
and I'm addicted!
I hate how things say they are made of leather, but really they are bonded leather--which falls apart fast. What you want is actual top grain or full grain leather. (if you do leather).
My bags are pre creed or Bonnie Cashin vintage Coach NYC. I also love my LV Speed 25s. Alma BBs are also very nice for me because I am petite. I have other vintage bags which I also use. I would rather pay more for quality that withstands the test of time. I enjoyed this post very much.
Thanks Justine! Thanks to you I made an informed buy for my new handbag and I can tell it's good quality! I'm also very proud to show it :D
I have learned so much from you with this video! The downside is now I won't be satisfied with most of the stuff that is currently available...
Justine, can you please make a video on what to wear for different occasions. Every time I have to go out with friends, I am debating what to wear. Should I be casual, more dressed up in a more sexy way? There seems to be some secret code that everyone but me knows.
oganotliubov there's no code. It's up to personal preference and very much a question of where in the world you are. I'm often in major german cities, in Vienna and in Belgium. What people wear varies sooo much you wouldn't believe it's all for more or less the same occasions and all of them are living in cities.
I feel the same!!!
My favorite bag right is a "Signature" brand navy tote I found at Salvation Army. I wear it every day. On the other hand, I have a Kate Spade that also came from a thrift store that doesn't see daylight because I'm nervous of getting it dirty.
Thanks so much darling for teaching us on how to choose and spend the money better 😘 I'm slowly drifting away from the fast fashion and let me say, it's not the easiest thing to do but it's the right thing 😊 Thank you for inspiring us, sending you lots of love 😘😘
+Vibha B it just arrived here. Thanks 😉😘
This video has to be one of my favorites because of my love for handbags! Thank you for the valuable information you have given on this topic; it will definitely help me in future purchases :)
I really enjoyed your critique on handbags - in Australia a very good brand is Oroton and I just checked all those points on the oroton bags I have and they pass with flying colours - Oroton is priced very well too - Mimco is a popular brand here too but my daughter says the hardware loses its lustre and scratches easily to - so she went bananas a bought a Furla
It may just be me but, the MK bags that ive purchased that were actually good ones were the inconspicious looking bags. Those have lasted me for years and years, but then I do baby all my bags from the designer ones to my synthetic material bags.
Well done Justine!! we learn from you so much!! Keep teaching us!!!love your content every time!!
Wow, I had NO idea that the quality in outlets was lower! I thought the items were just last year's collection or something. That's extremely useful to know. Thanks Justine, I love your videos! :o) (And you've just confirmed that my handbags are amazing quality, yayyyy!)
Back in the old days when I was a kid there was only one outlet, Loehmanns's. They sold quality clothing for women, but once everyone got in on outlets (Nordstroms, Saks, Kate Spade, Coach, Banana Republic etc.) the quality went down everywhere. Now most stuff in outlets has never seen a store.
I bought only Longchamp for years (didn't have many, but they were all lovely). But then the zipper on my favorite Longchamp black business bag broke and I took it back to them -- the Longchamp store -- for repairs. They told me they'd have to send it to France and I was okay with the time that would take since I loved the bag and hoped to use it for years. A month or so later they called to let me know it was "back from France" and I went to pick it up and found the WORST zipper replacement imaginable (crooked uneven stitching when it had previously -- as you said -- been perfect). To make a long story short, I complained all the way to France and it turns out the store had sent it to a local (Greek) shoe repair store! Although I got my repair money back, my beautiful, timeless bag was ruined by Longchamp and of course I stopped buying from them. Their service -- including from headquarters -- was incredibly arrogant, and I thought this incident was appalling.
(Years ago I only bought Coach and several times had repairs done by them. I don't know if this is still true, but then, the repairs were done beautifully!)
+AnnoulaXeni that should never ever happen... What a pity.
AnnoulaXeni that is shocking - for a second there I thought this was in London, could have happened here I'm sure. I had to convince the ladies at Bond Street that my bag should be repaired, when they insisted it's not something longchamp does!!! and I should buy a new one 😉 when I finally got them to admit repair is an option, and they explained the process and the wait, I decided to take it to France myself... and then forgot to pack it 😁 I remember I wasn't impressed with that conversation at the store, quite off putting, hard sale, but what you experienced!!! I would boycott the brand too. Shame, would be nice to be a respected customer everywhere, it really seems to be rare these days, even the reputable brands get greedy... i mean surely it must cost them more to lose clients??? Having learnt from Justine about 'designer outlet collection' I definitely feel like boycotting brands that do that!! Disappointing...
I got a handbag 4 yrs back which costed me more than $100 from a leading brand outlet but now the colours have changed and it has ripped off from some places. Now I understand I shouldn't have bought it at first place!
Is PU ,poly vinyl plastic / pleather because in India..most of the branded bags are made of PU.Thanks for wonderful content which is simply told .
This video is great! Very informative ☺️
Another great and educational video, thank you very much. Allow me to disagree a bit with the loose linen factor, I have 2 bags from Coach, both bought about 8-10 years ago, price range around US400 and the still intact, one is all leather and the other one leather and fabric, both look very well and have undergone heavy use. Of course if the overall quality of the bag is bad then I agree with your judgment, but in the case of the big tote I can actually clean it, which I find useful. Lastly, let me share a experience I had when bought a Prada tote at Selfridges, a calfskin animal print pattern, beautiful, I've been after a bag like that for years and I found it and paid £1400 discounted price. After third use the hair that would be in contact with me when carried on the shoulder was gone...imagine a £1400 bag that after three uses looks like a poor sick animal loosing the hair. Long story short I went back to the Prada in Selfridges and after long negotiation with the manager I managed to change it for a high quality saffiano mini tote bicolor red- burgundy (which I still have). My lesson learnt? Even in a full price shop be very careful when buying discounted items, perhaps there is a reason for being discounted. Have a great day. Greeting from Italy.
My father is a craftsman and I’ve grown up working with him in leather, and Michael Korks is garbage. Very rarely can you find something that is real leather. Even the designs are awful and Coach follows them as well. I used to work for Lord and Taylor and you can see how they copy each other’s designs 😑
Risosi1515 do you mean Coach is bad in design or in quality of leather? Do you still think so now? I'm buying a leather jacket from them and it seems to be good quality, although I'm waiting for a different size
@@mimaesthetic2517 I love my Coach bags. I tend to buy the leather ones that don't "scream" that they are Coach with logos everywhere.
Gracias Justin!!! Esperaba con ansias este video 😀😃 ☺✅
+Link Soul de nada 😊
Thank you Justine for all your great videos and advised. I wish I was French because even though I was born in the Dominican Republic raised in the USA, I think i past life I was a Parisian. I think quality over quantity, I love all things French.
Maybe a video on how to spot an imitation designer bag? If you haven't made one already
+Rachel Gordon I haven't done that yet. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you Justine.
That Michael Kors bag is made in Indonesia. I lived in Indonesia for 5 years and saw where they make them in the industrial city of Bandung. The locals know that the "brand" items Bandung produces are knockoff-quality. They prefer to shop in official brand stores, rather than in Bandung outlets, if they can afford it. So it's not a surprise to me that the Michael Kors brand bag acts like a knockoff. The knockoff market got so big since the 90s brands actually started producing, selling and keeping the profit from their own knockoffs.
+Jo Nyu thanks for sharing your insider knowledge! Very interesting to know!
I must be one of the few who is grateful they make cheap bags, I will never pay over $50 for a purse, but then again, I don’t use it on a daily basis. For anyone who is interested in vegan leather of nice quality, Angela Roi is a nice option. On another note, your videos are always very interesting regardless of the topic.
I need an episode on backpacks :D
Can you make a video about life hacks, how to make easy healthy food or how to make money easily as a teen?? LY
Justine, you are the best! Thank you for ur useful videos!
Justine, can you comment on the quality of bags sold at La Maroquinerie Parisienne, particularly the Longchamp. Thank you
I really learned a lot from your video. Thank you so much.
I learned so much in this video. Thank you ❤
+Rebecca Jungic you're welcome 🤗
Salut Justine, aurais tu des idées pour des chaussures CHIC qu'on puisse porter dans la neige/le froid allemand? Des idées de chaussures qui soient à la fois CHAUDES mais aussi ELEGANTES? Talons, bottes, oxfords, slip-ons.... J'ai du mal à trouver chaussure à mon pied... En Allemagne il n'y a aussi pas tellement d'options élégantes! Merci et bonne continuation!
I didn't like the "status symbol" idea, though I'd had that before. Still wanted the quality with a little rougher look, not so "finished". I found this TOTE made in the good old USA: . This is called the HIDEOUT LEATHER TOTE in color "Saddle". It's left rough on the inside, made from American cowhide. It's beautiful & simple. (I don't work there.)
I️ actually like a loose lining in my handbag because it’s easier to clean. As a mom I️ always have “stuff” marking up my bag.
Also ... is there a difference between a handbag and a purse?
Thanks Justine! ❤️❤️❤️
Carjamrac in the UK a purse is something typically used by women to put change from shopping in, credit cards etc, it is carried alone or put inside ones handbag, which is bigger. I think the term purse is different in USA.
Purse: American English
Handbag: British English. Actually in British English a purse is the American wallet, that is where you keep your money. Wallet in British English is where men keep their money. Confusing, I know.
Yes I had the same thought, cleaning of the bag lining is nearly impossible if it's attached. What is the proper way?
As a fellow mom who also needs to clean her purse, I'll share my love of Vera Bradley. Light weight, affordable ( constant sales on the online store) and most importantly machine washable! High quality sewing and hardware on each bag I own. Looks new after washing as long as you air dry. I have nothing to gain by sharing this tip, just thought I'd share.
I avoid the whole cleaning thing by using seperate 'inside bags' for everything but my wallet and phone. One for things I might need to 'freshen up' (cosmetics, toothbrush, tampons etc.) and one for stuff I use in public (tissues, chewing gum, lip balm etc.) Much more organised and easier to clean. Also easier to switch between purses ☺
very informative videos
Is there such a thing as super lightweight real leather? I tend to buy nylon bags because they're lightweight but they look too casual. Help!
What do you think about Longchamp bags ? Im thinking of buying the Pliage Neo in Nylon but I dont want to spend so much for a "cheap" bag :)
Great video. Once again :)
You should go into a dozen automobiles with leather seats for the same trends. All real leather (different grades), leather tops and vinyl sides/backs, all vinyl.
I bought a Gucci Bag years ago at a Gucci Store. $$$US. It had two zippered compartments and they both only lasted two years going off the track. Cheap plastic zipper instead of metal. Disappointing!! It’s also a bother to ship it, and have it restored.
To be fair, you'd be hard pressed to find any employee who's willing to let you hold an open flame next to the merchandise.
you have to ask first and if they say: yeah go try it out ;) then you know. that doesn't mean you're actually gonna do it lol!
Lol you Mind if I take your handbag camping and light a fire under it to see how it holds up?? LOL
Oh my! I had no idea outlet store items are made cheaply for the outlets! I thought they are just end of season leftovers from the main stores!
+Denise Sheehan that was the original purpose of outlet stores. Then greed came in...
Factory outlet bags have a letter F in the serial code on the tag. That's to tell them apart from store made higher quality handbags and SLGs
I did not know the outlets stores sold different quality but I can say the outlet bags have never impressed me and I do find my self purchasing a department store or designer bag on sale and I have never purchased an outlet bag.
"outlet" shopping is a fad, and not worth it! They sell defective and cheaply made goods.
Me too, i thought they were seconds.
It is only with Justine's videos that it takes me 20 mins to watch a 10 min video. Listen to her, look at the video, pause, think, go back and listen again! So much valuable information and detail packed into such a small video!! 👌🏼👌🏼top quality right here!
thanks for the huge compliment!!
Justine Leconte officiel 😘😘 you are lovely!
Glad to hear I'm not the only one :)
Very true, she was definitely NOT made for outlet. 😊
yes dear
A good quality bag is very noticable..
especially if you shop in a place with a variety of bages
Tfw you realize you've never had a well made purse in your life.
Some points from my mother - a trained artisan of leather goods like bags, wallets etc (no idea what the English word is):
- the zip should never cause problems in the shop, the zip will not 'worn out' to work better
- the edge paint is lower quality than folding the leather. This is a very costly process, you need to thin the edge of the leather strap and than fold it and sew across the two layers. Unfortunately even bags for 1000 euro very often doesn't have this type of finishing a strap. However if you look for a local artisan, you will probably find this in bags for around 100 euro.
- the bottom of the bag should be reinforced with something stiff, ideally a rough cow leather, more often with cardboard. This will make sure that the bag will not worn off on the middle between the 'legs' and will help you when you look for a pen. Again, rarely seen in shops, more often seen in local producer's shop.
- look for symmetry. If the bags is stiff, check if the sides are symmetrical. Also if the top part of the bag covers well the inside/bottom part (no matter the stiffness here).
- check the sewing around difficult areas, as straps placing or corners. The stitches should not be wider because there is something difficult to work with. Imagine the low quality process, when time is crucial and nobody will 'waste' time for sewing carefully around the corners.
- the tag is not always 100% true. The more you know the materials, the more you will know the difference. These days the high end shops use sometimes leather covered in PU (plastic), so the bags will worn off quickly. The salesperson and the tag will tell you "100% leather".
Frankly, it is very hard to find a bag that complies with those requirements. Price is not a help here. Last bag I bought was 3 years ago, it is made of eco leather (vegan leather). I chose it just because it was well sewn and I knew that this material was better quality than the PU-covered-leather bags in other shops.
Thank you, & your Mom.😁 Very good.
Paulina- Thank you! Do you mind saying which brand your long lasting bag was?
Yes, I'd love to know what the brand was too. Any also that you recommend? Designer bags just don't merit the prices.
I'm looking for a good vegan leather bag. Where did you get it?
thanks for the info. on double-checking, i was pleased to find that, on my Mansur Gavriel bag, the edge finishing is via folding & stitching, not painting.
I need to stop watching your videos, I'm turning into a fashion snob, checking every item thoroughly and refusing to buy anything made with poor quality. The only problem: I can't afford good quality 😭
Last time a sales clerk made the mistake and asked me what I'm looking for in a blouse. I'm sure he didn't see my 10 minutes spreech about yokes, darts, and fabric coming 😂
anna86 good quality doesn’t have to be expensive, I’ve found really good quality items in stores like new yorker or forever 21...just look, most items are absolute garbage quality but once in a while you’ll find some gems
@@user-ph1dm4hg5v True! :)
me too 😭😭
I prefer buying used bags at thrift stores. If someone’s used it and it’s been handled daily at the store, and still holds its own and looks good, it’s good enough for me!
that is a remarkably smart move!
I buy all my high end handbags online at The Real Real and others, they have experts that authenticate items, you can also consign / sell your goods too!
You can find lots of great deals at a high end thrift like clothes mentor too! I have found so many good deals on great high quality items!
Same I thrift clothes and after a few wear and wash the item still look good u gonna know it is a god quality one
I like stuff that people weren’t throwing around their room, car or shoving it into places, but that’s just me.
You also have to watch out for the type of leather used. Personally I would only buy top-grain or above, but if i could afford it I would only buy anilines.
'Bonded Leather' is very low quality leathers that have been shredded, glued, and pressed to make it look like leather. Avoid these: they will peel and flake in a few months.
'Genuine Leather' is the cheapest variety of real leather (at least its genuine): it will not age well at all and will fall apart very fast (its usually split leather thats been pressed with a grain).
'Split Leather' is the bottom layers of a hide that aren't used for top-grain or full-grain leather. These have other uses, but avoid for bags, clothes, or upholstery (unless as an inner lining).
'Patent Leather' is leather that has been coated with a lacquer to make it look shiny. These behave more like their coating than leather: so quality depends on how it was coated.
'Top-Grain' or 'Corrected' is the average leather, its had the top millimetres of the skin removed and is much less durable than full-grain.
'Full-Grain' is the best possible quality of leather and will patina with age and resist cracking or moisture.
'Analine' is the very best of Full Grain leathers that have only been dyed and not pigmented (top %5 for 'pure analine', top %10-15 for 'semi-analine').
'Nubuck' is a type of aniline leather that has been lightly abraded on the grain surface to create a velvety finish, or nap. this is of higher quality than suede.
'Suede' is the inner side of the skin that gets buffed into a soft nap (as opposed to the outside which is what the rest of them are)
Wow! Thank you very much for taking time to share this information! I have only ever seen a "genuine leather" Mark on garments. Even on those that obviously belong to that first type of leather you described, of the poorest quality.
I do love some Nubuck shoes.
Thanks for the info! I am glad my tote purse I got myself for xmas is full grain leather!
Fossil bags may not be the most 'trendy' and flashy bags, but their leather bags are top quality. Get yourself a black or brown pebbled leather in a classic shape such as a tote or top handle and they will last years! Michael Kors is so lacklustre in quality and design. Some of his bags look like someone just slapped a MK logo onto a chinatown bag and called it a day. You might as well go vintage and get a quality bag that has aged beautifully and and serves as a testament to superb handiwork.
skye , totally agree about the Fossil bags. I have a pebbled leather Fossil tote I have been carrying for over two years, almost non-stop and it has held up beautifully. The leather still looks amazing, and the zipper is so smooth and sturdy. It has been difficult to find another brand of that quality and price point.
skye I love Fossil bags too
Thanks for the tip. I'll have to look into Fossil bags now...
Yes I have a few fossil bags and one wallet. I'd say 90% are very good for the price point. Some clunkers though. All 3 belts I brought were not worth the price and fell apart quickly.
skye I had my Fossil envelope shoulder bag for years and it looked brand new! It was the first quasi-designer bag I'd ever owned almost 20 years ago.
The michael kors outlet bags are not of the same quality of the boutique bags. The outlet bags have a mix of leather and plastic
+Lucie Medici that's what this bag looks like indeed. Thanks for confirming!
Agreed. And $100 for an outlet bag on sale is a good deal. It's probably just an outlet bag.
I know people who have bought counterfeit bags in NYC and paid less than $50...usually closer to $25...but they knew they were counterfeit when they bought them. They would never have spent the money for the real thing.
Here in Canada there are 3 types of people...those who buy cheap, those who have 1 or 2 expensive bags and those who save for quality construction...like they have at Roots. They're not overly expensive but they're good for an everyday bag especially if you dress casually.
In places like New York and Los Angeles, unfortunately, counterfeit items do make it into retail stores. To the untrained (including store managers), they do not know what is real or how to detect a fake. And many higher brands are also using PU or man-made materials in part of their bags like handles and the interiors.
Most of that outlet stuff is made for the outlet, never seen the light of a store.
I have a similar camera bag from the boutique and the same thing happens with the edges and the piping.
One of the things I love about this channel is all the helpful comments. I learned so much by reading the comments here!
I wish you could come shopping with me and tell me what to buy - you have such a brilliant eye for detail!!
+Super Easy FCE I just love to look inside things 😅😉
If you look at her video's you can learn so much. Take all the info in, learn from it and you will be confident enough to go shopping by yourself. Have fun with it :D
Would love to see a video of her shopping in the U.S. and explaining to girls why they're buying garbage
Justine, I can safely say you're changing my life with these videos! You explain things so easily. I knew I was right about those seams getting stuck in the zip!
Michael Kors here in the US, in my experience, is known to be expensive yet the products are very poor quality. They have wonderful designs but serious quality issues, especially with the watches and bags.
Bought a used Balenciaga City bag from the SS09 season in 2013 for a good price. She is now 8 years old and looks more beautiful than ever. This is the only way I will shop bags from now on.
+eizhowa sounds like you made a good investment 😊
My dude it is 2018 did you travel in time
Bea Spring/Summer 2009 IS the future
She? It's an object.
I’m not surprised…BValenciaga is awesome.
Unrelated to your video but I just wanna say your manicure and lip colour really complements your skin tone and hair
If I owned a retail store, no matter how much faith I had in my products, I would never allow anyone to light a lighter around merchandise. Most insurance companies and building owners would not allow this, either. If I were a salesperson, I would expect to get fired.
yeah i was gonna say as a salesperson, if someone asked to hold a lighter up to a bag they hadn’t bought yet, i would absolutely say no even if i was sure it was good quality! that’s a very dangerous thing to do in a retail store 😱
Some high end stores actually would do the test for you using their own lighter just as a way of showing off their quality. The first time I knew about this test, it was a sale person doing it to sell the bag
Wow, that's cool! I'd think in the U.S. at least there would be lots of liability issues with open flames in a retail store - even more so if the store were within a mall. I still wouldn't expect a salesperson to do this.
I've seen people do it in small leather goods boutiques in Southern Europe... but those were mom and pop stores selling their own leather goods so they couldn't exactly get fired :D
maybe not in the usa but in europe some places will do it.
Miss justine, could you react to red carpet outfits and share why certain items are of your liking? Also you remind me of aly art, you are both classy and articulate. By far my favorite youtubers are from europe. Hugs from chile.
AlyArt and Justine are by far the best RUclipsrs. Totally underrated but their talent and knowledge is unparalleled. Between them they’ve transformed me from a 2 to a solid 8!
Aly Art is Russian, so she isn't really from Europe. I am pretty embarrassed to say that I can't watch her because of the extreme Russian accent she has. It gets even weirder if you find out that I am Russian too. I just hate Russian accent in English somehow
XeniaDrake well part of russia is in europe. i dont know here she is from but she could very well be from europe
she says that she currently lives in Moscow, so yes, now she is in the European part of Russia
XeniaDrake russian is a transcontinental country, and moscow, where aly lives is on the european part. Is not excluded from europe. I enjoy her videos cause she explains eveything very clear, both in content and in speaking voice. Many youtubers from USA tends to speak too fast and overuse "trendy" terms (literally, omg, snatch, yas, queen, so nice, super, shook, and so on). They drive me nuts.
You always can rock a red lip. This was very helpful.
I've never bought a Michael Kors bag or product because I can't afford it. However every time I hear people talking about the brand, it's a negative feedback LOL
Tasted Purple yep - a friend has fake Michael Kors bags from a turkish bazaar that hold up better than her real one which she got as a graduation gift.
when you get the money for a bag don´t waste it on MK. there are plenty of better options. kisses
Not a bag, but our boss keeps whining about her MK watch that stops or is delayed. I had to bite my tongue from saying it's crap if it can't do its job.
Same. So glad. Seems like everyone owns one now.
I have an older Michael Kors bag that is super nice. I bought it at a church rummage sale for $1. Do do need to take it in for repair because the leather holding the hardware to the straps to the actual bad is going; that is my fault for carrying too much in it. The bag is still gorgeous even though the gold finish on some the hardware has faded. I get compliments on it all the time. I wouldn't purchase the newer bags because they are shite.
I actually like how the lining on cheap handbags turns inside out. Then I can flip it out and carefully wash it by hand (without washing rest of the bag) tp freshen it up every now and again. I buy bags with sturdy cotton lining. I don't like slimy nylon which rips within weeks or months.
Or just pull it out and shake it out in the sink. That's all I do.
exactly
Jan96106 but it doesn’t remove the dirt on the fabric. How do you clean the fabric itself?
I agree. Makes it easy to wash.
The best handbags I have are from Mexico. Bought on the market.
Thank you for validating there is an outlet line of merchandise. There seem to be no true outlets anymore. I prefer things without an obvious logo. The more discreet, the better. I look forward to your videos because they are so positively pleasant and I always learn something. Thank you.
I miss seconds outlets as well. In the 80s I scored a leather bomber jacket from LL Bean for a steal because the leather on one sleeve was more textured than the rest of the jacket.
I spend the most on bags (vs shoes, clothes) because depending on the quality you get, you can use them when you’re young, old, skinny, fat, etc. The resale value of high end bags helps too. Hahaha.
+potatomatoe 2 great reasons indeed! 😊
I have to agree. Bags, and perhaps shoes and belts, being leatherware, are all quite expensive to get good quality.
Never thought of that. Great point!!
Hahaha! Never thought of that. Thanks.
Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton have the best resale value indeed. Forbes had an article about investment bags. That's how I justify high end bags 😉 And these brands don't have outlets.
This channel is "fashion for dummies". I appreciate your work a lot.
Outlet quality is an eye opener for me! Thanks!
Re: Outlet store quality. I'm pretty sure TK Maxx does carry some regular full-quality brand items, mixed in with their own labels and outlet-quality brands. That's not to say they don't carry a lot of rubbish, but I just wanted to dispel that just because something was bought at TK Maxx doesn't mean it's "outlet quality". It is a bit of a treasure hunt, though, you have to know what you're looking for.
It's same thing with Winners, tbh
I didn't know about outlets! I've always tought that the stuff was just something from previous collections that wasn't sold in the shops.
Thanks, it's always good to learn something new! xx
Outlets only have very few leftovers from other shops, too few to fill a whole shop. Sometimes you can find the other shop's tags on an item, then it's 'real'.
+Avellania yes, this is a good tip.
Here's a good piece by CBC Marketplace (in Canada but applicable elsewhere) on outlet store merchandise:
ruclips.net/video/f8cyvpJYZlk/видео.html
WithMetta Thanks a lot! I've watched it all and learnt so much! I was totally unaware :O I will surely pay attention next time I visit an outlet!
Yeah, I think most people are unaware and the brand likes it that way ;0)
I really wish you'd do a video about leather quality. Leather does NOT equal good quality!! But people have that misconception. I used to do leather work and I saw so many crappy items that had cost a lot of money. Even the most beautiful sewing and details are waste if the material is bad. How the leather is skinned and tanned and other treatments have a huge impact on the quality of the final product. Badly treated leather won't age beautifully or even last that long. If there's any chance to see that video, I suggest to consult a skilled shoemaker and/or saddler for the video. They are experts on how to know good leather ^_^
Also as you mentioned there's not that "leather=good, vegan/fake leather=bad" anymore. Not for quality nor environmental factory. Modern manufacturing techniques have narrowed the gap, so it's more about personal preferences. For both materials it is best to look for quality; durable is also environmental friendly, and those who are ready to invest on producing superior quality are more likely to invest on proper handling of waste as well.
Anyway, thank you for these videos. They are very much needed! Good luck with the new project!
don't buy outlet products, they are meant to be sold on sale at all times. waste of money
poor quality, don't last
This is the type of video that I have to watch for a few times, because of so many useful tips that need to stick in mind! I have never had a high quality bag before, so when it's time to purchase one, I will be ready haha :)
It's not just MK that makes low quality handbags. Coach and Dooney and Burke also make plastic rubbish for too much money. I went into Fendi once and someone tried to sell me their straw tote for 700.00. At least it was genuine straw. lol!
I picked up a leather bag at a stall in italy for 80 euro. 4 years later and despite a scratch from my cat it still looks like when i bought it 😍😍
Jadie: I really love the Italian made bags~ They may not be the "it" designer, but they are unique and well made!
Me too I have several impeccable Furla bags with several years
And don't forget the smell. You can smell the plastic immediately, but I heard about fake leather scent they put on bags, so people think they buy real leather.
fake leather scent, wow, producers will go out of their way to sell fakes...
+Talina yes, sometimes plastic smells like leather - but if will still fear your lit lighter 😉😉
It's probably carcinogenic. 😱
Real leather bags or shoes will always be identified as such on the product. If there is no label or tag identifying it as leather, then it isn't real leather.
Denise Bass
Look for suede. Real leather MUST have a suede back.
OMG you are so right Justine about these outlet bags vs the store bought. Now that you pointed out I can see my bags bought from store and outlet store what a difference. WOW thanks for pointing it out I wouldn’t have ever thought of it. Thanks
The worst bag I ever had was a cream coloured one with red lining. When I got caught in the rain the lining bled through the outer canvas. At least the shop took it back without issues.
It's funny how many people put someone like me down on social media when I dare to mention that I only buy quality handbags. I'm always told how stupid I am and how I'm wasting my money. What they choose to ignore is when I point out that I STILL own purses that I bought 30 yrs ago that are still like new and in perfect condition. And because I don't choose trendy styles they're still in fashion. I tend to buy a new purse approx every 3 years, others buy at least 6 in those same 3 years or are carrying ones that look like hell. Add up 6× $50, that's $300! Another area where I can tell I have great quality leather is that I toss my purse literally everywhere (I abuse them) and the leather just gets softer over time. All of my purses (and leather jackets) feel like butter. Thank you Justine for rooting for buying a quality purse instead of wasting money on knockoffs, and not supporting those who are illegally selling them. 👍
You read my mind! This is just what I needed~ Thank you so much Justine!
The Michael Kors bags are mostly not well made at all. They wear out very very quickly. Most of their bags are either imitated or coated, despite some looking like leather. I stay away from them because their prices are too high for a quality they are not, especially because they are not even leather.
+Mair_Obelyn the price of that brand rised along with it's fame - not good...
But also. The more unique or special model you choose (the higher end prices) then the more likely it'll be the model where the material and construction is properly made. But those tend to cost 10x more. There is always the 1-3 models in a collection that are like that.
They are garbage! I hate the MK brand overall. It's not tasteful.
Caitlyn Could not agree more! MK bags are garbage from all points of view: design is non existent), quality is poor, prices are way too high! Cant understand WHY it has become so popular???
Grav3yard girl (bunny mayers) did a video on that. She got an expensive fancy purse for her mom and withing a few weeks it started to tear appart. She does not usually use that brand, but is just common sense to know that even the cheapest purse should survive a few months of regular use. And this was a very, very expensive one. She went back for an answer and the customer service was even worse. She eventually got a new one but only after she made the thing public to the world and her then seven million subscribers. However the thing that upset her the most was that the awful quality and bad response ruined the experience she wanted to share with her mom, she wanted to make her feel special and spoil her a bit since neither are the kind of women who wears designer brands. So they charged you a fortune for bad items and also treat you like crap.
The U.S. southern states are completely saturated with cheap, fast-fashion Michael Kors handbags! If poor quality and shelf life aren't good enough reasons to steer clear, then an aversion to being unimaginative and not unique should be!
+Jessica Crabtree hehehe I know MK is everywhere, in the US...
Jessica Crabtree mom
Merci, Justine! Wonderful analysis of handbag quality. You’re convincing a lot of people that it’s far more practical to invest a bit more on a well-made handbag rather than buying a succession of cheap bags. A good bag is a joy.
Again another quality video. I learned a lot. I was the $20 purse girl until I figured out I'd rather spend some $ to get a purse that lasts more than 1/2 season. Bought a handmade purse on Etsy. Spent about $150 US. What a difference!! Lots of compliments, high quality (all the points you hit), I'll be using this for the rest of my life. And I'm supporting a small artisanal producer.
+Yoshie W great!
Thank you for this great insight! I find, what makes a bag instantly looking cheap, is this ugly gummy-whatever-Material many brands use to close the edges of the leather. I find it so ugly! And even Prada bags have it..so not only cheap brands. Can you please explain to me from a designers standpoint of view, why designers keep doing that? Is it to hide cheap quality leather? I honestly wonder...! Thank you :-)
Liebe Justine, du bist die Beste! I am 50 and miss the times, when all leather was leather. It is important to know what is good Quality and make sensible decisions. I love all your videos, but these about materials are great! Thank you so much!
+Maria Keinname bitte sehr 😀
Hi Justine can you make a video about online shopping
I never buy top designer bags because they are too expensive and not worth the money, although I did have a Mulberry Scotchgrain tote and I own a small vintage Gucci bag. I don't buy cheap tat either - never plastic. I found some of the European brands sell very good quality. I have a SASA design satchel backpack which I've had since the 1990s. I still wear it now. The leather is tough cowhide and has developed a great scratched look exterior and shiny patina. The interior stitching and quality is first rate. I also own a Bosboom distressed leather bag which has developed a wonder scratched distressed cowboy leather patina. Love both bags and wear them regularly now twenty odd years later.. Don't need to spend a fortune on a good bag. Both of these cost around the £80-£150 price range in the 1990s.