Discounted Designer Bags - Too Good to Be True?

These days, handbags are just about as exciting as jewelry. But with so many internet sites claiming to have discounted, authentic handbags, it is easy to be persuaded to save some money and get the handbag of your dreams. Many of the bags are advertised for half the price, but still cost hundreds of dollars. Unfortunately, this win/win may be a lose/lose. Many of the bags are the same knock-offs being sold on New York City's infamously counterfeit Canal Street. (And on Canal Street, the bags average about $35.)

Moral of this short story, you get what you pay for. There is a reason that Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada bags never go on sale at Nordstorm or their own stores...because the designers don't discount their bags. To get the real thing, go to a reputable source like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, or the designer's store. And if you are okay with a fake bag, make sure you are not paying excessive amounts.

Of course, there is always the fun option of Bag Borrow or Steal. This website allows you to borrow a bag and swap it for another when you grow tired of it.

For more information, check out Hunting for Handbags, Finding the Fakes at abcnews.com.

Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada handbag photos courtesy of Bag Borrow or Steal