Anonymous wrote:NP. Can anyone point me to a very good quality brand that isn't completely drowning in fakes? Maybe it doesn't exist?

The more popular the brand the more likely it is to be faked. Unless you are deeply into luxury handbags if you've heard of the brand it's a target for counterfeiters.

I really do recommend clicking through the links in the listed I posted above and/or doing your own research to find lesser known brands. I have or have had bags from Lupo, Campomaggi, All Saints, and Chylak and I literally don't see them on other people in DC and I can't imagine they are targets for counterfeiters. I guess if you wanted really high end you could go with Valextra or a brand like it.

I guess the main point is that any bag that has widespread cachet associated with the brand is going to be faked. This includes mid tier brands like Polene or Strathberry. It's best to buy something that is under the counterfeiters radar or too obscure to produce the demand for a dupe.

NP. Can anyone point me to a very good quality brand that isn't completely drowning in fakes? Maybe it doesn't exist?

Anonymous wrote:Bringing this 2018 thread back to ask if anyone has recommendations for where to buy secondhand either in person or online in 2025. I’m not a bag person and want a chanel or similar shoulder bag for occasional use.

I saw a WSJ article about how good dupes have become and don’t want to pay secondhand luxury prices for a dupe. Any advice appreciated.

The dupes are now so good that if you're buying secondhand you are always at risk for a fake. Chanel is maybe the most faked designer out there. If you aren't a bag person you are especially at risk. Chanel is also notorious for having a recent quality decrease at the same time as prices have increased.

I really would not recommend trying to buy a secondhand Chanel right now to someone who doesn't know bags well. It's an invitation to get ripped off. There are so many amazing bags you can get new for the price of a secondhand Chanel. Also, plenty of fabulous secondhand bags for much less than a secondhand Chanel.

Some p*rn to browse below. (Not all of it high luxury, but all will be useful to help you pick something that really speaks to you)
https://www.reddit.com/r/handbags/comments/1ctipy8/all_the_bags_we_love_in_this_sub_brands_you_may/

Bringing this 2018 thread back to ask if anyone has recommendations for where to buy secondhand either in person or online in 2025. I’m not a bag person and want a chanel or similar shoulder bag for occasional use.

I saw a WSJ article about how good dupes have become and don’t want to pay secondhand luxury prices for a dupe. Any advice appreciated.

There's no actual way to authenticate a bag. Buy new from the actual boutique.

Not OP but are there local stores that sell preowned designer bags? I'd feel more comfortable seeing them in person. Particularly Chanel and LV..

Fashionphile

Follow Reddz Trading on Instagram. Their stores are in Bethesda and Georgetown.

Bag Borrow or Steal has a buy section - all authenticated stuff

Fashionphile
Ann’s fabulous finds
Yoogis closet

i bought things on therealreal, not designer bags though.
the stuff i bought was fine

Beware of super fakes even from websites that claim to only sell genuine preowned

Anonymous wrote:I like the real real

+1

I like the real real

What's the best site to buy pre owned designer bags (Chanel, LV, Prada etc). I used to use portero but they have been down for weeks. I've seen a few other sites but not cure which is best. Do not want EBAY, to unsafe. Thanks in advance!