First things first, where are you even buying this bag? Like, seriously, if you’re grabbing it from some dude in a parking lot, alarm bells should be ringing louder than a fire truck. Authorized retailers? Those are your best bet. Think department stores, the official Michael Kors website, or even those fancy online places like Farfetch or Net-a-Porter. Sure, they might be pricier, but at least you’re (probably) getting the real deal. I say probably because even *they* can get fooled sometimes, which is just ridiculous, honestly.
Now, let’s talk logos. The “MK” emblem. It *should* be a rectangle with rounded corners. And it’s been around since 2009, so if you’re seeing something totally different, that’s a major red flag. I mean, c’mon, do these counterfeiters even *try*? The logo should be clean, crisp, and not all smudged or crooked looking. Trust your gut here – if it looks cheap, it probably is.
Oh, and serial numbers! Apparently, Michael Kors bags *do* have serial numbers inside. Louis Vuitton? Nope, they use date codes instead (letters and numbers, a whole different ballgame). So, find that serial number! I’m not entirely sure what to *do* with it once you find it (maybe Google it? See if anything fishy comes up?), but having it there is a good sign. Unless the counterfeiters are getting REALLY good, which…ugh, don’t even get me started.
Okay, here’s my personal opinion: pay attention to the *feel* of the bag. Real Michael Kors stuff, even the more affordable lines, usually has a certain…quality. The leather (or faux leather) should feel nice, the stitching should be even and strong, and the hardware (zippers, buckles, etc.) shouldn’t feel flimsy or cheap. If it feels like it’s going to fall apart in your hands, walk away. Just…walk away. I made that mistake once with a “designer” wallet from a flea market. It literally fell apart in my purse after like, a week. Never again!
