A handbag is an important part of a womans get up, as we all know. The right or wrong handbag can either make or break the perfect outfit. With disposable incomes on the rise, for a woman to own a top range handbag is not uncommon.

However, there are many women out there who are purchasing counterfeit versions both unwittingly and knowingly. Some of these purchasers simply don't care. On the other hand, the fake bag may take some of you in.

So, it important to know how to tell apart an authentic bag from the knock out varieties. After all, you did want the genuine designer article, didnt you?

BAG THE DIFFERENCE: A knock out or fake handbag will be a knockoff of the original- including fake logs. However, a look-alike handbag is a handbag that is inspired by the original.

Remember, that the fake handbags can also have authentic features, such as lampo or ykk zippers, authentic looking monogram placement, dust bags, authentic tags, just about everything. You may even get a receipt!

Just remember a simple point. If the handbag is a quality one the handbag will literally stand up on its own. This is because authentic bags use high quality leather, which is so good, that it is strong enough to stand up on its own weight. Besides, the handles wont ever collapse. Knockout handbags have a tendency to collapse under their own weight!!

TIPS AHOY: If you are still not clear on how to tell the real stuff from the knockout follow these tips:

Always buy from a real seller or designer outlets. Never buy on-line or at sales. This will ensure the authenticity of the handbag. The only guaranteed way to know your bag is authentic is to buy directly from designer stores or stores long established in selling designer ranges

Check the bag for digits: Most authentic handbags have either a control card or control number on the inside, as well as a certificate of authenticity. The number on the tag or control card should match the number printed on the lining. If you can, register your bag.

Quality matters, so feel the bag. Authentic bags will have soft leather or suede. Fakes tend to feel more like plastic. Weight makes a difference. Real leather is heavier.

Small details make the difference. The lining and stitching can help to differentiate a fake handbag from an authentic one. The knockout bags may have thread hanging or may be frayed in the corner. Authentic handbags are also often lined with fabric with the brands specific logo or monogram on it.

On a knockout handbag the stitching may not be completely straight, or may be a different color. Even the color of the outside of the bag may be a little off. Authentic handbags wont have kinks in the straps. Zippers will match the skin color well and the designer run of bags may only truly come in a very small range of colors.

Very smooth and over shiny highly processed leather is often a sign of a fake. Poor uneven stitching is a sure dead give away of a fake.

Check the logo. Pay special attention to the pattern of printed monogram styles. There may be simple spelling mistakes, although the patterns may be the same Well-designed bags with logo fabrics never run the lettering into the seam lines.

The hardware is important. On knock-offs, the hardware tends to be oversized. Always check the placement of the hardware and the distressing on bags. The trademark nameplate may be huge on a knock-off. Many authentic designs also have details such as a logo or letter on the zippers and clasps.

You can also keep in mind that designers tend to be repetitive. Each style handbag will have an exactly same pattern that is followed. Nothing will vary. The patterns, the logo all will follow the same line, stitches. There is never anything haphazard about true designer bags. The same number of stitches is used and each stitch is the same size!

In authentic handbags zippers will glide smoothly, hardware is weighty; everything is exact and is of the highest quality. There will be no fly tabs to the zips.

Now, with these tips you can easily spot the fake handbags from the authentic ones, and be sure that what you are buying is the genuine item, that true blue authentic handbag you have always wanted!