French Cuff Consignment Davis Store Tour
Posted in French Cuff Stuff
Leave a comment
Louis Vuitton Monogram Logo: Authentic vs. Counterfeit PHOTO GUIDE
Louis Vuitton Monogram Logo: Authentic vs. Counterfeit PHOTO GUIDE
Below you will see photos of a (very bad) counterfeit Louis Vuitton bag side by side with an authentic Louis Vuitton bag, followed by an explanation of each photo. Don’t be fooled! So many buyers are fooled into thinking the bag they have purchased is authentic. Counterfeit bags are illegal and punishable by law. There are disreputable sellers who know what they are doing and honest sellers that just make a mistake because they didn’t know what to look for. Your best weapon to protect yourself is by educating yourself on what to look for.
Monogram Logo: The counterfeit purse is on top in this picture. The authentic Louis Vuitton is on the bottom. Notice the grain on the counterfeit purse is a rougher, smaller texture, and the authentic purse has a smoother texture with larger bumps. Also, the counterfeit bag has a color like peanut butter, while the authentic bag is more yellow-brown. The counterfeit bag is darker and the authentic bag has more of a milk chocolate color.
Inside Stamp: The counterfeit purse is on the left in this picture. The authentic Louis Vuitton is on the right. Notice the lining is different. Louis Vuitton does not make a suede lining like this. This lining felt crispy, and cheaply made. The authentic purse had a high-quality lining. The stamps in the leather are also very different. The counterfeit purse on left has taller, more squished together lettering while the authentic bag on the right has more rounded lettering. The stamp on the authentic bag is deeper, and easy to read when compared to the counterfeit bag. Note on the counterfeit bag that the “ON” in “VUITTON” and the “mad” in “made” are not stamped to the same depth as the other letters. Also note the color of the leather and stitching (color, thickness, and quality) between the two bags.
Strap/Handles: The counterfeit purse is clearly on the bottom in this picture. The authentic Louis Vuitton is on the top. Note that the authentic purse is finished with stitching, and has thicker leather. The strap on this counterfeit bag is cracked, showing the threads underneath (not leather). While both bags have a red finish to the edges, what is not apparent in this picture is the way the finish is applied. The authentic bag has a very even finish while the counterfeit bag has a very gloppy uneven finish.
Outside Stamp: The counterfeit purse is on the top in this picture. The authentic Louis Vuitton is on the bottom. As mentioned above, it is important to note the difference between the stamped letters. Again, the counterfeit purse on top has taller, more squished together lettering while the authentic bag on the bottom has more rounded lettering. The stamp on the authentic bag is deeper, and easy to read when compared to the counterfeit bag. Note on the counterfeit bag that the “L” on “LOUIS” and the “mad” on “made” are not stamped to the same depth as the other letters. You are able to see the red finish mentioned above on the edges of the counterfeit bag above. The finish spills over into the face of the leather, rather than staying just on the very edges. This gloppy look is evident throughout the bag.
Zipper Pulls: The counterfeit purse is on the top this picture. The authentic Louis Vuitton is on the bottom. Most designers use the finest materials for their handbags. Often, you will see either an “YKK” or a “Lampo” zipper. You will find this stamp at the bottom and also sometimes along the side or front of the zipper. In this picture you can see the difference between the quality, size, shape, and color of the zippers. The counterfeit bag’s zippers on top have a different shape from the authentic bag at bottom (in this case, this particular bag has two zippers), and you can see the finish on the authentic bag, although a model from the 90s, still has not tarnished. Meanwhile the counterfeit bag has a tarnished look.
Production Code: The production code stamp inside the counterfeit bag is on left. The production code* on an authentic LV bag is on the right. The code “M5 1980″ on the counterfeit bag is totally inaccurate. Louis Vuitton bags have a Letter+Letter+ ####. The two letters are the code for the factory in which the bag was manufactured and very specifically refer to a certain model and material. The four numbers follow a Month-Year-Month-Year format. In the case of the authentic bag on right, the bag was produced in the “SP” factory (France) and the date code (MYMY format) says it was produced in November 2001. Please note: Louis Vuitton does not use serial numbers. These are always called “Date Code” or “Production Code” and tell you when and where the bag was manufactured. *Authentic Production Codes follow the LL-MYMY format from approximately 1990-1999. Then the codes were switched to LL-WYWY (W=Week). But that’s a different (future) blog post!
Posted in Authenticity Guides, French Cuff Stuff
Tagged Authentic, Authenticity, Counterfeit, Guide, Logo, Louis Vuitton, Monogram, Photo, Purse
2 Comments
Q & A: Planning a Trip to Paris
Hey Corey! Do you still do your Paris or France tours? I remember reading something about you guys doing that a while back.
I’ve done a lot of travelling. I’m up to 10 countries and 69+ cities! And for whatever reason, I keep finding myself drawn back to Paris. Paris has never lost its magic for me.
We did Paris tours until 2008 when the recession began. I plan to revive this once the economy shows signs of picking back up. I still go to Paris to see my friends there anyway, and my boyfriend is from Germany, so for me it’s just a one hour flight to hop over. Your problem won’t be the weather – it will be the tourists crowding everything!
Above: Paris Winter Shopping can be very monochromatic!
When is the best time to visit weather-wise?
In all honesty, Paris is such a magical place that the weather really won’t affect any plans you might have. I think Paris is as gorgeous in the snow as it is in the spring with the flowers.
I tend to like to go around October or Thanksgiving – it’s a great time because there are hardly any tourists there, and the weather isn’t yet so cold that you can’t stand it. (Although once we went and it was pretty bad! I swear I almost froze to death at the flea market! Not a bad place to die if you ask me! haha)
Above: Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores go all out for their holiday displays
Is there a time of year that is notable or special?
January is a good time, but it’s wicked cold – I mean that deep bone-chilling kind of cold that sticks with you. It’s very unpleasant! We really don’t have any kind of cold like that here in California. BUT! That’s the mandated sales month, so everything in the stores are up to 70% off…which is good, because with the current Euro-Dollar conversion, you’ll need it!
The other mandated sales month is July, which is also a good time to go as the weather is not too hot by Sacramento standards. It averages 66 degrees with the high around 75 degrees. Of course July 14th is Bastille Day, and July also features the Tour de France bike race, and La Foire Saint Germain, a festival that’s rumored to have been going since the middle ages – OK a long time anyways!
Another big attraction for all fashionistas is the big holiday display windows in the major department stores starting in November. Highly recommended: You have to see that at least once in your life!
Above: Holiday window displays in Paris are like nothing you’ve ever seen before!
Is there a time of year that I don’t want to go?
August is the big No-No time of year to go because it’s the month when most French take their vacations, so it’s like a ghost town, and you’re likely to find most small places closed for pretty much the entire month. And especially don’t go to the South of France in August, as that’s where a lot of French like to go for their vacations.
Above: The Louvre – Mona Lisa (still packed in the off season!) And the ancient sculptures
What should I pack to wear in Paris?
As we all know, Paris is the fashion capital of the world. In Paris especially, they are VERY fashionable and really stick to the colors of the season. Fall=Tans, browns, camel, creams. Mid-Fall/Winter transition=Grey, navy, black. Winter=Black or grey. It’s really odd to see – the whole city of Paris looks like they are going to a funeral! Everyone is wearing dark colors. Here in California, we can get away with almost anything year round: turquoise, lime green, hot pink, red, yellow. We call it a “pop of color” – they would rather die! We have our color of the season, but it’s always one season behind Paris. So the best bet is to stick to basic black. Also not recommended: comfortable “manly” shoes. There is a distinctive difference between men’s shoes and women’s shoes. Parisian women love to wear sexy heels, sturdy boots, cute sandals, but very feminine, no matter what (think Anthropologie’s summer sandals collection). Once I brought a pair of comfortable walking Born lace-up bowling shoes with me and I felt so embarrassed because only the men wore shoes like that. I donated them upon my return!
Above: The Louvre Palace and one of my Louvre faves: Victory of Samothrace
What are your recommended “must see” items in Paris?
Paris is an amazing place with so many world-class museums and attractions, that you’d have to go several times just to see it all!
If you’re a first-timer, here’s my short list of “must see” places:
- Eiffel Tower – go to the top if you’re not afraid of heights
- Avenue des Champs Elysees – but watch your step for dog ahems!
- Moulin Rouge or Lido Dinner show – it’s not as risqué as you think
- Seine River Cruise – a great way to see most major sites in Paris
- Louvre Palace – (formerly Napoleon’s home) it’s huge, and would take days to see everything, so select your favorite art genre or era and see those areas. My personal faves: Mona Lisa (duh!), Winged Victory of Samothrace, Leonardo da Vinci, Peter Paul Reubens, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, Edgar Degas (the guy who did the ballerina paintings/sculptures), and the Egyptian collection is fantastic! That’s just a fraction of what’s in the Louvre, and if you saw all this, it would still take an entire day.
- Tuileries Jardin – In front of the Louvre. Features fun sculptures from children’s fairy tales, classic Greek/Roman gods, and more!
- Basilique du Sacre Coeur – There are some cool fabric shops in this area, but the crime (pick pocketing) is high, so watch your bags and do your best to blend in.
- For Fashionistas: Chanel headquarters store (Place Vendome)
- For folks looking for alternative to typical tourist attractions: Catacombs – Very interesting and educational, but not for the faint of heart or the claustrophobic!
Above: Mom at the Catacombs - Not for the faint of heart!
What unique and interesting souvenirs should I bring back for my friends and family?
I have found that most of the typical tourist souvenirs are rather expensive and the quality is lacking. So I try to avoid buying those as gifts. If you are interested in bringing home some of those typical souvenirs, then DON’T buy those at any of the museums or monuments – the prices are inflated for tourists. A better place to buy souvenirs is in the alleys and streets of Place St. Michel (5ieme). They’re cheaper, better selection and the fifth district is a lot of fun!
With that said, my personal favorite thing to give friends and family is lip gloss/chapstick and hand crèmes. These may be found at any pharmacy (look for the green cross). The quality is amazing – Amilab is my fave chapstick in the world – although I found a good one recently in Germany, too. La Roche Posay, Amilab, or any of the other big French brands make some fantastic hand crèmes!
Another great list of souvenir ideas comes from this blog post: http://girlsguidetoparis.com/archives/top-20-or-more-items-to-bring-back/
Above: Paris monuments at night are equally cool – Sacre Coeur Basilica and Moulin Rouge
Any secrets to airfare or hotel deals?
I don’t get anything for recommending them, BUT…
- Travel Zoo (www.travelzoo.com) Has some good deals and sends you a list of the best deals each week.
- Virgin Vacations (http://www.virgin-vacations.com/) They still have the best Paris package deals! Don’t be fooled by the “free breakfast” – it’s BS! EVERY hotel in Europe offers a free breakfast!
Also – do NOT drive in Paris…I do not recommend it for anyone. I swear it seems like sometimes drivers aim for tourists on the sidewalks, so be careful!
Fun Resources & References:
http://goparis.about.com/od/parisbymonth/a/Paris_in_July.htm
http://girlsguidetoparis.com/shopping/
http://www.foiresaintgermain.org/
http://www.champselysees.org/champselysees/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuileries_Gardens
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre_Palace
http://www.louvre.fr/llv/oeuvres/alaune.jsp?bmLocale=en
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanel
Posted in Paris, Uncategorized
Tagged Bastille Day, Catacombs, Champs Elysees, Chanel, Eiffel Tower, Fashion, French Cuff Consignment, Galeries Lafayette, Holiday Window Displays, Lido, Louvre, Mandated Sales, Mona Lisa, Monuments, Monuments at Night, Moulin Rouge, Paris, Printemps, Sacre Coeur Basilica, Seine, Souvenirs, TravelZoo, Trip Planning, Tuileries, Vacation, Victory of Samothrace, Virgin Vacations, What to Wear
2 Comments
Welcome to French Cuff Consignment’s Blog!
Welcome to French Cuff Consignment’s first official blog entry! Our blog will be devoted to giving you the help you need to be the savviest and hottest second hand shopper in the Sacramento area.
Because it’s our first entry, it seemed fitting to start off with a brief history of the business, especially because so many of you ask about it.
French Cuff Consignment (FCC from here on out) was started by mother-daughter team Corey De Roo and Darcy McNie. Some unique and sad circumstances caused them both to start thinking about life and living it to the fullest.
“My step-dad passed away in 2003 from leukemia at the age of 49, and since then, it has served to me as a reminder that life can be very short, and you should seize the opportunities in front of you, and not be afraid to forge your own path in life,” Corey says regarding why she felt the need to start her own business. “I often think to myself ‘If I died tomorrow, would I be satisfied with how I lived my life today?’ and the answer is always ‘YES!’ I am proud of the fact that I wasn’t afraid to follow my dreams. So in a sad way, my dad was my inspiration to start the business – good or bad, failure or success, I will always be glad I did it!”
And so FCC was born. However, many people wonder where the French theme came from. Often people come to the conclusion that Corey and Darcy are from France, but that’s just not the case, no matter how much they both might wish it to be. The simple answer is that Corey (and now everyone who works at FCC!) is in love with France.
“My daughter is a ‘French-o-holic’ aka Francophile – and who doesn’t like Paris, France?” Darcy explains. “Corey started the French Club in High School and obtained her college degree in French. We went to France several times together and just fell in love with Paris.”
FCC’s goals are simple. We want to provide our customers with great clothes and accessories at great prices. We want to make sure we have an incredible selection of women’s clothing, including everyday attire and special items from high-end designers like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, and Gucci.
Overall, coming into FCC is fun because each time is an adventure. Because second hand shopping is all about the thrill of the hunt, our hope is that each and every customer can find that unique treasure at an amazing price.
Although FCC has had several homes ranging from West Sacramento to a Victorian house on J Street, it is now settled in its current home in midtown Sacramento and now a second location in downtown Davis.
As a business, FCC has been going strong for six years now and is still growing. Corey and Darcy like to think it’s because of the amazing customer service FCC provides to shoppers.
“Where else can you pay secondhand prices and receive expensive boutique service?” says Corey. “I think our service is unparalleled in our field. Our clients are never ignored, there will always be a smiling face greeting you as you arrive, and someone will always thank you for visiting when you leave.”
Elaborating on this idea, Darcy says, “We strive to give the best customer service to our customers and our consignors. We have created such a welcoming environment that both employees and customers will ‘pop in’ just to visit and share with us their day or family happenings.”
Not only does FCC strive to give shoppers a wonderful experience each time they step foot into the store, it’s also a business that has become devoted to the community. In Midtown, FCC is a participant in Second Saturday festivities, while in Davis each month the store features art by a local artist for the Davis Second Friday ArtAbout.
“We are constantly sponsoring youth groups, schools, churches, colleges, community groups, etc. with gift baskets, time and monetary donations,” Corey says. “A few of our recent partnership efforts include Davis Grad Night, Yolo County SPCA, WEAVE, and the Sacramento Midtown Food Bank.”
Now that you know a little about FCC’s past, you might be wondering what the future holds for the business, right?
“At the moment, we are focused on growing our existing customer base, rooting ourselves at our new Davis location, and broadening our online reach through eBay and our online store sales,” Corey says. “I see that as a one to two year transition, and beyond that, I am thinking maybe ‘French Cuff San Francisco?’”
Posted in French Cuff Stuff
Tagged ArtAbout, Corey De Roo, Darcy Mcnie, Davis, downtown Davis, history of FCC, midtown Sac, second saturday, welcome to FCC
1 Comment