If you love designer items, chances are authenticity is fascinating to you. Imagine our surprise and delight when we found out that there are museums detected to authenticity! If you are ever in Bangkok, Thailand or Paris,France, you'll have a chance to visit them. Here are some pictures from these museums. It's really fun to compare the fake vs real, and it's shocking what counterfeiters will copy!
Some counterfeits will openly announce that they are the fake version of the real thing, hence "Vigo" instead of "Hugo." I suppose this is more polite, as buyers know that their purchase is not authentic and will not over-pay.
Counterfeit skincare and makeup! This is a very scary thing, and unfortunately, not uncommon, particularly in many Asian countries. Anything that is applied to the body should go through a regulated process, backed up with testing and science. Using fake makeup has the potential of damaging your health!
And, of course, bags!! Bags, wallets and backpacks are the third most faked items! Shoes are most counterfeited, while consumer electronics are the second most counterfeited.
Another dangerous counterfeit! Who knows what kind of effect fake medication will have. 🙁
Chances are you've heard of the 2008 tragedy in China. One widely-spread fake baby formula was so poor in nutrients that it resulted in 54,000 babies being hospitalized, and the death of 6 infants!
Can you believe that even raisins are faked? Ligo raisins are modestly priced regular raisins. Why can't the fakers just put their raisins in a different type of box?
FUN QUIZ TIME! The images below show the authentic goods next to the fake. Can you tell the difference?
All items on the left were authentic, while the items on the right were counterfeit. It's obvious that beautiful designer bags and clothing will be counterfeited, but medical equipment, and gas nozzles? Crazy!
It's so fun to see what others have, and to see what others are loving. One of the amazing ladies of the Lollipuff community, Mariloupop, is giving you a peek into her personal collection of Herve Leger. Great ready for some pics of gorgeous clothing!
Just fell a little more in love with Herve Leger? We don't blame you!
These pics are beautiful! Mariloupop, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful HL collection with everyone. It's got a fantastic mix of classics, ombres, a-lines, separates and more. Absolutely impeccable taste, and there's no denying that Herve Leger looks phenomenal on you!
The Celine mini bag is currently the IT designer bag to have. I currently do not own one in my personal collection, but after doing this bag review, that might change. Read on for the details of this bag, and for how it compares to the Celine micro bag.
I typically shy away from large bags, because they tend to overwhelm my small frame. But, the Celine Mini (that is not so mini) is one large bag that makes me a little weak in the knees. It's so darn modern and chic looking. And, the design makes it perfect for almost any occasion! It's versatile enough for the office and casual weekends.
Not all Celine minis have a structured frame. This one does. When I set it down on the table, it's just as beautiful as on my arm. The construction and quality is amazing, ensuring that this bag will stay beautiful after many many wears and years. The drummed calfskin leather is durable and not fragile. Even though the color of the bag is a light ivory, it's not easy to scuff or discolor. Handles are substantial and well constructed, so even if you carry often and a lot, there will be no concerns.
Dimensions:
roughly 12 inches x 12 inches x 7 inches. These measurements do not include the side wings of the bag or handles.
The large size combined with impeccable construction make this bag perfect for those who like to carry a lot of stuff! Inside this bag is a camera, an outfit change, a pair of flats, a wallet, and phone; it's only half-way full! For rigid smooth or rigid drummed calfskin Celine luggage bags, no matter what is inside the bag, it keeps its shape well.
Celine mini bags have a top zipper for opening and closing. The zipper is very smooth, and the opening expands easily. This is a SUPER convenient bag. There will also be at least one side pocket inside and a small zippered pocket on the front of the bag. Hardly anyone uses the front pocket to store anything; it's more for looks.
The Celine micro (10 x 10 x 6 inches) is slightly smaller than the mini (12 x 12 x 7 inches). Because these are so close in size, many often wonder which bag is better for them. I'm 5 foot 6 inches; here they are on me for comparison.
Lollipuff was on tv again! This time it was on CBS news in Atlanta. Here's the interesting story on a counterfeit bust in Atlanta and a few authentication tips from us. 🙂
Special thanks to CBS Atlanta! It was a blast meeting and working with you all! For the longer unedited video, head over to CBS46.
Watching this explains a lot of stuff. Now, I understand why I liked Daria (old MTV show) so much; I sound almost exactly like her! lol... Hope you enjoyed it!
Lollipuff was on CBS news in Atlanta for a fun authentication story. We shared a few tips on how to authenticate designer items. If you're here because of the tv show, we hope that the tips on the show help you with this quiz! Have fun everyone.
Answers are located at the bottom.
Authentic items: 1,2,5 Fake items: 3,4,6
Usually, I don't like altering a Herve Leger dress. But, when alterations are absolutely needed, simple and reversible alterations are the way to go. If desired, the dress can be reverted back to its original design. Here's a simple tutorial on how to shorten a Herve Leger skirt or dress.
This how-to applies to most Herve Leger bandage dresses and skirts. However, it cannot be used on dresses with intricate designs at the bottom, flared bottoms, or any items with hardware located at the bottom.
In my opinion, this solution is better than taking it to a tailor and having fabric removed. People oftentimes change their minds about how short they want a dress to be. Allowing the alteration to be reversible also makes the dress more versatile.
All you have to do to make your Herve Leger dress shorter is to:
1. Turn it inside out.
2. Fold the amount that you want to shorten.
3. Using thread in the same color as your dress, sew a few points down. Don't do tight stitches. A couple loose stitches at each point will do. When sewing make sure that the thread does not show on the outside of the dress. For areas where there is not excess fabric to support the thread (example: not near zipper or side seams), only run the thread partway through the top layer of the dress.
It really is that easy! And, it's faster than taking trips to the seamstress!
If you need to undo the alteration, simply cut the loose stitches you made. Make sure that you do not cut the dress. If the dress has been altered for a very long time, you may need to press a damp cloth over the crease to eliminate any lines created by folding.
Fashion is about creativity, but it's also about inspiration. Today, we're going to take a look at supermodel, Alessandra Ambrosio, and share sure-fire tips on how to copy her 3 most common day outfits.
Outfits with Shorts
Top: Something loose. If it's really long, the top is partially tucked in.
Shorts: Mini length with frayed cut-off edges.
Bag: Usually a bag with a handle rather than a shoulder strap. Ms. Ambrosio LOVES Celine!
Shoes: Thong sandal, or beige ankle booties.
Sunglasses: Yes.
Other accessories: Bold masculine watch. Sometimes minimal dainty jewelry.
Outfits with Pants
Top: Neither fitted nor loose.
Pants: Very tight in a neutral color.
Bag: Usually a bag with a handle rather than a shoulder strap.
Shoes: Ankle boots or ankle sandals in a similar color of the top or scarf.
Sunglasses: Yes.
Scarf: Large, muted color, with frayed edges.
Other accessories: Bold masculine watch. Sometimes, minimal dainty jewelry.
Outfits with Skirts
Here's another favorite look of her's. She wears chiffon maxi skirts more than any other day skirt. They're easy to move in and even pants could not be more comfortable. Please note that this look could be ill-fitting on petite statures and those with short torsos.
Top: Anything goes, but the top should not be too long. Colorful if the skirt is not.
Skirt: Maxi length and has either slits or see-through to show off the legs. Colorful if the top is not.
Bag: Large bag with handle.
Shoes: Thong sandal or wedge sandals.
Sunglasses: Yes.
Other accessories: Bold masculine watch. Lots of small bracelets.
Looking at all of the outfits, you can tell that she's laid-back and loves comfort. Colors are usually light neutrals or muted colors. Most of her shoes are not high heeled, and the clothing articles are easy to wear and not fussy. Yet, the looks are definitely very put-together and trendy. Three strong fashion habits that this gorgeous lady commonly follows: bold masculine watch, thong sandals and large bags (commonly light brown) with short handles.
If you love Alessandra's style, we hope that our fashion analysis helps you in easily re-creating one of her signature looks!
Time to share even more Herve Leger dresses from the 2014 collection. Check out the reviews for 5 more dresses that are in stores now!
First up is the Kenna! I'd imagine that this dress would look great on most body shapes and skintones. It runs true to size. This dress is particularly great for those who are concerned about the bust area. For large busts, this dress provides a lot of support, and for smaller busts, this dress creates a lot of cleavage.
White is so beautiful to wear! Lexi is yet another super classic dress that will be in-trend for years and years to come. This dress also runs true to size.
The black Kaya jacket did not look right on me. Since I am so short-waisted, I find this top to be too short. It makes me look overly top-heavy. This top would look fabulous on someone with different proportions though. It would look incredibly sexy with some tight black pants! This jacket top also ran true to size.
The Raquel (yes... a lot of HL dresses have the same name) with its slightly exaggerated shoulders also didn't work on me. On a smaller bust, this would look insanely good. The bands on this dress are individual and criss-crossed. Amazing for a woman with a pair of long legs and a more modest bust. Again, the sizing is true to size.
Lastly, is the Kyra. This peach dress ran one size big. The hold on this was slightly less than all the other dresses.
When you buy designer bags, it's only natural to want to maintain their beauty. Here are some tips on how to keep your gorgeous bags in tip-top shape.
My 3 most favorite bags: Chanel M/L 2.55 in black caviar, Chanel small classic double flap in navy lambskin, Square Chanel in lambskin leather (slightly larger than the mini) - I'm a sucker for this type of bag size, dark bags, and Chanel classics. Both lambskin bags are 20+ years old, and I bought all of them pre-owned.
Rule 1: Good storage
Proper storage is the most important rule to follow if you want your bags to stay stunning, and it's so easy to accomplish.
1. Stuff the bag with some tissue paper or old clothing. Do NOT use plastic. This will help keep the form of the bag, AND control the moisture level inside the bag.
2. Stand the bag upright on a flat even surface.
3. Put in a dustbag. This is to protect the bag from extended exposure to sunlight, dust and moisture. If the bag is stored in a dark closet, a dustbag is less important, as moisture on the outside of the bag is an uncommon issue. If your bag doesn't have a dustbag, sub it with a cotton pillowcase; it'll serve the same purpose! 🙂
Rule 2: Stain-Proof
I like to spray my bags with Vectra. It makes the bag more stain-resistant. You only need to do about 10 pumps for an entire bag, and then wait for the solution to dry on the bag before using. The spray gives a very fine mist. It has very low to no odor and has not changed the color or darkness of any of my bags. I do NOT use this on patent leather.
Vectra 16 for clothing, bags, and shoes is also great for white and very light-colored Herve Leger clothing. Light-colored clothes are more prone to staining and a fine mist of this product seems to help.
Rule 3: Condition
Finally, I condition my bags once a year. I do NOT condition fabric, suede, vachetta (Louis Vuitton) or patent leather.
Simply use a soft colorfast cloth with a leather conditioner. I use Cadillac boot and shoe care .
Sara, one of our very lovely Lollipuff community members, spent a weekend in Paris. There are not many Herve Leger stores in Europe, so of course, while she was there, she stopped by the boutique! Here are pictures of her trip for your viewing pleasure!
Sara told me that the pricing was the same number amount, just in Euros instead of USD. So, that means a $1290 dress was €1290 in the Paris store! Currently €1290 is equivalent to $1785! This isn't surprising. Pricing for designer goods vary greatly throughout the world. She also said that she went out empty-handed, because she had Lollipuff for way better pricing. 😉
Someone must love a-line Herve Leger dresses! lol
Sara, you look beautiful as always! Love your smile, and I'm really jealous of how vibrant the colors came out. *need new phone :P* Thanks so much sharing your pictures with everyone!!