A FASHION fan has scored big time after buying a $75 bag at a thrift store.
It was a risk but she ran with her gut instinct about this designer item.
There was a chance it could have been an almighty flop.
But her radar for thrift gold stood up and this bag was worth 25 times more.
Beka Thrifts (@bekathrifts) was delighted with her morning haul.
Her TikTok is devoted to finding bargains in stores filled with pre-loved items.
There was a lot of interest in her post, with over 20,000 viewers tuning in.
She was in the right place at the right time when she saw this distinctive holdall.
The bag was in the window as she passed and, as soon as she saw it, was “screaming inside.”
It bore all the hallmarks of a Louis Vuitton bag.
But there are many dupes and fakes around, so she did some on-the-spot research.
Satisfied this might be the real deal, she bought it on the spot.
There was still a niggling doubt. She was not 100% sure.
But, as one commenter said, if there was the smallest of chances it was authentic, always grab it.
“The first rule of thrifting: always buy it. Better to buy than to miss it,” they said.
But other commenters gave her some tips that might help authenticate it.
One person said to look for a number under the leather flap.
Sure enough, Beka found it. It was made in 1993.
But other signs will help identify this designer bag as a genuine article.
AUTHENTICATION: WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?
The Louis Vuitton brand is iconic. But some key indicators separate the real deal from its knock-off imitators.
Stitching: this is very precise. The tabs on the handles have five stitches each.
Authenticity certificates: real LV bags do NOT come with any certification, but fakes often do.
Hardware: padlocks, zips, and connecting rings are brass-plated and should have some weight to them. If they are light it is a fake.
Commenters were certain she had bagged a real bargain.
“It’s definitely authentic. The way the handles have patina and the stitching around the handles,” said one person.
“I have this exact LV bag, also thrifted, and it has been authenticated. Yours definitely checks out,” added another.