How To Spot A Counterfeit Designer Bag

Aside from owning luxury watches, one expensive hobbies that many Singaporeans partake in is collecting designer bags. Times have changed and fake designer bags are becoming harder to spot.

Consider these warning signs before purchasing a new bag:

DOES THE HISTORY CHECK OUT?

The first step to filtering out a counterfeit bag from a real one is to do your research. Familiarize yourself with the brand and the specific product that you want to purchase. If possible, inspect the overall craftsmanship of the product in person. Look at the hardware, material, shape, logo, and stitching. Go to the online forums to learn more about the specific history of a product.

For instance, Chanel stopped gold plating their hardware beyond 2009. This information is crucial. If you are interested to purchase a 2007 flap bag with gold hardware then, it should be plated.

IS IT MADE OF PREMIUM LEATHER?

No matter how much you try…you cannot fake leather! Leather items have a distinct smell and texture. If it smells like chemicals or glue, skip it. Premium leather should feel like it is soft yet dry.

How about for leather straps or handles? After a few weeks of wearing the bag, you may notice a slight discoloration of the straps or handles. This is normal. Fake leather handles will remain unchanged and shiny!

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Do not forget to study the cut of the leather too. Gucci bags will have the same cut of leather, especially around the interior zippered pocket.

DOES THE STITCHING SEEM UNEVEN OR SLANTED?

Sloppy stitching has no place in the luxury book. Notice how your new bag is stitched. Uneven, frayed, or slanted stitching is a sign of a poorly made item. It can potentially be a counterfeit!

You see, brands are known for owning specific stitching codes. These codes are key indicators of the product’s authenticity. For instance, Hermès’ famous stitches are handmade by craftsmen (or piqures sellier).

IS IT TOO LIGHT?

Notice the weight of the product. Quality hardware are typically made of metals such as gold and brass, which will not tarnish over a period of time. These metals are heavier than the metals found in the fake items. Furthermore, they do not show any imperfections.

It is important to note that counterfeit products are getting more sophisticated nowadays. Since some of them are using real metals, weight should not be your only determining factor.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are not comfortable with distinguishing a real bag from a fake one then, you may seek help from professional sources. Interestingly, there are companies that offer authentication services through a photograph that you will send.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Spot A Counterfeit Luxury Watch

One expensive hobbies that many Singaporeans partake in is collecting luxury watches. Due to the changing times, counterfeit or fake watches are becoming harder to spot. Collectors need to be very careful.

Consider these warning signs before purchasing a new watch:

#1: DOES IT HAVE A DOCUMENTATION?

Similar to purchasing an appliance, you must ensure that it comes with a warranty and an authenticity certificate (i.e., with a serial number). If you are acquiring it from a private collector, research the history of its ownership. Nonetheless, your safest bet is to buy the watch directly from the brand’s authorized store.

#2: DOES IT HAVE SPELLING ERRORS?

As obvious as this might sound, some fake items have spelling errors. Words such as “Professional” on Omega watches are commonly spelled with a single “s”. That is a red flag right there! Be wary of low quality pictures where the spelling is ambiguous too.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: IS IT TOO LIGHT?

Counterfeit watches are typically lighter than the original watches due to the cheaper materials used in its production. For instance, authentic gold Rolex watches are heavier than the fake ones. The weight of real gold is greater than the base metal used in the fakes.

#4: IS IT TOO LOUD?

Did you know that you can tell the movement of a watch based on its sound? Most fine quality watches have extremely smooth mechanisms, which means that these are engineered to function at an exceedingly low volume. You should not be able to hear a ticking sound unless the watch is put closer to your ear.

#5: DOES IT HAVE THE RIGHT ENGRAVING?

Some luxury brands use distinct engravings to make their products difficult to copy. Rolex uses laser-etched crowns in their sapphire crystals. While, Omega engraves a symbol in the case-back of its watches. Keep a vigilant eye on these specific markers.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is better to be safe than sorry! Equip yourself with these tips or ask a professional for quality assessment.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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Newbie’s Guide To Finding The Perfect Spectacles

Poor vision is a trait that has been passed from the one generation of our family to another. Thus, it comes as no surprise that my sister inherited the trait too. For her birthday, I decided to help her purchase a pair of spectacles. It is a practical and fashionable gift that she can use on a daily basis.

I purchased a new pair in less than ten minutes. I knew the frame that I wanted and came with a budget in mind. While, she took about two hours to select hers. She put a lot of thought in the selection process because she believes in finding the best pair possible. As a savvy consumer, she was on a hunt to find a pair that will last her for several years.

Her actions made me dwell upon the essential steps needed to acquire the “perfect pair”.

WHAT ARE YOUR REQUIREMENTS?

Eye-wear criterion vary from wearer to wearer. Similar to acquiring a new gadget, you must examine the requirements needed to be filled when choosing a pair of spectacles. Where will you use your prescription eye-wear predominantly? Are you going to use it for indoor or outdoor activities?

The more information the optometrist or store personnel is provided with, the easier the selection process will be. Let the professionals know which features will be most beneficial for you.

WHICH FRAME SUITS YOUR FACE?

Choose a frame that compliments your face shape. To identify your face shape, you look directly into a mirror and pull your hair back. The overall contours of your face is your face shape. People with an angular face  should opt for round frames. While people with round faces shall opt for angular frames. How about the ones with heart-shaped faces? Well, they should opt for oval-shaped frames. Lastly, people with oval-shaped faces can choose any type of frame they want.

Image Credits: selectspecs.com

Nonetheless, it is best to take someone with you while you shop. Having a second opinion from a trusted companion can be really helpful.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS FOR LENSES?

Would you believe that there are more than two options for lenses? The market offers plastic lenses, multi-coated lenses, blue cut lenses, and so on. Choose the spectacle lenses that will best suit your lifestyle.

Plastic lenses are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. High-quality plastic lenses offer protection against scratches and pressure marks. Multi-coated lenses combine anti-reflection, scratch-resistant, UV-protected, and water repellent properties. Lastly, blue cut lenses are used to block the harmful blue light that smartphones, monitors, and laptops emit.

WHAT CAN YOUR INSURANCE COVER?

People who browse intently through the fine print are often rewarded. Unbeknownst to you, your health insurance or employee benefits may cover your eye care expenses. Increase your awareness meter by approaching your HR representative. Ask him or her about the insurance plans or healthcare procedures that the company honors.

Say that your company is covered with the AXA Smart Vision plan. This visionary plan includes comprehensive eye examination, discount on eye-wear, and up to S$300 allowance for frame or contact lens (T&Cs apply).

HOW CAN YOU GET A LONG-LASTING PAIR?

Why will you buy an expensive pair of spectacles when you can get several pairs delivered at your doorstep? This is the mindset of many Singaporeans who subscribe to cheap prescription eye-wear. You see, multiple cheap pairs do not necessarily equate to a single quality pair.

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Purchasing an expensive high-quality pair that will last you for several years is better than purchasing an inexpensive low-quality pair that will last you for several months. Consider your prescription eye-wear as a health investment.

Sources: 1 & 2

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To All The Money You’ve Wasted Before

On a positive note, you have started the month with the best intentions at heart. You intend to save money by buying what you actually need and by steering away from from temptation. You have created a seemingly robust plan to watch your spending habits. However, things do not seem to work despite your unwavering efforts. Do not beat yourself up! This happens to many of us.

Taking control of your finances starts with understanding your triggers. Why are your drawn to buying the non-essential items? Analyze the physical, environmental, and psychological triggers that cause you to spend. Managing said triggers will help you to avoid overspending.

Let us start with the physical factors that can affect your spending habits. Dropping by the nearest grocery while you are hungry may not be a practical idea! Your rumbling tummy makes you more susceptible to purchasing more. You are less likely to spend time exploring the isles when you already have a list in mind.

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Environmental factors include exposure to shopping malls, flea markets, and television or online shops. Are you more likely tempted to spend due to the convenience of having an item delivered through your doorstep? There are certain situations that can make you feel obligated to spend. For instance, some people are more likely to spend when they are travelling. These people go on a spree because of a mindset that they will not be able to come back there anytime soon.

Focusing on the the psychological factors will highlight the Money Disorders. Money disorders is a broad umbrella consisting of money avoidance, money-worshiping, and relational money disorders. Compulsive buying is under money-worshiping. Inner conflicts drive compulsive shoppers to overspend. Earlier in life, they often learned that shopping provides a temporary escape from worries and anxieties. The chemical reaction that shopping brings to them can be compared to an addiction that leaves them to crave for more. Is your problem as serious as this?

The second step to financial control is tracking your spending. Keep track of all your purchases for a month. Figure out whether an expense is essential or non-essential. Afterwards, get the total of each category. How much are you spending on the non-essentials? Perhaps, you can cut back at least S$50 per category?

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The final step is to allocate your money strategically. You need to give every dollar a place to stay. I do not intend for you to max out your account! Instead, you must allocate your money to several categories such as: savings, investments, retirement or emergency funds. Having money lying around can lead you to spend it. Do your wallet a favor! Avoid being trapped in this situation.

Sources: 1 & 2

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20 Dollar-Pinching Food Hacks

1. Squeeze every last drop of lemon, calamansi, and other citrus fruits by using a pair of tongs.

2. Savvy shoppers compare prices across the board. Do so by visiting the website called PriceTrolley. It gives transparency over different product prices in local supermarkets.

3. Plan your meals a week in advance and shop accordingly. Do not go beyond this list!

4. If you cannot handle the taste of tap water, get a water filter. It is cheaper to get a water filter and attach it on your faucet instead of purchasing purified water regularly. Lazada Singapore sells water purifiers for as low as S$12.

5. Reduce your intake of meat. Instead of consuming meat on a daily basis, you may reduce your consumption to five times a week. This act both save some cash and to be kinder to the animals.

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6. Use coupons in the grocery. Keep a watchful eye over coupons available in magazines and newspapers. You may also check couponing websites for codes that can be used while you shop online.

7. Invest on food containers or Tupperware. Use these containers to pack your lunch in your campus.

8. Not every due date is set on stone. Do not throw food out just because it is beyond the “best before” date. Inspect the product first.

9. Applying the same concept as a mystery shopper, you can become a mystery diner. Eat your hearts out while commenting on dishes in various restaurants. You get to enjoy a free meal while getting paid for your job.

10. Do not over serve your guests. Ask them to get more food, if necessary. This will reduce the wastes of uneaten food on a plate.

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11. Follow the age-old trick of First In, First Out. Use older products or produce first before moving on to others. An organized refrigerator will make this possible.

12. As mentioned above, you must organize the items inside your refrigerator. Plan out the products that you will actually eat and store them properly. Since the fridge’s door is the warmest part, it is the best place to store your condiments and non-dairy beverages that do not spoil easily.

13. Know how to distinguish what is freezable from what is not. Afterwards, freeze everything that is freezable. Maximizing the power of your freezer will save you money in the long run.

14. Spice up your basic popcorn by seasoning it with herbs. Before your herbs go bad, you may chop them up and mix them with olive oil or butter. Use this mixture to sauté your onions or to spread on a toast.

15. Dine out on your birthday. There are so many place that offer free meals, desserts, or giveaway to celebrants. I remember receiving a free ice cream cake and a free ticket to a contemporary museum during my birthday.

16. Wrap the stem of the banana in a plastic wrap to extend its life span. This will keep it fresh.

17. Cheese is a tricky product to store! Start by wrapping it loosely in a wax paper before placing it in the packaging. Then, partially seal the plastic. This prevents the bacteria and ammonia from being trapped inside.

18. To keep your brown sugar soft, toss a few marshmallows inside the packaging.

19. Absorb the moisture on your lettuce by breaking it apart before storing it. Do this trick to similar greens upon washing it. Then, store the greens in a resealable container with a dry paper towel. Replace the paper towel as needed.

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20. Do not throw your eggs in the rubbish bin right away! Do the “fresh test” by letting it float gently in a bowl of water. The eggs that will sink are still fresh.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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