Posts Tagged ‘handbags’

Counterfeit Handbags and Terrorism

In most major cities in the world, there is an active and highly profitable shadow economy in phony consumer goods that generates (in some estimates) upwards of 500 billion dollars a year. If have ever been down to “Counterfeit Alley” in midtown Manhattan, you have seen one of the biggest counterfeit marketplaces in the world.
While many of us spend our waking hours lusting after the latest fashion designs from our favorite designers, there are a lot of people out there who purchase knock-off or phony items without fully appreciating the consequences.

I recently read a book called “Knockoff”, written by a fellow named Tim Phillips. It was an insightful read, with a number of interesting and often disturbing ideas presented. I was particularly interested in the section he devoted to the trade in phony luxury items such as designer handbags. These days, it seems I can’t go anywhere without seeing somebody carrying a fake Prada or Gucci purse. Personally, I have always resisted the urge to purchase a counterfeit purse. I have avoided the temptation mainly because such an action only undermines an industry I have grown to love. When one considers the price of some of the higher-end purses, it should come as no surprise that some people purchase fakes.

What will surprise you is the discovery that their money is supporting future terrorist attacks in America and abroad. This book has confirmed my belief in supporting legitimate companies. Have you ever stopped to consider where the money you spend on fake consumer products ends up? This book will provide you with some frightening insights. The “black market” in counterfeit consumer goods provides incredible resources for criminal organizations, and these organizations certainly do not have the public interest at heart.

One of the most disturbing ideas in the book was the suggestion that terrorist organizations, working with organized crime groups, use the profits gained from these illegal sales to support future attacks. I could not sleep at night if I thought I was supporting terrorist campaigns to maim and kill innocent civilians in America, or anywhere else for that matter. I am a firm believer in being a conscientious shopper, and supporting companies that are trying to make the world a better place. I will gladly pay three times the price of a phony purse, to ensure that my money is not supporting terrorism. Check out “Knockoff” when you have a chance. It is a real eye-opener.

Brighton Handbags -Information when Shopping for Brighton Handbags

The Brighton handbag was added to the Brighton line of stylish accessories in 1993. Each Brighton handbag goes through 20 steps during its creation. Upon completion of the process a leather patch, embossed with Brighton’s statement of quality and an individual serial number is added. As you can see they really do put their heart into every product they make. It is for this reason the company is known for its heart logo. Components for some of the handbags are manufactured internationally in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.

Brighton handbags are handcrafted in California. At no time are there more than ten being made at a time. There is an attention to detail followed as a rule by Brighton craftsmen that is an exception in this industry. For example there is no tag explaining that the ‘marks’ and ‘scars’ are your “guarantee” of genuine leather-they painstakingly cut around the scars- to offer you, a flawless leather handbag. Each handbag is individually numbered, and is registered by its owner. Once registered, they are guaranteed. The leathers selected are the best from all over the world, and the hardware all originally created by Brighton artists and craftsmen, sterling silver finished, and protected from oxidation for everyday use.

The Brighton name has become to mean one-of-a-kind jewelry and fine Italian leather articles that are adorned with exquisite silver-plated ornamentation. Brighton’s heart logo fits the company philosophy that the difference in products is a true attention to detail. Most of the items in the Brighton collection have some unique detail, a message engraved on a bracelet or a Brighton handbag with a favorite photograph, that gives them special meaning to the owner. This then leaves a lasting memory to cherish for a lifetime. This has also led to many women having their own Brighton collection.

Brighton handbags are available in nearly 6,000 specialty stores nationwide and 50 all-Brighton stores from coast to coast. Brighton handbags are not sold in department stores or on the Internet. This is keeping with the owner/president policy to only do business with stores with world class customer service. This is reinforced with a 2 year warranty against any manufacturer defects.

A few of the more sought after Brighton handbags are:

Millie Organizer Handbag
Millie – Style #H90613 Black, #H90619 Chocolate

This lush Brighton handbag classic collection features opulent etched plaques, polished buttons and spinning hearts. It features a 12″ hand laced shoulder strap, front zip organizer, contoured pocket as front detail. An interior pocket system with striped lining completes the handbag. Measures 11 x 8 x 5 and MSR is $240.00. Making this a favorite among discerning women.

Jodi Reversible Tote
Jodi – Style # H6028R
This Brighton handbag got its idea from Historical American Citrus labels. The casual styling is accented with enameled floral charms and sparkles. This is a colorful and fun collection. The features include 5.5″ handles, reversible, inside zippered pocket and a magnetic closure. Dimensions are 9.5″W x 7″H x 3.5″D with a suggested retail price of $145.00.

Darcy Ziptop Brighton Handbag
Darcy – Style # H30724

This Brighton handbags has a new fashion slant. It is tapered, simple and fashion forward. Features: 6″ handles, key holder, back pocket with zipper, front pocket with a magnetic snap, zip top closure, custom Brighton scroll lining. 9.00″W x 6.00″H x 2.5″D and carries a suggested retail price in the $190.00 dollar range.

Loretta – Tobacco Brighton Handbag
Style # H90785 -

A soft unconstructed shape featuring a new fashion color! Features include 9″ handles, inside zippered pocket, key holder, 3 divided interior sections (two ziptop closures, one magnetic closure) two side pockets with tabs, back pocket and custom Brighton scroll lining. 1″W x 6.5″H x 5″D sporting a MSR price of $230.00.

Bella – Black-Chocolate Brighton Handbag
Style #H30519 – Replica Brighton Handbags
Updated, casual classic handbag silhouette featuring two exterior cell phone pockets. Features: 12″ handles, two inset exterior cell phone pockets, full zippered top, center zippered compartment in lining, interior pocket system 14″W x 7″H x 4.5″D Suggested Retail Price: $240.00

Bijoux Quilted Ziptop Brighton Handbag

Bijoux – Black Brighton Handbag
Style # H30713

This is the Brighton handbags French connection. A new interpretation of a Euro design house classic makes this a very popular choice. Features: 12.5″ straps, inside zippered pocket, key holder, ziptop closure, two side pockets with magnetic flap closure, back pocket, along with a custom Brighton striped lining, “feet” on bottom of handbag. 10.5″W x 5.5″H x 3.5″D Suggested Retail Price: $220.00

More fashion information on – Coach