"Poupette 's Welcome||316704"

Poupette welcomes all of her visitors. Feel free to help one another and I will check your posts daily to see what I can add. You are always free to write to me directly, just as before. Be good to one another, we are all we have. - Angie

DISCLAIMER: This site is a forum for sharing ideas, opinions and experiences. Angie Houston (aka Poupette) is not responsible and shall not be held liable for comments expressed by those other than herself and of those whom she has designated to speak on her behalf.

"Recommended Seller's Logo||318936"

Poupette received this message. Reply follows:

Hi Angie, I really love your work. Phantastic! I am impressed, whenever I go to my poupette.com!

I want to put my mother's Luco bag on eBay as well as a new Monogram Shine McKenna evening bag. May I use your my poupette-logo as reference to only selling AUTHENTIC Louis Vuitton? I have not sold any Louis Vuitton bags yet (the Allston I bought for my mother and she doesn't like just doesn't seem to go on eBay) but I have enough of them :-)

Anyhow, if it is not possible - not a problem. Have a good weekend and get some rest!

Thanks, Angie! All the best, Claudia

POUPETTE'S REPLY:

Hi Claudia. Thanks for your inquiry! I would like to point you to this page to apply to become a Recommended Seller: http://www.mypoupette.com/consider.html

In the meantime, you may feel free to use one of the logos on the following link, which helps get word out about Poupette’s LV resource: http://www.mypoupette.com/makelink.html

Thanks very much for your compliments and for your support! Hope to hear back from you! (I also appreciate your asking about use of the logo, as it is a trademark that requires permission for use.) "2002-10-04 Poupette"

"authentic wholesale LV??||319324"

A friend of mine is about to purchase a few LV bags from a web site. It claims to sell authentic(guaranteed)LV bags at wholesale price. I tried to explain to her that there is no such thing as wholesale LV. She is convinced that this web site is legit. What do you think?? How can convince her that she is wasting her money on fake items? The web site address is www.auctionworks.com/awstore/prince_Vuitton If you can check it out it would be great!! Eunice "2002-10-06 Eunice"

"authentic wholesale LV??||319348"

Many companies would have you believe that LV has sold "wholesale" merchandise to them and it simply is not true. Your friend can contact any Louis Vuitton store and verify this. Have her speak with the manager. Any web site advertising WHOLESALE LV is running a con game, as far as I am concerned and I would recommend keeping a healthy distance unless your friend does not care about spending hundreds of dollars on counterfeit goods. "2002-10-06 Poupette"

"pegase||320728"

Hi, can you tell me what you think about this item? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1387154730&rd=1 Thanks, Dave "2002-10-08 Dave"

"pegase||320734"

This auction is for "As New AUTHENTIC Louis Vuitton Pégase 60." I do not have much experience with LV luggage except soft, unstructured pieces. You always want to ask yourself if the seller is accustomed to selling authentic LV and/or high-ticket luxury items. You need to be comfortable with the seller. Check the seller's feedback record to see what he/she tends to specialize in. Next (if not clear in the auction ad), ask the seller where the item came from and why it is being sold at such a discount. Thank you for posting here, as visitors who own this item may also post their opinions...and other opinions are welcome! "2002-10-08 Poupette"

LV model names||322332

I enjoyed reading "Your favorite LV and wish list". From reading messages I realize I'm not familiar with lots of model names. I recently fell in love with LV bags and I've been visiting eLuxury.com and vuitton.com as references about the monogram canvas collection but even on their list I don't see some of the names I saw on postings like Bel air and Monceau. Are these discontinued items? Christie"2002-10-11 Chu H Kim"

LV model names||322337

Both the Monceau and the Bel Air have been around a while and are still in production. Try to obtain a new catalog from Louis Vuitton by calling 800-285-2255. It will cost $10, and is worth the price! "2002-10-11 Poupette"

Poupette is Curious||322835

Tell me if you would purchase this Ellipse bag and give your reason(s). Thanks for your participation! "2002-10-12 Poupette"

Poupette is Curious||322847

No. Firstly, I dont like the Ellipse. Secondly it oozes with all the right signs of a knock-off. The size -either too small or the handles are too big/long, and those tags!!! I'm not an expert at these yet but the signs are terribly obvious. Did i make the mark?"2002-10-13 uncreated "

Poupette is Curious||322848

I had another look and noticed that the monogram on the pocket is a bit skewed to the right, not as centered as it should be ( i always check if the prints are awfully centered and balanced) plus the presence of white paper wrapping on the brass hardware. "2002-10-13 uncreated "

Poupette is Curious||322891

No! First of all the LV logos are not in the proper places. Secondly, the little round plastic hang tag is an obvious sign of a knock off!! This one looks like soooooo many fauxs out there."2002-10-13 barb"

Poupette is Curious||322895

I am now going to add the comments in the auction for this bag: 100% NEW LV Monogram Ellipse Bag! "2002-10-13 Poupette

"Poupette is Curious||322903"

Absolutely not! I personally LIKE the ellipse shape, but NOT this obvious fake! First, the little white circular tab is a dead-giveaway of the fake. SEcond, the seller is quite anxious to sell the item at a great buy price. Third, the markings on the bag is totally wrong and the color looks too weird not a LV monogram canvas material. This bag should be burned! "2002-10-13 nvancamp"

"Poupette is Curious||322972"

The key to it's fakeness; the center flower thingy is on the seam and should be a about a quarter of an inch below the seam. Also, no mention of authentic and the plastic on the handles indicate it is fake. "2002-10-13 bett1e"

"Poupette is Curious||323159"

No I will not accept this one as auction. The white tag is an obvious evidence that it is not authentic. Also the white wrapping around the handles. I wont bother look any further once I see those things on an authion. "2002-10-13 Joyce"

"Poupette is Curious||323222"

Thanks for your responses, all of you savvy LVL's. All of you have given valid reasons for not purchasing this bag. Not to mention that the Ellipse does not come with a suede interior. It should be brown cotton canvas. "Poupette is proud of you! "2002-10-13 Poupette"

"Correcting Posted Messages||323334"

To change or correct a message you have already posted, get the post "number" -- six digits -- and select the "Modify" button at the top of the board. Enter the post number and your password and this will allow changes. Submit as usual. "2002-10-14 Poupette"

"Correcting Posted Messages||323484"

Angie Thank you for the tip re typo's, etc. Live, Learn and Love Louis Vuitton!! "2002-10-14 lynloveslouis"

"MESSAGE FROM "Poupette||325414"

Hello, my friends! Just wanted to let you know that I will be unavailable starting today, through Sunday. I will return on or before Monday at 9 am PST. Take care of each other and I look forward to rejoining you as soon as I can! Meantime, I will ask a question in a separate post and you can give me your opinion. "2002-10-18 Poupette"

"CHAT ROOM?||325418"

Would you like to have a Chat Room feature on "Poupette's site? Please cast your vote! "2002-10-18 Poupette"

"Fewer Fakes on eBay?||318942"

Poupette received this message. Response follows.

Hello!! I have been on eBay for 5 years mostly collecting old barbie dolls. In the last 10 days I have been looking at LV auctions. I have never purchased a LV purse so I thought I would try it on eBay. I was literally shocked to see some of the many auctions I saved in my "favorites" page when I went to click on the auction to see how it was going the auction was ended. This has happened at least 10 times in the last 10 days!! I was flabbergasted at the number of fakes around!! I want to buy one nice purse for now and would like to buy your booklet on this matter. I plan on going to Phoenix this weekend and visit the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and check out the purses there. "ballweg 10/4/02"

POUPETTE'S REPLY:

It seems that eBay is in its crackdown on fakes mode. That's a good thing! I hope they keep it up! Enjoy your LV shopping expedition! "2002-10-04 Poupette"

"Photogenic LVs?||320112"

Is the way an item photographs a key to it's authenticity. I have looked at many a photo of LV items and, maybe it is just me, but the real bags always photograph differently. For instance, say a bag is claimed to be authentic; the bag will look the exact same but it never shines or sparkles like the real thing. Of course, maybe only the people with real LVs can afford decent cameras but I am wondering if the real LV material is just more photogenic than the fakes. For example, my real speedies always photographed a bright yellow. The real buckets also seem to photograph a darker shade of brown than the fakes. Of course, the fakes are always new so that could account for the fact that they are never tan. My question: when authenticating does the manner the item photograph come into play at all? "2002-10-07 bett1e"

Photogenic LVs?||320305"

Yes, the type of material used does affect photographs. But that is not the only factor. Of course, matters such as lighting and processing of the photos also come into play.

Authentic LV canvas, for example, does photograph differently than non-authentic, even under the same lighting conditions. This is typically due to the coating on the canvas. If you were to study one authentic and one fake LV side by side, you would likely notice a difference in the "bumps" on the canvas that help produce the sheen. "2002-10-08 Poupette"

Top of Page

"Your favorite Vuitton||320612"

I'm just curious to know everyone's favorite Louis Vuitton handbag, your Vuitton wish item, and how many pieces you own. Mine is the monogram Papillon (I just got it for my birthday this past weekend). LOVE IT! I own monogram Alma w/strap, pochette, and porte tresor wallet. My wish list: medium monogram ellipse, large montsouris, Babylone, mini looping, Monceau and Bel Air. "2002-10-08 nvancamp"

"Your favorite Vuitton||320703"

I don't think there is enough time to list all I own or all I want, but my favorite is the Monogram Noé . I must carry everything with me. I am presently using my large bucket bag, but am tiring of it. One item on my wish list is the Monogram Graffiti Speedy, which I sold earlier this year...now I miss it. "2002-10-08 Poupette"

"Your favorite Vuitton||320766"

You received a wonderful birthday present!! I own 3 Speedys, 12", 14" & a vintage 12" Speedy (closer to 13") made under spec. license to the French Co. I also have the large Noé , lg. Montsouris backpack & a Sac Plat. My small items are the pochette, man's wallet, pochette clef, 6" cosmetic pouch, business card holder, and Palm Vx cover. My favorite for utility is the 14" Speedy or large backpack. My favorite, when I want to feel elegant, is the Sac Plat. Wish list contains a 16" Speedy, Sologne, Lg Ellipse, Sac Flannerie & the large Sac Gibeciere. Considering dabbling in Damier, but I like the monogram bag styles better. "2002-10-08 Carol'

"Your favorite Vuitton||320857"

I just love them all! I have about 16 Louis Vuitton bags and numerous accessories. All but one of my bags are brand new - all purchased from boutiques, not auction sites. LOL!! I have them from the Monogram, Epi and Damier lines. I guess you can say I'm a Louis Vuitton "nut". I just cannot get enough . I am constantly checking eLuxury.com for the new items. Love em!! I just began using my latest acquisition yesterday, the Epi Gemeaux. What a great bag! "2002-10-09 Barb"

"Your favorite Vuitton||321346"

My dream Vuitton was the Monceau. I bought the purse off eBay and now I am too afraid to carry it (it's so nice). Now, I am looking for a Vuitton just as cute but capable of being carried everyday, hopefully the Drouot. I never knew purse buying could be so complicated."2002-10-09 bett1e"

"Your favorite Vuitton||320612"

I'm just curious to know everyone's favorite Louis Vuitton handbag, your Vuitton wish item, and how many pieces you own. Mine is the monogram Papillon (I just got it for my birthday this past weekend). LOVE IT! I own monogram Alma w/strap, pochette, and porte tressor wallet. My wish list: medium monogram ellipse, large montsouris, Babylone, mini looping, Monceau and Bel Air. "2002-10-08 nvancamp"

"Your favorite Vuitton||320703"

I don't think there is enough time to list all I own or all I want, but my favorite is the Monogram Noé . I must carry everything with me. I am presently using my large bucket bag, but am tiring of it. One item on my wish list is the Monogram Graffiti Speedy, which I sold earlier this year...now I miss it. "2002-10-08 Poupette"

"Your favorite Vuitton||320766"

You received a wonderful birthday present!! I own 3 Speedys, 12", 14" & a vintage 12" Speedy (closer to 13") made under spec. license to the French Co. I also have the large Noé , lg. Montsouris backpack & a Sac Plat. My small items are the pochette, man's wallet, pochette clef, 6" cosmetic pouch, business card holder, and Palm Vx cover. My favorite for utility is the 14" Speedy or large backpack. My favorite, when I want to feel elegant, is the Sac Plat. Wish list contains a 16" Speedy, Sologne, Lg Ellipse, Sac Flannerie & the large Sac Gibeciere. Considering dabbling in Damier, but I like the monogram bag styles better. "2002-10-08 Carol"

"Your favorite Vuitton||321478"

I know just what you mean ...... I have a number of brand new LV's that I just want to stare at ..... crazy or what??"2002-10-10"

"Your favorite Vuitton||321536"

I think it is a perfectly normal reaction! "2002-10-10 Poupette"

"Your favorite Vuitton||321641"

Bettel, the monogram Monceau is my dream bag also. Right now I am saving my money and also putting some of my things together so I can sell them on eBay! Angie, I know how it is when you sell a Vuitton bag and then later miss it terribly I would just faint if I could own a graffiti speedy!!!"2002-10-10 nvancamp"

"Your favorite Vuitton||321825"

Bett1e: Hi, I have a Douot that I use everyday. Just the right size for casual use! I like to wear it one shoulder down over to the other side of my waist. Another casual I'm considering is the Ellipse Backpack. My husband wants to get it for me for my 30th birthday, but knowing that I'm not getting any younger... the backpack might be "too cute" for my age?! Hmm..."2002-10-10 Lily Feng"

"Your favorite Vuitton||321846"

I figured the Drouot would be just right but until I get rid of the 4 Guccis I just bought and figured out what I am going to do with the Monceau, I pretty much have decided that a purse purchase is out of my reach right now."2002-10-10 bettle"

"Your favorite Vuitton||321970"

Don't you dare let age get in the way of enjoying an Ellipse backpack. I turn 50 in November and carry the large Montsouris backpack because I like my arms free when shopping. I thought I was too old when I got the backpack last May. My 19 year old college daughter daughter says I look "awesome" with it on!!"2002-10-10 Carol"

"Party Poopers||321417"

I just finished reading Angie's updated messages from 10/10/02. I was saddened that she received emails telling her there were greater causes in the world than helping people burned by an eBay auctions of fake merchandise. They would be singing a different tune if they had ever been ripped off!! If they don't like what they see, the internet is full of many sites they could be surfing. I'll be happy to share some of my favorites. "2002-10-09 Carol"

Party Poopers||321470

Carol, I agree with your statement 110%! I think Angie is a "savior". Those people who write those negative things are probably those who prefer to buy counterfeits or more likely sell counterfeits on eBay or Yahoo. She is helping us not to be scammed and she is doing this during her own personal time for free. Who would do that for us out of their own kind generosity? It's Angie! Ignore those "party poopers". They are like a momentary fart in the air. They will go away quickly!"2002-10-10 nvancamp"

"Party Poopers||321483"

Party Poopers ... aka Jerks!!! . They either cannot afford to purchase a Louis Vuitton (and are jealous)or are the illegal scams trying to take innocent people's money for their fakes. Everyone has a "favorite" something, even these mean and nasty people. GO AWAY!!!"2002-10-10"

"Party Poopers||321513"

I was being nice when I said "saddened" in my message. Actually I was very angry. If one doesn't like the web site, go elsewhere. Why purposefully be hurtful? It only serves to put the naysayer in a bad light."2002-10-10 Carol"

"Party Poopers||321514"

If they are the "illegal scam" artists, we are on to them."2002-10-10 Carol"

"Party Poopers||321545"

I knew I could count on LV lovers to stick up for me! You have made my day! "2002-10-10 Poupette"

"Party Poopers||323238"

People have no right to say that "Poupette's cause is inferior. Everyone has a passion... and "Poupette's passion not only saves us from lies, cheats, and scams, it also gives us a community to share our LV experiences and stories. If this passion creates so many positive things, who dare say that it's an inferior cause?!! "2002-10-13 Lily"

"Party Poopers||323339"

Dear Resalefashion, Sounds like you had the same reaction I did! Carol "2002-10-14 Carol"

"Sister sites for other designers?||322304"

Hi Angie, I LOVE your site!! I've been trying to read every word of it since I discovered it yesterday! Your site offers valuable tips on how to uncover FAKE LVs, techniques in which I immediately apply when browsing through eBay! My question is, since you are such a brave advocate for authentic products, do you have tips about other designer products such as Prada and Gucci? Or, if you know any knowledgable friends that might have a SISTER SITE like yours on other brand names? LV is my fav! But i would also like to learn more about other designers. :) Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! CaliCuteGirl "2002-10-11 CaliCuteGIrl"

"Sister sites for other designers?||322339"

Try visiting NY24.com. It is the only site I am aware of that gives tips on other designer bags. "2002-10-11 Poupette"

"Is this Authentic? Recomend Seller?||322638"

Hi I am looking for a LV Looping. I already bought a fake that the seller had said was authentic - she's refusing to refund. Anyway, I'm still looking on eBay. Saw this (item #968942564): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=968942564 Can anyone tell me if it's authentic. Anyone know if this seller is reputable? Please help. Thanks!"2002-10-12 Leichan"

"Is this Authentic? Recomend Seller?||322658"

Hi, need more info. such as date code and additional pictures both interior and exterior. I question likelihood of this very low feedback seller having a brand new, authentic bag. I also don't like a No Reserve auction on a brand new, authentic bag. Seller can't get new LV at retail + tax, sell it No Reserve and risk high bid coming under retail. Seller would not break even, let only profit. Please do not be impressed by bag being pictured with LV sacks and dustbag. This doesn't mean anything. There are fake LV sacks, dust bags, ribbons, etc. out there. Ask seller for more pix, date code and where they got the bag. These are all reasonable requests."2002-10-12 Carol"

"Is this Authentic? Recomend Seller?||322717"

I too wouldn't take the risk without add'l photos. A clear sign of a fake is a picture taken in the shadows of darkness,no credit card payments, and a foreign seller. Think about it: if this purse is a fake, you will have to go to Canada and sue this person."2002-10-12 bett1e"

"Is this Authentic? Recomend Seller?||322759"

Thanks for your advise. I don't want to be ripped off again..."2002-10-12 leichan "

"Is this Authentic? Recomend Seller?||322777"

leichan, did you file a report for fraud item with eBay SafeHarbour on that first fake LV bag you bought? If not, do it immediately! If you paid for the fake with a credit card, contact your credit card company immediately and file a "chargeback". Tell your credit card company that the item you bought was advertised as authentic and it was found a a fake. I agree with the above about NOT buying that other bag on eBay. Too many red flags which means fake. Remember, some sellers on eBay and Yahoo are so low and have absolutely no moral values that they will claim their LV bags as "authentic" when they obviously are fakes. I call those sellers "kiosk sellers". They set up shop, hang around for a couple of days and vanish before you know it!"2002-10-12 nvancamp"

"Is this Authentic? Recomend Seller?||322837"

I am generally very cautious about low- or zero-feedback sellers who are new to eBay and selling high-ticket items. I recommend spending your money on items sold by sellers with a proven track record for authentic LV sales. It is much less risky. "2002-10-12 Poupette"

"Value of discontinued LV`s||318669"

Does the fact that the purse size has been discontinued make it worth more or less? For instance, the 1957 Chevrolet is out of production but worth more in pristine condition but the Gremlin is out of production as well and likely worth nothing. If LV discontinues a style is that a sign of trying to make the purse a collector item or telling the public that it just wasn't popular enough to keep producing. The monceau I have is a little small to be functional. I am also worried about this stickiness I keep hearing about. As for your crusade, I feel really bad for a bidder on a bucket last night. Their bid was $355.00 on a large bucket and I am pretty sure it was fake. It just looked funny and the straps were not attached and there was some type of plastic on the buckles. What made it even worse the seller used this name to fool people - powerseller1254 (0) so people wouldn't notice the zero feedback. Then they have the same purse under another zero bidder's name. I try to report any fake auctions when I am on eBay. They have really started to crack down in my opinion. There used to be hundreds of buckets for sale; now it's down to about 50. "2002-10-04 bett1e"

Value of discontinued LV`s||318700

"Typically, whenever goods become discontinued and "rare," they become more collectible and valuable to someone. I cannot speak for the corporate marketing strategies of LV's decisions to discontinue items, but I would assume you are correct in that the item was probably not one of their best sellers or the style became outdated. Best sellers usually continue in production. Often, there are a limited number of items produced, creating a "natural" collectible right from the start. We have seen this most recently with the Graffiti line.

The "stickiness" you refer to with respect to the interior lining of some of LV's pockets is typically due to improper storage or care. If the bag becomes wet or is in high humidity, (particularly, if imitation leather was used) the pocket lining may become sticky. In some cases, the lining becomes flaky and will peel. This is not a good thing and I hope LV will find some way to prevent this from happening. I always keep tissue paper or a cotton cloth (handkerchief) inside any unused pockets to keep the sides from touching, thus preventing the "stickiness" factor.

With respect to those sellers who try to fool others and the buyers who are being taken in, these stories always break my heart. I hope that as more people find My Poupette , they will become aware of such tricks and know to avoid them. As for eBay cracking down, they seem to run in phases. I am always happy to hear when they are in the "get rid of the fakes" mode! "2002-10-04 Poupette "