[galligator]

I'm definitely more a shoe than bag gal. But if I like a designer bag, I'm going to try to find a way to buy the real thing by saving up and stalking ebay or end-of-season sales. A high quality fake is still a fake & at that point I can find plenty of non-illegal bags that are very cute down at the local Target or mall. I know some folks don't see fakes as harmful. But, I'm not supportive of items that are outright trademark violations. Inspired-by and near-copies that don't try to steal trademark & logos are legal. Counterfeits are not. I'm also not fond of the fact that counterfeits often are produced in sweatshops, or by child labor, or have been found at times to support organized crime, and in some instances terrorist groups. It's definitely something to think about rather than just the price it takes from my budget.