While there are of course many unique and stylish handbags and purses on the market, for many buyers Gucci handbags remain the gold standard, and the standard by which all other handbags are judged. Indeed, in survey after survey shoppers have picked Gucci as the bag they would most like to carry, and for many of us being able to afford one of these fine handbags is a sign that we have truly arrived.

The very popularity and quality of Gucci handbags has of course meant that there are a number of knockoffs and fake Gucci products that have sprung up to take advantage of unwary buyers. While these fakes can be very authentic looking to the casual observer, what they lack is the truly exceptional style and quality that has given Gucci its well deserved reputation.

When shopping for genuine Gucci handbags it is important to remember that genuine Gucci handbags, be they hobo bags, clutches, purses, shoulder bags or other styles, will typically sell for several hundred dollars. While there are of course a number of deals to be had, the fact is that if a retailer offers to sell you a Gucci purse for a fraction of that retail price chances are the product is a fake, and if it is fake chances are good that it is not even worth that heavily discounted price.

There are a number of things to look for to help determine if a Gucci handbag is the real deal or a cheap knockoff. One thing to look closely at is the stitching around the edges of the purse. A genuine Gucci bag will have high quality, fine stitching throughout the bag, while a cheap fake will likely have stitching that is poorly done or uneven. It is also important to look at the quality of the leather, canvas and other materials used in the construction of the handbag. Gucci has long been the highest quality handbag on the market, and as such the company uses only the highest quality, leather, canvas and other materials.

If the material looks cheap or shoddy, chances are good you are looking at a fake. While a fake may be able to fool some people, it is far better to spend a little more and enjoy the truly exceptional quality and style only genuine Gucci handbags can deliver.

There are of course many choices when it comes to which handbag to carry, but there is something about the quality and style of Gucci that is sure to make a statement no matter where you go. For many women the purse she carries is much more than just a place to hold their money. Indeed a purse is a fashion statement, and a genuine Gucci purse makes a statement no other brand name can match. These great handbags, purses, wallets and other accessories may not be the cheapest on the market, but they are certainly among the best and highest quality on the market.