If you're a woman who knows how to step out in style, you know that your handbag is part of the deal. It's an accessory that almost defines you - compare it to your jewelry and your shoes. Sometimes though, you may be tempted to skimp and buy a replica; after all, doesn't it look just as good as the real thing? Well, don't. Save up those pennies and go for the real thing. There are many reasons why you should avoid replicas:

1. First and foremost, replicas are illegal in most countries. They are called fakes and there are laws against them. So when you see that guy at the street corner with a great collection of replica designer bags, it's just that the law hasn't caught up with him - yet.

2. With replicas, you get exactly what you pay for. Fine, so the real thing costs $1000 but here's a deal for $350. Well, you go ahead and buy it, and you'll get exactly $350 worth of value from that bag. You're buying a lemon, really. The reason it's a replica is because it's not made of the original tough stuff that's used to make designer bags last forever. Before long, it will start to give way. The lining will likely rip, the outer will start to peel and then what do you have? A wasted chunk of money. Originals last, and they come with the guarantee to give you service for a long time.

3. There are so many replicas out there, some are even said to be of good quality. But how can you tell really? How can you tell that something that's not original is of good quality? You may say that you do your homework pretty thoroughly before you go out and buy one, but what are the guarantees? Again, better to save up and buy an original quality bag that has promise.

4. A designer bag is an investment. Notice how most great bag designers make bags that never go out of fashion? You can use it for years and years, fashion comes and fashion goes but you can still flaunt your original and get compliments on it. So why not go out and make yourself an investment that will last for years?

5. Lets go back again to the argument about good replicas. Yes, they do exist, but they are difficult to come by. Everyone who sells a replica will claim to have the best of the range, but how will you know until you part with your money, take it home and then it starts to rip and give way? Anyone selling you a replica will claim to have it all, but be warned that that's the only line they'll use to sell their bags. Go out and get yourself the real thing.

6. If you appreciate beauty, it's likely that you appreciate all the work that goes into creating a masterpiece. Imagine all the thought and work that goes into creating a great designer bag, and then soon as it hits the market, someone simply copies it and makes a profit off it. If you have a conscience for artists who put great effort into their work, you'll feel better buying the real thing and appreciating the artist.

7. There's the argument that real original designers use child labor and underpay their workers - my counter argument to this is, what do makers of replicas use? Most designer bag producers are legitimate, registered businesses that follow the law. We don't know that much about replica makers.

So there are a good number of reasons why you should always go for the real thing. You may argue that you don't come across $2000 to spend on a handbag every day, but you don't have to tote one everywhere you go. If you're not into spending that kind of cash on a bag, get one or two that you use to step out into that special occasion. In fact, you can now rent designer bags for special events and return them once you're done, so really, there's no excuse.

For everyday use, go to a store that sells good bags that are not necessarily designer. But don't go and get yourself a bunch of replicas because sooner or later they will let you down! And by the way, many designers sell bags at discounted prices and so there's your chance. If you want to know where to hook up with some original hand candy, check out our site for great deals and the latest styles.