Posted by melikemochi from the Purse ForumI thought it might be nice for us LV fanatics to make a list of flaws to check for when buying LV. It might be helpful for some. For those, who like my sister, don't care much to check anything when purchasing, just ignore this thread.
Important things to check for (to the extreme):
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alignment: make sure the fleurs and other symbols match up; make sure the material is smooth where they are sewn together and not bent.
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bubbles: make sure canvas is sewn so that the bag stands well and does not have canvas that bubbles up a bit (this sort of looks like a fold) the entire piece of canvas should be uniform in terms of how much it sticks out. I hope this makes sense, its a bit hard to describe. My cousin bought my aunt a hudson and he did not check it well and her bag has this flaw. She noticed it right away but LV is 3 hours from her.
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air bubbles on MC items: you need to look closely for this.
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vachetta: not patinaed and is not dirty, scratched.
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glaze: must fully cover vachetta (I recieved a bag where the glaze didnt fully cover the leather edges and it began to split from that); pay especial attention to the ends of the tabs and where the handles connect to the bag because in those areas the vachetta need the most protection.
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bumps: for example the speedy. there is an inevitable bump by the zipper from the pocket inside (though IMO with good seamstress work that should not be there) all speedys will have this bump but it is best to choose one with the smallest bump (and yes the bump size varies). the reason for this? If you keep your bags for a few years no big deal but if you plan to keep it FOREVER like me then a smaller less steep bump is best as overtime that spot is most suceptible to cracking. Yes, i've seen it happen.
Vachetta piping: make sure it is all even both the size (thickness) of the piping and how much it sticks out from the bag. I saw one bag where the piping out stick out a great deal in one section but later on would be pushed in far so it would not stick out at all. It was a bad look.
zipper: make sure it works.
I tried to think of everything to check for. Oh, and its helpful to bring a friend. You know that friend that is a bargain shopper, super picky, has a good eye, and notices the small things... (We all have one) Bring her! =D HTH. If I missed anything, feel free to add! =)
Up for auction this week is a magnificent Antique Vanity Train Case. This was probably in vogue when trains were the primary means for travel. Imagine a young lady who was about to embark for the journey of a lifetime. She is one of a handful of women who was accepted in the State University. 
Leaving her family behind and the love of her youth, her mother weeping at her feet, she clutches her acceptance letter, the words clearly etched in her mind. For the first time in history women were considered as equals to men. She is excited but at the same time fearful for what lies ahead. She must pack her most precious
essentials: a comb, a powder puff, rouge and lip ointments, a locket given to her by Roger with a picture of his handsome face and several bottles filled to the brim with liquids that have been concocted by her Pharmacist father. Where else can this all fit but in a Louis Vuitton Vanity Train Case?! Auction is on ebay. Ended at $2100.
