Fake Coach purses abound. In fact, they are one of the most counterfeited objects in the U.S today. The reason is that Coach purses are some of the most sought-after accessories a woman can buy, and if you love to keep up with appearances - it is definitely a wardrobe (or shoulder) essential!

To make sure that you are buying a legitimate Coach purse, I have compiled a foolproof set of tips to advise you on spotting the fakes. The counterfeit industry is illegal and immoral. Get the highest quality you deserve and sniff the fakes out with my top tips!

• Know the distribution channels. The best advice I can give it to buy these handbags from the correct distribution channels. If you visit the Coach official website you can see for yourself the declaration of where they sell their products. They sell through the website, Coach Stores (including factory stores), direct Coach Catalogue sales and authorized specialty or department stores.

• Logo symmetry. Check the logo of the bag, which will always be symmetrical, starting from the center. There are two ‘C's’ paired together, so watch out for bags with just one ‘C' or interlocking ‘C's’.

• Find the serial number. Look at the serial number, which is located on the bag's interior. It will begin with the letters ‘No' followed by a dash and four numbers.

• View the hangtag. The hangtag is usually made from the same quality leather as the rest of the purse, although metal has been used in some designs. What you will never witness in an authentic Coach purse is a hangtag made from plastic. The logo will be raised from the material too.

• Check the quality. Last but by no means least - have a good all over check of the bag’s quality, paying special attention to smaller details. Stitching should be perfect and tags within the bag will be stitched too - never glued on. The leather should feel soft and supple as opposed to rough or rigid. The authentic Coach handbag uses some of the finest leathers available throughout its design - you can even smell and feel the quality! The highest levels of craftsmanship means that the stitching is 100% perfect and you will never see a loose thread or uneven line.

Buying authentic is being socially responsible. To stay true to our designers, we must seek out authentic Coach Handbags at all costs and speaking of costs - there is one question I bet you are longing to ask - Is it possible to buy the legendary Coach at a discount price? It is rare - but not mission impossible. Coach factory stores usually have discounts on some of their designs all though you will never come across a purse down priced in the boutiques. There are some reputable websites where you can purchase or rent used handbags at a lower cost to the original and they only sell those in top condition. Just make sure you do some checks on where you are buying second-hand bags from to make sure they are authentic.