hey kid! come in my van, I've got candy.

I recently mentioned a lower broadway window shopping excursion. high end designer windows styled to entice even the tightest of wallets. I fell in love with a buttery black nappa tote that at $2250 better come with two bedrooms and a dishwasher at the budget I'm working with these days. lucky for me, something else happens on lower broadway: the black market for designer bags. yep, the illusive knock-off. so many poo poo the trade which I understand. and I want to stimulate our american economy as much as the next guy. but it's PRADA!? this morning I ventured out to a street corner and waited for the chinese women that whisper the secret passwords: gucci, dolce, louis, PRADA!? I demurely strolled up and asked, "have you got the new fall prada collection?". I was then ushered into a van that was parked nearby. I nervously climbed in to find rows upon rows of knock-off bags of every brand. there was a light and a chair and I sat and was showed all of today's trends for a mere fraction of the price. and its true what they say: the pieces are made in the same factories as their originals and look pretty darn good. unfortunately I didn't find my coveted piece and I was ultimately freaked out by the exchange so maybe I'll stick to bag borrow or steal or a strong layaway plan.