First off, lemme just say, I *get* the Chanel ballet flat obsession. They’re cute, they’re classic, they supposedly go with everything. I mean, a “whole closet (and lifestyle) can be completed with only a handful pairs of Chanel shoes.” Right? That’s what they *say*. But is it worth, like, a small fortune? Ehhh… that’s a debate for another day.
What’s *not* up for debate is the fact that fake Chanel flats are EVERYWHERE. Like, lurking in the shadows of the internet, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting shoppers. So, how do you avoid getting bamboozled? Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?
One of the first things to check, according to what I’ve read, is the packaging. Real Chanel is supposed to come in high-quality packaging. I mean, duh, right? They’re not gonna throw $800+ shoes in a flimsy plastic bag (although, honestly, sometimes I wonder…). But even with nice packaging, it’s not foolproof. The fakers are getting good, people!
Then there’s the actual shoe itself. The materials, the stitching, the whole vibe. apparently, authentic Chanel flats use high-quality materials. Okay, that’s helpful. What exactly constitutes “high-quality”? I dunno. Good leather, I guess? Leather that doesn’t smell like chemicals? I’m not exactly a leather expert over here.
One thing I saw mentioned was the heel counter. That’s the part at the back of the shoe that cups your heel. Apparently, on fake ones, it can look flat and kinda… lifeless? Like it’s missing that *je ne sais quoi* that real Chanel has. I guess you gotta look for definition? Honestly, that sounds kinda vague.
And then there’s the stitching. Should be even and perfect. But let’s be real, even expensive shoes sometimes have a stray thread or two. So, I wouldn’t rely *solely* on that.
Here’s my personal opinion, which might be controversial: if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Like, if you find “Chanel” ballet flats for $50 on some random website, RUN. Just run. Unless you’re actively trying to buy a fake, in which case, you do you. But don’t be surprised when they fall apart after a week.