Prada Inspired Fairies Tote

For those who can't afford the real deal, a Prada inspired fairies tote may just be the next best thing. Of course, while it may feel great to carry a designer-like bag on your arm, there's also that age-old question to grapple with: Is it a good idea to invest in a fake? The answer lies in whether or not your bag is truly "inspired by" the original, or whether it is an actual copy of it.

Fairies proved to be a hit for Prada.

Easily considered one of the most coveted, hottest bags of spring 2008, the limited edition Prada Fairy Bag is an artistic accessory bearing a colorful sketch of fairies in shades of black, wine, sienna and other earth tones, all on a cream colored backdrop. The bag became an instant celebrity favorite upon its release, and was spotted on the likes of Hilary Duff, Sienna Miller and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Thanks to its intriguing design, obvious brand name appeal and Hollywood following, the bag was a sellout and incurred a waitlist that spanned several months.

Despite its great popularity, the Fairy Bag has not been without its share of controversy. Some customers reported that the bag "bled" when exposed to rain due to improper sealing of the artwork's paint. Prada reportedly resolved this problem when subsequent batches of the bag were created, slowing down production to create the type of high-quality product expected of the major fashion label.

Whether or not you can afford an actual Prada Fairy Bag, chances are you'll have some trouble finding it now anyway. As a limited edition item, its availability is extremely limited. Even if you do happen to spot it on eBay, you'll be taking your chances unless you're quite sure the seller is legitimately offering the real thing.

In situations like this, it can be quite tempting to go in search of a bag that looks like the real thing but isn't actually made by the original designer. This can be quite a thrill for those who simply can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on a handbag; on the other hand, supporting the production and sale of impostor designs is a controversial subject, to say the least.

To that end, it's helpful to decide whether the bag you're after is truly a look-alike, or whether you're more interested in a piece inspired by the original. If it's the former, you easily run the risk of carrying a bag touted as an actual Prada without any of the high-quality details it would normally imbue. Fake bags are usually sold with the intention of being passed off as the real thing. The manufacturer may charge only a few hundred dollars for what would normally cost several thousand. Needless to say, this is always the first major tip-off that you're dealing with a fake bag.

If, on the other hand, you're interested in a Prada inspired fairies tote, you might be able to track something down that takes its cue from the bag but doesn't blatantly copy its design. In this case, the Prada bag's enchanting artwork may serve as the primary source of inspiration for other bags. Other similarities might be found in the shape and color palettes, but the bag itself will not be adorned with a Prada logo or attempt to pass itself off as a Prada creation in any way.

The Prada Fairy Bag itself isn't really one that lends itself to "inspired" designs; it's much more likely to be replicated verbatim. Bags like the Marc Jacobs Stella or Louis Vuitton Monogram series, however, are more easily knocked off. The bags inspired by these classic styles may share similarities in hardware, construction and design, but won't advertise themselves as anything but the brands they actually are. Of course, fake handbags attempting to "be" the major designers are littered all over the place, but true inspired pieces are harmless enough.

As mentioned, it could be tricky tracking down an actual tote inspired by Prada's lavish fairy design. More than anything else, you risk visibly appearing as though you're carrying a fake – and it's unlikely most people would take any pleasure in that. If it's just the artwork that intrigues you, you'll find some unusual and intriguing offerings by:

• Anuschka: The designer is renowned for her hand-painted bags. This Flower Safari Wide Tote is etched with intricate designs similar to the Fairy.

• Hand Painted Leather Hobo: With its discreet artwork, this bag may not replicate the Fairy, but the woman on the bag does slightly resemble Prada's heroine.

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