Fashionable ladies everywhere lust after designer handbags from one of the "Big Four:" Coach, Chanel, Prada or Gucci. These unmistakable designer icons are the height of handbag fashion. Whether it's the double "C" of Coach or Guggi's distinctive label, millions of women around the world carry these handbags.

However, as the global economic downturn continues to affect even the richest of the rich, more women are wondering whether they can still afford the likes of Miu Miu, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo, Balenciaga, Betsey Johnson, Hermes, Jimmy Choo or Burberry. Some women who might have saved up for a designer handbag in the past are now questioning whether that's the best use of limited resources.

Fashion experts say that it's no longer a question of whether replica designer handbags can be purchased. The reality is that "authentic" designer replica handbags have flooded the mass market to the point that unless the customer pays close attention, she's as likely to get a replica as a real designer bag for her hard-earned cash.

Part of the problem is that designer handbag replicas have become so well made that even experts have been fooled. Consumers everywhere have read stories about big stores being duped into purchasing "authentic" designer bags that turn out to be knock-offs.

Let's face it, ladies, very few of us have the financial resources to buy a new designer handbag every time the fashion season changes. That's why fashion experts counsel that, rather than risking being duped by buying a "knock-off," consumers take one of two options:

1.       Always buy a designer bag from a source you can trust, such as an department store, official designer store, or the designers' own outlet (eBay doesn't count!); or

2.      Find a designer's style that you really like, and then search for an off-brand, less expensive replica.

If the thought of buying a replica designer bag makes your skin crawl, then don't do it. Nobody says you have to buy replicas; it's your money, honey.

However, if it makes sense to you to save money on a designer handbag style – especially if you apply that money to the purchase of genuine designer clothing – then where's the harm? Certainly it doesn't hurt the designer; there are plenty of women buying designer handbags at top prices even as you read this article. The designers won't miss your money.

The issue of buying counterfeit bags – Louis Vuitton is one that comes immediately to mind – worries lots of consumers. The solution for many is simple: Take advantage of the opportunity to own a quality handbag in a style that's similar to that of a top name designer.

The quality of these "inspired" replicas these days is so good that few people are going to notice the difference unless a) they snoop around your bag for a label or logo or b) you tell them it's a replica. Why not ease you mind and get a good quality handbag similar to a designer's model and save money as well?

Don't be a fashion victim! Always buy designer handbags only from a recognized source you can trust.