Recently, Salon.com ran a piece titled “Will Nostalgia Destroy Pop Culture,” in which writer Thomas Rogers interviewed Simon Reynolds, the author of book Retromania. While some may dismiss Reynolds’ remarks about no longer having “transformative decades” like the 1960s as another boomer bemoaning the current generation, his analysis extends to fashion.

Recent designer and lower-brand styles have gone back to ‘80s and early-‘90s trends over the past few years, and some looks are so derivative of 20-plus year old trends that they could be considered vintage pieces. Except they aren’t. While fashion itself goes through 20-year cycles of trends revisited, where do you draw the boundaries between “vintage,” “vintage-inspired,” and “derivative”?

Around the same time the Salon.com article was published, actress Amanda Seyfried was spotted with a handbag that no one could identify on fashion blogs and Twitter. Although no one has yet to determine the brand, the actress’s incorporation of the purse brings up the question: is it vintage or vintage-inspired?

While the worn look of the bag may suggest the latter, designers can make products that are intentionally worn. Remember the ripped and stone-wash jeans of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s? At the same time, because no one has been able to identify the brand, the handbag is likely vintage – or a style that just hasn’t appeared yet.

Purchasing vintage and vintage-inspired fashion can have its drawbacks. The former can be worn and is seldom in new condition; although used, such fashion is the equivalent of antiques and priced just as high as new items on the rack. Vintage-inspired fashion, on the other hand, can start to become derivative, mirroring the mid-‘00s musical milking of Joy Division. Vintage inspired items, such as this Ralph Lauren handbag we discussed a few months ago, too can come with a high price tag, one, such as for this Native American blanket bag, that may be unjustifiably high.

At the same time, some brands, particularly for eyewear, are uncovering their old styles and revamping them. Brands such as Ray Ban, Carrera, and Persol could easily be mistaken as vintage but, because of the neutral and unisex looks revisited, are simply considered “classic” and transcendent of trends.

Where do you draw the line between “designer inspired” and simply a “knockoff”? As long as knockoff handbags, and products in general, have been on the market, the dividing line has clearly been imitation, from the design down to the nameplate. But, what if the imitating product has some strong similarities but no nameplate? What do you call it then?

Designer Monica Botkier calls it a straight-up knockoff. Last week, she wrote a blog post accusing the Kardashian sisters’ new collection for Sears, the Kardashian Kollection, of copying one of her handbag designs, the Botkier Clyde. In her post, Botkier wrote, “We were one of 50 designers supporting the effort to stop design piracy and knock-offs. Ironically we just discovered below how our Botkier ‘Clyde’ was simply copied by Kardashian Kollection for Sears. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery but we don’t think so…”

If you compare the two handbags, seen above, the only difference appears to be the leopard print. Both bags have the same shape, diagonal zippers, and side pouches. At the same time, the Kardashian sisters, in a statement, claim these similarities are just a coincidence and accuse Botkier of copying Balenciaga:

Jupi is nevertheless investigating the matter, as we take this issue seriously. In any event, it is our understanding that the Kardashian Kollection bag in question has not yet been offered for general sale. Nor is it available for sale online. Pending our investigation of the matter, we have undertaken appropriate preventative measures regarding the handbag.

The Kardashian Kollection handbag was independently created. Jupi was surprised to hear of the complaints by Botkier since Jupi is aware of preexisting handbag designs bearing substantial style similarities to the 2009 Botkier Clyde handbag, dating back to 2005. Jupi was also surprised by Botkier’s statements in the media about purported “knock offs” of Botkier handbags in light of other comments in the media noting the similarity of Botkier bags to preexisting Balenciaga bags.

What do you think? Do you think these similarities are a coincidence? Should the Kardashian Kollection bag be considered “designer inspired” or a knockoff? And, is the fact that Botkier possibly copied Balenciaga even relevant in this instance?

A few weeks ago, an NYC councilwoman proposed a bill in an effort to curb the counterfeit goods industry in the city. If this bill is passed, those found purchasing fake designer handbags or other counterfeit merchandise could face a year in jail or pay a $1,000 fine.

Perhaps this bill is needed. Although designer handbags can be outrageously priced, purchasing counterfeit merchandise is not advised, either. However, demand for such goods has increased. In August 2010, we published a post about counterfeiters targeting lower-end designer brands for handbags, such as Coach or Ed Hardy. Compared to a $1,000 Christian Louboutin clutch, a $100 Coach purse seems like a deal but, with the economy the way it is, is still far out of many budgets.

A more stringent crackdown actually began late in 2009. At the time, we wrote that police were confiscating counterfeit merchandise and shutting down businesses that carried such products.

For some, counterfeit handbags seem harmless. Priced about $40 each, a counterfeit handbag looks like the real thing on the outside, down to the texture of the material. But a closer inspection often reveals that such handbags are poorly put together: The metal name plate, glued instead of screwed on, falls off easily, the zipper jams, or stitches start to come undone. If showing off designer duds is your thing, finding counterfeit items allows you to maintain such a look without breaking the bank.

At the same time, why go through the trouble of finding counterfeit goods (they’re usually not visible from the front of a store) when designer-inspired handbags have the same looks? Websites carrying wholesale designer handbags, such as Best Handbag Wholesale, keep up with the latest trends. Similarly, discount designer goods are another option. Sites like Vision in Style carry discount designer sunglasses, all of which are authentic and affordably-priced. Why go to Chinatown for illegal goods – and risking jail time or a steep fine – when the web has plenty of honest options?

The crossbody bag, essentially a stylish messenger bag, appears to be the latest trend for young Hollywood stars. Disney actresses Vanessa Hudgens and Brenda Song were both spotted with this look recently, as was Emma Stone, actress from Easy A and Superbad. This handbag has a basic design: a large body to hold all of your things (and then some) and a long strap that can go over one shoulder or across the body. Not all crossbody bags are styled the same, however. Some, like Brenda Song’s bag, simply look like fashionable messenger bags. Others, like Vanessa’s, are smaller.

Vanessa Hudgens recently stepped out with a crossbody bag at Fashion Week, looking fashionable herself. The purse, a Cole Haan Phoebe crossbody bag, is made out of black distressed lambskin leather and has nickel hardware. As a basic but still fashionable black purse, this Cole Haan crossbody bag holds your basics and can go with nearly any outfit.

Brenda Song, another Disney actress, was also seen recently carrying a Balenciaga crossbody bag. Much like Vanessa Hudgens’, Brenda Song’s bag has a distressed look. In blue, this handbag looks like denim from a distance and gives off an early 1990s, everything-denim type of vibe.

Emma Stone, on the other hand, doesn’t go for a distressed-style handbag and, in fact, does the opposite. Her Rebecca Minkoff Love Letter handbag in cognac, a reddish-brown shade, is the center of her outfit with its bright appearance. The handbag, as well, has considerable space and merges the functionality of a messenger bag with the style of Vanessa Hudgens’ Cole Haan crossbody bag.

Such brands, however, are usually out of the average person’s budget, but that’s not to say you can’t get these looks. For the bright style of Emma Stone’s crossbody bag, get a similar look with this wine-colored western handbag from Handbag Distributor. Colored in red and silver snakeskin-patterned material, this bag has the same brilliance and will become the center of your outfit, too. The messenger-style western handbag has a similar look, slightly subdued, in blue and with an ornate exterior.

For the distressed look, a western crossbody bag from Handbag Distributor is made out of distressed leatherette material and has a few western touches. If you want a look similar to Vanessa Hudgens’ crossbody bag, go with this brown and leopard print handbag with an adjustable strap from Best Handbag Wholesale.

Grunge music may not be at the top of the charts (and emo pales in comparison), but a 1990s revival has appeared to be going on. Although merged with many ‘80s styles (off-the-shoulder shirts, skinny jeans, and ra-ra skirts), the looks of the early ‘90s are back on the racks with a modern interpretation. Let’s hope that the ‘70s revival and designer logo overload of the late ‘90s don’t resurface any time soon.

With flannel and skinny jeans everywhere, fashion seems to be considering Nirvana style icons again. Because of this, Kurt Cobain’s Christian Roth sunglasses may be coming to a store near you. If you can recall, Cobain sported a pair of women’s sunglasses that, if you analyze them from a modern perspective, are a cross between cat eye and oversized styles. Silver Lining Vintage, working with style restoration experts, will re-release the sunglasses at Opening Ceremony.

These sunglasses, however, aren’t exact copies of Cobain’s. The frames from the 6558 and 6556 styles by Christian Roth will be replicated, and Silver Lining Vintage has added their own tinted lenses.

Not everyone was a grunger from 1991 to 1996, however, and if you’re looking to capture this ‘90s style, various brands of designer sunglasses offer a few options.

Wayfarer frames, for example, didn’t die on January 1, 1990. Instead, they hung around for about the first half of the decade. Although the style is often associated with the ‘80s, it blends in well with any 1990s-inspired outfit. As flannel, skinny jeans, and Dr. Martin’s (or combat-style boots) are everywhere from Nordstrom’s to Forever 21, why not add a basic black pair of wayfarer sunglasses to your look?

Wraparound styles, on the other hand, are the definitive look of the ‘90s. Now relegated primarily to athletic brands, wraparound sunglasses often had dark or mirrored frames 15 years ago. For an authentic 1990s look, find a pair with a black or silver frame and black or mirrored lenses.

Where do you look for designer knockoff handbags? Canal Street in New York’s Chinatown section has been the place to go for years. This week, however, the area experienced a crackdown, with the police confiscating counterfeit items like handbags and watches and shuttering businesses. Although Canal Street has this notoriety, knockoff goods can be found many other places, such as South Street in Philadelphia and the internet. With prices only a fraction of those sold at department stores, knockoff handbags almost sound like a deal. Appearances for such handbags are deceiving, however, and what appears to be a Chanel or Gucci handbag sold at $30 falls apart within a few days.

Some are luckier and swear by knockoff designer handbags. After all, they look like designer bags and, really, only the designers would be able to tell the difference. But finding a high-quality designer knockoff bag is far more likely in a department store. The fashion blog for About.com gives some hints to spot a fake handbag, but other telltale signs include examining the stitching, sewing, and name plate. If the name plate, for example, isn’t screwed on but, instead, appears glued, the bag is likely a knockoff. Similarly, if it looks poorly stitched from the inside or if the zipper gets jammed easily, the handbag isn’t authentic.

One option, as we’ve seen in the product selection for Best Handbag Wholesale, is to go the designer inspired route. The bags don’t claim to be by Coach, Chanel, or Gucci, but the patterns are based on the styles by these designers. At a distance, they even look like the real thing. Another option is to go on discounted designer websites. Often, products with damaged packaging or a slight scratch find their way onto such a website and are sold at less than full price, even at 70-percent less. Both Vision In Style and Kaufman Fragrance are such discount designer products websites.

In the world of high fashion, it’s often designer or bust. Anything less than a name brand isn’t worth wearing. But, what about for the financially-conscious individual? The fact is, if you want style, there are more options between blowing $1000 on a pocketbook and searching through the racks at Walmart.

If you want a piece of style on your arm, one option is a replica handbag and, in terms of handbag terminology, this isn’t the same as a knockoff. Quality of the handbags aside, the difference between these two designer imitators is the legality, with replicas being sold through licensed dealers and knockoffs not. While both can be bought online, a knockoff handbag is often sold in the same category with pirated DVDs. In terms of style, a replica handbag will hold up better with a sturdier design and is typically based on current styles by the designer brand but altered slightly so that, up close, the replica and the designer look somewhat different. For example, a popular replica Coach handbag will have the famous “C” design done with “G”s or a “C” without a font instead. A knockoff handbag, on the other hand, will have a pattern nearly identical with the designer bag, but the actual design of the bag, including zippers, shoulder straps, and metal labels may come off easier or will feel flimsy.

If having a designer look-a-like is your thing, many handbag dealers like Best Handbag Wholesale carry designer inspired bags that are based on current trends. Nevertheless, if you have to have a designer name on your bag, other clothing retailers, such as Kohl’s, Target, and H&M as mentioned previously, carry secondary designer lines that may bear the designer’s name on the products, which often include handbags. The third option for a name includes outlet stores which are often some of the first places a fashion enthusiast turns to for designer clothes, shoes, and handbags.