It's Hip to be Square

I know I did a post not too long ago about plaid and tweeds, but I simply could not help myself today. It's a perfect autumn day here - not too cold, the sun is shining enough to warrant wearing funky shades and I just want to be outside.

Someone asked me recently what is the difference between plaid and tartan. There really isn't a difference here in North America; it makes more of a difference in Scotland where tartan denotes the pattern and plaid means a tartan blanket.

Burberry is probably the most recognizable plaid, and it happens to be one of my favorites. Authentic Burberry is produced in London, England. The black, tan, and red pattern known as the haymarket check was first used as a lining for the Burberry trenchcoat in 1924. It was not until 1967 that the Burberry Check, now a registered trademark, was widely used. The Novacheck was introduced for the younger market by making the pattern bigger and slanted in a diamond style.

Modern Novacheck Pattern

 Classic Burberry Pattern

1960s Burberry Coat

Tempted by the fake Burberry? Who isn't. There are some very obvious signs of forgery and some not so obvious...buyer beware.

• If the tag says "Made in China".....
• The patterns on authentic scarves are perfectly symmetrical from one end to the other.
• Make sure Burberry is spelled correctly and the letters should all be capitalized. It's not Burrburry, or Burbury, or Burbery or Burberries....you get the idea.
• The Burberry symbol is the Equestrian Knight. If it is on the item, both horse and rider should be clear and easily defined. If it is blurry it's a fake.
• Check for craftsmanship. There is a reason high end items are expensive. They use excellent quality materials and spend time in the manufacturing process. If there are loose or uneven stitches, glue marks, defective zippers or buttons, then it's a fake.