Free knock-off with purchase...

Admit it, you've bought a bad shade of lipstick, or a perfume you will never wear just because you couldn't resist the "free gift with purchase". I mean there is no shame in being drawn in by the irresistible come-on promising lots of samples, and a tote or makeup case...all for FREE!, well, after you've purchased something you may or may not actually want.
So, imagine my glee, when I opened the paper yesterday and saw the Lord and Taylor ad for what I assumed was a YSL promotion...I actually use YSL lip gloss (#1, crystal pink)!

However, upon closer inspection, none of the included samples were YSL (though I'm digging the Nars gloss...lip gloss, my #2 vice after handbags), and YSL was not mentioned anywhere in the ad. But that cute bag, that bag is YSL...or is it?
Seems that major department stores are getting in on the knock-off biz. Yeah, they've always had look-alike styles for less, but this is the first time I've seen such a blatant copy used as a shopping lure.
Anyway, the faux Downtown (or would L&T Midtown be a better name?) in shiny faux patent can be yours free with an $85 beauty purchase at most Lord and Taylor stores. Get one while supplies last, or until they get the cease and desist order from The Gucci Group.

*Disclaimer: I know that even if it was YSL sanctioned the bag is not an authentic Downtown tote, but a cheap facsimile to sell products. None the less, I have 2 great Chanel makeup cases, and a plastic Dior tote from such marketing endeavors...yes they were cheap, and yes, they all went where no $1200 bag or purse would have gone...the pool, the gym...