I worked at Louis Vuitton. We spotted fake bags all the time — here's what we did when customers tried to return them.

• Shelley Alvarado worked for five years at the Louis Vuitton store in Topanga, California.
• All employees were trained to spot signs that a Louis Vuitton bag was authentic or fake.
• Customers came from all walks of life, and friends had mixed reactions about where she worked.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shelley Alvarado, a senior account executive and former Louis Vuitton employee from Los Angeles. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I'd wanted a career in fashion, and luxury retail seemed like it would be a great experience.