The House of Balenciaga has neglected the men in the bag department until this season. We were basically left with only the Weekender, which I love, but we were always craving more. Finally, new for Fall/Winter '09 are these two styles. The two bags on the left are fantastic laptop bags with a roomy enough interior for toting gym essentials. They are approximately 40cm wide. I would unzip the double zipped top and tuck in the flap, using it as an open top tote. The bag on the right is a much larger travel size. The interesting thing I learned today is that they are made of Camel skin, which is tougher, thicker and more structured than the traditional Balenciaga lambskin or goatskin. Grey and black only for now. The laptop bag is $1595 USD.

Today, I wore my Comme des Garcons Homme Plus navy blue with white trim blazer, J. Crew lavender and white striped button down shirt, Uniqlo dark skinny jeans, Dries Van Noten silver brogues, Prada taupe belt, Hermès pocket square and Balenciaga Galet Weekender.

This is what I wore on this beautiful Friday. Dries Van Noten navy blue silk/cotton blazer, Phillip Lim navy blue cotton jersey embroidered shirt, Uniqlo white jeans, Prada taupe loafers, Prada taupe belt and my new Balenciaga Galet Weekender.

I haven't really paid enough attention to Balenciaga until a striking bag caught my eye at Barneys NY a few weeks ago in a new Pre-Fall '09 color called Galet. Galet means Pebble in French and it could not be more accurate. The color is a warm grey or pale taupe. It is incredibly neutral and very seductive. Barneys had already sold the bag by the time I called, so here is a bit of my visit to Balenciaga New York.

Presenting my new Balenciaga Weekender in Galet!!

I couldn't find an image of Galet, but this Sahara is close. I like that the hardware does not pop as much against the light neutral background.

I love this bag for being so over the top. I saw one in pale grey at Barneys and I also like this version in "Officier" from the Balenciaga website. Bold and Beautiful.

It was a little chilly and overcast here in NYC today. I'm wearing a blue and white striped button down oxford cloth shirt from Thom Browne, APC jeans, Martin Margiela brown leather jacket, black Uniqlo wool vest, black Dries Van Noten belt, grey Balenciaga ankle boots and my grey Coach Alligator Tote (being carried for the very first time).

Please see very bottom of post for update!

This blazer (in it's various forms) has a waiting list a mile long, and the price tag...? Well, let's just say you'd have to give them your firstborn.


If you like this look, but don't want to blow your entire budget...here are a couple alternatives.

J Crew - $250 (Now on sale for $99, and available in tons of colors and sizes! Also, if you purchase before Jan. 20th, you'll get an extra 20% off.)



Mango - $89


*Update - 4/28/09* - This is a pretty old post (originally from January 08!), but I came across this blazer today and thought it resembled the Balenciaga versions. So, if you're still looking for a similar blazer - Dillards has a great option. It's by Priorities and it's currently on sale for $31.80 (down from $148) through May 2nd!! Click the photo below to purchase.


*Update - 8/6/09* - A great reader sent this find to me and I just had to share since the above versions sold out long ago. Aeropostale now has a take on the piped blazer and it is on sale for $40. Don't forget to use the code FRIEND8689 or PSFRIEND8689 at checkout to receive 30% off your order (through 8/9), making the blazer an even more affordable $28. Click on the photo below to purchase!

Balenciaga's sandal with braided detail originally retailed for $695 at Bluefly but is currently sold out.


Dolce Vita has a sandal that is a dead ringer for the Balenciaga version. It retails for $145 at Kitson and I've also included a widget below as it's available in other colors/price ranges. Click any of the photos below to purchase.