I haven’t bought a Balenciaga bag in AGES.

Well, okay. There was that Balenciaga Arena Saddle satchel bag that I bought back in December, but it was a different design (not the ‘First’ style that I was obsessed with). I do love it because it’s so soft and buttery, but I reaaaalllllyyyy wanted another First bag.

Let me let you in on a little secret. Well, it’s not really a secret if you’re a close friend/family or if you’ve been reading my blog for awhile. I am mildy fanatical about my Balenciaga magenta First that I bought more than 3 years ago. Even though I’ve bought many other Balenciagas since, none come close to my Magenta. There’s something intoxicating about the SMELL of the leather, and the FEEL of it. Sadly, it’s so old and dirty it freaks people out… so now it’s retired for “home use”. Every night, as I sit on the couch and surf the internet and watch TV, Miss Magenta bag sits on my lap and I stroke it and play with the tassels – because it feels and smells so good. I know, I know, I sound completely insane. Don’t laugh!!

Anyway, I decided I wanted a new Balenciaga and this season, they released the ‘papeete’ colour – a stunning soft aqua!!!!! It’s very similiar to Tiffany & Co colours, which was why I was smitten. Took ages to hunt one down but I found one in the USA and got it shipped to me, arriving a mere 3 days later.

I’m in love with the colour and how amazing the bag smells. This is why it’s impossible to fake a Balenciaga. I’ve looked, and nowhere can come close to matching the quality and detail, the smell and feel of an authentic Balenciaga. Unlike other fake bags, even the best Balenciaga fake can be spotted from far away. This is why out of all the luxury brands, I think Balenciaga is one of the brands where it’s worth buying the original. Once you’ve seen, touched and smelled an authentic Balenciaga, you’ll see why! 🙂

It’s not as soft as my Magenta because it hasn’t had years & years of wear & tear, but I massaged it so it’s already quite slouchy. Plus, it’ll keep softening as I use it. I can’t wait for the day it becomes all slouchy and old and used!

Balenciaga ‘papeete’ lambskin First bag (from 2010 collection)

The scrummy backside

Mmm… slouchy….