10.29.2009

Thrifty Thursday: Balenciaga Giant City on a Budget

If I were to be brought back to life as an inanimate object, it would be as the Balenciaga Giant City. I worship that handbag, I truly do; as such, I think it only fair that I live out my days as the accessory in which I love more than any other. But I have not yet met my demise. I am a young, healthy American with quite a bit of time left on this Earth, and I would like to spend that time with the handbag in question.

I know it may sound a bit outrageous dolls, but when you find a handbag that so perfectly corresponds with your personality it’s as if the world around you comes to a halt, and all in the universe is perfect, if only for a short while. That is exactly how I feel whenever I gaze upon the heavenly beauty that is the Balenciaga Giant City.

The way the gold-plated hardware and studding seemingly shine a spotlight upon the soft, black vintage materials. The braided hand-stitched handles which add a unique, hidden texture that only those who carry such a bag know exists. Even the simple hand mirror which swings to and fro from the handles, or the removable shoulder strap which enables you to carry the City satchel style, or don it as a cross body-like messenger. Each and every trait makes the City more covetable. And why shouldn’t they? It has the classic silhouette and charm of the Chanel 2.55 or Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Stam with the added bonus of anarchistic embellishments that provide that extra dash of dimension.

Unfortunately, like the 2.55 and Stam, the City, while utterly ambrosial in terms of looks comes well equipped with a downside…a $1,695.00 downside. I imagine I’m not the only college student living on a scant budget yet dreaming of such a handsome handbag. In fact, I know I’m not. And, while dreams are sure to become a reality in some far-off future, at present time I’m forced to succumb to the ornery Veruca Salt within and proclaim… “I want it now!” Seeing as how I can’t have the original now, I’m more than willing to compensate with a piece just as lovely, and sporting a much more reasonable pricetag.

At $48.00, Shop Suey Boutique’s Jocelyn Satchel is every bit as brilliant as the City, and much more friendly to one’s savings account. Choose either silver or gold hardware; or forgo basic black and snag Jocelyn in red, pewter, brown, or white. Come to think of it, since you’re already playing the role of bandit by taking advantage of such a sublime bargain, perhaps you should do your handbag collection a favor and simply scoop up all five!

Will Balenciaga tempt you into being a big spender, or will Shop Suey Boutique inspire you to save?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Balenciaga and Shop Suey Boutique for the pictures.
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54 comments

Closet Cravings said...

You're not alone. I (and many celebrinistas) love the Balenciaga Giant City handbag. What's not to love? Don't you just want to hug it, and breathe in its intoxicating new handbag scent?

I always think it is great if you can find a more cost-friendly copy of your fave designer bag. =)

miriam said...

would probably save... but only because I have no choice ; ) have a sweet day, sweets!

meraldia said...

It's very charming (and expensive though!)

xxxx

FASHION SNAG said...

Would probably save! I am a sucker for a nice purse.

www.FashionSnag.com

Kori said...

LOVE this bag! I unfortunately cannot justify spending the money on it when I have about 6 Louis Vuitton and promised myself I would not buy another bag for 5 years! Thanks for your sweet comments girlie. Have a marvelous Thursday! Kori xoxo

Diane said...

such a great deal!!!

Keith said...

I would have to save because I don't have any money to buy it. Plus being a guy I don't really need it. lol

Jennifer Fabulous said...

Oh gosh, I know that feeling, of wanting a gorgeous designer bag so bad it hurts, but knowing you can't have it. Torture. Simply torture.
But you found a lovely replacement. Just as fabulous as the City. ;)

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I've always loved the Giant City bag. It is so perfect and goes with everything, of course. The Jocelyn Satchel from Shop Suey Boutique is definitely a great copy! It looks just as amazing as the Balenciaga!

KP said...

so pretty. If it's your one true bag love I think stockpiling until you can buy it is worth it! xx

Anonymous said...

lovely bag!
Tomorrow x
www.inthebedroommirro.blogspot.com

www.janetteria.com said...

Hello my dear,

Great bags, but my choice is a original Balenciaga!

P.S: This is an on-line event. I will have four post (2 interviews, 1 counsel and an analysis). Peekaboo to my blog. You see the downcounter laterally. :-) Haha!

See U soon!

X♥X♥

Unknown said...

Exprensive. It's because it's extremely fabulous!!! :)

B a la Moda said...

You are right. It is a beautiful bag.I bought an imitation one two years ago in color green and gold studs. In love it. My budget is like yours! Not ready for the big amounts yet.

xoxo
B* a la Moda

Taylor Sterling said...

I am so with you on this one and I am working now and out of college and I still can't drop this much cash on a bag. I keep creeping up. My max in college was $80 after college $150 and now $300 max. I am so in love with handbags it's scary. I look at ebay everday and think about which one I have to buy:
Chanel, Marc Jacobs or vintage Gucci. It is sick, but I love it! One day I will splurge and the bag will be my bestest friend!

Couture Carrie said...

I'll use your word to describe Balenciaga ~ scrummy!!!

xoxox,
CC

Leah said...

Balenciaga giant city is calling my name too. I will save and give in to that calling.

Chicago Chic said...

I love the Balenciaga bag....however nothing beats a great bargain! Love this post, amazing as always!

Baci xx
Rachel

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Sighhh love that Balenciaga bag. Great find for less- it's nearly identical!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Do you hear the red one whispering...herrrrrrre Kristin. herrrrrre Kristin. No? Is it just me? Fabulous bargain alternative. You are truly my bargain huntin' sista!

ana said...

I think you should buy at least one time in your lifetime something expensive and luxurious... I'll go for the Balenciaga :)
thank you so much for your nice comment :) you are the best :)

Katy said...

Omigosh, I LOVE Balenciaga bags! Too bad I'm not a HUGE purse person though so I can't drop that much on a single purse. I wish it rained Balenciaga and Chanels. ;)

Tights Lover said...

Great post. I'm not sure anything can compare to Balenciaga!

Polished Sense said...

Ooo Ooo love that bag lady! And no he will not tempt me into being a big spender...but if I had that kind of salary I'd sure buy it!

♡,
Jessica

Winnie said...

I love that bag too and would only ever go for the more classic colours (the black is so perfect)!

MizzJ said...

YES this bag is what dreams are made of! The budget version is sooo close to the real deal it's kinda crazy that they don't get sued!

Elizabeth Marie said...

I have the Balenciaga and I love it so so soooooo much...like I basically sleep with it at night hahahaha...

AWESOME alternative though, you're good woman!

email me your addy, winner winner!!
itsunbeweavable@gmail.com

XO

Posh Peach said...

What fabulous bags! I need a good fall one. Thanks for your sweet comment on my Halloween costume! You always make me smile! Have a great Halloween.

the NEO-traditionalist said...

I like to save up until I have money for the real thing. Imitations usually can't compare to the original, tempting though they may be. Besides, a classic bag like a Balenciaga is a true, lifelong investment (at least that's how I justify it to myself...)!
XX Kate

Sherin said...

The Balenciaga bag is heaven in bag form. Seriously: I'm in love with it. I'm definitely a big spender this week!

bryna said...

i don't think i can go past the original. i just need some extra cash.

All Women Stalker said...

Almost 1700? If you convert that to my currency, you'd be able to make a downpayment on a house. hahaha

-meream

مى said...

I love this bag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where I come from, that kinda money could feed an entire province for a month :D

Nikolett said...

Ahh, such a gorgeous bag! If I spent that much money on it though, I'd have no moola to actually put inside the bag ... I would be in debt haha. So timeless though and it would go with everything ... *dreams away*

Dina's Days said...

That Shop Suey bag is the perfect bag. It's exactly what I need in a purse. I know the feeling, it's so exciting when you find the right bag. I've been stalking an Old Navy one for weeks now, surpisingly it's very cute and not very Old Navy-ish. I think I have to go back and get it after this post!

Emily said...

Love the bag! The price tag on the second one is so much better, I could never imagine spending that much on one thing.

Mimi said...

such a pretty handbag! i would love to own one of them one day, but i love your alternative also. :)

Cancha-diction said...

That bag is perfect. I love the color, the functionality, and the material of it. I wish I was more of a bag person. It's one accessory I should spend more time and money on. (I'm personally a splurger on hats. Especially fedoras. Oh goodness!)

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

Oh why must beautiful accessories be unaffordable? Oh why!? I think it's neat what you said about bags corresponding to your personality! That's probably true. I just bought this bright blue, green, yellow, and red handbag. I wonder what this means... Hmm..

Thanks so much for stopping by!
girlwiththebowtie.blogspot.com

Valencia Lia said...

Love love this bag for less,and it still looks good toooo !!

I'm feeling much better today and yes its yucky when you're sick !

Meg said...

Wow, they are really similar! Great find!

Damsels said...

of course most of cant afford that balenciaga bag though its an absolute perfect piece of art ... this is a great alternative that most can afford

Ilanka Verhoeven said...

Nice bag!
X, fashion-nerdic

Unknown said...

Nice post Decorative Towels

Ashley said...

God I love that bag. New classic.

http://fashionroadkill-halifax.blogspot.com

zupu said...

I so understand what you are talking about darling! That bag is gorgeous! I dream about a Chanel 2.55 but I know that meanwhile I have the guts to spend that money on a one bag I must be happy buying Furla or other middle prized leather goods, but I know some day I will spurge for sure on my dream bag!!!

Haute World said...

I have the original (with the classic hardware) and I adore the bag! It's definitely worth saving for, because the leather is just divine! The copy looks very similar though... what a great find! But if it's not made of leather, I probably would skip it, because I'm not a huge fan of plastics...

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

Melissa Blake said...

I love thrifty thursdays! xoxo

The Pocket Stylist said...

I would save the Balenciaga bag is amazing and I truly adore it there is nothing better than the quality of a designer bag.

The Anthology said...

Brilliant find, as always. Love both of those handbags. And I can certainly understand why you've been tortured by the Balenciaga.

* Kelsey

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

You always find the cutest alternatives!

Sam said...

Ooooh! Gorgeous bag here!!

Tavia said...

OMG it's really a beautiful trendy bag. I usually wear black bags and I have a pair of shoes with zipper that will match perfectly this bag. I wish it could be available in my country too :((

chic femme said...

I know it is hard to pass up such a great designer bag, but it is fab when you can find a replica that is more suiting to your wallet. :) I know I am on a tight budget because of paying back student loans.

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