Balenciaga City Bag review

pictured: Balenciaga Le City Bag vintage circa 2009 (formerly known as the Balenciaga City Tote) / nail polish / iPhone case /

It’s back! Demand for the original Balenciaga City Bag exploded in 2025, and as we land in 2026, demand is still skyrocketing. Is it possible to revive an IT bag from yesteryear? It sure looks like it!

The Balenciaga City Bag was iconic in the early 2000’s. I snapped up mine in 2009. It was originally a light, denim blue but has faded to more of a grey-blue. Colored leather is always susceptible to fading and color changes. For a more stable color, I recommend natural colors and also black. That being said, I still love the color it has become over the years.

Now, let’s chat a little bit about Balenciaga itself. The design house was popular for decades going back to it’s founding in 1917. Nicolas Ghesquiere launched the city bag collection, and it exploded to IT status rather quickly. Unfortunately, when Demna took over, the brand’s vibe became dark; and let’s not start in about the advertising scandal. It’s too shameful.

Thankfully, Balenciaga has parted ways with Demna and now they have Pierpaolo Piccioli and the brand is once again, out of the dark.

This may have led to the renewed intereest in Balenicaga’s handbag collection as well as designs as a whole. For now, the City bag collection is exploding once again, just like 15-20 years ago. If you have one in your archives, it is time to pull it back out and rock it on casual days.

If you do not already own one of these soft and squishy, delightful bags, what are you waiting for! Look at the squishy and soft leather!

I love the whole moto-chic vibe of the Balenciaga City Bag and how it can be worn by the top handles or the attached shoulder strap. My bag is from 2009, and it has been worn A LOT! The leather is in amazing shape, minus the faded color. The craftsmanship, quality, leather, and style are impeccable. If you don’t already own one, I highly recommend investing in a Balenciaga City Bag for your collection. It is well worth it!

The interior features a zipper pocket and there is a mirror attached to the bag you can move around. I keep mine tucked inside the bag. There is also an exterior zipper pocket, which I never use.

I plan to wear mine a lot this spring and summer seasons. I am so happy this bag is back in style. It is one of my all-time favorite bags! Love!

Shop the Balenciaga City Bag online:

What do you think of the Balenciaga City Bag? Do you love it too?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Fitness outfit ideas for winter

Winter fitness outfit idea from top left: sweatshirt / leggings / shirt / spring nail polish / water bottle / sneakers / small tote /

You may have already started a new fitness routine in the new year now that your schedule has freed up after the holiday season. This means warmer clothing for going to and from the gym, as well as while working out.

Shades of blue and white are hot this year, so why not incorporate them into your new fitness gear? I love mixing these two hues as they have a calming effect. It makes for the perfect fitness ensemble! After all, a little cardio relaxes us! So, let’s go all-out with the outfit too!

This season I have upped my weekly cardio sessions and also have been watching my caloric intake. So far, I have lost five pounds since new years! Love that! So, let’s do this together and stay on track! Plus, why not look cute too? haha

Shop my winter fitness outfit inspiration online:

What is your new fitness routine this year?

XOXO

Cathy

Handbag trends 2026

Handbags from top left: chain strap bucket bag / caramel top handle bag / drawstring bag / belted tote / east/west bag / retro IT bag /

Welcome to 2026 and all the new, and continuing, handbag trends! Well, as we move into 2026, there are a few slight tweaks to what’s trending in handbags, but all-in-all, investment bags and the anonymous handbag continue to reign supreme.

The overall handbag in 2026 is anonymous. Logos are out and high quality, timeless style is in. Handbags should have high quality fabrications, clean looks, and no loud logos.

There are several handbag trends continuing from last year into 2026. We are continuing to see east/west bags, belted totes, drawstring bucket bags, hobo bags, timeless shoulder bags, and classic chain strap shoulder bags.

One of the new and emerging trends includes going back 15-20 years to the IT bag era. The Balenciaga City Tote is exploding. If you already own one, pull it out from the back of your closet and rock it now. If you don’t own one, but love the soft, slouchy, moto look, snap one up for your investment collection. In addition, we will see other former IT bags make a resurgence. So, if you own an IT bag from that era, pull it out and wear it. Think lots of pockets, mirror finishes (silver and gold), Fendi bags, and the Chloe Marcie.

What’s new for 2026? In addition to retro IT bags, look for bags in shades of white, pops of color, soft and slouchy drawstring bags, more exaggerated east/west styles, chain details apart from a functional strap, and larger sizes.

Thankfully there isn’t one IT bag, must-have. Those days are over, for now. Handbags under $1000 convey just as much an IT vibe as bags over $3000. So, rock those anonymous handbags and continue to invest in timeless styles you can wear forever. Love that!

Some of my favorite handbags from around the web which are right on trend for 2026:

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for more in 2026!

XOXO
Cathy