I have never been in love with Balenciaga like I am now. Their once-ubiquitous motorcycle style remains here, but it’s been reworked and refined – does anyone else detect a smidge of Valextra in this bag? The ingredients Balenciaga’s known for are all there – tassel, zipper, and corner buckles – but that tired, over-crowded look has been paired down to give us a breath of fresh air. The result is a large tote that oozes purity, great for office and everyday, with a flap kind of similar to the Birkin (it can be tucked in and convert to open tote). Even a computer and iPad would fit, but those thin straps might dip if it’s too weighed down. Strap length is just long enough for shoulder use but still looks proportional as a top handle bag. So feel free to pack generously, but on the lighter side. Ink blue and almost-black gray, it’s in the vein of color-blocking, but so subtle I wouldn’t classify it in the trend’s category. When that goes away, this bag will stay. On My Theresa
Pair with: Also funky yet refined, Proenza Schouler’s stitched and braided strappy stacked sandals intrigue the eyes, and that combination of dark blue and rusty orange – two of my faves – is keen. Proenza Schouler Platform Wedge in Cognac and Salmon, $750.