Welcome to The Purse Forum.

Addy · Jan 25th, 2009, 11:45 PM

Welcome to the lovely smooshy world of Balenciaga! To make your visit here much more enjoyable, please take the time to read this thread as it contains details about how the Balenciaga forum is set up and great information for those new to Balenciaga.

We also have rules and guidelines for the Purse Forum as well as the Balenciaga forum so please read those right away to ensure that your stay here is trouble-free.

The Purse Forum rules can be found here:
http://forum.purseblog.com/general-d...uidelines.html

If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to PM one of the Balenciaga Mods - Jira, jag, lordguinny or Addy.

Happy reading!

Addy · Jan 26th, 2009, 12:10 AM

The Balenciaga forum is set up in the following manner - only the stickies in each section are listed but there are many threads in each section:

Main Forum (that you are viewing this thread on) which contains stickies at the top on:

Balenciaga sighting yesterday... was it YOU?
Photos wearing your Bbags *** PICTURES ONLY***
Photos wearing your Bbags *** COMMENTS***
Celebrities with BBags *** PICTURES ONLY***
What's in your Bbag?
Welcome to Balenciaga! Please read me FIRST for Balenciaga Basics and FAQs!
The Bbag Chat Room!

Balenciaga Reference Library (located at the top of the page) which contains stickies on:

Help Me Identify This Balenciaga!
Balenciaga Color Information by Season
Dimensions/Size and Model/Style Numbers with Prices for all Balenciaga Styles
How to Read a Balenciaga Tag

Within the Reference Library, there are sections at the top containing threads and information on:
Balenciaga Color Reference

Balenciaga Style Reference

Balenciaga Colors by Season

Balenciaga Care and Maintenance

Balenciaga Shopping (located at the top of the page) which contains stickies on:

Authenticate This Balenciaga
Balenciaga Finds
***A Place for the Fakes***
How to Spot a Fake Balenciaga
Aloha Rag Inventory/ Stock
READ ME *** Rules for the Shopping section *** READ ME
How to Authenticate Matelasse Bags
Reputable Stores Carrying Balenciaga

Balenciaga Clubhouse (located at the top of the page) which contains stickies on:

Your Bbag Family ***PICTURES ONLY***
Your Bbag Family ***COMMENTS***
Balenciaga Lovers Unite! ***PICTURES ONLY***
Balenciaga Lovers Unite! ***COMMENTS***

Under NO circumstances should you post an auction link or sale ad link other than to request authentication assistance in the Authenticate This Balenciaga thread.

Discussion of current auctions including price and condition is not permitted.

The only place that you can post links to authentic items is in the Balenciaga Finds thread. You are NOT permitted to post links to your own item.

Addy · Jan 26th, 2009, 12:16 AM

Do a Search

Don't be scared of using the Search feature so you can find out if there is information already available BEFORE you post a new thread. You are welcome to post on threads already started.

If you cannot find what you are looking for and need to post a thread, please make your thread title specific and descriptive. Titles that are too general like "Help" or "New Bbag" will not assist others when they do a search.

Please note that if a new thread is created and the exact inquiry appears several times in a search, you will be asked to conduct a search and the thread will be subsequently closed.

Addy · Jan 26th, 2009, 12:26 AM

There is NO buying/selling/trading or soliciting for such allowed on tPF. If you are found to be doing so, your membership may be revoked. Additionally, you cannot offer to buy a bag for someone else.

Please do a search of completed listings on eBay to determine how to price your bag or your own judgement to determine how much you should pay for a specific bag.

If it appears that you may be soliciting for sales, a reminder may be posted on your thread and it may be closed. If you are looking for a bag that is out of production (ie. 05's in particular), please know that a reseller or eBay are pretty much the only sources. Any threads asking for these items will be deleted.

Buying/Selling on tPF

Public selling/buying/trading is not permitted. Threads of WTS or WTB nature will be locked or deleted.
Soliciting your items for sale via Private Messages is prohibited.
Linking your own auctions is not permitted, in posts, signatures or otherwise. This includes eBay, eCrater, iOffer and other auction-type sites.
Selling of personal items is only permitted in the invite-only Marketplaza. Instructions on how to gain access are posted here.

Promoting your business & listings

Store/business promotions in form of signature or profile links are only permitted for well established members with 500+ posts and 3+ months of membership.
Soliciting via Private Messages or spamming the forums with links to your business is prohibited.
For advertising opportunities, please contact an Administrator.

Breaking any of the above listed forum rules can result in the loss of posting privileges and loss of your Purse Forum account. We also reserve the right to ban any user, at any time, and for any reason. The administrators frequently review forum messages for those that are in violation of PF rules. Any messages found to be in violation will be deleted without warning or explanation. We reserve the right to edit, reprint, distribute, or delete any posting for any reason and without prior notification or explanation to the author.

Addy · Jan 26th, 2009, 12:36 AM

Balenciaga 101 (courtesy of pluiee

)

Q. What does the term "motorcycle bags" mean?
It’s just the name of the line of bags - all of the ones with tassels or giant hardware.

Q. How often are colors released?
There are two seasons, Spring/Summer (SS) and Fall/Winter (FW). For each season, there is a pre-collection (which is released earlier) and a collection (usually only 3 colors are released). SS pre-collection colors are usually released around December and SS collection colors are released in February. FW pre-collection starts arriving in stores are around June and collection colors around August.

Q. What colors are produced every season?
Only black and white are produced every season. All other colors are seasonal, meaning they're only produced for that season once. The only exception to the rule is the limited edition Magenta release in 2007 for BalNY stores only. Even then, many would argue Magenta 05 and LE Magenta 07 are very different.

Q. Where can I find discontinued colors or styles?
Sometimes stores have old stock but generally, eBay or consignment stores are the only places.

Q. What is a good size for a first Bbag?
The most popular sizes are the First and the City. The First is the smallest Bbag, while the City is considered medium-sized. The First is perfect for quick errands or going out at night – it holds only the essentials. The City is ~1.5 times the size of the First - it holds a lot more.

Q. Please give me a quick rundown of all the common sizes!
Apart from the First and City, the more common styles are the Part-Time, Work, Day, Twiggy, and Weekender. The Work is considered a size up from the City, its proportions are similar to that of the City. The Part-Time is an in-between size - it has the width of the Work but half its length. Of all the bags listed, the Day is the only one that has one shoulder strap. It is barrel-shaped, has a much longer length compared to its width, and is very deep. The Twiggy is more log-shaped - it has a longer width compared to its length. As suggested by its name, the Weekender is a very large bag - much larger than all the other bags listed. Some tPFers carry this as an everyday bag but is generally a little too large for most people.

Q. Are there other styles? Are some styles discontinued?
Yes. With the introduction of the giant hardware, a lot more styles have popped up. Every season, Bal introduces new styles and retires some too. Some retired styles include the Flat Brass First, Flat Brass Hobo, Purse, Shopping, and Box.

Q. What’s a Giant City versus a regular City?
Giant refers to the hardware, not the size of the City.

Q. Which bags have straps? Which bags don’t?
The First, City and Part-Time all have removable shoulder straps. The Work, Weekender and Day don’t.

Q. What is a FBF?
FBF is short form for Flat Brass First. These bags with flat brass hardware were produced in 2001 and 2002 for 3 seasons only. Each season had distinctive leather (3rd season is more distressed while 2nd season is more buttery). These bags had longer removeable shoulder straps than current bags - 3rd season bags had the longest strap. The first season had a gold “le dix” tag.

Q. What is the best kind of leather?
Tricky question... it all boils down to personal preference. Some common terms are squishy, buttery, veiny, distressed, dry, smooshy, slouchy, and chewy. The way I see it, it really comes down to the touch – when you touch the bag, does it make you happy?

Addy · Jan 26th, 2009, 08:40 AM

Commonly used Balenciaga acronyms:

Bbag - Balenciaga bag
BalNY - Balenciaga New York
RH - regular hardware
CH - covered hardware
GH - giant hardware
GGH - gold giant hardware
SGH - silver giant hardware
CGH - covered giant hardware
HG - holy grail (dream bag)
CP - Coin Purse (accessory)
MU - Makeup (bag style)

Addy · Jan 26th, 2009, 08:41 AM

The Balenciaga Shopping section is for authenticating bags, and posting inventory and sales at authorized Balenciaga retailers.

Please read the rules for this section BEFORE posting:

- Under NO circumstances should you post an auction link or sale ad link other than to request authentication assistance. Links of this nature will be deleted.

- Any questions regarding authenticity of an auction or sale item, or etailers and websites must be posted in the Authenticate This Balenciaga thread.

- Any threads seeking out coveted older season bags that can only be found via resellers will be deleted.

- Any posts stating that an item someone is seeking is on an auction or sale site will be deleted. Please assist members by posting the availability of items at authorized retailers.

Rules for the Balenciaga Finds sticky:

- Post ONLY the link
- Authenticate the item BEFORE posting
- No chatter or comments
- No drama

Jan 25th, 2009, 11:45 PM	#1
Addy OP Bal~Burberry~LV MOD Joined: Apr 2006 Location: The Purse Forum Posts: 40,167	Welcome to Balenciaga! READ ME FIRST for Balenciaga Basics & FAQs! UPDATED MARCH 2009 Welcome to the lovely smooshy world of Balenciaga! To make your visit here much more enjoyable, please take the time to read this thread as it contains details about how the Balenciaga forum is set up and great information for those new to Balenciaga. We also have rules and guidelines for the Purse Forum as well as the Balenciaga forum so please read those right away to ensure that your stay here is trouble-free. The Purse Forum rules can be found here: http://forum.purseblog.com/general-d...uidelines.html If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to PM one of the Balenciaga Mods - Jira, jag, lordguinny or Addy. Happy reading!
	__________________ Last edited by Addy; Apr 14th, 2009 at 10:16 PM.

Jan 26th, 2009, 12:10 AM	#2
Addy OP Bal~Burberry~LV MOD Joined: Apr 2006 Location: The Purse Forum Posts: 40,167	The Balenciaga forum is set up in the following manner - only the stickies in each section are listed but there are many threads in each section: Main Forum (that you are viewing this thread on) which contains stickies at the top on: Balenciaga sighting yesterday... was it YOU? Photos wearing your Bbags * PICTURES ONLY* Photos wearing your Bbags * COMMENTS* Celebrities with BBags * PICTURES ONLY* What's in your Bbag? Welcome to Balenciaga! Please read me FIRST for Balenciaga Basics and FAQs! The Bbag Chat Room! Balenciaga Reference Library (located at the top of the page) which contains stickies on: Help Me Identify This Balenciaga! Balenciaga Color Information by Season Dimensions/Size and Model/Style Numbers with Prices for all Balenciaga Styles How to Read a Balenciaga Tag Within the Reference Library, there are sections at the top containing threads and information on: Balenciaga Color Reference Balenciaga Style Reference Balenciaga Colors by Season Balenciaga Care and Maintenance Balenciaga Shopping (located at the top of the page) which contains stickies on: Authenticate This Balenciaga Balenciaga Finds *A Place for the Fakes* How to Spot a Fake Balenciaga Aloha Rag Inventory/ Stock READ ME * Rules for the Shopping section * READ ME How to Authenticate Matelasse Bags Reputable Stores Carrying Balenciaga Balenciaga Clubhouse (located at the top of the page) which contains stickies on: Your Bbag Family *PICTURES ONLY* Your Bbag Family *COMMENTS* Balenciaga Lovers Unite! *PICTURES ONLY* Balenciaga Lovers Unite! *COMMENTS* Under NO circumstances should you post an auction link or sale ad link other than to request authentication assistance in the Authenticate This Balenciaga thread. Discussion of current auctions including price and condition is not permitted. The only place that you can post links to authentic items is in the Balenciaga Finds thread. You are NOT permitted to post links to your own item.
	__________________ Last edited by Addy; Apr 19th, 2009 at 01:49 PM.

Jan 26th, 2009, 12:16 AM	#3
Addy OP Bal~Burberry~LV MOD Joined: Apr 2006 Location: The Purse Forum Posts: 40,167	Do a Search Don't be scared of using the Search feature so you can find out if there is information already available BEFORE you post a new thread. You are welcome to post on threads already started. If you cannot find what you are looking for and need to post a thread, please make your thread title specific and descriptive. Titles that are too general like "Help" or "New Bbag" will not assist others when they do a search. Please note that if a new thread is created and the exact inquiry appears several times in a search, you will be asked to conduct a search and the thread will be subsequently closed.
	__________________

Jan 26th, 2009, 12:26 AM	#4
Addy OP Bal~Burberry~LV MOD Joined: Apr 2006 Location: The Purse Forum Posts: 40,167	There is NO buying/selling/trading or soliciting for such allowed on tPF. If you are found to be doing so, your membership may be revoked. Additionally, you cannot offer to buy a bag for someone else. Please do a search of completed listings on eBay to determine how to price your bag or your own judgement to determine how much you should pay for a specific bag. If it appears that you may be soliciting for sales, a reminder may be posted on your thread and it may be closed. If you are looking for a bag that is out of production (ie. 05's in particular), please know that a reseller or eBay are pretty much the only sources. Any threads asking for these items will be deleted. Buying/Selling on tPF Public selling/buying/trading is not permitted. Threads of WTS or WTB nature will be locked or deleted. Soliciting your items for sale via Private Messages is prohibited. Linking your own auctions is not permitted, in posts, signatures or otherwise. This includes eBay, eCrater, iOffer and other auction-type sites. Selling of personal items is only permitted in the invite-only Marketplaza. Instructions on how to gain access are posted here. Promoting your business & listings Store/business promotions in form of signature or profile links are only permitted for well established members with 500+ posts and 3+ months of membership. Soliciting via Private Messages or spamming the forums with links to your business is prohibited. For advertising opportunities, please contact an Administrator. Breaking any of the above listed forum rules can result in the loss of posting privileges and loss of your Purse Forum account. We also reserve the right to ban any user, at any time, and for any reason. The administrators frequently review forum messages for those that are in violation of PF rules. Any messages found to be in violation will be deleted without warning or explanation. We reserve the right to edit, reprint, distribute, or delete any posting for any reason and without prior notification or explanation to the author.
	__________________ Last edited by Addy; Mar 4th, 2009 at 11:16 PM.

Jan 26th, 2009, 12:36 AM	#5
Addy OP Bal~Burberry~LV MOD Joined: Apr 2006 Location: The Purse Forum Posts: 40,167	Balenciaga 101 (courtesy of pluiee ) Q. What does the term "motorcycle bags" mean? It’s just the name of the line of bags - all of the ones with tassels or giant hardware. Q. How often are colors released? There are two seasons, Spring/Summer (SS) and Fall/Winter (FW). For each season, there is a pre-collection (which is released earlier) and a collection (usually only 3 colors are released). SS pre-collection colors are usually released around December and SS collection colors are released in February. FW pre-collection starts arriving in stores are around June and collection colors around August. Q. What colors are produced every season? Only black and white are produced every season. All other colors are seasonal, meaning they're only produced for that season once. The only exception to the rule is the limited edition Magenta release in 2007 for BalNY stores only. Even then, many would argue Magenta 05 and LE Magenta 07 are very different. Q. Where can I find discontinued colors or styles? Sometimes stores have old stock but generally, eBay or consignment stores are the only places. Q. What is a good size for a first Bbag? The most popular sizes are the First and the City. The First is the smallest Bbag, while the City is considered medium-sized. The First is perfect for quick errands or going out at night – it holds only the essentials. The City is ~1.5 times the size of the First - it holds a lot more. Q. Please give me a quick rundown of all the common sizes! Apart from the First and City, the more common styles are the Part-Time, Work, Day, Twiggy, and Weekender. The Work is considered a size up from the City, its proportions are similar to that of the City. The Part-Time is an in-between size - it has the width of the Work but half its length. Of all the bags listed, the Day is the only one that has one shoulder strap. It is barrel-shaped, has a much longer length compared to its width, and is very deep. The Twiggy is more log-shaped - it has a longer width compared to its length. As suggested by its name, the Weekender is a very large bag - much larger than all the other bags listed. Some tPFers carry this as an everyday bag but is generally a little too large for most people. Q. Are there other styles? Are some styles discontinued? Yes. With the introduction of the giant hardware, a lot more styles have popped up. Every season, Bal introduces new styles and retires some too. Some retired styles include the Flat Brass First, Flat Brass Hobo, Purse, Shopping, and Box. Q. What’s a Giant City versus a regular City? Giant refers to the hardware, not the size of the City. Q. Which bags have straps? Which bags don’t? The First, City and Part-Time all have removable shoulder straps. The Work, Weekender and Day don’t. Q. What is a FBF? FBF is short form for Flat Brass First. These bags with flat brass hardware were produced in 2001 and 2002 for 3 seasons only. Each season had distinctive leather (3rd season is more distressed while 2nd season is more buttery). These bags had longer removeable shoulder straps than current bags - 3rd season bags had the longest strap. The first season had a gold “le dix” tag. Q. What is the best kind of leather? Tricky question... it all boils down to personal preference. Some common terms are squishy, buttery, veiny, distressed, dry, smooshy, slouchy, and chewy. The way I see it, it really comes down to the touch – when you touch the bag, does it make you happy?
	__________________

Jan 26th, 2009, 08:40 AM	#6
Addy OP Bal~Burberry~LV MOD Joined: Apr 2006 Location: The Purse Forum Posts: 40,167	Commonly used Balenciaga acronyms: Bbag - Balenciaga bag BalNY - Balenciaga New York RH - regular hardware CH - covered hardware GH - giant hardware GGH - gold giant hardware SGH - silver giant hardware CGH - covered giant hardware HG - holy grail (dream bag) CP - Coin Purse (accessory) MU - Makeup (bag style)
	__________________ Last edited by Jira; Jun 8th, 2009 at 07:07 PM.

Jan 26th, 2009, 08:41 AM	#7
Addy OP Bal~Burberry~LV MOD Joined: Apr 2006 Location: The Purse Forum Posts: 40,167	The Balenciaga Shopping section is for authenticating bags, and posting inventory and sales at authorized Balenciaga retailers. Please read the rules for this section BEFORE posting: - Under NO circumstances should you post an auction link or sale ad link other than to request authentication assistance. Links of this nature will be deleted. - Any questions regarding authenticity of an auction or sale item, or etailers and websites must be posted in the Authenticate This Balenciaga thread. - Any threads seeking out coveted older season bags that can only be found via resellers will be deleted. - Any posts stating that an item someone is seeking is on an auction or sale site will be deleted. Please assist members by posting the availability of items at authorized retailers. Rules for the Balenciaga Finds sticky: - Post ONLY the link - Authenticate the item BEFORE posting - No chatter or comments - No drama
	__________________ Last edited by Addy; Apr 19th, 2009 at 01:49 PM.

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