We’ve been diligently working on putting together Holiday Gift Guides that should help everyone figure out what handbag to give or receive this season. Somehow, though, I didn’t find the right gift guide to add this little number to, but it is worth its own post.

It’s no secret that I am a BBag admirer and carrier and while I love the classic-sized City bag, the Balenciaga Arena Giant Hip is too hip to pass up.

In case you’re already sacked out at home and your trigger finger is getting itchy (or you’re still at work for reasons that no one can really explain and absolutely bored to death and ready for some online shopping), we’ve got some exciting new collection news for you – Balenciaga Holiday 2011 is now available for your ordering pleasure from Balenciaga.com.

One of my absolutely favorite bags that I own is my Balenciaga Giant City in Anthracite with Rose Gold Hardware. This bag took me what feels like eons to finally find and accept to be my first leather Balenciaga Bag. The reason for this is the color conundrum. While being known for their colors, Balenciaga has a way to find hues that literally change like mood rings in different lighting, and you need to see the bag up close to know that it is the color you desire.

Balenciaga A4 Papier Tote, $2795 via Barneys

…and then I saw the fur-trimmed version of the Balenciaga A4 Papier Tote, and I knew I had been mistaken all along. Today is a sad day in the life of this Balenciaga fangirl, PurseBloggers.

Balenciaga Motorcycle Jacket, $2,865 via Barneys

Wednesday has come and almost gone, but the only thing I have on my mind is how much I want this Balenciaga Motorcycle Jacket. I have always known of its existence and have always had a feeling I would like one myself, but this version of the jacket has my heart going boom boom boom.

Images via Vogue.com

I always feel good about buying a Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag for a couple of reasons, first and foremost because I’ve loved every one that I’ve ever owned. Almost as important, though, is that the overwhelming retail success of those bags makes it possible for Balenciaga creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere to do what he does without quite as much pressure to make a collection that will sell well at retail.

I know I’ve asked before, but seriously, where did summer go? School is no longer out for the summer; it’s back in session and the month of August is nearly gone. I spent much of the season traveling on short weekend getaways, and each time I began packing I ran into the same problem: I don’t have an overnight bag that I love.

We don’t often get a peek behind the scenes at the business and logistical decisions that go into making our favorite handbags a reality, but thanks to a recent Women’s Wear Daily interview with Balenciaga genius Nicolas Ghesquiere, we now know a little bit more about one of the most popular bag designs in the modern accessories world: The Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag.

Balenciaga Padlock Totes in black or green, $2077 via Matches

I’m a big lover of Balenciaga bags both familiar and lesser-known, and often, I find myself even more attracted to the non-Motorcycle styles that don’t grace quite so many arms. Don’t get me wrong, though, my favorite bag I’ve ever own is a Balenciaga Day Bag and I doubt that’s going to be changing anytime soon.

Image via Balenciaga

I’ve always been appreciative that Balenciaga sees fit to sell its most popular products on its website, because for a long time, that was more than many similar brands were willing to do. But in this time of exponentially increasing digital investment from fashion brands, just selling motorcycle bags and leather jackets alongside a few of the season’s campaign images isn’t going to cut it anymore.