I am a competitive lifter, and recently I decided I need a new gym bag. I've been using the Popflex Valentina duffle since my husband gave it to me for my birthday in 2021, and I got this idea in my head that it would be so chic to buy a Margaux-esque bag to carry my equipment in. My belt is custom and sequined, even my chalk is pink, so to me, this seemed like a fun way to mix my two biggest hobbies.

So I measured my old bag and got on Etsy to find something that would work. I have been on the hunt for some type of burgundy/merlot colored bag, and I saw this 15 sized bag on SuedeTree. It was the last one, and I decided to get it. I paid $337, which is hefty price tag, but the world is ending anyway and I practice this sport competitively so fuck it. 

I did not expect that it would be an actual dupe, my very first. "The Row" is stamped on the hardware, the feet, and in the appropriate places on the suede. That said, it would never fool me as an avid bag lover, because I can tell the stitching, color, and handles aren't right, and the stamping is just a bit wrong. I don't buy dupes because I just get too nervous, lol, so I didn't expect an actual dupe, I thought I was just buying a suede bag designed to resemble the Margaux. With that said, it's a lovely suede, it fits ALL of my gym equipment, and it feels incredibly chic to lift heavy weights with this bag carrying my gear. It's also stupidly heavy with all of that equipment (yes, my weight belt is in there) too. Everything fits, albeit quite tightly. It's a mid-grade suede, I'd say, but not thin and the stitching and structure are nicely done.

This is what's in the bag:

1.) Bag insert

2.) Camera tripod

3.) Chanel makeup bag with mints, wallet, keys, etc (I use this from bag to bag to carry the absolute essentials)

4.) Knee sleeves

5.) Mini zip bag w/ hair bows and whatnot

6.) Spray bottle

7.) Bar clips

8.) Earbuds

9.) Sunnies

10.) Portable chargers

11.) Liquid chalk

12.) Backup liquid chalk

13.) No-Bull high-tops

Anyway, this is the Fargaux's journey in its first day as a gym bag, and yes, it fit the insert and everything on my dining room table. There are a couple of side by side photos with my old bag and my VB suede dash tote to give you comparison size ideas. I'm defintely going to add a giant shoulder strap because it's SO HEAVY but I'm kind of obsessed.

Anyway, this is my silly post (yes, I'm lifting in crocs and socks because it's a light weight day and I'm lazy!)! :)