What began as curiosity has turned into obsession. Linen and exotics are an unusual combination, but I ultimately feel that it was really smart to use python on the flap of this thin Narciso Rodriguez ($1,700). You get the sense of a true exotic without the high price, and the matte black texture is absolutely dreamy – it almost looks rubberized. Mixing medias with the linen highlights the charming snakeskin, making it the star of the show. Plus, neutral paneling is a refreshing change from basic black bags. This is the perfect day-to-night clutch, and it even comes with a long, leather-wrapped chain strap for shoulder or crossbody conversion. I just wish the strap was adjustable, so you could wear it close to you, instead of having the bag bang around as you walk. The clutch also comes in non-python ($1,500) with spring-fresh pink, but it doesn’t have the same allure and the price difference is so minimal, you’d be crazy not to settle on snake. Available exclusively at Barneys New York.
