Recently in Clutch Category

The lovely Adriana Castro bestowed an incredible honor on me-- she named the hottest bag from her Spring 2010 line after me!  That has got to be the highest honor for a bag snob!  Anyone who has met or shopped with me knows my tendency to shout "that is so 'Tina', I must have it!". Apparently Adriana took note the last time I visited her showroom in NYC because she designed a clutch that is not only totally 'Tina', it's named the "Tina" Clutch!  I love the pleated and full shape, it holds everything yet is easy to clutch due to the flat clasp. (Jump to see interior).  The best part is you can custom the "Tina" (yes, I am going to use the name over and over, I am that vain!) clutch depending on your taste. You can choose any skin (crocodile, lizard, python, ostrich leg) with any trim and in any color!  The "Tina" clutch may be special ordered directly from Adriana Castro(Adriana tells me the boutiques have loved them!). To place an order, e-mail sales@adrianacastroonline.com or order by phone 1.866.460.4484.
 

The dimensions: 9.5"W x 5.5"H x 2"D (you can customize the size, too! make it larger or smaller, depending on your needs-- prices will adjust for size accordingly).  Crocodile: $1,115 -- You will be hard pressed find another crocodile clutch for this price and quality!
Lizard: $1,015 -- I love the ring lizard but think I will go for a crocodile version.  Heck, it's named after me, shouldn't I get ALL colors!?!?  Python: $895 -- Adriana uses high quality python skin that is supple and lush.  Ostrich Leg: $700 -- Hello! This is a no brainer, ostrich leg is as sturdy as they come and the price is crazy!!!

My favorite clutch of the moment is Derek Lam's Elsa in gray python, apparently it is Kate's as well. She has been seen clutching it on many occasions (yesterday at a London club opening) and if you owned this clutch you'd understand why.  It just has that je ne sais quoi-ness to it-- you know what I mean, it's cool without trying, just like Kate.

I use it several times a week myself, it is ultra functional and edgy chic to boot.  It instantly hips up any outfit I have on, even if it's a boring shift dress.

I was told the Elsa in gray python sold out mere days after it was posted here two months ago.  If you missed out, try calling Wayne and see if he can find one from somewhere for you.  If not, you can order it in bubblegum for resort 2010!

Call Wayne at 212-966-1616 or email him here.

This clutch is so weird it's kind of cool.  McQueen must have been cold the day he designed this and thought of a stylish way for us to keep our hand warm while holding a clutch.  The glove is removable (updated, the SA I called told me it was not) so you can leave it on or off depending how edgy you feel that day.

Say what you will but this is definitely a conversation piece and you'll be noticed wherever you go!  What do you think? 
Alexander McQueen glove clutch $895 here

The minute I saw it I thought of the uber stylish 17 year old Jane Aldridge who blogs at Sea of Shoes.  I am obsessed with her blog-- it's hard to believe she is only a teen with that insane sense of style!

I am not a huge Gucci fan and on several occasions I've complained about their overuse of bamboo but this clutch makes me have to eat my words. This is the perfect way to use the bamboo - subtle, functional and adds the contrast and interest a simple, classic clutch needs. And it is not even that classic, the shape and style are, but the foldover design definitely knocks it up a notch in modernity. The problem with most foldover bags is that is does not stay folded over when closed, it kind of hangs partially open and looks stupid. But the bamboo turnlock takes care of that. The textured gray leather is gorgeous and versatile. The center band detailing polishes it off, just wish that tassel could be removed. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $830.

I read in the paper that owls eat dogs, a little boy actually witnessed an owl swoop down on his pup and take off with it in its paws! How traumatic do you think that was!?!? I have had a fear of them ever since, they are such sinister looking little suckers aren't they? Even disguised as a little beaded bag, I am scared. You know, I have never got the whole Judith Leiber kitschy beaded minaudieres craze (but ask me when I'm 50, I might change my mind). First, they are expensive beyond and yes, I do realize it's very labor intensive and the swarovski crystals are expensive but come on! $4,050!? Second, it's such an awkward piece to hold in the hand. Perhaps I'm missing something here, please enlighten me if you are a fan. As for this owl-- STOP staring at me. You, yes, you-- the hooter! Stop it! Judith Leiber Owl $4,050 at Net-a-Porter.com

Sometimes a girl just wants to be left alone and if a simple "NO" is not clear enough, a knuckle ring hardware clutch will come in real handy! Even a slap might be misconstrued as flirting but a backhand with this on your fingers gets the message across loud and clear!! Just dangling this in front of you with a raised eyebrow is pretty scary, I mean, look at those skulls, they're so aggro. But violence aside, this is a nice alternate way to carry a clutch, especially with the patent leather, you won't smear your fingerprints on it. I just hope the ring sizes are ample enough to fit most fingers, as that would be a problem. I think as a novelty, I might just get it. I don't have to shoo away men anymore but my husband does act up now and again =) Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Patent Clutch at Saks for $1595.

I am attending a gala this evening (in a super fab blue Versace short flared dress) and am trying to decide what clutch to use. The awkward clutching while cocktailing is not the easiest feat to accomplish-- especially if one is also hungry and wants to swipe at the hors d'oeuvres trays passing by. I am really loving clutches with subtle convertible chains, so you can hang it on your shoulders leaving hands free to drink and munch (delicately of course). The rainbow sheen python clutch from Sang A would be the perfect bag for me this evening (but don't think Vivre does same day delivery). Not only do I love the 7.5" x 5" streamlined and geometric shape of the clutch, the removable rounded chain is not obtrusive nor is it heavy. I saw this at her showroom last spring and it has a soft pillowy texture to it so even if you want to actually clutch this rainbow hued python love, you won't feel scratchy or itchy. Sang A pillow python clutches $1,160 at Vivre.com

What about you, how do you cocktail clutch?

           

I have been busy the last hour shopping Net-a-Porter's sale! So much stuff, so little time and even less free cash on hand. But the discounts are major so either way you justify it, you are still getting a lot more for less! I saw the Marc Jacobs Studded Tote a while back and walked away from it but now that it is 60% off, only $518, HELLO!! Such a deal! Clicked it right into my cart. Another great buy is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Clutch for $588. I already have this bag, which I paid full price for, so even though I'm a bit bitter, I will still point you toward the deal =) Shop all Net-a-Porter Sale Bags.

I got a sneak peek at Derek Lam's resort collection yesterday and am obsessing, majorly.  My two favorite bags of the season from Derek are the white Penelope Bauletto tote ($1,495) with tassle detail and front flap pocket and the Elsa cluch ($790) in bubblegum.  I can not tell you how much I love my Elsa clutch in grey python; not only is it chic-- it fits both my kelly long wallet and my very full make up bag plus all the other junk I like to carry around (like my mini hand powered flashlight, very handy as it does not require batteries. Just the squeeze of your grip!). I'm really excited Derek is continuing the Elsa clutch for Resort '10, in pink no less!!! It's like he made it just for me :) Actually, the entire collection is so me I think I want everything!  Check out the collection at Couture Snob.  For details and delivery dates, call 212-966-1616 or email Wayne (my lovely SA) at the Derek Lam Boutique at 10-12 Crosby St at Howard.

Tina and I are on opposite ends of the love/hate for Ferragamo. I think I am just struck sick with love for the ankle strap platform sandals, I am completely obsessed but cannot throw down $2200 for them. And besides, it would make me a giant Amazon woman at 6'1". But this clutch is something I can totally do and probably will. How cute and versatile is this amazing thing? It is a good size and the balloon shape makes it roomy. The frame opens wide for easy access and also keeps the integrity of the shape. Comes in an off white for summer, or get the year round chocolate at Neiman Marcus for $950. Also comes in python.