Recently in Clutch Category

I am going to call this clutch "Almost Frugal".  It is not cheap by any means but compared to the 4 figure clutches we've been seeing lately, it feels like a real bargain.  The croc printed leather looks amazingly luxe in the season's (again) must have pale gold hue.  Love it or hate it, metallic is here to stay (at least for this decade).  The Marano silhouette is a staple in Anya's line and one that many of us here at Bag Snob love.  Remember Liza's shagreen version at the Emmys?  8"x4" is a generous size but still clutchable (is that even a word?) and yes, my iPhone fits in it. Anya Hindmarch Marano metallic croc-print clutch here $425

Either I'm getting old or Judith Leiber bags are getting hip. I find myself gravitating to the line of sparkling beaded bags lately.  Yes, I still abhor the stupid animal and cupcake shaped clutches but am in love with this architecturally inspired Sunburst clutch.  The art deco influenced design reminds me of one of my favorite books, Atlas Shrugged.  If you stare at it long enough you will find the pattern becomes 3 dimensional.  Or maybe it's just that I need glasses.  Judith Leiber Sunburst crystal-embellished clutch ($2295-- still very expensive, will need to ask about that when I meet the 85 year old iconic designer next month!) at Net-a-porter.com

Unique does not even begin to describe this sterling silver minaudiere. The silver is individually cast using over a pound of silver and lined in American alligator! Everything is handmade in New York. The egg shape is ingenious, it's like a real alligator egg. It is worn with a hammered silver chain wristlet and feather tassel. It is super tiny at 5.25" x 3.5" x 2.75" so it is more of a pure accessory rather than functional for holding anything. But I am not bothered by any of that because this is like a piece of art to be ogled over. All their minaudieres are made to order and can be monogrammed and customized, as in finishes, leathers, colors, tassels, stones or in solid 18K gold!! Price for the silver with alligator is $22,200. For purchasing, contact Jessamee Sanders, founder/designer, at 718.300.2461 or you can email her.

Totally surprised that this elegant clutch is from Temperley.  The sleek art deco influenced silhouette is a huge departure from her usual fussiness.  At first I thought the golden arches were metal but upon closer inspection, it's actually strategically placed beads and sequins on black satin.  I am off to meet my cabinet maker to discuss my new bag closet right now, we are dedicating an entire wall to display my clutches.  Would love to add this to my collection but I don't think Temperley warrants a four figure beaded clutch, that's what I'm willing to pay for a well made exotic clutch but a beaded satin clutch that could fall apart in a few years?  Beautiful it may be, I'll have to pass.  Temperley London Ophelia Evening Clutch $1350  What about you?  Do you think it's worth it?

We love a great cause and how great is Louis Vuitton donating 10% of ONLINE sales of select bags this month to The Red Cross??? Louis Vuitton has chosen four iconic monogram canvas designs to feature online and donate the sales of. The Keepall was originally created as a back-up bag included in the Louis Vuitton trunk and quickly became the ultimate weekend tote. The Speedy was created in 1930 but became famous when it was redesigned specifically for Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s. The Noe was invented by Gaston Louis Vuitton to perfectly hold five champagne bottles. The Alma was originally inspired by the Art Deco movement and has become a recognizable symbol of Louis Vuitton.  If you have been thinking of purchasing one of these timeless styles, this month is the time to do it!  Go here to shop!

I'm attending the opening of Louis Vuitton boutique at North Park this evening with the CEO of LVMH North America, Daniel Lalonde. What will I be carrying you ask? Why this lovely Minaudiere Tresor Crocodile below ($5,450) in the most spectacular shade of blue/green. Call the boutique 214-361-8566 to purchase the clutch but make sure you purchase the above bags online so 10% will be donated to The Red Cross!

One of my favorite exotic designers makes it on Gossip Girl and not just one bag but the entire collection! Maybe Eric Daman, Gossip Girl's wardrobe stylist, reads Bag Snob ;-) But seriously, Eric, if you do, please let us know!! Blake Lively is seen with my all time favorite from Maia N, the caramel ostrich bowler ($5000) - timeless and elegant but it's slouchy so when worn in and beat up, it becomes quite bohemian. Jessica Szohr has the Sam python clutch in violet with agate stone detail ($1350). She is seen with the larger size, which I prefer for day to night use, but it also comes in a smaller size. Maia N is available at Takashimaya and Henri Bendel. You can also order directly by emailing Joanna.

Go to jump page to see the other Maia N bags on Gossip Girl!

There is a mermaid in all of us, the desire to be gorgeous and free of earthly evils. Just make sure you peel your lobster before you eat it =) Jewels of the sea, namely coral and pearls, are so wholesome and pure. The organic shape of coral is intriguing and beautiful and is the perfect addition to this little pleated clutch. Perfect for the holidays but this is something you will want to keep using, especially when the world has gotten you down. At Luisaviaroma for $2690.60 (includes import fees and shipping for the US).

TGIF! I've had the longest and most confusing week trying to recuperate from my overseas trip.  There was a lot of cooking at my house (by me) to appease a sulking boy (not the 5 year old) for my absence.  I'm looking forward to a weekend of fun with friends (4 birthday parties!) and thought i should feature a fun clutch in case you're in the mood for something different.  This Blue Gioia Feather Clutch is like a piece of art, made of pearlized lamb suede-- it has a grille inspired by a traditional Japanese screen crafted from 18K gold-plated brass set over bright blue peacock feathers.  Fabulous?  With a capital F!  Has detachable chain, flap closure and is 8"× 4 ½".  Made by by Raven Kauffman for $1,395.00 (not bad for such a unique accessory!)  At Vivre.com Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

UPDATE: Sang A just sent me this coupon for our readers! She's having a private pre-sale at 30% off starting Monday (but if you call Joseph I bet he'll do it for you now!)  Code to purchase online is PRESALE09

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I've decided I am all about convertible bags for traveling from now on.  Ms. High Maintenance with 4 suitcases @ 200 lbs this last trip to Asia pissed off everyone who had to load and unload them (best friend's hubby, brother, cousin, housekeepers, etc).  So for my next trip, I'm downsizing (by at least half, hey it's an improvement!). Am contemplating this ingenius MEZZO Folding Shopper tote in black natural gloss python from our friend Sang A-- it's large enough by day for my small laptop and folded in half, it's the perfect oversized clutch!  Sang A is really in tune with what modern women juggling multiple roles as wife/mother/career girl need cuz she is one herself.  Her bags are never fussy-- chicness and simplicity rule, as do functionality.  It comes in multiple colors and skins but I prefer the black/white combos-- very sophisticated and will be easy to use while traveling. 12.5" x 9" (folded is 6.25"x9")-- $2,500.00 for the  BLACK NATURAL GLOSS PYTHON Here.  And $1,800 for the COOL WHITE VINTAGE PATENT LEATHER version.

It was a bit of a Bagsnob reunion in Beverly Hills last Thursday, as Tina and Kelly (fresh back from Asia) and Liza (fresh back from the grocery store) convened at Bottega Veneta on Rodeo to check out the trunk show for Spring 2010. Liza spent much of her time in the dressing room trying to wrestle her way into samples of the chalky silk, Karate-influenced dresses (which were gorgeous, inventive and ingeniously constructed), but from what she could see through cracks in the doors, Tina and Kelly found plenty to add to their ever-growing Bottega wish lists. Of note: An insanely beautiful, bright blue crocodile doctor's bag ($24,000). Made from impeccable skin, the color strikes an ideal balance of electric vibration and aquatic depth. To ground the brightness, the bag is structured, simple, timeless, with a rigid top and double handles. The overall effect pulls focus from fifty feet away but somehow remains serene, drawing the eye with an almost centrifugal force. There are no images of the bag in that color, so you'll have to go see it in person for yourself (or jump to see the Twitter shot Tina took).

The Orchid Esperanza Ayers clutch (above left- $1,980), with brightly contrasting chartreuse zipper pull lends lightheartedness to the usual Bottega sophistication. The Ebano Intreccio Nuance Bag (above right--$1,480) is reminiscent of the Hermes Picotin, but much more supple and intricate with functional interior pockets. There is a larger size in perky yellow and white (Tina's note: but we think the smaller is much cuter).

The signature Cabat bags (which, in the large size, are truly ample enough to carry a large baby or medium-sized dog) come this season in a light straw color leather (Paille shiny calf $7,800) which was ingeniously treated by leather craftsman to sound (crinkles and crackles to the touch) and feel like... straw (except it's leather, kind of the reverse Stella thing). Come spring, it will be a nice stand-in on those days when you just don't feel like taking your Birkin to the farmer's market. Call Bottega in BH to order- 310-858-6533! Bottega bags also available at Net-a-Porter.com