Recently in Clutch Category

I am in red carpet mode - I went to the premiere of "Precious" at the Grauman's Chinese Theater last night. It was the most memorable premiere I have been to (and I go to a lot of these!) for the star power but mainly because of the movie. It was painful and hard to watch but it will stay with me forever to remind me that the power of love and hope can help the human spirit overcome even the most unimaginable horrors of abuse and isolation.

I was standing next to Mariah Carey (I talked to her!!) at the after party watching Mary J. Blige perform at the lobby of Chateau Marmont. Oprah, Russell Simmons, Will Smith, Tyler Perry, Nick Cannon, Macy Gray, Gayle King and Sidney Poitier were all standing a few feet from me because this room was the size of a living room. Mo'Nique was mind blowing as Precious' abusive mother, she brought such rage to my soul that I feared I might punch her if I saw her, good thing I didn't run into her at the party! Mark my words, she will win an Oscar for her performance. And since I have to tie this bag in to my rantings here, Mo'Nique had on a gorgeous gold gown that would have been perfect with this Celestina copper filigree clutch. At Net-a-Porter for $1325.

The Purse Dress (modeled by Kara's daughter Avery) is a one-of-a-kind felted studded "Purse" dress made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements. The couture garment will be featured in the 5th Avenue window of Henri Bendel.

Weird as it may look, you have to admit the Purse Dress is damn ingenius from a creative standpoint.  Kara Ross created a dress with Swarovski crystallized Nox bag sewn into the side for her SS10 collection. Starting today, November 2nd, Kara Ross and her team will be at her Pop Up Shop at Henri Bendel.  There will also be a 5ft by 8ft Nox bag made completely out of broken glass pieces in the window display.

Please stop by Henri Bendel this week and check out the Kara Ross goodies!

One of fashion's most dynamic jewelers, Lara Bohinc, is also a bag designer worthy of a look. Her line of bags and clutches are whimsical and stylish, much like the designer herself. Take the Bubble Tote below, now this is a bag to pull out when you need cheering up! This could have totally gone down the road of tacky but in a jeweler's hands, the bubbles and silhouette is happy and fun. It's made in goat skin which is ultra durable so the little bubble petals will keep its shape. I prefer the black but it's also available in honey and maple red goat leather with brass hardware. GBP 1200/$1,958 USD. If you're more traditional and can't get into the funky shape-- check Bohinc Tatum clutches below. I love the platinum python clutch with platinum plated hardware (GBP 759/USD$1,238)-- the deco inspired silhouette is a perfect way to show off python scales and love the way the platinum hardware blends with the bag. The Tatum in white ostrich print leather with satin gold plated jewellery will also be chic on a summery night (GB659/USD$1,075).  

I discovered Lara Bohinc through my new friend and former Bergdorf buyer, Stephanie Kuo, over ice cream cocktails at La Luz in Taipei (so yummy that the owner's wife, Charlotte Kuo, claims you won't even know you're drunk until it's too late!).

Check Lara Bohinc site for stores.

If you love Derek Lam's Elsa clutch, this Albertine clutch is a no brainer. If the Elsa was a bit too fussy for you, then here is your match. It has the same asymmetrical cut but with a streamlined design. Actually, this is more for me, just enough "something" to catch the eye but not so crazy that it becomes dysfunctional. The foldover part with zipper has a large compartment but its the frame with push lock closure that will come in handy for going out. The tassel might seem big, but I totally dig it, gives it some dimension and fanciness. At Barneys for $690.

I have been just hanging on to my love for YSL these last 2 seasons, pretending to "love" bags that were just ok. Now this clutch has totally rejuvenated the lust worthy-ness that is YSL to me. This clutch is freaking amazing - the clever use of the logo while being utterly subtle, the color and the textured treatment of the leather. OK, there is one thing you have to overlook here, this is "eel-embossed" leather and why anyone would emboss leather to look like eel is beyond me. Just ignore that part because the effect is actually cooler than eel, it looks like tree bark or something. Anyway, the look is cool and the shape is extraordinary. And the price, even better!! I am getting mine now so don't wait until you have to go on a list for this clutch! At Bergdorf Goodman for $575.

Quiet luxury is what VBH is all about but sometimes even the quiet beauties need to pipe up and stand out for all to see. This envelope clutch has crystal details along the seams, a perfect way to show it's true grace. But it is still modest while making a statement. Too much bling is gaudy and tacky! The pewter python will go with just about everything making this the perfect all around clutch for all your cocktail and formal events. At Brown's Fashion for $2767.

I attended the most fabulous event in Taiwan last week. Roger Vivier Creative Director, Bruno Frisoni, hosted a glam cocktail event at the Vivier store opening (in the new Bella Vita building) followed by a beautiful dinner at the Grand Hyatt in Taipei. The event was packed with local socials and celebs carrying the latest Vivier bags. A gorgeous sequined clutch called the "Prisme" (above) caught my eye the minute I walked in. The prism shape really shows off the sequins and allows them to catch the light-- shimmering at every angle-- incredible!  Bruno was a charmer and showed us all the larger day bags he's been working on as well.  My favorite was the "Metro" collection (below) in every imaginable skin, texture and color.  Rich suede, luxe python, supple leather, all with the iconic Vivier buckle.  We reported on the Carlo Bruni Couture bag from Vivier a while back and thye've promised us exclusive photos of the ready-to-wear version of the bag!  Stay tuned!  (Jump for more photos of bags and party fun)  

 

It is Friends and Family discount season! If you plan wisely and get your shopping done early, you will save grief and money. Or maybe you just want to shop for yourself =) Shopbop is doing a 2 day sale, Oct. 20 and 21 only, all full priced merchandise is 15% OFF with code INTHEFAMILY15. Get the basics like the Mulberry Mabel Hobo for $825, $701.25. Another great everyday bag is the Alexander Wang Brenda Zip Bag for $725, $616.25, it looks way cooler in person, very London chic! If you want to gear up for the holidays with some clutches that wows, the Derek Lam Kashmira Clutch that I've had my eyes on for a while now can now be mine with less guilt, $1290, $1096.50. Another amazing party bag is the Diane von Furstenberg Belle Clutch with Studs for $595, $505.75. Sale ends Wednesday, October 21, at 11:59pm PDT.

"Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" is stuck in my head because of this bag. I can't tell if I am in love with the bag itself or with the sentimentality of the 80's. I was in love with George Michael and was quite shocked when I learned that he played for the opposite team. Duh!! But I was not yet equipped with gaydar at 13 =) Michael Kors should have made a giant T-Shirt with bold black letters that says, "Choose Kors". How cool would that be? I would wear it with this clutch, I love the 80's high tech look and in acid yellow is obviously a bit tough to pull off on a daily basis, but in basic colors would be damn hot. But you would be surprised at how great a yellow clutch is, I have one and I wear it with black and white prints, blues and if I am in all gray, it turns sullen to happy instantly. At Neiman Marcus for $595.

A chic metallic fold over clutch is a must have for the holidays!  If you're not looking for a major investment, check out bridge lines like DKNY from Donna Karan.  I'm happy to see the brand offering simple bags at affordable prices (lord knows we can all use a heavy does of that!).  The convertible foldover clutch also doubles as a shoulder chain bag with the logo cleverly disguised on the zipper pull.  I've always loved zip top fold over clutches, you can stuff it full without worrying of spill out.  Happy weekend all.   DKNY Fold-over metallic clutch here $225