Recently in Clutch Category

One of the biggest perks of being The Bag Snobs is that we get to shop when we preview bags at showrooms. We order bags for the upcoming seasons and plan our wardrobe accordingly. Of course we have absolutely zero self control and want to buy everything in sight but we've come up with a good system for controlling each other. We have a method to our shopping madness and by following our guideline we are able to shop selectively and wisely (cuz there is a no return policy when you order straight from showrooms!). The rock-n-roll fabulous grommet clutch above is one that we both went wild over at the Nancy Gonzalez showroom over Fashion week.  Nancy calls it "urban guerilla" chic~ love it!  I got the liquid black crocodile and Kelly got the gun metal gray version above. Mine has not arrived yet so I don't have photos but here are some we took at the showroom. This clutch is truly spectacular-- Nancy thinks of everything! A back pocket to hold valet tickets or cell phone, divided interior and a zippered center compartment makes it functional to find everything! The size is really perfect, too-- it's around 12" wide and 6" high. It will be available at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Email Connie to get on the wait list now!!! Nancy Gonazalez bags also available at Saks. (Jump to see more fabulous Fall bags and details of NG sample sale going on today and tomorrow~!)

Oversized clutches are handy but this is "handy" on a whole other level. Literally handy, many many hands with rings and bracelet on to boot. Wow. This pushes the outer boundaries of ugly. I might have to take back everything good ever said about Carlos Falchi. Only the hands are of python, the rest is textured cracked leather, which is an interesting choice because they usually use snake or crocodile on lotion commercials to represent dryness. This is not even funny and costumey for special dress up occasions like Halloween, it's just bad. Maybe this is the "Why can't we all get along" version of patchwork to work in different patterns, colors and textures. But I am being lenient and kind flexing all my might to find an explanation and bright side to something that defies all rationale. At Bergdorf Goodman for pre-order, $1510. Thankfully, this is not allowed to be sold in California.

I have one of these travel clutches for long oversea trips when there are lots of documentation, itinerary, various tickets, etc. - I even keep my Kindle in there! It is great to be so organized and is quite fabulous! But of course now they come out with an improved version, with a removable interior divider so when you get settled, you can use it as a clutch! OK, I was still using mine as a clutch but it was kind of awkward and makes it less fabulous when people realize you are using some sort of receipt organizer as a clutch =( There is a zipper pocket so is fully functional as a clutch and the ample girth is enough to hold a small wallet, phone and camera. And this Peppermint color is so dreamy! Perfect for beach vacations!! I want!!! I must!!!! At Smythson for $650.

I am obsessing over that Jimmy Choo lace clutch but it is just way way too expensive. If you like the idea and can live without the studs (probably has a longer shelf life this way) here is a really good option for like 1/4 of the price. This Prada lace print wristlet has some advantages over the Jimmy Choo other than the price. Well, for starters, wristlets are always a better option when it comes to convenience. You know those handy hooks under bars for your bags? Uh, yeah, pretty much useless when you have a clutch but with this, voila! And what about the bathroom? There is no sanitary resting place while you take care of business. If toilet paper rolls are exposed instead of in that case, then the tops of them are a good option cuz your only other option would be the sanitary trash can. EWWW!! This lace is also cut leather so is more novel and probably more durable. At Barneys $710 but it is quite small at 4.5" x 7.45" x 1.75".

In love with the YSL caged shoe collection but can't give up your favorite drink, the extra dirty martini? Yes, I'm speaking of the bloating. Love love the concept but can't imagine the torture and besides, my feet are way too fat to give the shoe justice. That's why my love of bags, who cares about the bloated days? The cage clutch will keep its shape no matter what day of month it is. It is made of pretty thick metal caging which accounts for it's weight and price. The signature YSL clasp is sprinkled with tiny studs for an over the top and edgy feel. You will definitely have a fun and wild night with this baby. At Browns Fashion for $2400. Hmmm, maybe you need to get drunk first before you can carelessly throw that down for a super cool but impractical buy. It is also pretty small, 8 1/2" x 5", and obviously has no give.

Basic black is not as boring as you think. At least not in the hands of Jil Sander designer Raf Simons. We all need an essential daily black bag (especially now that everyone's bag budget seems to have been cut drastically)and the leather satchel is a simple design that you'll be able to use for work and on the weekends.  There is plenty of room with the expandable ruched sides and we tested it out at Barneys, great sturdy straps that don't slip and lightweight design. The clutch is also an essential but with a very edgy twist. I've yet to get into the fringe trend that seems to come back every few years but this little clutch is really an eye catcher!   Fringe, like any over the top trend, is best in small doses and on a sleek clutch it is sexy and wild, not rodeo or clownlike.   $1,180 for the clutch, $1,490 for the satchel (34cm), both bags at Net-a-Porter.com here

I am still feeling cool rocking my Rock 'n Roll get ups, it makes me feel young again which just tells me that I am actually old. It's still fun now but by the end of the season you will be looking to turn it down from eleven, even if this is your first time around this head banging trend. For AW 2009 Jimmy Choo has their classic Tube clutch in lace laid over satin and topped off with studs for the ultimate dichotomous juxtaposition (fancy, like this clutch!). It allows the frilly girls with tough exteriors to show their full personalities =) You know who you are! Designers understand our finickiness more than anyone (it is their jobs!) so what they do is they blow out a trend and then follow it up the next season with some subtle versions. But Jimmy Choo is still offering very strong Rock themes for Fall, including an all over studded hobo with a giant eagle. Choices, nothing better than choices! Available in July/August for $2700, which means those frilly girls with tough exteriors probably have pretty good jobs.

A neutral biscuit colored clutch is a fabulous addition to your spring/summer wardrobe (actually it will work in the fall with rich browns and sumptuous creams!). Kara Ross is known for her exotic "jeweled" clutches-- the jewelry designer combines semi precious stones with luxe python and croc for the ultimate accessory! I already have a million outfits I want to use this clutch with; especially for Easter luncheon this weekend (I love Easter and will be wearing pink/green/orange-- all at once)! When you wear sherbert colored clothes, it's best to neutralize and tone it down with a nude color like this gorgeous and versatile biscuit clutch. I'm also in love with the turquoise version of the clutch, it's the shade of the Caribbean sea-- swoon! If you want to rock it with jeans go with the darker shade, the cream will pick up the denim blue dye and trust me, not a pretty sight! And hello, did I mention this is only $725-- for python and the amber jewel?!? See Kara Ross Gemma Clutch in Biscuit here.
Check out the Turquoise Gemma here

We love Anya Hindmarch for designing bags that totally fulfill a woman's needs of style as well as function. It's easy to do one or the other but no other designer consistently does both so effortlessly and unerringly. This Nadja clutch demonstrates this talent perfectly. It is a classic clutch with subtle details that are part of the functionality, like the gold "V" which is actually slot for the flap. But the mind blowing feature - the clutch is reversible and in a way that is clever and seamless. It is a long flap with a pouch compartment connected to it, you flip it one way to reveal the leather side and the other way to reveal the python side and then you insert the envelope flap in the "V" which has a magnet to keep it closed. The flap also has a slot pocket, so it is fully functional and not just a piece of material (the pocket is on the back of the clutch but when flipped around it is on the inside and the other pocket is on the outside). I know my description is confusing, but trust me, it works well, in fact it is ingenious. Once it is in the configuration you want, it works like any other clutch, nothing awkward or weird. It is really really smart! There are a ton of combos but basically there are 2 sizes and come in leather/suede, python/leather or satin/leather (the cranberry seen here is amazing!!). They are incredibly well priced, the large size in leather/python is $895 (I got this in the Fumo color pictured here) and the small leather/satin is $495. This is a Fall preview so it will not be available until July or August.

Anya Hindmarch is running an Eggs-stravaganza promotion this weekend, starting today at all their boutiques. You pick an egg from the basket for a chance to win a bag on the spot! If you are going to be near a boutique, make sure you stop by for a chance to win.

Finding a chic exotic skin clutch that combines neutral beige shades with stark black is no easy task. Especially in a patchwork style which runs the risk of looking pieced together with leftover scrap leather. Oscar de la Renta's Lizard Lightening clutch, however, is a stunning example of how to do patchwork right.  The skins not only look perfectly cut for the design, they look seamlessly pieced together.  It also has a vintage-y 70's vibe that I always find appealing.  I don't know why I like the look of old stuff.  When I was in my teens I only wanted the shiniest and trendiest of new things but now, give me the retro!  The 9.25" x 5.5" clutch has invisible magnetic closure and 6" inside pocket with zipper closure, a 6" pouch pocket with lizard trim and dark brown leather interior.  $2,990 at Oscar de la Renta.com