Recently in Clutch Category

Big sparkly clutch, a la Judith Leiber, I am not into, but something subtle and tasteful like this jeweled chain evening bag from Darby Scott is divine. You don't even have to be attending a Southern Gala with big hair to wear it, if you are having a nice lunch, this will dress up a simple dress. But if you are going a glitterazzi event, this embroidered bag with quiet embellishments will set you apart. These top handle little bags are making a huge comeback, thanks to Mad Men and the mad styles that I am craving. Well, I'm mostly craving the comeback of full body curvy women. Hello, how did that sexy trend ever go out?? Floral Embroidered Mini Evening Clutch in silk chiffon and grey agate toplock and brazilian stone in chain handle at Darby Scott for $1950.

This reminds me of the new Hermes clutch that has the briefcase closure on it. It is so nice!! Except the Hermes is $5500 and this YSL is $1195. Of course it is not the same but it's the look I'm after, a simple elegant clutch with cool hardware to snazz it up. I mean, this is still YSL so it's not like I'm making such a huge sacrifice and honestly, I've got to start spending less on bags. I know that sounds like blasphemy for the Bag Snob but everything has its limits. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1195.

I've always maintained that certain bags are a better investment than stocks. Take this CHANEL vintage gold bar clutch for an example. I'm sure at full retail it was no more than $2,500 (and that is a generous estimate).  And now, used, it's $4,180.  Not all bags enjoy this kind of return but certain ones (especially limited edition items) from the best brands will always be worthy of investment!  CHANEL's gold bar clutch not only resembles a gold bullion bar, it is the size of one (not the weight nor price thankfully-- a kilogram of pure 99.99% gold cost roughly $33,000, now that's another commodity worthy of investing in).  I don't know, I'm not that into this look and really at that price you've maxed out on this investment.  And if there is one thing I learned from my finance classes at USC (yup, I was a nerdy International Finance major) is buy low, sell high.  Which seems these people have.

WGACA Vintage Vintage Chanel Gold Bar Clutch $4,180.

What do you think of investment bags?  Worthy or not?

As you can imagine, I have seen A LOT of bags. But I have never seen anything like this! Tattoo on ostrich!! Is that insanely brilliant or what? The hand-engraved and one of a kind tulip tattoo is set against matte vanilla ostrich for contrast and impact. This is not just drawn in, this is actually done like a tattoo where the ink is put into the skin. It is then brushed down to prevent rub off but you still get the buttery finish of the ostrich. It is elegance meets edgy done just right. Fabulousness at this level gives me the ultimate high, I love what I do so much!!! This "folio" is a large clutch and the best part is that it's big enough for work papers so you can be the coolest person in the office. It has a magnetic closure that is amazingly tight yet really easy to open. It measures 13.25" long x 8" tall. Each piece is custom made and requires 3-5 weeks to deliver, email Paige to order, $3400. Take a look at Paige Gamble's website.

Wow, bags from L.A.M.B that don't make me gag?  I'm so excited to have something pleasant to say about the line (because I LOVE Gwen Stefani!).  I was told she is very involved with the design process, never made much sense to me until this collection.  I do admire her loyalty to her own line though, she is often seen in L.A.M.B items in public.  The L.A.M.B. Deco Keaton Hobo ($495) in black above is something I would not be embarrassed to be seen in. Nice deco influenced lines (you all know I'm a sucker for anything deco) and tonal black on black which adds an interesting touch to the bag.  The L.A.M.B. Deco Clara Lambskin Hobo ($325) in metallic gold is also fun for an evening out though I am not as crazy about the green stripes mixed with black patent.  With the metallic added it looks just a tad busy.  L.A.M.B. Deco Fisher Lambskin Clutch ($245),  however, can carry off the look cuz it's such a small dose of it.  Okay, so this is not exactly a raving review but at least I'm not calling them any names.  What do you think?   

We introduced you to the fabulous Stephanie bag from DVF back in January and much as I loved it I could not swing that size.  Good thing I waited because now it comes in medium in a rock star worthy black metallic!  You must see this in person, the woven leather is amazing and the metallic peeks through depending on the movement of the bag-- subtle yet sexy.  There is also a longer shoulder strap but I like the shorter handle, it looks more sophisticated.  The bracelet clutch is also tres adorable with long tassles and at a great price point!  DVF bags are a superb value for its functionality, design and glam factor-- just like her iconic wrap dresses!  I am anxiously awaiting  Hayworth in python (it's stuck in customs!). Meanwhile, you must check out the Stephanie styles!
 
Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Medium Hobo $875

Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Bracelet Clutch $395

It is true Lanvin has lost its luster but there are still a couple of bags that are worthy of my desire, like this Happy Quilted Clutch. Notice I used desire instead of "lust", this just isn't one of those bags that begs for my attention. But if you need a good clutch, this does fit the bill. The trend now is to go for a standout clutch that makes the outfit, like a Derek Lam or McQueen that will start conversations but sometimes all we need is a wallflower clutch that just sits back and blends in. Yeah, that was a really nice way to say this is boring but with the beautiful quilted light bronze satin and cool oversized turn lock closure, it does have many positive details to rave about. At Barneys New York for $1305.

Retro is definitely in. Halston is of course very 70's so it's not as in as the 80's and 60's these days but that could be a good thing. You will be above the fray, even though the return of 70's seem to be more frequent than necessary. Aside from the decade trend war, this clutch is amazing in its simplicity and function. A sturdy wristlet on a generously sized clutch makes life easier in many ways. The vibrant blue is spectacular! It's one of those colors that can go with anything because it stands on its own. You can be very Carrie Bradshaw with this and wear it with the most unlikely outfit. The more it doesn't match, the more awesome it is! At Net-a-Porter for $1395.

Could this be???  A Judith Leiber clutch that does not involve animals or cupcakes!?!?  Sure it's still really blinged out but tastefully so.  The entire 7 inches of the clutch is covered in smoke colored radiant cut crystals that is reminiscent of art deco.  You must see this beauty in person, it is no mere bag but a gorgeous piece of jewelry.  Yes, it's a bit pricey but so much more reasonable than a $5,000 cupcake don't you think? 

Judith Leiber Radiant Cut crystal-embellished clutch $2895 here.

The first days of Fall brought with it a welcoming chill but I am already missing the warm days of summer (like my husband says, there is just no pleasing me!).  However, I am not missing summer for the temperature but for the colors-- I dread the dreary shades of autumn!  Browns and pumpkin shades are just not for me, I prefer the happy bright colors of spring, all year long.  Luckily, my favorite color (that would be pink if you're new to the blog) is the preferred hue of spring/summer 2010.  Even Anya Hindmarch takes a walk on the pink side (a departure from her usual muted shades!) with the "Gracie" Shoulder bag in Fuscia Pink calf leather ($850)-- it is the must have shape in the shade of the season.  Each season Anya updates her shoulder chain bag-- this time it's in a graduated vertical pleat that lends elegance to her classic silhouette.  The chain is lightened up and the shoulder strap is lengthened-- Anya certainly listens to her customers!  The "Rochelle"clutch is also a gorgeous burst of color in purple raffia ($295), this will be amazing on summer nights.  The Spring 2010 collection will be available starting next February at Anya boutiques near you.  You can also shop Anya Hindmarch bags here.