Recently in Clutch Category

Wow, where do I even begin? First of all, believe it or not, this is Prada. The rest of Fall so far has been really great, back to basic and NORMAL. I guess Fall 2 is where they let Miuccia loose and allow her to do whatever she wants as a reward for designing boring bags that sell. This feedbag looking thing is crackled leather with fringes adorned with studs and beads. The Lone Ranger uses this as a snack bag for Tonto. Unless you own a horse, miniature horse are ok too, I really hope you don't strap this around your wrist and show up to happy hour. At Barneys New York, for...are you ready for this second offense...$1395.

What a fabulous pop of color this little beauty will bring to your wardrobe! Orange is often misunderstood, it is actually a neutral and looks amazing with browns, greens, blues, and even pinks! Jil Sander is one of my favorite off the trend radar bag designers, this orange high polished-leather clutch bag with geometric cutout closure is one of the most clever styles I've seen! Am crazy about the discreet pockets at the sides that give the clutch an origami feel. It's sized at 12" wide and only costs $590-- apparently Halloween is just around the corner (I saw pumpkin displays already yesterday!) and this will be adorable with a sexy little black witch costume, too. Jil Sander clutch at Net-a-porter.com

This is a puzzing clutch from Halston, it's going for the cool deconstructed look but literally falls short.  The exposed suede portion is completely out of place and the wristlet strap is strange to the point of distraction.  I know this is supposed to be a grab and go clutch but I just don't jive with it.  What about you?  Snob or Slob?  Halston Henry Ponyskin Clutch

I'm all about the clutch now. I am trying to simplify my life and with that, a whole new thinking on bags. Why am I always carrying around so much stuff? Why do my bags need to be so heavy? What the heck is in my wallet that requires it to be so big? I am now using a zip coin wallet that has a few cards, my driver's license, cash and change. Lipgloss, phone, keys and maybe a small tube of sunblock - that's all I need, all of which fits nicely in a clutch. So, my new "bag lifestyle" requires that I get an investment clutch that will take me through years without consideration of trends. The Bottega Veneta woven cluth in karung has divided interior compartments for organizing long term use (not just one night). The karung is easy to maintain (versus leather which gets stained and cannot be wiped down) and the subdued Grape is neutral enough, yet adds happy color for an all black or gray Fall wardrobe. Like I said, this is an investment piece so the price concurs, but you might not. At Net-a-Porter $2,950.

How exciting to have not one but two bags named after me this season!  It's hard not to like a bag with my namesake but I have to admit this one is for a much much younger Tina.  One who enjoys her cigarettes (if anyone in my family is reading this, I never smoked!) and her vodka (on the rocks, with two lemons and an olive) while dancing til dawn (hence the body strap, very handy while dancing the night away!).  The current Tina, the one you know now, lectures her friends on the peril of smoking, is excited when she drinks two glasses of wine without passing out and likes to be in bed by 11pm after a game of Dance Dance revolution on Wii.  But at least I'm not too old to appreciate the edgy coolness of this square shaped camera bag with multiple zippers (the better to stash stuff in).  I just think it'd look better on Agnyss.  The price is not bad at $590-- Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch at Shopbop.com
What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

Is Derek Lam on fire or what? His is one of the strongest bag collections of the season, every single bag speaks to me! A good friend of mine in New York asked me to find her a leopard bag recently; she works in PR and has a packed social schedule. Her specifics were "something cool, in a simple shape and for use from day to night". I immediately thought of the Kashmira clutch from Derek Lam. I tote around my Elsa python clutch while shopping in the day and at night for cocktails. Derek's urban and edgy clutches are generously sized without being monstrous, have functional multi-compartments to fit the million things we need and always have a feminine and whimsical touch-- perfection? Pretty damn close. The Kashmira clutch is made in Italy of hair calf and is 15" x 15" (unfolded as a tote) or 15" x 7.5" (folded) and is $1,295 (a bargain considering its size and multi convertible use!). Call Wayne to order and for more info-- 212-966-1616 or email him ! I ordered mine already and plan to wear it with my white Derek Lam dress with chunky gold jewelry.

Derek Lam Kashmira Clutch also available at Shopbop.com

UPDATE: Derek Lam also made this clutch in a luscious taupe/grey suede version for those of you who are too timid to do jaguar. It retails for $990 and has the same dimensions! Call Wayne :)

Say you are doing a girls night out, or maybe even more exciting, a bachelorette party! Of course you need a super rockin hot bag for the rare chance that the bad girl in you is making a public appearance but you know the night will end with you losing, barfing on or spilling drinks on your bag. Sure you can get a Jimmy Choo or YSL but do you really want to risk it? And then what if the wild side doesn't come out again for years and this aggressive rocker chick trend is no longer? The wise choice before your night of endless bad decisions is to get your kicks with this Frugal Snob BCBG Urban Rock Zipper Clutch. Yes, it is not as cool as the YSL zipper clutch with the wavy zippers but this has the same effect and has a easy to hold cut out handle! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $248.

I've been waxing on about rock star worthy embellished clutches but have yet to really take the dive into one.  Mainly because I know that most of them are way too trendy and I have way too much sense to indulge senselessly in a 4 figure bag covered in studs!  But Bottega Veneta's studded clutch is subtle and classic, the sprinkling of studs gives just enough attitude without appearing as if it's trying too hard.  My kinda bag!  Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Clutch $1,250 here.

If you want to be on trend this Fall and want something really daring and sexy, go for a red hot bag!  Red is back and better than ever, in everything from a distressed YSL Red Hobo ($1,395) to a timeless chic Valextra Boston bag ($2,190), this is one color you can not do without this season!  I am also in love with Ungaro's red studded clutch (900 euro/$1,273 USD)  -- totally '80s and so fabulous with the multi shaded and sized studs!  And of course you can not go wrong with the Balenciaga Arena Giant envelope clutch, it's become a cult classic and the dark red shade is not as bright as some of the other styles.  I am especially craving Sang A's fiery red python Elsworth with delicate brushed gold chain ($1,160)-- the color is amazing and will be fabulous through the holidays! 

What do you think of Red's comeback?   Snob or Slob?  

Balmain who???  For me, it's all about Ungaro lately.  Was relieved to read that Esteban Cortazar is going to continue with the brand... maybe. Back in June it was reported he left the House of Ungaro due to the involvement of Lindsay Hohan with the brand. Then we heard he was suing Ungaro but later dropped the charges and came to an agreement. Whatever is going on, I hope he doesn't let some cracked up young actress get in his way. Look at the fabulous clutch above, an understated rocker chic clutch that is both timeless and trendy.  The push lock is especially interesting, just look closely :)  But all of it is merely decorative, the flap is actually magnetic and the bag is lined in hot pink satin and has two compartments in addition to hidden zippered pouch.  Sized at 13" x 7" for $1,150-- Emanuel Ungaro Stamped leather shoulder clutch here.