Recently in Clutch Category

I just got a swatch book from Adriana Castro to order my Tina clutches from-- it has more colors than you can imagine and in multiple treatments of crocodile skin. I am so overstimulated I had to lie down after going through the book. I have zero self control and really want every single color in there but then I may have to get a real job so I am going to keep it to two crocodile Tina Clutches.

Apparently Eva Longoria is also a fan, she's been seen with this sleek and chic Annie clutch from Adriana Castro with her other arm candy, sexy hubby Tony Parker.

The Tina clutch for Spring 2010 will be available in 8-10 weeks but the Annie clutch is attainable this minute on Adriana's website or at Bergdorf Goodman for $985 in python or ring lizard. There are two sizes for the Annie Clutch. The one that Eva Longoria is carrying is the Small Version: 5"H x 11 3/4"W x 1/2"D. Retail Price: $1,095. The Large Version: 6 1/4"H x 14 1/4"W x 1"D. Retail Price: $1,300

Want to stay on trend this Fall?  Check out the four key trends for the season-- 1. Metallic, 2. Rock-n-roll, 3. Classic, 4. Exotics!  And there is nothing wrong with shopping your closet first for these looks!

1. Shine on-- metallic has a long shelf life and will not be going away anytime soon. 

L: Anna Vince Deco Clutch $223,C: Michael Kors Metallic Tote $695, R: MK Heidi Satchel $1,295

Left: Rebecca Minkoff Metallic Nikki Hobo, Right: Botkier Metallic Rio Tote

2. Rocker chic: Think studs, chains, zippers and anything that is Pat Benatar worthy!

Left: YSL stud Easy bag 14"X9" $2395 (email Eddie Curtis!), Right: Gucci metal studs clutch $1,490.

3. Ladies First -- For our classic snobs, anything framed, draped and pleated will suffice!  Double points for bows.

Left: Valentino Vertigo Satchel $1,995,Right: Y-Bow Suede Bowler $1,695

4. Exotic fever- Last year's python, croc or ostrich will work but if you crave something new there are plenty of styles to go around, even embossed versions!

Left: Zagliani Python Pleated Shoulder Bag, Right: Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile hobo $3600

Stingray is the Frugal Snob's best exotic option, but only those in the know, know that it is inexpensive because it looks super exotic with its amazing details. Most people choose it purely for the look, regardless of price. Jamie Lynn Sigler wore it to the premiere of Entourage. I used to love the show but it is getting so boring with the same exact theme. Not sure if I'll tune in this season. Anyway, you can see how versatile this clutch is but still has distinction - a tiger-like print can only go with one thing, simple black clutch, but the stingray does not fight with the print and stands up on its own instead of fading to the background. Other celebrities seen with this clutch are Sienna Miller, Leighton Meester and Sophia Bush (go to jump page for photos). The shape is a simple barrel roll clutch, which is what you want for this exotic. At Madison for $530. (Note: Madison's website calls this "Stringray", I confirmed with the designer, this is real stingray, I think it is a typo but can't explain why it is in "quotes").

I'm obsessed with the Runway clutches from Michael Kors for Fall! Not only are clutches still in vogue, they are stronger than ever this Fall thanks to designers like Kors who keep tempting us with sleek and chic designs that are timelessly and wearable. Of course the snob in me wants the crocodile version ($4,000) but the sensible girl is shouting, why not get all the colors in leather ($595) for the price of one croc!?!? The neon colors are fierce and very on trend with the love affair we are having with the 80's. I am way too old to be running around with neon bright sneakers and matching off the shoulder sweatshirts like I did in junior high but an elegant neon clutch? Bring it on! Clutch it like a supermodel and check out the actual runway looks here! There is also a python version of the 8"x15" clutch. See Michael Kors Runway Clutches here starting at $595. My absolute fave of the collection is the zippered version below. Combining rock and roll attitude with luxe croc skin is genius and sums up my generation in one perfectly shaped clutch. Zippered Crocodile clutch $6,000 at Michael Kors.com.

Hayden Panettiere wore the Nancy Gonzalez crocodile clutch with self covered grommets on MTV to promote her movie, I Love You, Beth Cooper. This clutch is not out yet (we did a Fall Preview of this clutch back in April), but Tina and I both have it, we were the first to get our greedy little hands on this most kick ass clutch Nancy Gonzalez has ever made. So much so that both of us re-ordered in other colors as soon as we got the first ones! Hayden has the purple, which as you can see is phenomenal - it is the same as the one we saw in the showroom, perhaps the exact same one, maybe she got it on loan? I got it in gunmetal gray and Tina has it in liquid black, which is a sueded crocodile with a textured metallic gold finish. This clutch does not get left alone, I almost don't want to take it out sometimes because I am constantly being accosted! It is $1500 and should be in stores by the end of the month (I will confirm). Shop for Nancy Gonzalez at Saks Fifth Avenue.

I hated that creepy Owl clutch from Judith Leiber but this Jaguar clutch is strangely appealing and sexy to me. Of course I would never pay 5 grand for this thing but I enjoy looking at it and certainly appreciate the thousands of sparkling crystals used to create the drama of this magnificent animal.  I have a thing for big cats and the jaguar is probably my favorite.  They have a languid ease that mask their fierce personality-- at once cuddly and terrifying!

For example, this Jaguar appears to be lounging but she is actually ready to pounce on her prey (may it be deer or 20 year old male)-- the Jaguar always gets what she wants.

It's outrageous how much these minaudieres cost though!!! 
Judith Leiber Jaguar Bag $5,495 at Net-a-Porter.com

I can only imagine the pressure on Phoebe Philo to perform at Celine. After her very successful run at Chloe, the entire industry is eagerly anticipating her magic at Celine. But is Celine salvageable?  That remains to be seen.  Philo recently moved its design studios from Paris to London, perhaps a bit of London cool will give the lifeless brand a shot of desperately needed energy.  I am not that impressed with this clutch/bag but don't hate it either.  The problem with the oversized envelope style bags with chain is that it sags when full and dangling from the shoulder.  Better off clutching it though the industrial chain is cool looking, leave it out for decorative effect if you want.  It feels as if Philo is testing the waters and treading quite carefully with this simple eel clutch.  It is a is smart move given the current economic conditions but I'm waiting for Philo to start designing with her heart again.  Celine Dimitri Eel Bag $1,200 at Net-a-Porter.com

Bruno Frisoni is a man after our own hearts!  For the iconic shoe brand, Roger Vivier's Fall Couture Collection, he chose to focus on the ultimate accessory, the handbag.  Black feathers, agate stones, Lesage-embroidered clutches and other luxurious details make the line dramatic yet utterly wearable.  Frisoni explains his fascination with bags: "You can place them on a shelf, dress them up or undress them, hide your love letters in them."  Okay, so the feathered piece on the upper left looks like a crazy mess but look closely and you'll see the delicate chains are being held down by dragonflies! 

I am most intrigued by the genuine gold leaf paint on the simple black crocodile bag, it's like a glittering piece of jewel and has a very glamorous old world appeal.  The workmanship is incredible, I hope to one day see them in person-- haute couture bags are by custom order only so chances are slim but still... a snob can dream.  Source: WWD 

The lovely Adriana Castro bestowed an incredible honor on me-- she named the hottest bag from her Spring 2010 line after me!  That has got to be the highest honor for a bag snob!  Anyone who has met or shopped with me knows my tendency to shout "that is so 'Tina', I must have it!". Apparently Adriana took note the last time I visited her showroom in NYC because she designed a clutch that is not only totally 'Tina', it's named the "Tina" Clutch!  I love the pleated and full shape, it holds everything yet is easy to clutch due to the flat clasp. (Jump to see interior).  The best part is you can custom the "Tina" (yes, I am going to use the name over and over, I am that vain!) clutch depending on your taste. You can choose any skin (crocodile, lizard, python, ostrich leg) with any trim and in any color!  The "Tina" clutch may be special ordered directly from Adriana Castro(Adriana tells me the boutiques have loved them!). To place an order, e-mail sales@adrianacastroonline.com or order by phone 1.866.460.4484.
 

The dimensions: 9.5"W x 5.5"H x 2"D (you can customize the size, too! make it larger or smaller, depending on your needs-- prices will adjust for size accordingly).  Crocodile: $1,115 -- You will be hard pressed find another crocodile clutch for this price and quality!
Lizard: $1,015 -- I love the ring lizard but think I will go for a crocodile version.  Heck, it's named after me, shouldn't I get ALL colors!?!?  Python: $895 -- Adriana uses high quality python skin that is supple and lush.  Ostrich Leg: $700 -- Hello! This is a no brainer, ostrich leg is as sturdy as they come and the price is crazy!!!

My favorite clutch of the moment is Derek Lam's Elsa in gray python, apparently it is Kate's as well. She has been seen clutching it on many occasions (yesterday at a London club opening) and if you owned this clutch you'd understand why.  It just has that je ne sais quoi-ness to it-- you know what I mean, it's cool without trying, just like Kate.

I use it several times a week myself, it is ultra functional and edgy chic to boot.  It instantly hips up any outfit I have on, even if it's a boring shift dress.

I was told the Elsa in gray python sold out mere days after it was posted here two months ago.  If you missed out, try calling Wayne and see if he can find one from somewhere for you.  If not, you can order it in bubblegum for resort 2010!

Call Wayne at 212-966-1616 or email him here.