Recently in Clutch Category

I am in love with this little clutch, it is just too adorable. I find myself with all these oversized clutches, and I am used to them at that size now so I forget that clutches used to be teeny tiny. This is 9" x 6" which to me is like a coin purse, which this does look like, but nice for petite women who can give this little thing it's own place, it is dainty and feminine. The gray ostrich with the shiny silver frame is so sharp and clean. Nothing more chic than that! And of course it is Nuti so every detail is meticulous and made to last forever. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1595.

Roger Vivier (inventor of the stiletto heel and of the pilgrim buckle fame) has a new clutch that doesn't seem to quite capture the essence of the legendary designer. The tejus (tejus is a type of lizard with distinctive poka dotty spots) faceted clutch is interesting in itself and really does not require the multi hued colors (that resemble mold). A solid shade would have been much more chic plus it'd be less noticeable that only bits and pieces were used to make this 850 Euro/$1200 clutch. I do like the modernized pilgrim buckle and I guess one could argue the prism like patches look edgy and modern in a Star Trekkish way (have you seen? I've heard so much about it but am just not a Trekkie and don't care!) but still-- it's a lot of money for pieces of scrap skin.
ROGER VIVIER - TEJUS FACETED CLUTCH is 27cmx17cm and available at Luisa via Roma.

What do you think? Snob or Slob?

Michelle Obama is not one for the obvious when it comes to fashion. She is understated and tasteful so appropriately, she shows up in New York in a VBH Ballerina Clutch in Colbalt Blue Satin ($1500). She contrasts her LBD with this bright clutch that totally pops. Who knew she was such a Bag Snob? I mean, only those in the know can appreciate what VBH is all about - quality, simplicity and subtlety but oh-so stylish!

The perfect color for the season and the price is right for an exotic. Need I say more? Everyone is looking for a white clutch for the summer but who wants to plunk down a grand or more for something you need a few times over the course of 3 months? But this very lovely clutch, simple with dark wood detail, can actually make an annual appearance for years to come. And it is ostrich! It doesn't have the quill bumps all over, thus the nice price, but I like that the composition of texture and non-texture is made into a feature. Each one will be slightly different but the placement is specific, not random so each will be uniquely yours. The character, the ease, the cool, the versatility and a slight edge - all for $395 at Barneys New York. Might go on sale but you better act fast (or at least beat me to it!!).

People have been asking about summer wedding bags and some crystal beaded miniaudiere easily comes to mind. But how about not so obvious, like this Rose Chiffon from Mary Norton? Perfect for the bride, although I don't know where she would be carrying this, not down the aisle, right? For my wedding, I had a giant tote bag full of things that I thought I might need that one of my brides maids had to carry around (and ended up sitting under a table all night). I was thinking this is more for a guest, with a summery dress. It kind of looks like a Chanel, although Chanel is a camellia and this is a rose, but hey, I'm no botanist. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

Why choose between a beautiful piece of jewelry or a gorgeous bag when you can have both on a single fabulous accessory that does not cost an arm and leg?!?!  Kara Ross designs the most exquisitely crafted and affordable jewel bags I have ever seen. Last season I coveted a black python clutch hand painted in silver; this season, it's the jeweled purple Nox python clutch ($768 upper left) with an amethyst buckle. My love of purple is beyond the fad of recent years-- my 96 year old grandmother adored amethyst stones and purple orchids and I have inherited her love of this royal shade.  For Fall/Winter 2009, Kara also offers a palate of neutral hues (for those less adventurous!)-- the lovely Nox taupe python clutch (above right $768) and the Nola hobo ($810 left) in taupe leather with python trim detail is timeless and chic for daily use.  For a dose of high glam, go for the Mia metallic python ($782 bottom left) with dark brown croc trim.  And I love the utilitarian chic of the Adora chocolate clutch in ostrich leg ($538 bottom right).  Utterly delicious!  The collection will hit stores in June.  Or check Kara Ross website for complete list of stores in your area!  Net-a-porter has a few must have Kara Ross clutches currently on sale here! 

All this talk of "tea bagging" in congress apparently has inspired Mark and James to make a tea bag bag but in a literal way. It is in the hip and cool disco beads but why this shape? All it needs is a tag at the end of the strap for the full effect. It is not that bad but still, you'll walk around looking like you're looking for a big pot of hot water. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $465.

I find the wool zebra clutch from Stella McCartney quite interesting-- the subtly pleated clutch with gold tone hardware has a very lady like vibe until you open it and see the black vinyl and chain detail-- pure rock rebel! Yes, Stella is the daughter of a Beatle and has been known to produce overpriced plastic bags but don't hold that against her. She's actually a talented designer and credited for bringing Chloe back to life (Phoebe Philo was her protegee and took over after she left the brand). Of course during those days she used leather and fur. Nowadays she is very creative with her vegan line; the use of wool in a zebra print is beautiful and a nice alternative to satin or leather for evening. I wouldn't advocate its use for summer, however, as the website does. The last thing I want to do in 90 degree weather is clutch a wool bag! I'd save this for the Fall and wear it with an array of cashmeres and knits-- it's 20cm wide which is a generous size for a clutch and will be great for luncheons, too. The price is not too ridiculous though it's not cheap-- Stella McCartney Wool Zebra clutch $515 at Net-a-Porter.com.

What do you think?

I did some serious shopping today and believe it or not, the most exciting things I saw today was at Ferragamo. Yes, that's right, stupid grosgrain bow on everything Ferragamo. But oh no, this is not your mother's Ferragamo anymore. I am not going to say all their bags are good now but there are definitely key pieces that are very worthy. Like this wrap around clutch. It has so much edge, I really still cannot believe where I saw it. It would be a straight forward clutch but the wraps scrunch it up and kicks up the corners giving it a whole new shape. I don't even mind the hardware, I rather like the rings. There is a flap that is held with magnets as well as the strap, which I agree could get annoying but for the look, I'll deal with the hassle. At Ferragamo boutiques for $2600.

I previewed one of the most exquisite Chanel collections I have ever laid eyes on at the Fall 09 trunk show yesterday. It was an elaborate celebration of culture, art and fashion-- one that only the Kaiser (and the Mademoiselle herself) could have executed so perfectly. The Paris-Moscow collection is a collector's dream-- many pieces are by custom order only (three month delivery) which make them even more collectable. Glittering jewels, exaggerated pearl/beaded belts, embellished leather motorcycle jackets, embroidered cashmere coats, ornate dresses, handpainted and laser cut leather bags, matryoshka doll minaudieres-- everything was fit for a Tsarina!   The Paris-Moscow collection will be one remembered as the moment Chanel brought luxury back!

Beyond the theatrics, however, there were more than a few gorgeous and very functional bags.  I ordered the "Portobello" tote in black below (also available in grey and brown).  The zipper detail is not merely decorative-- it has two uses- to zip up the front pocket and to use as adjustable strap!  It's around 32cm and will be my daily easy tote!  (jump for more!)

(The must have bag from Chanel Fall 09-- The Portobello-a distressed lambskin tote that may be buttoned into a lady like bag or left open and casual. $2,375 call Alexis 214-520-1055 to order)