Recently in Clutch Category

A clutch that doesn't look like a clutch! Love it. You can actually hold it with the handle or opt for the traditional under your arm. Options, that's what I love. The straps not only add a punch but it is a twist on the norm for a clutch (well, of course the Proenza Schouler PS1 has that detail but that's what I love about that as well). I really really hate bringing a big bag out with me at night because I use such giant bags during the day but sometimes, it is just plain inconvenient with a clutch. Like going to the bathroom and having nowhere to hang the clutch. Or when walking for a long time, my fingers actually get cramped up from holding it in my hand. OK, fine, I may sound like a big baby but these are considerations I make when choosing a bag. This is the ultimate clutch for your entire summer needs, the color is perfect for everything and the casual style allows for day to night without a hitch. At Luxcouture for $575.
$575

Is there another brand cooler than Balenciaga? (Balmain is close behind but Christopher Decarnin has yet to prove he's worthy of the outrageous prices and that he's more than a one season wonder!). The Brilliant Pouchette Bague Black Lizard showcases everything I love about Balenciaga under Nicholas Ghesquiere-- he pushes the envelope yet manages to retain the essence of the brand.  The two gusset flap front with studded hardware is edgy urban but in classic lizard-- it remains tasteful.  I can just picture Carine Roitfeld with this, she eschews large bags and prefers little clutches.  This one is kind of an odd size at 6" x 6.5" x 1.5" but that's part of its charm!  The squareness has a vintage-y retro feel to it that I love.  $2,675.00 at Barneys New York.

Tell me, do you love Balenciaga, too?

Forget all the silicone induced hype about Zagliani bags-- let's focus on this gorgeous luscious python shoulder bag/clutch in go with everything denim blue (I am obsessed with this dreamy color!).  This is a giant, I mean really really big bag but it's so squishy and lovable looking I want to cuddle it.  Love the triangle flap-- it properly shows off the pleats and the slightly puffed with pleated bottom is what gives it that flirty girly look!  It also has a leather and brushed gold chain handle you can hide and convert into oversized clutch or use as shoulder bag.  I personally think it looks better as a clutch, the chain is a bit too delicate for such a large bag but at least you have the option should you be at a party and want both hands free to toss back spritzers and munch on canapes at the same time.

By the way, if you have never touched a Zagliani bag you must go and feel its softness.  It will make you think differently about scaly bags forever!  ZAGLIANI - PYTHON FLAP SHOULDER BAG here. 1500 euro/ $2036 USD.  

We do not like this time of the year-- it's when bags of the current season have been played out (and on verge of sale) but the bags of the next season have not arrived. We actually slip into a coma from bag boredom until the next wave of new bags bring us back to life (so forgive us if we are a bit blah lately). Don't get me wrong, we love sales-- it's just that we have been staring at the same ole' same ol'e.... Here are a few Brian Atwood clutches I've been looking at all season.  The Mattie in white with gold accent is especially appealing.  White bags with gold hardware always brings to mind the beaches of Capri where tanned women abound with white dresses and gold bangles.  I can't wait to go on summer holiday!  Check out Brian Atwood Handbags on sale here

I appreciate Stella McCartney's stance against the use of leather in fashion and I like her designs but sometimes the prices are just a bit... high. Take this gem embellished champagne twill clutch for example-- it's very cutsey (and not my cup of tea) but I'm sure many of you will find it appealing, especially with Prom season coming up. But if you are shopping for a prom clutch for yourself or your daughter, I doubt you'll want to shell out a grand for it. So here are some options for you to DIY.  Start with this J. Furmani champagne colored satin clutch (11" wide) for $31.50 and add a few crystal flower pins on it ($15.95 each). For under $100 you'll have a similar look plus you can choose the colors to coordinate with your gown.

Of course some of our bag snobs may want the Stella version-- here it is for $995 at Net-a-Porter.com.  What do you think?  DIY or go for the Stella?

Derek Lam Elsa clutch in python ($1,450 at Derek Lam 212-966-1616, or email Wayne!)

I love Kate Moss and I love Derek Lam, and I love that Kate loves Derek, too. Okay enough gushing but I'm really excited to see Kate carrying Derek's Elsa clutch in gray python.  Kelly waxed on over the leather version($790) but I'm all about this lovely shade of steel gray exotic skin (I am so treating myself to this for Mother's Day!).  Sexy and flirtatious, it's perfect for the martini sipping Derek Lam girl (I like mine dirty and shaken please, with extra olives!). This is a large clutch at 11" and has little extras like the magnetic asymmetric outer pocket to hold your ID for easy access (if you're lucky enough to get carded) plus hidden flap pocket.  Luxe satin lined interior holds another zipper pocket and open pocket-- the Elsa clutch has all the functionality of a large bag without the bulk which makes it great to use during the day, too! The small loop will allow you to actually hold it without the football grip when shopping, much more chic.  Call Jeff or Wayne at the Derek Lam boutique to order 212-966-1616-- or stop by in person to check out the ultra chic space at 10-12 Crosby St at Howard.  
  

A clutch is a super versatile accessory, sometimes its fun to wear a clutch that looks and feels like a piece of jewelry. There is nothing more exquisite than a non-traditional material and I know we always go on about exotics, not because we have some strange fascination with reptiles but it is because the skin is different and interesting and has textures and markings that is not found in leather. But ebony has those same qualities, the markings and lines of the wood makes each unique and is amazing for its natural characteristics. It is naturally dark, almost black and can be polished to a high shine. Even the studs are special, instead of typical crystals, these are tagnipis shell that are bevel cut to look like stones. The contrast between the shells and the ebony is incredibly beautiful. Sure this can't hold much but how much stuff can your necklace or bracelet hold? At Net-a-Porter for $755.

I can't wait for the Fall bag collection from DVF, especially this lovely clutch. It is a must have for sure!! Pink metallic with studs??!!! Hello! It was as if Diane herself consulted with us to come up with such a to-die-for clutch. It is a simple, functional foldover, of course functional since that is what she's all about. This speaks to all our many and sometimes contradicting sides - girly, sassy, tough, flirty, and glamorous. You don't, and probably shouldn't, get all rocked out when wearing this, this is perfect for my sporty casual look as well as the feminine flouncy dress with strappy stilettos. DVF is getting serious with her bags, if she continues in this direction, my ENTIRE wardrobe including bags will be nothing but DVF! At Shopbop for $595.

I am attending a ballet recital this weekend (very excited since it's always been my dream to have a little girl and attend ballet recitals but since I have yet to give birth to a daughter~ I fulfill my fantasies with my friends' daughters!) and am wearing my new Michael Kors dress that Michael himself picked out for me ($1,895).

It's a classic shift dress modernized with a glossy patent leather belt and a gathered V neckline (elegant yet sexy!).  A simple clutch is all you need because this fabulous dress speaks for itself and you do not want to compete with it by carrying an overdone bag!  I am loving the Templeton clutch in ivory above and wish I had it to wear with my dress (It's on pre-order so I'll at least have it for the summer).  It is off white which is way easier to care for than a stark white bag plus the neutral shade makes it easy to wear with all colors.

The Templeton clutch is very well priced at $595-- there is a delicious purple dahlia color that will be super hot with a crisp white summer dress and at this price it's totally justifiable to get both, don't you agree?

Go to Michael Kors.com and check out the dress and clutches and get free shipping with code MKMOM when you purchase $150 or more (why risk the crowds at the mall with a face mask when you can shop at home worry free :).  Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

We have the ultimate gift guide for the ultimate mom! We are giving you fantastic ideas so you can be sure to get your fantastic mom (or your baby mama) the gift she deserves. There is something for every kind of mom, all Snob Worthy of course =) Also, share some of your good ideas and some gifts you have given from past Mother's Day that were a huge hit.

Click here for The Ultimate Mother's Day Gift Guide.