Recently in Convertible Category

Left: Celestina Mango Clutch Right: Stella McCartney Velvet Clutch

I am going clutch crazy lately! Here are several I am loving, the Eva Leather Clutch from the House of Choo, Stella McCartney's art deco-esque velvet clutch and the Mango from Celestina. I love anything with a deco flavor and Stella's vibrantly hued little lovely is not only stylish, it's only $695! Celestina of course is always interesting if not that functional but sometimes you have to just go for the looks and forget the substance! The Stingray Mango clutch is perfectly structured and trimmed in natural daniela wood, it opens to a creamy ivory interior which is so sublime against the hot pink! I am also loving the Jimmy Choo Eva clutch, it's a clever convertible clutch/top handle bag that opens big and wide so you can toss things in and go. I am a fan of the asymmetrical look which was shown all over the Fall runways but I'd do either an asymmetrical dress or the clutch because wearing head to toe in the season's trend is just not a good idea.
Celestina Stingray Mango Clutch $1,365 at Net-a-Porter.com
Stella McCartney Velvet Clutch $695 at Net-a-Porter.com
Jimmy Choo clutch $1,170 at Net a Porter

The "Retro" clutch with brushed brass handles $540. Call Jalda to order 310.203.0888

Jalda serves up a unique and timeless selection of clutches made in ostrich leg for fall. In subdued colors of taupe, black, forest green and buttercup, the collection is bold in material and classic in design. I've had Jalda on my radar since seeing the bags at Saks a year ago. We gave away two shimmering Jalda clutches last year and I can't wait to get my hands on the ostrich leg version. Ostrich leg skin is scaly and tough, you can stomp on these babies and not ruin them (not recommended though)! (jump for more!)

This is the best thing I have seen in a long time. Now you can really be ready for the beach, I know I am. I just got the cutest hat today, it is big and floppy and has adorable colorful appliques. So, next thing I need is a bag and towel and lookie here, a two for one, bag AND towel. The bag unbuttons, unravels and becomes a giant beach towel. If you think about it, it does work out logistically, you just have to find a spot to put all your stuff while your towel is being transformed. I mean, usually, you empty everything out of the your beach bag anyways so like I said, it does work out eventually. This of course is for those who live close to the beach and frequents it on a regular basis. It not not meant for one of those family outing jobbers that involves coolers, tents and lawn chairs. It is great conceptually, super cute and surprisingly cheap, only $235!! At eluxury.

How incredibly cute is the Julie foldover clutch from JALDA? I am featuring a lot of indie designers this week, with bags under $500 because great bags are to be had at every price level! As we all know by now, price is not indicative of one's style or taste. :) I spend hours going to stores to see the latest in bags, and I always find myself drifting away from the Prada, Gucci and Fendi counters to the corners of the department--that's where the real finds are and is how I first discovered Jalda last year! The lovely bag designer from the Netherlands has done it again this season with a flirty pleated, foldover clutch, The Julie. I love a puffy clutch. It holds more stuff and has a girly vibe that all of us could use at one time or another. This one is generously sized at 10.5"x8"x2.5" which means I can fit my giant Hermes Kelly wallet in it (It's been a nightmare fitting that wallet in my clutches and Chanel bags!). I love the signature polished, bean-shaped handle--it fits the curve of your hand perfectly, so you can tote it around or clutch it depending on your mood! At $350, I want to get one in every color, especially the sky blue on top. At JALDA at Saks and Neiman Marcus.

Photo courtesy of Jalda. Jump for more!

I love Bottega bags but it is the ash-gray (marmo) crocodile wedges (by special order only-$3,600) that has captured my attention for Spring. I tried on a pair at the trunk show and could not stop thinking about them! The woven crocodile texture is amazing and the crocodile wedge heel is pure decadence! You can get the python wedges (antelope color pictured below) for $1,370 or the woven leather for $1,100 if you can not justify a pair of shoes that cost almost 4k.

There were a few great bags as well, a bit too big for my taste but surprisingly lightweight and functional. The python bag above is $4,100 and comes in color combinations of grey-ciment/rock and camel-antilope/noce. The bag in person is really soft and slouchy, with whimsical details like the two deep side pockets that resemble coin purses with discreet pull tab. This is something I would use as a travel bag and because it is so lightweight, I'd be able to load it up without worry. Bottega has the softest python and anaconda skins I have ever felt, my anaconda bag has taken a serious beating (my son got water all over it but the scales are still nice and smooth!). The expandable woven bag ($3,650) on the right is a new silhouette that I am on the fence about. I like the idea but "bowling" comes to mind when I look at it. Call Jasenka at Bottega Veneta for further details! 214-265-0136
Bottega bags also available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

Photos courtesy of Bottega Veneta

I have been obsessed with Devi Kroell since we gave away the Devi Korell ostrich bag last year. Since then, Devi has been recognized with multiple awards from CFDA and expanded her incredible line. Currently my must have is the ostrich shopper; available in turquoise, black or beige, it is a stylish and functional bag with multiple uses. I go through phases of favoring categories in my bag collection and lately I am all about my totes. And what could be more perfect than a great tote bag in sumptuous ostrich? It also converts from top handle or shoulder strap seamlessly, this function is nothing new in bags but it is the way Devi designs her buckles and hardware that makes it so unique. She lends an element of modern classic in all of her bags and this one is no exception. It is 13" x 15" so it will fit a laptop (which is so important to us! I know Kelly is drooling right now and figuring when her next bag allowance is!), change of clothes for travel, and will convert from work to play effortlessly. If the ostrich version is a bit steep for your pocket book at $4490, the leather version with anaconda trim in beige, brown and black are just as fabulous at $1590. At Devi Kroell.com

Tomas Maier does it again with a collection that is wearable but ultimately glamorous. If Coco Chanel was the Queen of Beige, Tomas is the King of Muted but don't think that makes his collection any less spectacular. If anything so subtle can cause fireworks go off in my heart, this is it. The bags were no less impressive, there were so many new styles I actually started looking at my financials for next year to make sure I can get all the bags I want!! Of course, exotics are still strong for the foreseeable future and Tomas kept those simple to show off the skin. The woven gathered tote will be a huge seller for them, it is a loose casual bag that screams Bottega!!! I am most in love with the woven frame in white, how lovely can one be? So ladylike and elegant, it makes you feel like a million bucks just being close to something like this. I am calling in to order this like right now!!

This is the ultimate party girl's best friend! Yes we all love clutches but who else but someone who goes out more days than not would need a functional clutch that organizes the contents of her wallet in one? You don't even need to switch bags, just throw this clutch into her bigger bag for day. I love the concept because I hate putting lose cards in a clutch, I feel like they'll fall out or get lost but I don't see myself needing this for just the one night out (ok, I've been outed, obviously my days of partying are over). This frame folds together and closes with magnets but there is plenty of slack in between to sandwich your cell phone and lip gloss in the zip and two kiss-lock compartments. You'd be surprised, I was. I dug out the contents of my bag to fully test drive this clutch at Anya's boutique. This silver crackled leather in metallic is the obvious color of choice for clubbers but for the hip and fashionable, the navy patent is the way to go. For those who are lame like me and never stay out past dinner, you can use this as a "wallet" if you're in a driving city and like to jump out of your car with just your method of payment. $325 at
Saks Fifth Avenue.

The ever popular Skye bag from Gryson is revved up for Fall in the shade of the season, gray! No, I am not nor will I ever get sick of gray. It has been a favorite of mine even before the 'it color' status bestowed upon it this season. I ordered this bag a few months ago and was told it is on its way to me, just in time as it's been almost a month since my last bag purchase (gasp!) and I am having withdrawls. The Skye is becoming a classic in its own right and has been coveted by fashion editors since it launched but is also gaining momentum with fans such as Jessica Biel and Cameron Diaz (apparently they have the same taste in bags as well)! I love it for its casual chic sensibilities, just like Joy Gryson- whom we adore! It is also versatile as you can unsnap the sides to instantly transform it from bag to tote another function to help us through our busy lifestyles. Gryson Skye Shoulder Bag $725 at Saks.

Once again Alber Albaz comes through for me. I was just thinking the other day I'd like to travel with a bag that can also double as a clutch for evening so I don't have to pack as much as I usually do and here it is, my wish fulfilled! The Lanvin Jeannie Verni has a removable strap that instantly tranforms it to a clutch. Fab right? And if you're not sick of us going on about blue yet, this will make you want to get a blue bag immediately. Look at that delectable shade of blue, it's so yummy and fresh! The patent brown is an unusual shade and gives this basic color a kick. $1,160 at Barneys, email Christy or call her at 469-221-4725.