Clutches (Page 23)

I found it shocking that some of you were not drooling with me over my introduction of Kara Ross handbags. Sure, her bags are funky and colorful, but they are so appealing and perfect for you to go daring when wearing your clutches. The spring it is all about bright and bold colors, which is precisely what Kara Ross does best. But since I already covered many of the bright bags, it is time for me to cover a more neutral bag from this very talented designer. Kara Ross focuses on exotic skins and semi-precious stones and has implemented beige stingray with a white quartz in the Kara Ross Verus Stingray Clutch. This clutch is able to be worn every season, for many years to come, as it is the perfect wearable neutral. While I agree your handbag should say something about you, it is evening bags that really catch my attention. An evening bag can dress up and change an outfit in a snap, and this clutch will deliver. There is gold hardware and a chain strap. The Verus Clutch will be available later this month in Neiman Marcus stores and you can check for more information at Kara Ross online. The price is $2,850.

Catherine Zeta Jones with her Oscar de la Renta Clutch

Catherine Zeta Jones has always caught my attention. But it is never for her out-of-the-box outfits or bold choices, it is for her timeless elegance that she sticks to every day in every way. Safe is not always a bad thing, it keeps her looking stunning and having people recognize that she is a natural beauty. At the opening of the Elizabeth Arden flagship store on Fifth Avenue, Katherine Zeta Jones added a little spice with her yellow coat and paired it with the sophisticated Oscar de la Renta Doheny Clutch. This clutch is not new to us; it has been on our radar before and was deemed a stunning subtle clutch. Catherine pulled off her look magnificently per usual. Buy the clutch through Net A Porter for $1295.

Oscar de la Renta Doheny Clutch

[Image via Oso Blog]

Smythson Nancy Clutch

‘Frank Smythson opened his first shop on 29th September 1887 at 133 New Bond Street. His trade card described his business as ‘First class stationery, leather goods and cabinet work’.’ Smythson still stands on New Bond Street, directly across from the original shop, where it continues to thrive and catch the attention of handbag and accessory lovers worldwide. The handbags have been produced for over 100 years now and have kept touch with Smython’s London roots. Bags are named to show a strong British connection; Bond Street, Mayfair, Bridgwater and Berkeley. The designs are simple, but highly usable and elegant. The designs have continued to provide utmost usability to the buyer. After I was introduced to the new Nancy line from Smythson, I immediately fell in love with the clutches. Made in a wide variety of colors, the Smythson Nancy Clutch is a design aimed to be alluring and timeless while adding a colorful punch. The clutch is available in black, white, turquoise, taupe, yellow, red, and emerald. While some versions are all leather while others are fabric with leather trim, the clutch features a framed top and luscious quilting on the front. My only problem is deciding which color I would like. The wide variety of colors makes me want a different color for a different occasion, but if I am going for a neutral I am leaning towards the taupe. It is subtle and elegant. Dimensions are 6.25″ x 11″ x 3″. View all of the Nancy Handbags from Smythson at their online store.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Tisse Rayure Clutch

Late last week Vlad and I avoided all work for a day and spent the day out enjoying the weather, a great lunch, and some shopping. Shopping in South Florida is like no where else. I could sit and people watch for hours everyday. We were walking down Las Olas (a chic little strip filled with boutiques) in Fort Lauderdale when I noticed a group of 3 women who were incredibly chic. They were chic and at least 80 years old. As they sat on the corner of the street chatting away I caught them reveling in their new purchases for one another, from Louis Vuitton Monogram Tisse Rayure line. While two of the ladies were carrying the Louis Vuitton Monogram Tissé Sac Rayure PM, one of the ladies was carrying my favorite, the Louis Vuitton Monogram Tisse Rayure Clutch. The bags in this line are designed with linen and cotton monogram canvas with a grained leather trim. This line has been designed by Mar Jacobs and pays homage to historical Louis Vuitton trunks. As I watched these ladies, who were dressed fabulously, I fell in love with the bag. It is different, elegant, and timeless. Just as I thought they could not be any more fabulous, their driver pulled up in their Bentley to wisk them away. Sure a Bentley doesn’t always mean you are chic, but these ladies sure were. The clutch has a removable strap for carrying and dimensions are 12.8″x 7.9″x 3.7″. $1,780 via eLuxury.

Jimmy Choo Face Clutch

Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon teamed up with Richard Phillips to create two Limited Edition art bags for the Spring/Summer 08 handbag line. The first bag, the Jimmy Choo Face Canvas Bag, was not accepted widely by all of you. On the face bag, the four faces are taken from Phillips portrait Riot (1998). For the 70′s style Jimmy Choo Face Clutch, the sensual Richard Phillips Nuclear portrait is showcased on the smooth curves and red background of the bag. The frame of the clutch is made with Bakelite (resin) and gives off a very vintage look. For me, the clutch is a huge improvement from the tote. The tote is said to be a beach bag, and I just find it a bit creepy really. But the clutch is subtle and sensual, adding an artistic touch without being overboard. Pre-order through Saks for $595.

Lauren Merkin Lucy Textured Clutch

The right pop of color is the perfect accessory for spring. Being back in South Florida means many things for me. A faster pace of life, warm weather, and funkier fashion. The people here are always dressed to impress and most do not attempt to play it safe. I love the flashes of colors and bold choices. If you live in an area like South Florida, you can spend more money on daring handbags because you will have a use for them. If your area is more conservative, don’t try to be too bold (it can be a fashion faux pas). Instead, opt for more affordable bags to wear on occasion such as the turquoise Lauren Merkin Lucy Textured Clutch. The framed top and pleated body makes this bold splash of color the perfect spring accessory. The dimensions are 5 1/2″H x 10 1/2″W x 1/2″D, which is perfect to be hand-held. Buy through Saks for $250.

Jimmy Choo Marin Clutch

This is just a heads up for those of you that are fans of the Jimmy Choo Marin Clutch. Net-A-Porter is now carrying it in black leather. Yes, simple black leather, suede panels on the black, and brushed brass hardware. There have been a plethora of versions that Jimmy Choo has released of this hit clutch, including camel leather, silver metallic, plum patent leather, my personal favorite electric blue, and zebra print. Jimmy Choo has mastered the art of the stiletto and this clutch. This particular clutch, the Marin, is an ideal clutch. It works for day wear, it works for evening wear, and it is an all around great bag. Buy through Net A Porter for $1,250.