Clutches (Page 26)

Right now I am vacationing in the land of the fun and funky; Key West, Florida. People here are walking around in bikinis, sandals, shorts, and soaking up the sun. This has been the perfect transition after a cold but beautiful stay in Germany. The bars are hopping at every hour of the day in Key West and the clothing options are flashy and optional. Everyone is getting prepared for New Year’s here, which, in Key West, is always absolutely crazy. The outfit and accessories that you will wear to ring in 2008 will start your year off whichever way you chose. Will you be wearing a black dress with a simple bag, a mini colorful dress with a gold bag, a couture outfit, or jeans and a tee shirt? I am opting for a metallic exotic clutch. I have had my eye on a few, but the Nancy Gonzalez Lizard Clutch definitely deserves a spot in my list of options. Available in both gold and pewter metallic lizard, this framed top clutch radiates. There is one interior pocket and suede lining. This is the perfect hand held clutch, 5 1/2″H x 8 1/2″W x 1 2/5″D, and perfect to wear for the 2007-2008 transition. This is high on my list right now and perfect for someone in Key West or someone in the cold Northeast. Buy through Saks for $1,265.

There is a lot going on with this clutch. Not only is there a brown and white zebra print pattern, but the material is ponyskin. And Choo has added another dimension with the gray watersnake trim that seems to have a bit of a glimmer and shine to it. The Marin clutch has been a huge hit for Jimmy Choo, but is the Jimmy Choo Marin Zebra Clutch fab or drab? This is the oversized version, which if you don’t realize it, is huge. The dimensions are 14.5″ W x 9″ H. While NAP shows this with a moo moo-esque dress (better known as a Temperley London kaftan), this clutch would look great with a very simple outfit; skinny jeans, white top, and sexy heels. Does the ponyskin/watersnake/zebra combo put this bag over the top for you in a good way or bad way? Available through Net A Porter for $1,875.

Fab or Drab?

The color scheme on this handbag gives off a mod vibe. With the teal, black, and beige, the Stella McCartney Color Block Clutch packs a punch that is sleek and mixes the perfect neutrals together. There is something very simple yet soothing on the eyes with this multicolored silk clutch. The black patent leather and patent corners tie everything together. There is a zip top fastening and a hidden zip in the front. Buy through Net A Porter for $595.

There is something striking and different about this clutch. The mix of silver on the black makes this clutch perfect to stand out in the evening, and perfect for a holiday party. It says look-at-me without screaming and flashing in your face. Designed by Jackie Cawthra, who is the founder and creative director of Belen Echandia, this clutch features a perfect hand held shape. The name given to the clutch is perfect as the Belen Echandia Clutch Me is asking for you to hold it in your hand. Dimensions are W 13 in, H 6 in. The inside is lined with fuchsia silk and there is a zip pocket. The designs from Belen Echandia have been garnering quite a bit of attention on our forum, and we are thrilled to see a new designer making her name known. This clutch is also available in pewter, red, purple, and black for $375. Buy at the Belen Echandia online store for $399.

Everyone should have at least one wallet that doubles as a clutch. It is small, perfect to be held in hand, and even can carry your slim cell phone. And many of us use these wallet-clutches to go to the bar, which means we all do not want to spend an arm and a leg on it. We all know what happens at the bar, PARTY FOULS! So the colorful acid yellow Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Flap Clutch is the perfect clutch to add a splash of color to a practical accessory. While it is also available in mouse grey, the acid yellow really pops and makes this the perfect night-on-the-town clutch. The outside features a flap top with a turn-lock closure and the inside is adorned with eight card slots, three flat pockets, and a zip pocket and pouch. The aged silver metal hardware is low key yet perfect against the leather. The Marc by Marc Jacobs line has been nothing but amazing recently, offering bags that look amazing at prices that make you jump up and down for joy! Buy through eLuxury for a mere $168. This is a great holiday gift and a perfect stocking stuffer!

Today has been a day of croc, including the lush and stunning Hermes Croc Birkin I saw while at lunch today. After showing both Britney and Eva with their croc Hermes bags, the Hermes gods must have thought they would tempt me just a tad more. As I carried out my new Birkin (pics coming soon!), there was a head-to-head game of handbag chicken. Yes, we walked towards one another, my leather Birkin began to show off her gleaming palladium hardware while the croc Birkin shined in our faces, showing off her beautiful skin. The croc Birkin (and her owner) looked at me and my Birkin with utmost respect, and we went on our merry ways. But I felt a little bit of croc lust, and wandered to the handbag department of Saks searching for croc. There was an array of Nancy Gonzalez bags, looking me in my eye, hoping to catch my attention. Well, they already got it. I am a huge Nancy Gonzalez fan, for her use of divine colors on exotic skins and prices that are not sky-high (with all things being relative). The clutch that is top on my want list is the Nancy Gonzalez Flap Croc Clutch, which is a winner because of its chic structured shape and beautiful peony, pearl white, or black caiman fuscus crocodile. This bag is to die for, just lush and luxurious, without killing you on the price. There is a top flap closure and suede lining along with a cell phone and zip pocket on the inside. I really hate the option of a shoulder strap with this, because it makes a clutch become a small handbag, which takes away from the beauty that exists. So grab this clutch, and wear it as a clutch. My only problem is the color. What color to choose?! Buy through Saks for $1,150.

The holiday time is the best time to shop online or in the store. There are heaps of promotions and let’s face it, the decorations, the music, and the mass amount of people shopping for that perfect gift, just make me warm and fuzzy inside. Saks has compiled a list of The Big 100, where they give you 100 items that are great gifts for the holiday season. For those of you who want to spend $5000 on that special someone (or yourself) but only have $500, find a great bag deal. I am all for a bag deal. And if you are looking to gift a clutch, go to Lauren Merkin. Her clutches are great shapes, great array of looks, and a great price. The funky fuchsia silk georgette clutch with tonal sequins makes the Lauren Merkin Sequined Clutch a perfect party clutch. Go ahead and pick a clutch that will grab some attention. This is deemed one of The Big 100, and it comes with free gift wrap (even better). The front of the clutch is gathered, like many Merkin clutches are, and there is striped lurex lining. Dimensions are 4 1/2″H x 9 1/2″W x 1/2″D. Through Saks for $225.