Evening Bags

Every lady out there needs a little black clutch and a little black dress. These are integral parts of your wardrobe. Maybe your clutch is a small evening bag with a shoulder strap, but either way, you must have one. I seem to always be drawn to clutches. Maybe it is because I wish I were going out to more events or outings where I would need one. Regardless of the reason, I found myself looking at black clutches and being drawn to this one. The Anya Hindmarch Calandra Frame Clutch is simply done with shiny patent leather and tonal “gemstones” on the front. The push lock closure is made with silver hardware. On the inside there is one open pocket and suede lining. Simplicity with touch of style. Measurements are 13″W X 6″H X 2¼”D. For a very practical, functional, and beautiful clutch, the price is affordable. Via Saks for $430.

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Roxbury Drive is made of LV’s signature Monogram-embossed coated leather with natural cowhide trim and features golden metal hardware. Available in perle, pomme d’amour or amarante, this chic evening clutch is available now via eLuxury for $875.00 – a reasonably priced entry bag for Vuitton newcomers.

If I could explain the fascination easily, then you would all find my sister and I crazy, but let me just say that my older sister and I have a special place in our hearts for pigs. It is a total inside joke. I am a huge fan of Leiber Miniaudiere’s and have been waiting until I begin attending more galas and events that would call for such an elegant art piece. I was tickled to see the new Judith Leiber Pigtail Miniaudiere which resembles a chubby pig like that of Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web. This handcrafted designer art piece is fully beaded with multicolor Austrian crystals from head to toe on top of silver tone hardware and a push lock closure. Even better is the fact that a double-sided mirror and matching coin purse are included. I am not head over heels about the detachable chain shoulder strap, because I think the pig would look a tad silly just dangling off your body and heaven forbid it falls down. Cute piggy dimensions are 4 1/2″H x 3 1/2″W. Now this would not be a Leiber piece for my mother, but for a chic and still somewhat young girl like myself, it would be perfect. Pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $3600.

Craftsmanship is always something to take into account when buying a designer handbag. Simple is fine, but you should attempt to own at least one handbag that is a true piece of art. Marked down now at Barneys, the Beavaldes Chinese Blossom Wristlet manifests its beauty in intricate and detailed beading with an array of beads and crystals. The wristlet is finished off with a green satin handle. This may not be the art handbag for you, but it is possible contender and is also on sale at the moment. Dimensions are 9″x5.5″x3.5″.

Via Barneys for $1299.

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I have been a huge fan of this clutch from the get-go. It is hip, young, and practical. So a new color and a new leather can make its way into my heart. Totally sultry and sexy, the Jimmy Choo Plum Patent Clutch will add a little vavoom with the shining patent leather, rich gold hardware, and perfect plum color. The clutch is a double zip and there is a brass logo plate and stud accents. From shocking blue, to understated gold, to this patent plum edition, I am confident that Jimmy Choo is onto something. This of course is a foldover clutch, with a magnetic snap closure and suede lining. Dimensions are 10½”W x 7″H x 1″D. If you loved this clutch before but wanted something a little more sophisticated, try this option. Via Saks for $975.

Typically a striped ivory/black pattern could scare me away, but for some odd relentless reason, I am completely and totally drawn to this clutch. Valentino has released the Valentino Striped Bow Clutch which shows off an oversized bow that doubles over as a wristlet along with the black/ivory satin that I am now fond of. A zip closure with satin pull tabs finish off the outside, alongside black satin lining on the inside. There are no pockets, just one compartment. The measurements are 5″H x 10″W x 1/2″D. In a larger bag, I would most likely give it a nay, but in this smaller clutch, it provides the perfect va-voom. Pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $850.

Pic of model holding the bag below!
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As much as we all need an everyday bag, the importance of an evening clutch is just as high. You can not be that person that walks into a nice dinner with an oversized tote bag over your arm, unless you are toting a young child, and even then you at least need to still look stylish. A tad more of an extravagant clutch, but a stunning timeless piece nonetheless, the Bottega Veneta Knot Clutch has been seen on hands of the fabulous all over the world. Anthracite and brown, woven and textured, this leather box clutch is pulled together with a knotted leather clasp fastening. While the leather version is a perfect safe answer, BV offers an array of other materials and colors in the Knot Clutch. Drool worthy via Net-A-Porter for $1780.

If we were to play the word association game, the term ‘Jimmy Choo’ would most likely warrant the response, ‘Shoes!’. Even being a handbag addict, you would still most likely say shoes, I know I would. But Jimmy Choo is trying to be a brand known for a bit of diversity; stunning shoes and stunning bags. It can be done, but the question is, are they doing it? I have no problem telling the folks behind Jimmy Choo that it is perfectly fine to keep a good thing going by slightly re-inventing it. The Ramona has been a hit along with the recent addition of the Foldover Clutch. A little bit of this and that, and poof, you have the Jimmy Choo Rio Oversize Clutch which bears a resemblance to its big sister, Ramona. This clutch which can also be used as a small shoulder/evening bag is designed with calf leather which is cinched with leather straps through silver rings. The chain link strap is detachable. Two pockets on the inside along with suede lining are found on the inside. The measurements are large, 16½”W X 9½”H X 3½”D, but perfect for the gal who carries a bit. What I am stumped about is the price. Sure I will splurge $550 for a pair of Choo shoes, but ask me to pay $1400 for a Choo clutch and I cringe. I’d opt for the 2.5 Choo’s that I could buy, but the clutch is still cute, just not that cute. Pre-order at Saks for $1395.

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Microscopically fine detailing makes this clutch a piece worth mentioning. When designing this intricate clutch, Cavalli must have wanted to create a masterpiece and a talking piece. The Roberto Cavalli Laser Cut Clutch showcases a multicolor underside which is topped with a detailed gold laser cut leather design. Weaving, cutting, edging, and paying close attention to detail, the laser cut design seems to make lines that form a swirly pattern and even a beetle bug. There is a press stud fastening closure and an optional gold chain shoulder strap. This would not be an everyday clutch, not even a ‘nice dinner out’ clutch, but more of a once in a while at a huge Foundation Dinner or Gala piece. I’d take it to a black or white tie event and if the conversation turned to politics, which I despise, I’d take this baby out and try to get the table to talk about it. That would sure be a conversation starter, or killer, depending on the crowd. But this fine detailed bag is available for a decent price and has great measurements; 12 x 5 x 1.5. For a little piece of conversation and beauty via Net A Porter for $1015.

Bright colors, fun shapes, beautiful exotics = DROOL. I must admit that I am a Nancy Gonzalez addict without a Nancy Gonzalez bag. I know, gasp, blasphemy, etc. If it were up to me, I would own a plethora of exotics from this chic designer, but I am just not quite there yet. Either way, I have a fund and soon it will be time for a purchase. If you want divine color on beautiful crocodile, your go-to-gal should be Nancy Gonzalez. I am head-over-heels for both the turquoise and fuchsia Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Clutch. Both are perfect sizes and shapes, 5″H x 9″W x 2″D, and both colors and stunning. The only problem that arises is which color to choose. If you can not get both, which color would you go for? Simply irresistible via Saks for $1050.