Intellectually, I’m aware that all designer handbags are overpriced, but I have the hardest time grappling with the prices of small, sparkly bags. At least with a big leather or exotic tote, you can see your money in the physical size and materials of the thing. With a shiny little clutch, the workmanship and expensive materials are a little harder to discern; I can tell cheap from expensive leather, but I couldn’t tell you how to decipher the differences between a glass crystal and a plastic one. I just don’t have room in my head for that information, but I do have room for a look for less.
Not only that, but the vast majority of women, even wealthy women, just don’t have occasion to regularly use a very blingy evening bag, which increases the cost-per-wear of such a clutch dramatically. I’ve been eyeing the Prada Jeweled Satin Clutch for literally years, but at over two grand, it’s just not a priority. When I saw the Alice & Olivia Be Jeweled Clutch, I knew it’d be the perfect option – similarly over-the-top and shiny, with multicolored jewels haphazardly affixed to the front flap. I prefer the candy-colored Prada option, but for less than a quarter of the price, I’m certainly not mad at the Alice + Olivia alternative.
Alice + Olivia Jeweled Clutch Bag
$465 via Neiman Marcus
Prada Jeweled Satin Clutch
$2,100 via Neiman Marcus
it’s because they lessened the crystals, and put in sequins (which will really lessen costs) and the crystals are not as big as the one with Prada’s.. but all in all, it’s good too
Coach has a similar style this season, too:
By Art Apparel and Accessories (Mumbai, India) for 165$