Look for Less: Prada vs. Alice + Olivia

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