ThisNext Blog

Everyone’s gabbing about the big bag of this season and next: dense duffles, super shoppers, Titanic totes… The lesser known must-have bag has been quietly becoming a staple of wardrobes since its reappearance a few years ago:

The little ladylike clutch.

“It’s charming,” says Haute_Girl of this  Juicy Couture Charmed clutch.

Yes, it is, doll. Snakes charm me more though, especialy luxe pythons.

Dolce & Gabbana’s violet snakeskin convertible clutch - with its punch of color and gold hardware - is a classic statement piece.”Violet snakeskin… Need I say more?” asks designer Marlene Salcido.

Nope.

And this Ted Rossi python clutch’s clean lines and bright white make the exotic skin its only decoration, same as this Malini Murjani python clutch. “I like to live the luxe life,” says Haute_Girl, in regards to Malini’s clutch.

I’m noticing, and thinking we need to go shopping together. 

Goldenbleu’s Virginia clutch is just as classic, though it’s “not your mother’s clutch. The buttery-soft, smocked leather looks fresh in a deep eggplant color. Easily dressed up or down and it’s large enough to carry your cell phone, makeup, iPod, Blackberry, keys, digital camera, USB storage device, snack, flashlight… Uh, OK… You get the idea,” says ABH75 .

So I do.

I also get the idea that this cheeky-chic Kim White Camaro clutch might hold just as much, and play just as chic with your fav LBD as Goldbleu’s neo classic. Reports our own NotCot, “Kim White makes clutches and purses out of vintage car interiors ~ like these limited-edition Camaro interiors…”

Favor something a little more accessible?

Nay, not a clutch made out of a Honda Civic interior, but an Isaac Mizrahi croco clutch. Simple, chic, cheap, get the priceless “elegance of old school cigarette holder meets simplicity of a clutch,” as handbag designer Nam Kim describes it, for under $50.

Brown croco is made to rock 9-5, and pearly pink leather, a la this Karma Chameleon leather clutch, plays pure uptown luncheon.  With its “Iridescent pink and green leather sprinkled with complementary suede trim and gold studs,” as describes Princess, the Karma Chameleon leather clutch is stamping its little Christian Louboutin’ed feet till it gets a Chanel tweed blazer and tiny tailored shorts to match.

Prefer your uptown chic without a touch of pink? Check this classic J Crew silk Clara clutch. “My mother had an evening bag like this, that she inherited from my grandmother,” says Susan W. “I love the retro design and the way you are compelled to hold this bag in your hand, rather than flinging it over your shoulder. It just cries out for a sexy black dress and a dirty martini.” 

While this Marc-y Marc Jacobs wristlet cries out for a peach martini, and gives you clutch cute and freedom for your hands. “I’m not much for metallics, but this pearlized leather has just enough sheen to be interesting,” says Bag!Monkey. “It reminds me a bit of one of my favorite bottles of nail polish. I aso love the oversized pink closure. Marc Jacobs has had a bit of a love affair with oversized details lately, and this is one of which I heartily approve.” 

Ooh la love, as do I.