Custom Design

When Amanda covered the Derek Lam Python Elsa Clutch last summer, she was not keen on the bag. And you all shared your opinions, mostly saying that you disagreed and loved the bag. I was not moved either way. But now I am and I have to share it with you all.

It was as if the other photo made the bag look bland and lackluster. Or maybe it was even the color of the bag. But once this bright turquoise Derek Lam Elsa Leather Clutch caught my eye, I felt overcome to share it with you.

Firstly I will admit my love of the color turquoise. It is a genius color, not quite green and not quite blue, but a stunning eye-catching compilation. While I was unsure about the design of this clutch before, I now love it. Why? Because it is different. Many clutches have expectable designs, with little difference setting them apart from the next.

But this design is distinctive and brings us asymmetrical touches and additional design elements. The zipper compartment flap is asymmetric and there is a side tassel. With all the extra looks, we find that each is usable and not just for show. Pockets are ample in this clutch, which is always a plus. And dimensions are spacious yet not overwhelming, 7″W X 11″H X 2″D. A couple months ago I would have passed this clutch by, but not this time. Buy through Saks for $790.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

A couple of weeks before the Super Bowl, I went on an intense internet hunt for this exact clutch. All I wanted to do was photograph it in front of the Super Bowl sign on Fort Lauderdale Beach. But no, I could not find it. It was no where to be found. And my perfect shutterbag image I was going to have Vlad take did not happen.

But here it is, of course not exactly when I wanted to see it but I welcome it. Everything about the Alexander Wang Spring 2010 collection spoke to me. Casual, sporty, chic can sum up his spring collection. The models, with their loose side braids, were the talk of the fashion world. Football touches were added to the wardrobe, either in the clothing design or the bags. I am in love with the Alexander Wang Brady Football Clutch which shows a quilted panel at the front and back and football laces-likes whipstitching at the front.

I actually love it so much that I kind of want to buy it. My supposed self-proposed shopping ban is truly not working, not in the least bit. As many of the long time readers know, the entire PurseBlog team loves football, especially college. We all went to football-centered colleges (GO BUCKEYES! Amanda is outnumbered three Ohio State Buckeyes to one Georgia Bulldog). It might be a bit silly to some of you, but I desperately want to carry this to all of the football games in the fall. Actually looking at this clutch is making me extremely happy just thinking of the upcoming football season.

Other details over the clutch include distressed luggage colored leather and the quilted panel I spoke of above. The whipstitching is at the front by the zipper and there is piping at the front and edges. The hardware is distressed silver. The dimensions are actually larger than you would imagine 11.5″H x 9″L, but there is a wrist strap at the main compartment closure. So, I want this. Who would have thought that Alexander Wang was influenced by the a favorite American pastime, football. And is this coined the ‘Brady’ clutch after Tom Brady? I would love to know. Buy through ShopBop for $395.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

So Balmain is trying out the whole handbag endeavor. And the consensus is a bit of mixed with mostly a side of “ehh”. I felt entirely underwhelmed and let down. Fairly simple messenger style bags were released with a few adornments, but all the exact same design. And the price was exorbitantly high for a new line of bags that were not hand-stitched.

I ignored and moved on. And the handbag-o-sphere went silent about Balmain. But now Net A Porter popped up with a few clutches and it time for a review.

Come on Balmain, I expect more from you. It is not that these clutches are not ok, because, well, they are. They are simple clutches. Simple designs. But the worst part about the simplicity of it all is that the final product is rather simple. One option is the Balmain Night Punk Studded Suede Clutch. This option brings us precisely the same bronze, pewter, and silver-tone studs as one of the messenger bags they released. The shape of the clutch, again simple. Entirely simple, so much so that I find it to be boring in its shape. Oh, and the price tag is a whopping $2,710 at Net A Porter. You read that right. And the clutch is not even oversized.

The second Balmain clutch I can withstand a bit more. It has a bit more of a punk edge to it. The Balmain Night Pearl Leather Clutch features black leather with silver tone embellished heart and flower charms. Also there is crossover leather strands across the front and back of the clutch, adding volume. This clutch gives me the feeling of the pin up girl, a feminine dress with killer heels, bright red lipstick, and this punk rock clutch. The price is more manageable than the suede studded version, but I am still no where near clicking to buy. $2120 via Net A Porter.

Overall I am still rather underwhelmed with Balmain bags. Their clothing and shoes are a force to be reckoned with but their bags need work.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I’m so utterly pleased to see the bags from the Fendi Spring 2010 catwalk starting to land in stores. This bag collection is my favorite from Fendi in…well, almost forever. It had a bohemian grace and ease to it that is difficult to capture, and they did a fine job.

The Fendi Wood-Frame Leather Clutch is a great example of the slightly boho vibe that the collection had, and unlike the emerging clog trend (no no no, I cannot live in a world where clogs are ok), the wooden touches on this leather handbag are totally acceptable. They might even be pretty.

I was slightly more unsure of the wood when the collection first walked than I am now. It was featured on several different styles of bags, and I didn’t know if its use on these clutches would fly once I got a better look at them. Well, as it turns out, my concerns were completely unfounded.

The walnut handles are totally chic and feel really modern, despite their retro roots. The juxtaposition of such a hard material with the soft black leather brings out the best in both, and the small gold studs that dot the confluence of the leather and wood are like little cherries on top. Buy through Saks for $1450.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I say a lot more negative things about Prada bags than I say positive, but I promise that I don’t have anything particular against the brand. In fact, my first “designer” bag was a Prada crossbody, and I still have fond memories of it.

They’ve been doing more wrong than right in most of their high-profile bags lately, but they still make some great stuff that doesn’t grab as many headlines. I got a chance to examine a bunch of their bags up close this weekend, and I was particularly taken with the classic lines and superb construction of the Prada Saffiano Soft Frame Clutch.

Actually, “particularly taken” would be an understatement of my feelings. I’m in love with it – deep, inconvenient, all-encompassing love that I didn’t expect to find for a Prada bag. In my heart, that kind of love is usually reserved for Balenciaga or Valentino.

Please believe me when I say that the pictures don’t do this bag any sort of justice. I saw it in smooth black leather, which was ridiculously rich and perfect for this sort of oversized, take-anywhere, day-to-night clutch. It struck me as the sort of bag you’d look at and be able to tell that it was expensive, even if it had no logo. I’ll admit that it looks a bit boring in photos, but in your hand, it’s a great bag.

When I opened it up, I was even more pleased. The slightly retro, structured closure stands open to reveal a leather-lined interior (the black version has red, which is much more exciting than the taupe inside of the cream-colored version) with several pockets and enough space to hold more or less everything that you could put in a medium-sized shoulder bag. You probably wouldn’t want to fill it that full, but a little extra space in a clutch is never a bad thing.

Overall, I think I may have found the perfect clutch for me, and it was in one of the most unexpected places. Perhaps it was a cosmic reminder that in fashion, you should never count anyone out completely. Buy through Saks for $1350.

Original post by Amanda Mull

You know what I really appreciate? The return of the oversized clutch. I’ve got lots of keys, a keyless-entry fob for my car and a Blackberry with a case on it, all of which have to leave the house with me no matter what. I’ve encountered a fair number of miniscule handbags that wouldn’t have fit one of those items by itself, let alone all of them together – don’t even think about adding in a lipgloss or card case.

The designers at Miu Miu know my struggle, obviously, which is why they’ve been so kind as to create the Miu Miu Oversized Sequin Clutch. Finally, I can carry a sparkly little bag that’s not actually too little to be useful.

Miu Miu did a good job of keeping the colors of this clutch neutral so that it won’t overwhelm an outfit – when a bag is this big and this shiny, also choosing a statement color would perhaps be too much for a lot of potential customers. The subtle gold, silver and green variation could go nicely with a lot of different outfits without upstaging the other elements of an ensemble. In addition to all of that, if you need your hands free for something, it has an optional strap. Sign me up, please. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $995.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t hate Valentine’s Day. That would require me to have any particular feelings about it at all, and to say that I do would be vastly overstating things. To me, V-Day is sort of like Cinco de Mayo. I always forget it’s going to happen, but when someone reminds me that it’s coming, it seems like as good a reason as any to have a few cocktails. And maybe a reason to eat a few enchiladas too, even though I’m aware that that’s only customary for one of those holidays. I just like enchiladas.

So when I got the email from Megs instructing me to pick a few V-Day things to write about, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to do. When I think of Valentine’s Day with a significant other, the only thing that occurs to me is that I’m going to get a free meal at my favorite restaurant, which isn’t even romantic (really, it’s a fusion taco place, and no boyfriend has ever believed me when I said that I wanted to go there on V-Day. They all thought I was trying to trick them and then took me someplace expensive that I invariably didn’t enjoy as much as my taco place).

Honestly, though, traditional romance makes me kind of squicky (is that even a word? I don’t know, but its sound when pronounced mirrors my feeling pretty accurately) and my eternal hope is that any guy who has my romantic attentions will respect that come Valentine’s Day. The most I want is an opportunity to wear a fab party dress, even if I eat a homemade meal in it, and perhaps a small gift and some flowers.

1. The right outfit: If you don’t think that I’d wear this Robert Rodriguez Glitter Sequin Zip Dress to my favorite taco restaurant or to sit in my own kitchen, well, you don’t know me very well. I would also wear it to blog in every day, given the opportunity. Never underestimate the diverse utility of a cocktail dress. ShopBop, $416.

2. The right bag: Instead of going for the obvious gold or black to coordinate with the dress, I’d go with the cobalt blue sequins of the Halston Heritage Evening Frame Sequin Clutch. The contrast is far more interesting than choosing something matchy-matchy, and on Valentine’s day, how much do you really need to be able to fit into your clutch? Net-a-Porter, $195.

3. Non-embarrassing flowers: No baby’s breath. I repeat, NO BABY’S BREATH. I don’t want an 80s bouquet or something that’s going to take over my desk and make everyone ask questions. I still love roses because red is my favorite color, but a clean, modern design like the Teleflora Dozen Rose Contempo is much more my decorative style. Teleflora, $69.95.

4. A personality-appropriate jewelry gift: I know that jewelry is customary even though I really don’t think guys should be required to pay for dinner AND provide a gift (my weirdness with receiving gifts is a subject for an entirely different post, however), and I’d rather have something that speaks to a knowledge of my personal preferences than something that’s bling-bling expensive. After all, it only takes so much time in my presence before everyone, even guys, realizes that I love obnoxiously large costume jewelry like the Fallon Jewelry Tigerlilly Choker. ShopBop, $220.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I fully admit that I’ve never been the recipient of a Valentine’s Day gift from a real Valentine; this is excluding the bouquet of wildflowers my lovely father sends me every February 14. And just last week, I received a wonderful care package from my mother including a plastic lunchbox with a printed smattering of pink and white hearts. That was very interesting, but in the case that I do have a real, live Valentine this year, this is what I’d love him to get me. But keep in mind, pals, the flowers are enough. Remember that you’re talking to (erm, reading about) a girl who was massively excited by a plastic case.

1. Purple Irises: Part of the reason why I love my wildflower bouquets is because they often come with some irises in a vibrant shade of purple, my absolute favorite color. I know, purple foxgloves can appear in these bouquets as well but I find them alarming because they are tubular and can induce poisoning. Sorry to ruin the mood, guys. Buy through Beyond Blossoms.

2. Alexander Wang Darla Pyramid Clutch: This clutch is neither pink nor red, but it’s my current clutch obsession so I see no objection to including it on my wish list for the most lovable of days. It represents the birth of my now-growing love affair with Alexander Wang, so despite its rugged, pebbled, and studded exterior, it’s symbolically perfect for the holiday. Buy through Shopbop for $490.

3. Hunter Stripe Socks: Since I have an inordinate amount of stuffed creatures from my childhood years, and apparently stuffed animals are commonly given on this day, I’ll substitute those for a lovely pair of socks. I know, they’re two totally different things, but I need some new long socks and these ones nearly knocked me down by their softness a few weeks ago in Nordstroms. Since I don’t wear pink, I’ll happily take the navy and yellow version and tuck them into my obscenely high Sam Edelman Zoe Boots- that’s right, the ones I asked for in my Chanukah Wish List. Buy through Nordstrom for $14.90.

Original post by Anna Cooperberg Gonzalez

It has been quite some time since I’ve given serious thought to a loud and attention grabbing clutch. Usually, I go for a sleek design or one with maybe an aspect or two that grabs my attention. However, like many of you, there are times when I step outside my handbag comfort zone and at least entertain the idea of something I wouldn’t typically carry. This happens to be just that kind of clutch.

First of all, the Giuseppe Zanotti Multi Studded Clutch isn’t even out yet and I am already thinking about how I can make it mine. I am in love with the different shapes, textures and sizes of the studs along the front of the clutch. While it might seem a bit over the top, everything comes together rather wonderfully. This clutch is bold, eye catching and extremely unique. I would pair this with one of my favorite black dresses just as I’d pair it with skinny jeans, a form fitting top and sky high pumps. Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $1696.50.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Welcome back Anya Hindmarch, it has been a while since we have talked about you. The best way to strike up the conversation again is with a great handbag, and you have delivered.

Anya Hindmarch has always brought us beautiful bags, problem is there are not large amounts of them. When I saw this clutch I had to write about it. It is ladylike and sophisticated, simple and exotic, practical and chic. This my friends is the Anya Hindmarch Luce Snakeskin Clutch which is made of light brown snakeskin with gold-tone hardware. The color palette is soft and neutral. I am not always drawn to gold hardware, but on this clutch it is perfect.

Another reason I adore this clutch is because it is wallet-style. I was sharing with our fans on Facebook yesterday that when I am in a hurry I leave the house with only my wallet. If I could find more wallets that double over as clutches while being statement pieces on their own, I would be set. This is what Anya Hindmarch brings us.

This clutch has pockets and space without losing its elegant design. Actually, I am quite surprised by the functionality of this piece. Just check out the photos; pocket after pocket after credit card slot after slot, after zippered pockets all over. And then when you close it all up, the look is stunning and not too busy. The two twist-lock fastenings at the top fold out to reveal a zipped pocket and pockets for cards. Along with that there is a concealed magnetic fastening at the top, a zip fastening back pocket, and an entire section for cash, notes, cell phone. That is right, I said cell phone. The true test of this clutch being workable for me is if all of my wallet essentials along with my cell phone fit inside. I won’t really know that unless I saw this clutch in person, but I would like to think that it will get the job done.

Oh yeah, one last point. The price, for a large snakeskin clutch with this kind of craftsmanship and beauty, is only $595 via NAP.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil