Custom Design

Sure, alligator or crocodile versions of the highly collectable Bottega Veneta Knot Clutches might be enough to satisfty the luxury lust for some people, but for those who want something a bit more unique, the Bottega Veneta Sterling Silver Knot Clutch is just the ticket.

The idea of a sterling silver box clutch is not exactly a new thing, but as far as I can tell, this is the first such iteration of the famous Knot. In classic Bottega Veneta style, it’s styled to look exactly like one of the brand’s intrecciato knot clutches, right down to the raised textured on some of the “woven” metal strips.

Carrying this bag would sort of function like carrying a giant piece of jewelry, although the townside that immediately comes to mind is the unfortunate eventuality of smudgy finger prints on the smooth, shiny metal. I’m already a compulsive glasses-cleaner (I have the little spray in my purse and everything, it’s bad), so I could see myself sitting in the corner of a party with my silver clutch, obsessively wiping it down over and over again with one of those little microfiber cloths. A brushed finish on this bag might have been a wiser choice, but I like the clutch as a showpiece. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $8200.

Original post by Amanda Mull

It’s not often that a bag review requires me to gather my personal technology and a ruler, but the Christian Louboutin Eden Pompom Clutch is clearly a special little bag. Whether you take that to mean special! or “special” is, of course, up to you.

But when my very scientific measuring was done, I found a problem. At its very widest point, this clutch is barely five inches wide. Since it’s a sphere, the width of the clutch starts decreasing immediately as you move away from that narrow point. My phone, a relatively new Blackberry, is four and a half inches tall and almost three inches wide without a case. That’s a problem – smart phones are now more or less de rigueur among people with expendable income, and you certainly have to expend a lot of it to buy this clutch. Sadly, it seems as though never the two shall meet.

From an aesthetic standpoint, I don’t actually have many problems with this clutch. Sure, it’s kind of odd, but I’d rather carry something unexpected like a round clutch than the same basic envelope that every single one of your girlfriends probably pulls out every weekend (or maybe that’s just my girlfriends).

Any aesthetic interest I have in a clutch ends with the inability to pack my phone along for the night, however. I’m a 24-year-old single woman living in a large, at times unsafe city, and a cell phone isn’t a luxury item for me – it’s a necessity. I’ve had one since I could drive, and I’m not going to start leaving it at home in order to carry a (more-than-slightly silly) designer clutch. If you’re on a date and can slip your phone into your boyfriend’s or husband’s pocket, it might work, but I couldn’t see myself spending so much money on a clutch with such severely limited functionality. Buy through Saks for $1195.

Original post by Amanda Mull

It’s not often that a bag review requires me to gather my personal technology and a ruler, but the Christian Louboutin Eden Pompom Clutch is clearly a special little bag. Whether you take that to mean special! or “special” is, of course, up to you.

But when my very scientific measuring was done, I found a problem. At its very widest point, this clutch is barely five inches wide. Since it’s a sphere, the width of the clutch starts decreasing immediately as you move away from that narrow point. My phone, a relatively new Blackberry, is four and a half inches tall and almost three inches wide without a case. That’s a problem – smart phones are now more or less de rigueur among people with expendable income, and you certainly have to expend a lot of it to buy this clutch. Sadly, it seems as though never the two shall meet.

From an aesthetic standpoint, I don’t actually have many problems with this clutch. Sure, it’s kind of odd, but I’d rather carry something unexpected like a round clutch than the same basic envelope that every single one of your girlfriends probably pulls out every weekend (or maybe that’s just my girlfriends).

Any aesthetic interest I have in a clutch ends with the inability to pack my phone along for the night, however. I’m a 24-year-old single woman living in a large, at times unsafe city, and a cell phone isn’t a luxury item for me – it’s a necessity. I’ve had one since I could drive, and I’m not going to start leaving it at home in order to carry a (more-than-slightly silly) designer clutch. If you’re on a date and can slip your phone into your boyfriend’s or husband’s pocket, it might work, but I couldn’t see myself spending so much money on a clutch with such severely limited functionality. Buy through Saks for $1195.

Original post by Amanda Mull

If you haven’t realized that leopard print is a huge and soon-to-be omnipresent trend for fall, you haven’t been paying very close attention. In fact, we discussed the impending importance of leopard bags just last month.

As with all things, though, bedazzler to the stars Judith Leiber is here to take the trend to its absurdly literal extreme. If you’re attending a very glamourous event this fall and want to be on-trend, these clutches are one of the best (and sparkliest) ways to do it. My favorite is the tiger – which would you choose? Pricing information and larger images, after the jump.

Judith Leiber Leopard Clutch, $5495 via Net-a-Porter.

Judith Leiber Zebra Clutch, $4995 via Net-a-Porter.

Judith Leiber Tiger Clutch, $5495 via Net-a-Porter.

Original post by Amanda Mull

A evening bag is hard to find, and it’s even harder to find at a reasonable price. Most people won’t use a tiny clutch multiple times a day like they might use a shoulder bag or tote, so spending big bucks for a glittery little minaudiere usually isn’t a particularly palatable option. Bottega Veneta’s knot clutches and Alexander McQueen’s skull clutches may be totally covetable (not to mention collectable), but the prices for both start in the four figures and climb steadily from there.

If the thought of spending that much makes you uncomfortable but you’d still like a similar bag (or maybe several), then Diane Von Furstenberg’s recently launched line of box clutches is perfect for you. Prices vary depending on size, but this oh-so-current version of the Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Minaudiere rings up at a very reasonable $300.

I like so many things about this clutch that I barely know where to begin. The color scheme works perfectly with the pattern – zebra is a strong statement for any bag, but rendering it in black and charcoal dials down the volume just enough to make it modern and sophisticated. The signature twig closure provides a perfect compliment. Not only do the colors and tones work together seamlessly, but the choice in material compliments them very well. Stingray embossing has an almost glittery effect, without the shedding hassle and extreme shine of actual glitter. This larger size is big enough for all of your nighttime essentials, and the price is an absolute steal. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $300.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I’m so relieved that Alexander McQueen (the brand) will continue to function after the death of Alexander McQueen (the man). He was a visionary, and his legacy deserves to be continued in the wake of his passing. By all indications, the McQueen clothing and accessories that we will see in the near future owe a considerable debt to the founder’s aesthetic, just as it should be.

Skull clutches have been a McQueen accessory signature for some time, and the brand looks to continue that tradition with the Alexander McQueen Union Jack Stud Clutch. Skulls, studs and Anglophilia were all motifs which McQueen embraced, and if this bag is any indication, they’re not going anywhere in the brand’s forthcoming work.

Before we go any further, however, it’s worth mentioning that the clutch in this photo appears to be damaged. Samples undergo a higher amount of stress and abuse than the average bag, but it still strikes me as odd that Neiman Marcus would photograph a damaged bag to be featured on their website, thereby possibly exacerbating whatever quality control concerns one may have when buying bags online and sight unseen.

From a design perspective, though, I really love this iteration of the skull clutch. The color combination of cream and gold is classic and a bit regal, but the twinkling skull eyes and punk motif create a nice aesthetic juxtaposition to any perceived conventionality. We may have seen a lot of studded bags lately, but the use of multi-sized studs to create a larger whole keeps the design fresh. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

When we talked about the Louis Vuitton and Lanvin striped mother of pearl clutches last week, I still partly believed that the similarities of the two evening bags were a coincidence – after all, two bags does not a trend make. Three bags do, however, and that’s exactly what this Judith Leiber Resort 2011 is: a sign of a burgeoning trend.

The method of inlaying more closely resembles the Louis Vuitton, as does the diagonal inlay, while the color choice is more similar to the Lanvin. The major difference is that the bag is framed with gold, which unfortunately gives me flashbacks to the 80s – as a result, this clutch is my least favorite of the three.

This design doesn’t work as well as either of the previous clutches – it’s all Dynasty without much of the winking charm of a retro update, mostly because there’s little “update” to be found. Leiber is usually a master of the evening bag, but you’d be better suited to go with either the Louis Vuitton or Lanvin versions of this trend.

Price and release information are not yet available. Pictures via Women’s Wear Daily.

Shop Judith Leiber via Net-a-Porter!

Original post by Amanda Mull

I can’t think of many brands with more disparate accessory aesthetics than Louis Vuitton and Lanvin, but that doesn’t mean that the two luxury giants won’t intersect from time to time. While flipping through looks from the recent Resort 2011 presentations in Paris, I was surprised to see that the two brands seem to be on the same page in at least one noticeable way. Larger pictures after the jump.

The Louis Vuitton and Lanvin clutches have different feels, but the way that each one goes about achieving the finished product is markedly similar. Thin strips of multicolored mother of pearl (plus a little metal for good measure) make up both bags one feels a little 70s, the other, a little 20s. That the results are clearly different demonstrates the creativity of both brands.

Price and release information are not yet available. Photos via Women’s Wear Daily.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Well. That was quick.

We found out quite a while back that Marchesa was going to debut a line of clutches to compliment their gorgeous, highly detailed evening dresses, and since then we’ve seen no shortage of celebs toting them down red carpets from New York to Los Angeles. Finally, yesterday morning, they were available online! And then they weren’t. The recession might just be over, folks: the bags, priced $2274-$3475, sold out in a matter of hours. Pictures of all the bags you can’t currently buy (but maybe soon!), after the jump.

Marchesa Swarovski Crystal Clutch, $2885.

Marchesa Swarovski Satin Clutch, $2275.

Marchesa Swarovski Beaded Clutch, $3475.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Doth my eyes deceive me? Could this be, could this really be the most beautiful Judith Leiber creation yet? Yes, I do believe so.

When it comes to Judith Leiber, all handbag lovers know what to expect: exquisite, luxurious and head-turning pieces. While this is what I certainly expect, there is a good chance Judith outdid herself this time. I came across this bag a little while ago and have spent more than a bit of time drooling over it. Everything you’ve come to expect from a Judith Leiber creation is here – and then some. In fact, I am almost a bit concerned that the pictures we have can’t even do the bag the kind of true justice it deserves, but I’m sure going to try!

The Judith Leiber Birdcage Fine-Crystal Bag is an ornate showcase of everything the perfect evening bag can be when the proper attention to detail is applied. This multicolored hand-placed crystal-embellished birdcage would be the absolute quintessential evening bag – the pinnacle of evening bags. It is hand-painted, boasts a gold-tone chain-link handle that can be used or tucked inside the bag so that it is completely carried like a clutch. The gold-tone push-clasp has a ring which you can hold and is completely lined with gold leather. How glamorous. We’ve seen so many other Judith Leiber handbags that all seemed to be the most gorgeous around, but this one, it takes the cake. I admire the shape, detailing and handle option. Not many other JL bags have this option and with this particular design, it is a perfect addition. Yes, it is pricey, and I would have to save up quite a bit for it, but man-oh-man do I love being able to stare at it! Buy through Net-a-Porter for $5595.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney