Custom Design

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

There’s a reason I was never the fan of the massively studded bag trend. Those stylish, seemingly innocent studs can be sharp. Sharp in the way that makes you wince a little bit if you have to grab on to a heavy clutch covered with the things. I’m speaking from experience, folks.

But that same reason is why I absolutely adore, not abhor, little clutches covered with conical studs, like this Be&D Studded Zip Around Clutch Wallet. I know, I know, the studs are still like pyramids, but they aren’t sharp. The dull end, my friends, is what matters to the hand.

Better yet, the clutch in question is also a sleek wallet, so stuffing it until it weighs more than three potatoes is, well, unrealistic. And because it has a removable wrist strap, that clutch can also be a wristlet. For me, that’s all the more reason to keep it light. Now, just look at the side for a moment. How edgy do all those signature Be&D studs look? And for me, they look even more wonderful now that I know I won’t have red marks all over my palms. Buy through Nordstrom for $395.

Original post by Anna Cooperberg Gonzalez

There’s a reason I was never the fan of the massively studded bag trend. Those stylish, seemingly innocent studs can be sharp. Sharp in the way that makes you wince a little bit if you have to grab on to a heavy clutch covered with the things. I’m speaking from experience, folks.

But that same reason is why I absolutely adore, not abhor, little clutches covered with conical studs, like this Be&D Studded Zip Around Clutch Wallet. I know, I know, the studs are still like pyramids, but they aren’t sharp. The dull end, my friends, is what matters to the hand.

Better yet, the clutch in question is also a sleek wallet, so stuffing it until it weighs more than three potatoes is, well, unrealistic. And because it has a removable wrist strap, that clutch can also be a wristlet. For me, that’s all the more reason to keep it light. Now, just look at the side for a moment. How edgy do all those signature Be&D studs look? And for me, they look even more wonderful now that I know I won’t have red marks all over my palms. Buy through Nordstrom for $395.

Original post by Anna Cooperberg Gonzalez

While personally I am a member of the Christian Louboutin handbag fan club, I know there are several of you out there who thinks the brand should just stick to shoes. Coming across this Christian Louboutin Pave Clutch caused me to think long and hard about whether I like it or not.

There is no doubting the glamor, grace and sophistication the Louboutin team was going for here, but do you think they’ve hit or missed the mark? The body of the clutch itself is sleek and streamlined. But it is almost a bit hard to appreciate that with the very loud design. Looking closely, you will see crepe satin and ornate embroidering. Per usual, I love the red lining which we’ve all come to expect from a Louboutin bag. I can see some women carrying this clutch and exuding the grace that it does posses. One thing you would have to do is make sure your outfit is relatively simple so the bag doesn’t overwhelm your entire look. Buy through Saks for $1295.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

This morning, I said to myself, “Self, you haven’t had an opportunity to slobber all over Alexander McQueen in a while. Make that happen.” It didn’t take much looking to find something to talk about. Behold: the Alexander McQueen Croc-Print Skull Clutch.

I’ve never quite understood why these clutches aren’t more popular with starlets on the red carpet. They’re tiny, glam, come in so many finishes, and have a ton of personality. What gives?

I, for one, thing that this little darling would make a perfect clutch for awards season. I’m not usually a fan of stamped croc, but on a bag this small and rigid, it manages to not look cheap or plastic. In fact, the finish is pleasantly distressed without looking sloppy, similar to if the entire bag had been made out of slightly worn silver.

Come to think of it, wouldn’t that be a great bag? An Alexander McQueen skull clutch made entirely or metal, but fashioned to look like it might be leather. I don’t doubt that he may try it in the future at some point. Buy through Browns UK for £695.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Ever find yourself hearing about something that is ostensibly new, and then you have to go searching through the dark recesses of your brain, trying to figure out if you already knew about it? Maybe you just forgot? That’s the feeling that I get about the apparent new that Herve Leger bag line. Did I know about this already? The more I think about it, the more it sounds vaguely familiar, but I’m not sure. I’m also not sure how I feel about the Herve Leger Crystal Clutch.

Sure, it’s a perfectly serviceable evening bag. It’s tiny, sparkly, neutral and glam, which are the only real standards that an evening bag has to meet in order to have some sort of audience. But what it lacks is more important – any kind of interesting statement to speak of.

Perhaps it’s just me, but when launching a new bag line, it seems like it would behoove the designers to find a way to differentiate their product from the more established brands that are available. Besides the slanted shape (which Sang A did first, albeit in a different material), there’s nothing new here besides the Herve Leger name.

Is that enough to motivate people to spend $1,000+ for a special occasion bag that is otherwise nondescript? Maybe for some, but for the marketplace at large, the brand is going to have to do something bigger and splashier in order to move itself ahead of the looming pack. Buy through ShopBop for $1298.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I have a fantastic clutch that I love to bring out. It is a clutch that is textured, elegant and nothing short of fabulous. Of course I have my own preferences and you do as well. However, no matter who likes what, there is something utterly fantastic about this clutch. I cannot get over how luxurious the detailing at the front and the back of this clutch is. For some, the front might seem overdone, but it’s not. It is perfect for the right occasion and with actually more outfits that you can think of.

This DSquared Leather Flower and Satin Clutch is one that I voe to make my own. Before I start writing about the details, I have to write about how extremely versatile this clutch is. It might surprise you, but this is the kind of clutch that would be awesome with a pair of boyfriend loose fitting jeans and a button down shirt. At the same you could use this clutch with an awesome short or long dress, or perhaps a pair of your favorite skinny jeans and sparkly top. You can beat that.

Now the clutch itself, again, it is gorgeous. It is hard to miss all of the leather and satin flower detailing at the front of the bag. If that same detailing was on the back, I would say it was too much. But turn the clutch around and you will find a much more sleek look. A slight bit of studding combines feminine and rocker elements perfectly and flawlessly. I simply love this clutch. Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $1195.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

If you are looking for a clutch that will grab your attention and that of others, I’ve got a clutch for you. In fact, I come across clutches all the time that I think are pretty fantastic but I have a justification for them. This clutch kind of fits into this category, but at the same time there is something just absolutely gorgeous about this Stella McCartney clutch something that I can’t stop loving.

Per usual, Stella McCartney knows how to take a good idea and move it into the great handbag category. So, I was actually thrilled to see the Stella McCartney Embroidered Sequin Clutch. It was actually a bit surprising to see this as a Stella McCartney design, but I am loving it. This brown canvas clutch is adorned with multicolored flower-pattern sequin embellishments. With the dark undertones, gold-tone hardware is a great way to do. A chain wrist strap compliments this fold open clutch with a clasp at the top. The great part about this clutch is that it is season prevailing. It will be something you can carrying today, tomorrow, or 10 years from now and still get compliments. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1025.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

I remember being a little girl and always loving the evening bags my mother and grandmother had. They always seemed so elegant and graceful. Then as I grew older I began to take note of the evening bags used on television and in movies. Once again, elegance and grace was exuded. I felt all these same feelings when I came across the Judith Leiber New Bean Satin Clutch.

In fact, I was a bit surprised that this evening bag was a Judith Leiber creation. My eye always expects to see embellishments galore, but in this case, the embellishments are present, but slightly understated. The clear Austrian crystals in gorgeous settings adorn the top chain handle. I love the shade of blue satin used. It reminds me of the crystal clear blue colors in the Caribbean. The bag opens at the crystal-detailed kiss-lock closure. I completely welcome more Judith Leiber designs like this. Do you agree or do you prefer the more recognizable bags? Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1495.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Ladies and gentlemen, we are just days away from 2010. Can you believe it? I remember being younger and never quite understanding adults saying “Where has this year gone?”, yet now that I am, I guess an adult, I get it. It’s as if you blink and half the year is gone. But that’s really neither here nor there. With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, I try to mentally plan what I am going to wear and carry. When it comes to New Year’s Eve, I want a shiny, noticeable and gorgeous handbag in my hand.

Whenever I have a certain look in mind, more often times than not, Marc Jacobs pulls through in the clutch – no pun intended. The Marc Jacobs Night In Rio Swarovski-Studded Clutch is just the kind of handbag I would love to have in my hand once the New Year’s Eve Ball drops. There is a bit of understated elegance about this bag.

Not only does it look gorgeous from afar, but once you hear the details about it, I am sure you could become a fan. This black satin clutch is adorned with Swarovski crystal and gold-tone stud embellishments. I am a huge fan of the way the embellishments come together on this bag: structured yet elegant. While I could do without the gold-tone padlock at the front, it actually adds a bit of dimension and weight to the bag. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $895.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney