Cute, Clever Clutches

I know we are not experiencing the best of economic times, so I'd like to fantasize about owning what I like to call "cute, clever clutches". A cute and clever clutch is just that - adorable and completely frivolous. It's not the wisest handbag investment, but its' clever design is appealing and extremely tempting.

The three clutches/evening bags I've chosen are not for the thrifty. These bags are for women who appreciate interesting designs and can afford them. First up is the Christian Louboutin Pliage Framed Clutch. This 7.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 pleated clutch is a lovely choice for an evening out. The nude-colored, slightly shimmery leather exterior is only upstaged by the clever high-heeled clasp closure (an obvious homage to Louboutin's mastery of shoe making). Next is the Marc Jacobs Love Story Clutch. Aaahhhh, doesn't the name just make you want to go out and hug your significant other, or, perhaps, buy a puppy? All kidding aside, this cute clutch is not for everyone. It's quite large measuring 12.5 x 7.5 x 2.5, and features metallic heart cutouts in varying sizes covering the front exterior. It's available in both white and silver, but the chalk white version is less kitschy. The last bag, Alexander McQueen's Skull Clutch, is nothing we haven't seen before from McQueen. It boasts a rounded, structured frame, jeweled skull clasp and violet-hued iridescent finish. It measures 6.5 x 3.5 x 2 so it can only serve as an evening bag.

Of the three bags featured, I'd have to go with McQueen's Skull Clutch. It's a beautiful bag with classic appeal yet conveys a modern aesthetic. See which one speaks to you and fantasize about owning it or go out and actually buy it, but always, and I mean always, shop responsibly.

Christian Louboutin Pliage Framed Clutch available for $1195

Marc Jacobs Love Story Clutch available for $795

Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch available for $1670

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MARC by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Zag Hobo

I'd love to get my hands all over the MARC by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Zag Hobo. This is casual chic at its' finest and cheapest. Which is not to say there is anything remotely cheap-looking about this fab bag. In fact, I'm amazed it's priced at only $548. I know the 'Moto Proto Zag' is part of Marc Jacobs' moderately-priced MARC line, but, c'mon, this hobo screams "modern sophistication". I've seen similar bags with less style and steeper price tags.

So what do you get for $548? How does a sumptuous leather exterior sound for starters? Add three front pockets (two flap, one zippered), comfy, flat shoulder straps, a magnetic-snap closure and several interior compartments, and you've got a bag every woman can use. It measures a very roomy 13 x 17.5 x 6.5 and has a 10" shoulder strap drop for added comfort. You can choose this timeless design in black or a heavenly shade of grey. Either choice will translate into a wise handbag investment.

MARC by Marc Jacobs Moto Proto Zag Hobo available via BarneysNY

Valentino Histoire Framed Tote

Be still my heart! The gorgeous Valentino Histoire design is now a framed tote and done in a delicious shade of raspberry patent leather. The Valentino Histoire Framed Tote has the classic silhouette sophisticated collector's crave. The "braided" design elements only serve to enhance the bag's inherent appeal. Plus, the candy-colored patent leather exterior keeps the design fresh and modern. This is definitely a girly-girl's bag with the style versatility needed to appeal to women in their 20s as well as in their 50s. Now you and mom can tote matching designer bags or buy one bag and time-share it. Hey, times are tough so why not?!?

Valentino Histoire Framed Tote in raspberry for $2395 via Neiman Marcus

Lanvin Jaisal Shoulder Bag: Part II

Now we have even more reasons to scoop up Lanvin's Jaisal Shoulder Bag. This fabulous purse is available in a larger size (13 x 17 x 7) and with a longer handle drop (11'') which makes it a true shoulder bag. You can also purchase it in a stunning yellow leather finish that'll make you the envy of all your girlfriends. The smaller and equally fabulous patent leather version in burnt red I featured a few weeks ago is still up for grabs via BarneysNY for $2180. However, if you like your bags as big as they can make them as I do, this larger version available via Net-A-Porter for $2390 is the perfect bag for you.

Chloé Sally Shoulder Bag

Let me start out by stating I'm not fond of chain-strap handbags, and, yet, I'm completely in love with the Chloé Sally Shoulder Bag. The main reason why I've been apprehensive about chain-strap bags in the past is because those darn straps always dig into my shoulders and end up leaving very ugly marks behind. Who needs that, right? Well, the folks at Chloé smartly dealt with this potential hazard by placing a protective shoulder pad on the straps. Hurray! Now we can get beyond the dangerous straps and focus on the sophisticated square silhouette, metallic gold-tone trim, and large fold-over flap which meld together and create one chic handbag. You can choose from the grey grained leather version pictured as well as a lovely natural (cream) python/canvas version or a forest green rendition (pre-order only).




The Chloé Sally Shoulder Bag is available via Luisaviaroma for €1395 or @ $1800 US. The python/canvas version is €1695 or @ $2200 US.

New Arrivals Alert: Fendi Peek-A-Boo Satchel

I am so disappointed eLUXURY is closing its' retail operations come June. I've been a customer for 4 years and have constantly been amazed by their keen fashion savvy. Not only have they featured up-n-coming or avant-garde designers, but they've paired these seemingly risky decisions with some of the most posh designer selections available anywhere. Case in point: Just as the e-tailer is introducing Elizabeth and James (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsens designer label), they've managed to gather some desirable Fendi handbags.

Be sure to check out the hottest bag to hit the net. The Fendi Peek-A-Boo Satchel, available for pre-order in various colors and finishes, is the must-have bag of the year. This well-appointed and extremely versatile bag features an elegant top handle as well as a detachable shoulder/cross-body strap (which I'd probably never use). The 'Peek-A-Boo' is quite roomy and measures a sizable 16 x 12 x 6.5.

You can choose from a variety of looks as I mentioned earlier. Prices range from $1930 for a linen/suede rendition of this popular runway bag to $5740 for a gorgeous watersnake version that is way out of my budget for the foreseeable future. My personal picks are the black patent leather ($2590) and red leather versions ($2350).These are expensive bags, ladies, but their classic silhouette lends itself to the very versatility it touts, and I, for one, am a believer in investing in bags that will look as great 10 years from now as they do today. Now if eLUXURY would just reconsider their decision to shut down their retail section, I'd be a happy camper!

Browse all the Fendi Peek-A-Boo Satchels available for pre-order through eLUXURY

Lanvin Jaisal Shoulder Bag

F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! This bag is absolutely, totally and unequivocally fabulous! Lanvin continues to churn out inspired, elegant handbags with just the right amount of modern edge. Plus what a difference a strap can make! The other version of this chic bag had a not so desirable chain shoulder strap, but this rendition, with its' dual top handles, is perfect.

I love the box-shaped silhouette, the burnt red patent leather exterior, the silver stud detailing and the cute turnlock closure. In fact, I love everything about the Lanvin Jaisal Shoulder Bag. Well, everything except the steep price tag. $2180 is quite a pill to swallow for a small shoulder bag, but it's just so fabulous that I can't help but love it. Did I mention how fabulous this bag is ;-)?!?!


Lanvin Jaisal Shoulder Bag available via BarneysNY