I am a huge fan of handbags of all kinds. I have huge straw totes, bags cleverly disguised as lunch boxes and fishing tackle baskets – in college I once even had a bag whose design was based on a Swiss gas mask bag (in retrospect, one of my darker periods). But I must confess that I have a deep and longstanding love affair with clutch bags. There’s something so simple and elegant about a tiny envelope clutch handbag tucked under the arm. (Don’t even get me started on my borderline obsession with tiny beaded clutchbags for evening!)
Clutches are the perfect size for lunch out with the girls, a night on the town with my guy, or a day of shopping. Clutches also force me to selectively edit what I carry. And if you are anything like me, the jumble that collects in some of my bigger bags can be downright alarming!
The only downside of the clutch bags is there is often no “hand-free mode.” Luckily for us, handbag designers have increasingly taken this basic need into account. So now, we can carry a clutch to a cocktail party, hold a drink and shake hands with the boss’s wife – all at the same time!
Some of the best I’ve found include an extremely affordable wristlet in a trendy embossed mock croc by Adi Designs. I have this in lavender and love it! This seemingly tiny bag has a surprisingly roomy interior, inside and outside zipper compartments, clear ID window, removable card holder and coin purse. Best of all is the highly useful end wrist strap! In addition to lavender, this bag also comes in lemon, lime, tangerine and black. And at only $19.99 at Overstock, you can afford them all.
A more upscale version comes from one of my all-time favorite designers, Tommy Hilfiger. His classic American style means that a Hilfiger purchase is really an investment, because it simply won’t go out of style. Of his fabulous handbag collection, my favorite is a sleek black clutch bag in patent leather. The elegant, stylized tortoiseshell finished handle is cleverly designed so that you can easily slip your wrist through it, should you need to use your hands. Beautiful and practical! $128 at Purses.com.
My ultimate clutch bag is from the Cocktail Collection at Butler Bag. Made of crushed Italian leather, this high-end bag is a favorite among celebrities and is no stranger to the red carpet. Like all pieces from Butler Bag, the interior compartmentalization speaks to my ever-present need to try to stay organized. For me, the best part of this bag is the way that you can carry it. The clever outside strap – which you slide your palm through – means you’ll never drop this beauty climbing into a taxi! At $800, it’s a major splurge… but oh-so-gorgeous!
Thank you for reading! For more handbag ideas, and fashion must-haves, please visit the Women’s Fashion category tab.
PRODUCT REVIEW DETAILS: If you have a fashion, beauty or style product line and want an honest evaluation, or if you would like to create a giveaway or promotion, please contact us.
DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation or product samples of the items mentioned was received in exchange for this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will be good for my readers.
Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to living a life filled with style. From must-have fashion and accessories, to gardens, interiors, plus the latest products for parties, weddings, and events. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! Susan Said…WHAT?! was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone.com.