I'm always a little torn when it comes to liking box-style clutches because although I like the way many of them look, carrying a hard-sided bag with sharp corners and rough surface textures doesn't feel very luxurious in my hands. This Shagreen Mini Audiere (in pink) by R & Y Augousti might be worth the compromise, though. It's a very structured rectangle adorned with red carnelian embellishments, lined on the inside with leather, and featuring a simple but attractive push-lock closure on the top. Certainly a solid investment if you're looking for an all-season evening clutch that will roll with the fashion trends year after year. $900
I like the idea of an envelope clutch, and at first this one appealed to me, but the more I look at it the uglier I think it is. It's the Micol Metallic Envelope Clutch by D&G and it's pretty much exactly what it sounds like -- a large leather envelope. It zips closed instead of folds over like a typical envelope, and from the pictures it looks like that ends up being a a little awkward. It has a leather pull with an attached silver padlock on the front, a contrast panel and dangling key bell on the back, and (perhaps the best part for me) the interior is lined in a pretty shade of pink silk. $695
This Ombre Logo Basket Tote's versatile coloring means it can pass nicely through the winter as an icy blue, and then through the spring also if dressed up as a sky or pastel blue. It's shimmery, it's simple, and although it's not totally outrageous it's definitely an acquired taste. Fendi makes this bag out of coated vinyl with textured white leather trim, plus it has a smooth vinyl lining, an open top, a flat base, and 3 interior pockets. It's available at eLuxury for $1,030, plus they have also have a version in red.
Tis the season for holiday parties and excuses aplenty for indulging in a little extra glitz and glam. This Disco Box Clutch by Anya Hindmarch could be just the thing to add that extra oomph your holiday ensembles are looking for. The gold and silver leather will go with almost any outfit but will probably pop best against black or navy. The clutch features a golden clasp fastener on the top, a full lining with a pouch-style pocket on the interior, and in true clutch spirit there's no shoulder strap whatsoever. $460
I'm not usually one to go for handbag designs that plaster the brand's logo in a big way but somehow this Fendi bag is an exception for me. It's the Sweet Box Clutch and the multi-colored acrylic that makes up the hard sides glows with color and depth. The Fendi logo is done in vinyl-coated leather and is large enough to take up most of the bag's surface, and grained leather is found on the interior. Other features include a magnetic closure, a gusseted interior pocket, and an antiqued silver link chain strap that can be tucked inside if it's in the way. $1,490
I like this Patent Leather Clutch by Chloé, it's simple, classic, and neutral but thanks to that over-sized dangling bead on the front it also has some personality. It's patent leather but there's a subtle crinkled treatment so it's not as smooth and shiny as you might expect, and it has some small but fun details like a tab belt on the back and subtle ruching on the front. It also features two sections, silvertone hardware, and an open pouch pocket on the interior. This pretty little number can be yours for $1,105.
The Daily bag by Ecoist is not only an interesting and versatile shoulder bag but it's also eco-friendly because it's handmade out of folded, recycled newspaper. It has a sturdy, structured design (meaning it holds its shape and doesn't slouch), is water resistant, and has comfortable padded handles. Self-lined with a magnetic snap closure, The Daily measures 15" x 12" x 6" and sells for $158.
And if the newspaper print isn't your thing you should check out their other designs using recycled magazines, Coca-Cola bottles, and even candy wrappers.
Devi Kroell has established herself as one of the finest handbag designers in the world. In the tradition of her framed clutches, like this Satin Frame Clutch we covered in June, we bring you the Silk Explosion Clutch.
The Devi Kroell Silk Explosion Clutch comes in purple, saffron and black gold (pictured), and features soft black silk adorned with great big "What struggling economy?" jewels. The detachable chain allows it to be worn as a clutch or an over-the-shoulder purse.
The thing I like most about this piece is its versatility. It would go well with solid colored dresses as well as most prints, and could also dress up a heels-and-jeans outfit very nicely, perhaps with a crsp white shirt.
The Silk Explosion Clutch is 9" by 4.5", and can be purchased here from Devi Kroell fo $1,490.
This delicious little shoulder bag by Fendi, the Pouchette Shoulder Bag is new and only available for pre-order.
The bag is small, just 8.5" by 5", and the "pouched" effect is meticulously crafted to give it dimension and style.
The strap itself is jewelry; a 7" drop with heart charm accents. This season it's all right to wear contrasting metals, so don't worry if you don't have anything to match the exact shade of yellow gold; try copper or white gold to complement it.
The bag is made exclusively in a dark blue, one of this season's hottest accessory colors. Dark blue may seem like a difficult color to manage as an accessory; it can clash with denim and look sloppy with a little black dress. Not to worry, this season, you'll find printed dresses with this color in the pattern and you can always pair it with gray. Available from Saks Fifth Avenue, $410.
Cashmere maker White + Warren has jumped on the handbag bandwagon with two neutral styles. Today we highlight The Hemp Traveler, a weekender bag. This practical bag (except for the color -- I see it getting dirty, quickly), has a hemp exterior and genuine pebble leather trim, and is fully lined with protective nylon. Also: detachable interior zip pouch for everyday essentials, five interior compartment pockets, interior and exterior zip pockets, a detachable shoulder strap, metal feet, and a detachable leather id tag/card holder. Although considered a weekender bag, the way handbag styles are headed in my neck of the woods (big, bigger, gigantic), this could just as easily be a city girl's daytime bag or commuter bag. 22" x 13" x 8", $595.
This Chain Link Shoulder bag by Chloé has a lot going on in all areas of color, texture, and materials. The base is mauve leather, which is then trimmed with darker mauve python, golden hardware, and adventurine stone detailing on the front. It has a flap front with two small pockets on the outside and a hefty 3-chain shoulder strap. Billed as a "mini carry-all" this bag is lined in leather (a nice unexpected touch) and measures 9" x 6". I don't know why but it looks kind of like a big toy bag to me, like something Barbie would use? $3,085
I'm all about the Christian Louboutin clutches lately and this one is no exception. The Maykimay Strass Clutch appears metallic at first glance and closer inspection reveals thousands of shimmering black diamond rhinestones. Very classic but certainly not understated, this clutch is the perfect answer to needing a neutral but not wanting to settle for boring. And since it's by Louboutin you'll be finding reasons all night long to look inside and have an excuse to use the miniature shoe zipper pull and flash the signature bright red interior lining. $2,625
Gallery: Maykimay Strass Clutch by Christian Louboutin
Chinese-inspired and channeling the wild spirits of animals like the bengal tiger and the racehorse, Nankeen's line of women's handbags is anchored in simple, classic shapes updated with unique creative prints. They're all on the casual side (even the evening clutches put off a vibe of 'upscale but relaxed') which is great for me since I rarely get really dressed up.
The bags are made of 100% cotton and indigo dye using a historic Chinese printing technique with hand-carved design stencils, then accented with beading, pearlescent shells, and other fun details. Plus at $95-$110 each they're priced low enough that you can have more than just one.
Who doesn't want to take an angry snarling wolf with them wherever they go? I know I sure do! This is the Airbrushed Wolf Sac Bag by Maison Martin Margiela (I always think that's such a mouthful of a name) and it's a bag that communicates both designer taste and bad attitude style. Classically shaped by simply draping leather from a rounded handle, the bag is unlined and is mostly open at the top with a silver metal clasp. Measures 22" across at the widest point, and has one interior zip pocket that dangles from the handle. $1,195
Gallery: Maison Martin Margiela Airbrushed Wolf Medium Sac Bag
Although this creation by Christian Louboutin is a handbag, the Loubinight Satin Clutch still manages to channel the high heeled shoes with signature red soles that he's so famous for designing. Bright, vibrant green satin on the outside and rich, 'signature red' satin on the inside, this clutch's most endearing feature is the darling pair of miniature crystal Louboutin heels (you can tell because they have red soles!) that stand on the bag's top and double as the clasp.
If you're one of those who just can't get enough shoes, then this is the perfect way to wear more than just one pair at a time. $960
Gallery: Christian Louboutin's Loubinight Satin Clutch
I'm always a little torn when it comes to liking box-style clutches because although I like the way many of them look, carrying a hard-sided bag with sharp corners and rough surface textures doesn't feel very luxurious in my hands. This Shagreen Mini Audiere (in pink) by R & Y Augousti might be worth the compromise, though. It's a very structured rectangle adorned with red carnelian embellishments, lined on the inside with leather, and featuring a simple but attractive push-lock closure on the top. Certainly a solid investment if you're looking for an all-season evening clutch that will roll with the fashion trends year after year. $900 
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Devi Kroell has established herself as one of the finest handbag designers in the world. In the tradition of her framed clutches, like this 
This delicious little shoulder bag by Fendi, the Pouchette Shoulder Bag is new and only available for pre-order.
