Skip to Content

Clutch

Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy ClutchThe Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch is a perfect holiday party purse. We challenge you to find something this season that it wouldn't match.

If you've recently discovered you have no good purses for this year's holiday parties, this is the ultimate solution. Its pouch-like, gathered shape in head-turning metallic golden-and-them-some leather and simple chain shoulder strap make it easy to wear and quite fetching.

The bag is 5"H x 9 1/2"W; just large enough for your necessities, and its scrunchy-soft texture makes it easy to carry, even without the chain.

The Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch is available from Neiman Marcus for $195.00.

Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie ClutchThe Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch is a seemingly simple work of elegant mastery.

Firstly, in case you skipped the title and only look at pictures, this is not a tie, but a handbag. This clutch consists of two separated pockets, perfectly forming a 15" x 6 2/3" (approximate) bow tie. It's a bit larger than your average bow tie, but it would certainly be more than appropriate for any black tie event. No pun ... attempted.

This bag is "handmade from luxurious Duchesse silk satin," and features hidden brass zippers so you don't accidentally lose the contents. A purse like this may not be eye-catching at first, but as soon as someone notices it, they're sure to be pointing it out to people all evening.

The Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch is available from CoutureLab for approximately $706.00.

What Your Handbag Says About You

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags

Some women meticulously choose an outfit-coordinated handbag every morning, while others carry the same bag for months (or even years) until it finally wears out and falls apart. Because they're such a daily necessity and an ingrained part of our everyday lives, handbags say a lot more about their owners than just announcing their taste in fashion. Big, small, hobo, clutch, flashy or plain -- what is your handbag saying about you?

Shoulder Bag Shoulder bags denote a thoughtful, practical nature and careful decision-making.

Designer Label
Women that carry expensive, designer handbags enjoy the finer things in life (and want others to know it).

Knock-Off Carrying a knock-off bag can say that you're putting a fake front to the world and not always being true to yourself. But at least you have good taste.

Clutch Those who carry a clutch or very small handbag on a daily basis don't need to have their entire life with them at all times and give off an "I am a jet-setter" vibe.

Over-sized
Large hobos and tote bags say that you don't want to ever have to go without. They say "I am prepared" and "I can take care of myself."

Flashy Bright, bejeweled, sequined, or otherwise very flashy bags denote confidence and a desire to be noticed.

Neutral Soothing, comfortable, neutral bags often belong to women with open, personable, friendly demeanors.

Do agree or disagree? What do you want your handbag to say?

BeaValdes for CoutureLab Gray Gio Evening Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

BeaValdes for CoutureLab Gray Gio Evening Bag
The BeaValdes for CoutureLab Gray Gio Evening Bag is another stunning and unusual design from BeaValdes, whose futuristic, spaceship-reminiscent shapes have us enthralled.

This bag is a much more slender shape than the precious BeaValdes pieces we've seen, but it packs a stunning art deco punch into its tiny form. We love the overlapping circles of cut beads, the enormous crystal studs, the sparkling bead trim and the grabbable shape. This satin-lined clutch closes with an asymmetrical fold and magnetic closure, and comes with a chain for those of you who prefer to wear your handbags.

The grey and beige tones of the beautiful beadwork make it an easy accessory for a good percentage of any wardrobe. "Neutral, yet dazzling" has never been so quintessentially achieved.

The BeaValdes for CoutureLab Gray Gio Evening Bag is available from CoutureLab for approximately $2,534.00.

Gold Box Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


Reminicent (at least to me) of an ancient Egyptian treasure, this Nancy Gonzalez Gold Box Clutch miniaudiere is a great way to incorporate the metallics trend into your fall and winter wardrobe. Hard box styling help set this clutch apart from others you may own and also helps showcase the raised trapunto leaf pattern featured on the front. Crocodile leather makes for a unique texture and pattern on the exterior, which fine stitching detail giving it an understated but hard-to-miss luxury vibe. Perfect for pairing with a LBD it measures 5" x 2" x 3", $525.

BeaValdes for CoutureLab Jet Stefani Evening Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

BeaValdes for CoutureLab Jet Stefani Evening BagThe BeaValdes for CoutureLab Jet Stefani Evening Bag is a breathtaking take on the small black clutch.

Part goth and part Star Wars, we can't help but think that if Darth Vader had a purse, this would be it. That's not to say we don't like it; we absolutely love the BeaValdes shape, the enormous black crystals set in psychedelic circles of cut beads and the delicate size -- about 7" x 4" x 4 1/4". Even the base is covered in overlapping crystals and black and gold beads.

This bag comes with a dark metal chain so that you don't dull the crystals with your hand, and would be an amazing, noteworthy accessory for your very finest occasion.

The BeaValdes for CoutureLab Jet Stefani Evening Bag is available from CoutureLab; price available upon request.

Clutches for a Cause by Amanda Pearl

Filed under: Handbags

Pardus Clutch by Amanda Pearl
Designer Amanda Brotman of Amanda Pearl has created three deliciously wild clutches to help benefit World Wildlife Fund. Why? It all started with a baby cheetah. (Aw.)

Brotman visited Africa in the summer of 2008 and, while visiting villages in Kenya to learn about the economic initiatives, her group was given the opportunity to help nurse a baby cheetah back to health. The cheetah's mother had been killed, and it was struggling to survive on its own.

She was inspired to help more animals, and created the Le Tout collection in the spirit of giving -- and at a perfect time for holiday shoppers looking for ways to make their gifts more meaningful.

All three Le Tout clutches, one of which is above, are just $165, and 20 percent of the proceeds go directly to World Wildlife Fund. Check out the gallery below for the other two clutches, plus a couple of baby cheetah photos (we just couldn't help ourselves). Visit Amanda Pearl to shop.

Lotus Arts de Vivre Palm Stick Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lotus Arts de Vivre Palm Stick BagThe Lotus Arts de Vivre Palm Stick Bag is an unexpected delight from the amazing collection at CoutureLab.com.

Where to begin? It's a bunch of sticks! Sort of. It's a handmade bag, lovingly constructed with real palm sticks, silk, diamonds, and gold. The palm sticks are harvested from bunches of coconuts, then cut in half and lacquered, and sewn to the shell of the bag. The edges are embellished with elegant gold leaf, and the bag is crowned with a multi-diamond encrusted bauble.

This striking bag would be hard to match perfectly to the right outfit; it would take a dress of character to stand up to the nature-meets-opulence of this design. Frankly, it might be best carried with jeans -- denim looks great with natural elements -- but to honor this museum-worthy creation, we'd hope they'd be nice jeans.

The Lotus Arts de Vivre Palm Stick Bag is available from CoutureLab for approximately $5,768.00.

BeaValdes for CoutureLab Horus Crystal Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

BeaValdes for CoutureLab Horus Crystal ClutchThe BeaValdes for CoutureLab Horus Crystal Clutch is something you don't see every day.

This astonishing creation combines expert beading, big, green crystals and layers of feathers and dark crystals at the base. The unusual shape is sensual and unexpected, and with the tuck-away-able delicate chain, this can even be worn on your shoulder. That half-hexagonal shape at the top is a flap; this satin-lined masterpiece has a simple, well-concealed magnetic closure.

It's a decadent, elaborate vintage look with a futuristic twist, and the overall effect is absolutely dazzling. We'd put this on a shelf as a work of art when not carrying it.

The BeaValdes for CoutureLab Horus Crystal Clutch is available from CoutureLab.com; price available upon request.

Kooba Mila Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Kooba Mila ClutchThe Kooba Mila Clutch is spangly and sexy.

This python-embossed leather clutch, with its demure, delicate wristlet and gold ring, is the perfect thing to spice up a little black dress -- or a little green dress, a little gold dress, a little purple dress, and so on. The stripy colors are fresh and playful, and give the bag an 80s feel, but not overwhelmingly, like say, Zubaz (warning, may burn your eyes).

We also love the stroke-me texture, the black leather whipstitching at the edges and especially the long shape, which ensures you will actually be able to put things into this bag. This would be an easy go-to for grabbing off your shelf to glam up an outfit -- even your work clothes.

The Kooba Mila Clutch is available from Neiman Marcus for $325.00.

Lauren Merkin Lotte Feather-Print Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lauren Merkin Lotte Feather-Print ClutchThe Lauren Merkin Lotte Feather-Print Clutch is a bright, feathery bag without all the fuss.

Carrying around a clutch that is essentially handful of feathers is certainly glamorous, but it's not always practical. You never want to put such a bag down anywhere, lest the feathers get smooshed, and heaven help you if it rains.

This bag creates a fun, flirty feather look -- but the genius of it is the coloring. Not only is it pretty, but feathers this color don't exist. If the silk were printed with an attempt at real-looking feathers, it would just look fake and half-hearted. Well done, Lauren Merkin, for making this soft silk print look intentional and classy.

This gathered, snap-flap, 6"H x 11 1/2"W clutch is perfect for a night out or a dinner party at a friend's place -- the teal is a perfect accent for a dark ensemble.

The Lauren Merkin Lotte Feather-Print Clutch is available from Neiman Marcus for $200.00.

Pewter Lizard Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Kelly Locke Pewter Lizard Clutch Handbag
This Pewter Lizard Clutch by Kelly Locke looks more like a wallet than a handbag, but sometimes that's just what you need. Marketed as a "portable, practical work of art" it is understated, edgy, and contemporary. Crafted of pewter lizard leather with metallic leather accents and silk-thread hand-stitching, it has a suede lining with one interior slip pocket and it comes with a cloth dust bag. $500

And if you like the look but aren't crazy about the color check out these Spotted Hair Calf and Mandarin Lizard versions.

Natural Ring Lizard Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Fossati Handbag
Also called the 'Venice Evening Bag' this is a pretty, classic little clutch in neutral colors and a unique but amazingly simple shape. Mirroring the beauty and elegance of the city after which it's named, this Fossati creation has a magnetic snap closure, interior pockets for your cell phone and credit cards, and is lined in luxe lambskin. Measures a tiny 9" x 5" x 1 1/2" and comes with a card of authenticity. A clutch in the truest form, and one you can wear with almost anything at almost any time of year. $750

Candy Acrylic Shoulder Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Jimmy Choo Handbag
It's bright, it's bold, it's Jimmy Choo's Candy Acrylic Shoulder Clutch. It's made of hard acrylic in bright yellow (although it also comes in pink) and features a silvertone shoulder strap that can be hidden inside the bag if you prefer to go with true clutch styling. A definite contemporary look, this bag will modernize your favorite LBD or brighten up an otherwise drab ensemble. An asymmetrical fold-over front, ridge details, and a logo embossed prominently on the front round out the exterior features while the interior boasts a tonal leather and gold satin lining, and one patch pocket. $495

Lizard Daisy Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


It looks a little '70s disco to me, which isn't a bad thing as it evokes vibes of fun parties and lots of laughter. The Lizard Daisy Clutch by Adriana Castro combines natural lizard leather with a metallic floral pattern that will catch the light and attract attention wherever you go. It closes with a hidden magnet and has a suede lining (I wonder if it's bright flourescent pink?), one interior pocket, and it's smaller than I thought it was at just 6 3/4" x 9 1/2" x 1 1/4". $895


Join Luxist on Facebook!

Featured Galleries

Langham Yangtze Shanghai
Robb Report Limited Edition Series
Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain Opening Soon
Gizmobies Protect Your PDA in Style
Dominick Dunne's New York City Apartment
Toutorsky Mansion
Games for the Holidays
Clipperways
Temple St. Clair Luxist Awards Nominee