this is my favorite clutch, purchased the summer after I graduated college. The label inside says "Alexander Muller handbags" but a google search produced nothing helpful.
I had a lot of fun last month sharing my favorite maxis dresses and skirts and so I thought this month I would share my second favorite thing to shop for and collect... clutches. I adore a fantastic clutch and am just as picky about what I carry as what I wear.
above is a j.crew invitation clutch from a few years ago. similar here.
First they have to be decent sized. A question I like to ask is "would this fit my iPad?" I am not sure why this is, as when I am using just a clutch I really only carry my iPhone, ID, credit card, lip gloss, granola bar (I spend 80% of my time starving these days), keys and sunglasses. But size matters. Small clutches make me nervous.
I am pretty sure this Stephanie Johnson Pouch is meant to be a makeup bag, but I have carried it for years.
Obviously solid colors are easy but I am also always looking for the perfect mix of neutral and pattern. It has to be crazy and it has to go with everything. It's a delicate balance, for sure. The awesome thing about a clutch is that it can be your statement. But you want it to be a statement that you'll get a ton of use out of too.
this one is the Helena de Natalio Giselle Clutch but sadly, is no longer available.
I love clutches with zip closures or envelope tops. I also love ones that are designed to be folded over. I have a hard time resisting a top fold. I hate "hardware" so no big metal buckles or extra loops and latches. I don't love that slouchy fabric look and bows are not my thing.
I always carry a clutch for nights out and I used to love them for daytime, but now with the kiddo, I haul around a bit more (plus I need my hands free to lug the carseat). But the theory is that if I am going to buy them, I am going to use them. Often.
Last thing... while with maxis I tend to be more about quantity over quality (I mean, let's get real, it's jersey fabric) with clutches I care about the quality much more. Clutches are a collection for me (the only thing I actually collect aside from house plants) and so I am willing to spend more on them (and then make sure I have places to use them).
So, without further ado... below are some of the clutches that recently caught my eye. It's a fun mix of solids and pattern, handmade and big brands.
moyna flower embroidered clutch $154, persifor electric arrow pouch $58, scout and catalogue libro clutch $88, jasper & jeera duality clutch $98, coriumi screenprinted iPad case $45, alternative apparel sierra clutch $78, job & boss blocked shibori clutch $108, clare vivier grand pochetter $178, cleobella leo clutch $110, blackbird and the owl large brown leather clutch $95, death and texas large hip pouch $88, gap colorblock leather bag $55 (I'd remove that strap and ta-da! clutch!). Please note, links may be affiliate.
p.s. this clutch is still one of my favorite DIY projects.
