"Ere fancy you consult, consult your purse."-Benjamin Franklin
I have and probably will always have a mild obsession with pouches of all sorts (I think like all great obsessions, it started innocently and when I was young..probably with some cool pencil pouches). Now I have all kinds of pouches: big, small, leather, funny-looking. Each that was purchased with some sort of justification for what it will hold (i.e. pens, a Flip, smaller pouches..it's a sickness, I know). My pouch obsession became slightly more fashionable recently with all the lovely pics of the drool-worthy Celine Lambskin Clutch Pouch that seems to be one of the bags du jour (There's a steal version of that coveted clutch below..don't worry, we'll get to that). So, this month, to spare you from a super six about my pouch collection, we'll instead pay homage to the pouch through her chic cousin, the clutch. Here are six fantastic clutch types that are perfect for late summer and fall. So, lose that bulky handbag, gals. Give your shoulders a rest and grab a clutch. It's a clutch super six.
1. Fold-over/Pouch
If there is one accessory I am completely loony about for this Fall, it is the Clare Vivier fold-over clutch. Where have you been all my life? My only issue is with all the colors to choose from, it's difficult to narrow the selection down to one. But, I have narrowed them down to five. That's a start, right? Other great pouch clutches include the steal version of the Celine pouch from American Apparel. It also comes in a ton of colors and you can even add some high-fashion pizazz with some DIY tips from fashion bloggers.
2. Animal Style
Animal prints are going to be all the rage this Fall. But before you go out and buy some leopard print jeans, ease yourself in with with some accessories from the animal kingdom. On trend are these clutches such as the Jimmy Choo Carine (splurge) or this Zara Snakeskin clutch (steal). For a DIY snakeskin version, check out this tutorial.
3. Vintage Kimonos
Both in the spirit of being green and adding something with a little history to your ensemble, these clutches made from vintage kimonos does the trick. I found these from Kazue West on Etsy and they add some Japanese glamour with the intricate and gorgeous fabrics they are made from.
4. Envelope, please...
This is probably my second favorite type of clutch after the pouch. The envelope clutch is classic and oh-so-chic. Amongst the must haves are another Claire Vivier creation, the Pochette, which it's bold single stripe, the aqua Asos leather portfolio clutch, ModCloth's tan En Vogue envelope clutch and the Celine envelope clutch.
5. Rolled-Up Magazine Clutch
So, legend has it that the rolled up magazine clutch was designed in Italy in the 70's to fool pick-pockets. I can't guarantee the authenticity of that story, but they do make for interesting conversation pieces and if you get one, you'll be in good company since you can spot Carrie carrying one in SATC reruns and Rihanna has been seen with one. This one above is vintage and from Etsy but there are a ton to choose from on ebay.
6. Glitter
Not exactly an everyday bag, but every gal needs some glitter every now and then like this gorgeous Anya Hindmarch clutch. Perfect to add some sparkle to a solid dress for a night out.
image source: Garance Dore, Claire Vivier, Net-A-Porter, Kazue West on Etsy, Asos, ModCloth, Vintageables on Etsy
-SD
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