Have I mentioned my obsession with the clutch? It’s so darn impractical, it’s just got to be the fashionista’s best bud — and while it was once reserved for evening wear alone, the clutch’s many iterations and fabrications this season make it an appropriate choice morning, noon, and night. Let’s take a clutch tour, eh?
CLUTCH LOOK #1: WILD THING
It’s pretty much apparent to anyone with two eyes and an inkling of an awareness of fashion that leopard has been big this season. The long, sleek Kate Spade clutch above ($395, Kate Spade) would be a perfect add-on to any chic-pea’s wardrobe this fall. Add a draped cocoon coat ($550, Loeffler Randall) and an edgy tortoise-print patent pump ($89, Zara) and you’re ready to prowl the streets:
These vintage button earrings ($140, Charm and Chain) pair excellently with this fun heavy-chain Elva Fields masterpiece ($118, Elva Fields) and this chunky ombre hinge bangle ($395, Alexis Bittar) to round out the urban jungle look:
And either this funky little pom-pom headband ($58, Henri Bendel) or these safari-ready shades ($30, TopShop) are sure to bring out the animal in you:
Meow.
CLUTCH LOOK #2: UPTOWN GAL
I find the above quilted clutch so darn cute, I can barely stand it. Part Chanel, part whimsy — it’s the perfect accent for the tailored gal on the go. All you’ll need is some classic Chanel rouge a levres ($15, Amazon) and some all-business heels (well — not all business, but I love the menswear influence evident in them — Miu Miu, $595, Net-A-Porter):
I’d add a pair of vintage enorma-studs (these are the real.deal — Chanel, $460, Farfetch) and a long, layered-chain necklace to the mix (Citrine by the Stones, $158, Pret-A-Beaute):
To avoid looking too stuffy, slip on a youthfully glitzy, oversized cocktail ring ($185, CCSkye) and a pair of face-shielding enorma-shades (Dior, $295, Nordstrom), and add a large tote to your spare wrist ($695, CCSkye):
Then ask your driver to bring the car around front.
CLUTCH LOOK #3: GLOBAL GLAMAZON
When I saw the dazzling ikat clutch above ($245, Felix Rey), I died a little bit. That happy sunshiney yellow! The dramatic contrast of shades! The trim cut! Oh, how impractical and delightful. Perfect for mixing in with some other “global-leaning” statement pieces — I instantly thought of pairing it with this silky, completement francaise Catherine Malandrino number (adore navy — love, love, LOVE it for evening — $485, Net-A-Porter) and these sky-high, be-jeweled Alexander McQueen pumps ($1,275, Bergdorf Goodman):
Add some glittering, colorful earrings: these danglers if you’re into making a big splash (Dori Csengeri, $495, Charm and Chain) or these funky little studs that tie the yellow back in ($65, Kendra Scott):
The clutch above could be equally as lovely paired with a far more dressed-down get-up — for these last, warm days of the summer-fall transition, just think of how cute it’d be worn with a bold yellow top ($283, Pret-A-Beaute), some skinnies, and these yellow-stone flip flops (Mystique, $113, Pret-A-Beaute):
All you’d need to add is a bold necklace (Lizzie Fortunato is “where it’s at” in terms of statement jewelry with a “global” look — on sale for $515, Farfetch) and one of those yummy Virginia Johnson scarves ($195, Virginia Johnson):
Back at home, lounge on some of these amazing Madeline Weinrib throw pillows (check out the gorgeous textiles she has on her site!):
So globally-sourced — so 21st century.
CLUTCH LOOK #4: BOOK WORM BABE
So I saw the beyond precious “Gatsby” clutch ($325, Kate Spade) above, and could not take my eyes off of it. (Though his prose is often dismissed by the critics as being — well, a bit thin — Fitzgerald remains one of my favorite authors, and we all know that I adore a boxy clutch. Kate Spade, keep ’em coming.) Perfect with some tweedy-chic looks for your next book club meeting, including some tortoise shell readers ($38, ShopTerrain), a pair of donegal pants ($168, J. Crew), and these over-the-top flannel pumps (who else but Louboutin?! — $775, Net-A-Porter):
Looking for add-ons? I’m thinking a pair of polished gold knot earrings ($195, Alexis Bittar) and this luxe-looking croc-strap watch (Yves Bartelin, $202, Pret-A-Beaute):
…and because we all know that we would never last in those serious pumps, pack a pair of tasseled loafers ($79, Zara) and a nubby cardigan-jacket ($395, Calypso) and get reading:
CLUTCH LOOK #5: THE TOUGH COOKIE
For those of you who channel Kate Moss on a regular basis (I envy you), this Alexander Wang clutch ($525, ShopZoe) is a great starting point for any day-t0-night look. Add a chic blazer with the sleeves rolled up ($125, TopShop), some super-skinny-leg jeans (if you dare, go with rocker-chic gray, but dark washes are a better bet — J Brand, $160, Net-A-Porter), and these killer suede boots (a.dore the little snap-back detailing — Ash, $195, FootNotesOnline):
For accent pieces, studs have been b.i.g. for the past few seasons, and they’d blend perfectly with this aesthetic. Snap up a wristful of studded, stoned bangles ($128 for first 3 and $148 for last 3, all from Henri Bendel):
Then add an enorma-ring in polished gold ($150, CCSkye) and some cherry red nail lacquer (to keep the look from being too, too edgy — I like this “Really Red” shade by Essie):
An ikat-print scarf in grays, blacks, and whites ($45, TheOutnet) and some rocker shades (classic wayfarers — $139, Ray-Ban) complete the look:
Very Rihanna-meets-Kate-Moss.
CLUTCH LOOK #6: (LUCK BE A) LADY
Um, I’ve pretty much died over Amanda Pearl’s unbelievable roll clutches (like the Sereno above — $1,398, Amanda Pearl) for.ev.er., and am beyond delighted to announce that the talented, generous designer has offered you lucky Magpie readers a special 30% off coupon code — just enter “MAGPIE” at checkout! (Make sure you take some time poring over her lovely jewelry collection as well — the clutches are investments, but the jewelry is affordable and darling!) Pair the glam, slightly retro clutch above with these drusy studs by Pade Vavra (l.o.v.e. — $200, Charm and Chain) and some glitzy pumps (these remind me of the Louboutins I died over last season — did I mention that I bought them for my bachelorette party, and then discovered that I literally could not walk a foot in them? They were too big, even in their smallest size, and my ankle was at a totally unnatural angle…tragedy! At any rate, I’m willing to give these H by Halston pumps a try — bonus points for affordability! — $79, Baker’s Shoes):
They just scream Vegas glam. L.o.v.e. I like the idea of mixing in this slightly vintage-looking cuff (favored by Rihanna! — $345, Pade Vavra) to mix things up and give the look a little depth:
Now, don’t forget the faux cils — and why not shake things up by brushing a coat of glittery lacquer (“Gold Nuggets,” $8, EssieShoppe) atop your routine red mani?
I’d say you’re ready for a coup de champagne ($75 for set of 2 glasses, Kate Spade):
How clutch are these looks?!
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