If Imelda Marcos has 3000 pair of shoes (so, by the way, does Celine Dion), then how many bags did she own? How many were evening bags?! Holiday parties require festive accessories. Who’s counting?
RED
Above Left: Lulu Townsend Flower Ring Box Clutch- This is a knock-off of an Alexander McQueen with skulls instead of rings. Unless your fellow fashionista really knows the original piece, you’ll pass with flying colors. Pleated satin with metal frame; jeweled flower ring clasp closure. Concealable chain link strap-13” drop. Satin .lining with slip pocket. 7 ½” x 1” x 3 ½” $35.00! dsw.com
Above Right: House of Harlow 1960- Are you sleek? Do you dress architecturally-good clean lines and structure? A minimalist? Are you looking for a dinner or cocktail bag, not formal, but put together? Red snake-embossed leather, magnetic closure with studded cheetah ornament at closure. Gold metal accents. Optional chain strap. 5.5” x 3.5” $195.00 pinkmascara.com
Multi
Above Left: Austrian Crystal Handbag- Imagine this as an accessory to bronze, gold, silver or white! Feminine, pale, rather fairytale. Wonderful for warmer climes. Intricate crystal completely covers one side. Optional shoulder strap chain. 4 ½” x 3 ½” $350.00 cinderellaspumpkin.com
Above Right: Kate Spade New York Clutch-Confectionary- Very cool in color and texture, this bag aspires to be jewelry. Coordinates with any of the stone colors, black or white. Truly distinctive. Stone clutch (plastic) with frame closure, optional shoulder strap, satin-lined, interior slip pocket. 7 ½” x 6” x 2” $345.00 bloomingdales.com
Seafoam
Above Left: Sola Metal Frame Clutch by Reiss- This emerald bag is just the shimmering jewel tone you need to spark up a dark color ensemble. Attractive proportions and a graceful curved shape close with a hammered metal bar. Optional long metal strap. $150.00 reissonline.com
Above Right: Moyna Silk Beaded Clutch- Ah bugle beads, those were the times! Calling cards, running boards, communicating with letters-on stationery! One rarely sees them these days. Still proud, ever elegant. Wonderful nuanced range here. Zip closure under flap. Interior wall pocket in lining. 8 ¾” x 4 ½” $105.00 nordstrom.com
Blues in the Night
Clockwise from above top left: Nina Navy Bow Bag- (also in black)- Classic style, ladylike, conservative but not dull. Satin. Rhinestone detail lift lock closure, jewelry chain handle; interior wall pocket. 10” x 6” x 1”. $68.00 ebags.com
Above Top Right: Sequined Hard Case Royal Blue Bag- A touch of glamour to catch the light. Holds just enough. Timeless. Can be used to accessorize a gown or jeans. Upper crust or downtown. Crystal clasp closure. 7.5” x 3.5” $57.00 cinderellaspumpkin.com
Above Bottom Right: Queens Clutch- All-over sequins sewn onto imitation leather. It’s all illusion. Flap closure. 12” x 7”. This one will hold your glasses, a program, a hearing device…a change of lingerie? $40.00 shopfriiscompany.com
Above Bottom Left: Inge Christopher Jewel Buckle Silk Bag- Feeling gypsy? Rrrrussian? Flash those eyes! Silk taffeta frame bag with flap opening, snap closure. Beaded fringe and shoulder strap. Fabric lined with slide pocket. 9″ x 5.5″ x 2″ in 4 other colors as well. $160.00 ebags.com
Peel-Me-a-Grape Purple
Above Left: Metallic Satin Minaudiere with Crystal Cross Clasp- Sometimes you need the color to actually match; sometimes you want it to hue against a backdrop: picture this next to silver or black. Hidden chain strap. 6.5” x 3” x 1.75” $39.00 cinderellaspumpkin.com
Above Right: Eggplant Satin Clutch with Jeweled Frame- A tad redder than the bag at the left, this deep tapestry color should be paired with other deep muted tones-perhaps azure or forest green. Detachable silver chain shoulder strap. 8 ¼” x 6” $62.00 cinderellaspumpkin.com
Snow and Champagne
Clockwise from Above Top Left: Sondra Roberts Large Pleated Satin Box-Satin pleats make this look like a Vionnet or Alix Gres gown with vintage draping. Spectacular with chiffon, beading. Jeweled push lock closure. Satin lined, interior slip pocket. Optional shoulder strap. 5 ¼” x 3 ½” x 1 ½” $130.00 bloomingdales.com
Above Top Right: Rebecca Minkoff Metallic Clutch- Extremely versatile, this clutch can be dressed up or down. Clean silhouette. Muted gold tone. Interesting top clasp arrangement. Leather. Lined. 10” x 6” x 1”. Holds your auction bids. $195.00 bloomingdales.com
Above Bottom Right: White Snake Embossed Minaudiere- Rich and nuanced. Wonderful with a tan. (Also comes in red and gold) Framed box clutch with sleek chain strap. Gold-tone hardware, Gem ornamented clasp. Black satin lining. Protective dusterbag. 5” x 3 ½” x 2 ½” $88.00 marciano.com
Above Bottom Left: Julia Cocco Satin Evening Clutch- Mother of the bride anyone? Winter white is about as luxe as you can get. White wool pants and a satin blouse? Striking with navy or brown as well. Pleated sunburst satin with center crystal detail. Silver metal. Hidden chain strap. 5.12” x 3.15” x 1.97” $149.00 forzieri.com
Good as Gold
Above Left: Gold Textured Paris Minaudiere by Whiting & Davis- Wear black velvet and diamonds, glittery gold like second skin(nothing bright), or tulle and satin (ah to be young!) Top quality mesh on a brass metal frame. Detachable snake chain with 20” drop. Clasp closure; fully lined. 6.5″ x 4.5″ x 2″ Available in other colors. $168.75 ebags.com
Above Right: Lily Beaded Satin Evening Bag- A little offbeat; to be carried when wearing uncomplicated apparel and great big jewelry. Good for museum openings. Embroidered with rows of geometric, vintage-looking beads. Zip closure. Interior card pocket. Lined. 8 ¾” x 4 ¾” x ½” On sale $192.00 toryburch.com
Whispering Silver
Above Left: Lulu Townsend Glitter Box Clutch-Pewter- A good bag for a young girl or an older woman. Nothing flashy, just classy; understated. Top clasp closure. Concealed chainlink strap with 21” drop. Satin lining with slip pocket. 7” x 2” x 4’ $30.00 (for this money you could have a wardrobe of bags!) dsw.com
Above Right: Jenna Ruffled Minaudiere- Very feminine and soft. Subtle color. Don’t wear with anything too hard-edged/constructed. Bat your eyelashes a little. Lavish satin/polyester ruffles like the top of a bouquet. Jeweled push-lock closure. Optional chain strap. Interior pocket. 6.5” x 3.25” x 1.5”. Handle drop is 10” $158.00 bcbgmaxazria.com
Black with Sparkle
Clockwise from Above Top Left: Natasha Couture Square Rhinestone Clutch- You’re likely to be the only woman carrying this striking bag. Tasteful but original and a bit brave. Wear with strong solid colors. Tri-tone rhinestones configured in ombre waves, crowned with a crystal clasp. Detachable chain strap. 6 3/8” x 4 ½” x 1 ½” with 24” strap drop. $398.00 nordstrom.com
Above Top Right: Glint Stone Degrade Box Clutch- Champagne, fireworks, falling snow; pixie dust? The movement in the design adds interest. Any any-occasion accessory whether wool pants or a strapless Donna Karan. Satin clutch with a shower of sparkles all over the front. Jeweled clasp closure, drop-in strap- 12”. Interior pocket. 6 ½” x 4 ½” x 2”. $68.00 nordstrom.com
Above Bottom Right: Nina Satin and Jeweled Bag- Elegant. Definitely wear rhinestones, crystals or diamonds. Or pearls. A showpiece. Leave it on the table top for admiration. Flat bottom, magnetic snap closure, interior pocket; detachable wristlet. 7” x 3.25” x 4” $150.00 ebags.com
Above Bottom Left: See By Chloe Rodas Stass Bow Clutch- For the young or young at heart. Embellished bow seems to tie on at an angle. Simply pretty. Single adjustable shoulder strap for use while holding glasses or canapés. 21” drop. Snap closure. Lined. 10” x 5.5” x 1”. On sale $221.20 bloomingdales.com
Shades of Vintage
Above Left: Rey Velvet Bag- This vintage looking shoulder bag with etched, antiqued frame appears to be costuming out of Masterpiece Theater. A delicate accessory for women who appreciate manners, gestures, and conversation. Lined interior with patch pockets. 8” x 7”. 25” strap drop. $148.00 pinkmascara.com
Above Right: Mesh Frame Evening Clutch-From an entirely different era comes this nod to 1920’s flappers. Small and light- great for parties and dancing. Brass metal mesh with crystals. Closes with a kiss lock crystal-encrusted sphere. Optional shoulder (chain) strap. 6.5” x 4.5” x 2” $248.00 forzieri.com
