The Clutch

Maybe its the way a woman handles a clutch bag that instantly exudes confidence and sophisication. A big clutch bag is one of the key statement pieces of Spring/Summer 2008, and it is an easy trend to jump on to without necessarily breaking the bank. Usually I am not a fan of Louis Vuitton bags but I have to say that the gold clutch bag as seen on Scarlett Johansson in the LV ads have been one of the best designer clutches I’ve come across so far. Realistically, most of us regular folk won’t be able to afford that but there are lots more from the high street and vintage to tempt anyway.

Resizing your regular day large tote to a smaller bag like the large clutch will require a lot of discipline as women today tend to carry their life inside their bag. It will be easy for me to leave stuff out of my day bag because I don’t have have a crying infant demanding to be fed or changed, nor do i have an important job that requires me to carry lots of documents home or anything. As for those women who have no choice but to carry all those necessities, perhaps they can only use their large clutch bags on their nights off.

As for the rest of us who do not really need 5 lipsticks, or 10 lipglosses, 3 compact foundations or 12 different pots of eyeshadow, perhaps its time to detox your own makeup collection. Do you really need all that just to touch up when you go out? Even though the large clutch can hold probably up to three times more of your regular small clutch, bring as little makeup out as possible! Leave that excess baggage (worries) at home and be worry-free with your no straps attached clutch bag. Perhaps this is also why women who carry clutches seem to look less stressful than those who carry large bags.

My favourite and most affordable clutch bag of this season is from Conversation Pieces, and it comes in gold, silver & black. At the moment, unfortunately, black seems to be sold out. They are priced at a reasonable US$58 (about £30). The quilting is of good quality and the bag is made of synthetic material which also complies with the “Go green” trend next season.

or perhaps this unique & one of a kind vintage clutch bag from The Urban Collection interests you better?

or stick to trusty ol’ Topshop for a patent blue leather one?

Whatever it is, its time to start hunting your favourite vintage or high street shops or if you can afford, designer for your very own large clutch bag! As for me, I am very lucky to own a large patent leather clutch which has been shown on a few of my outfit posts already. Nevertheless when I am in Birmingham, I will be keeping my eye out for a good big clutch that calls out to me! Either way, I know that I will be carrying the clutch a lot once the weather warms up a little and I don’t have to carry a pashmina in my bag.