Balenciaga Tube Clutch: A Bare Necessity

With a clean gold-tone cylinder lock serving as the only detail and singular focal point on this discreet foldover clutch, Balenciaga is showing off a minimal new turn – and they have my blessing!The flap shape, which tapers into a soft V, enhances the lock hardware, letting you know it’s designed to be the shiny centerpiece. So simple and elegant, it makes the motorcycle bags of seasons past look cluttered, almost disheveled. But the brand hasn’t strayed completely from their roots. As with all Balenciagas, this tube comes with a mirror – extra-handy for a clutch, when you’re not carrying your entire cosmetic kit, so you can inconspicuously check your face on the fly. While it’s fun to have a Crayola-wide array of clutches to pick from, if you can only get one, this is the model: neutral black with a shining focus, as versatile as can be. At Barneys New York for $865.Pair with: The beauty of the plain black clutch is that you can go crazy with other accessories. Wear something along the lines of, say Tom Binns‘ “Slap Dash” necklace, a jam-packed bib of Swarovski crystals, some clear and some hand-painted neon yellow. On Net-a-Porter for $1,900.

Gucci Broadway Evening Bag: Virtually Mine

Suddenly, making a purchase based on a website photo seems so passé! Gucci is taking the virtual experience up a notch, with their sensuous new video. I tested out the interactive video – part editorial in motion, part ad, part clickable catalog – for you all, and I’m happy to report: it works great! Shopping via video is the next best thing to being at the boutique. When you have It-girls Abbey Lee Kershaw and Joan Smalls slinking around to show off the goods, I’m pretty much sold.In truth, it’s very helpful to see all the angles of the product before committing to purchase. Like with the studded “Broadway” clutch, a harder take on the classic horse-bit. in Abbey Lee’s hands you get to see what how truly elongated the rectangle-shape is, and the close-up on the lush leather shows off its high quality. Even if you don’t need all the bells and whistles of a dramatic video, at the very least it’s entertaining – and you might pick up a few styling ideas while you choose your new bag.Check out video here. At Gucci for $950.

Limited Python Shopping Tote: The Skin Stays in the Picture

Zagliani has taken a funky new direction with this high-energy shopper tote. Signature ladylike? You won’t find that here, but happily the house has not veered from exotics. Winged edges and a lacquered look give this bag oodles of flair – boredom will not be an issue. Especially since the “Miku,” which is available exclusive for limited edition on Luisa Via Roma, comes in an array of three palettes. Two-tone color-blocking is in keeping with the current trend (which doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon). In tonal indigo with navy and jade with emerald, you get the thrill and depth of multiple shades, with all the subtlety of a monochrome. I do love that camel with red, but it lacks the timelessness of the green and blue.Anyway you slice them, contrasting straps are a nice touch, especially on a well-sized shopper. Zagliani’s goes beyond well-sized! At 15.75″ by 15″, you are getting a whole lot of bag, half of which is python. And well you should for this price tag. Which is why I’m guessing the center panel is leather – that much more python would hike the price up quite a bit more. Good for Zagliani for making the side gusset a single piece – the luxe level stays high.Exclusively on Luisaviaroma for $2,470.

Alexander Wang, Chloé, and Wendy Nichol: The Bucket List

Bucket bags are like the hobo satchel’s rebellious cousin. Utilitarian, roomy, and daytime-oriented, but the offbeat structure throws them off for a youthful casualness. Here’s a pick of some bucket bags worth tossing around.Alexander Wang has updated his enduring “Diego” bag, now set in a luxer-than-leather calf-hair. Jet-black calf hair looks slick and slippery, giving the overtly edgy downtown style a sheen-filled twist that’s more sophisticated – and somehow, simultaneously more gothic. My only gripes? The soft calf-hair only covers the front of the bucket bag and the inner side is back to pebbled leather (although it will wear better as it rubs against your clothing, so it’s probably for the best). And by now you probably are familiar with the substantial weight of the heavily studded “Diego.”Patchwork so doesn’t look like Grandma’s quilt when it’s in serpent and python skin! Chloé’s “Gabby” bag contains a full autumnal palette in one big bucket. Shiny panels of skin (like Wang’s it’s only one-sided, with a brown calfskin panel at the back) give it an eighties feel – one that’s not overtly retro. A scooped-out zipper, opposed to a traditional drawstring, is more hobo-like, and it means it’ll sit comfortable under the arm.New York designer Wendy Nichol plays with rustic fabrics, earthy prints, and rough-edged leather. The outcome is surprisingly fresh. Her “Bullet” collaboration with Vanderhurd, using the India-based studio’s vintage handwover dhurrie textiles out of their archives, has braided straps and tassels so sleek they bring flow, not chub.Alexander Wang “Diego” Rhodium-Studded Leather and Calf-Hair Bucket Bag on Net-a-Porter for $975.Chloé “Gabby” Patchwork Python Shoulder Bag on Luisa Via Roma for $3,633.Wendy Nichol x Vanderhurd “Bullet” Bag on La Gar?onne for $885.

Top 5 Embellished Clutches: Get Your Rocks On

I love to adorn myself in chic stones – so why shouldn’t I expect my clutches to feel the same way? Sometimes we’re in minimal moods (I’m more of a sleek and simple kind of girl at the end of the day), but every once in awhile there is no denying more is more – precious stones and crystals and beads galore. Here’s a roundup of the top five be-stoned, bejeweled, and bedecked bags of the moment.1) Fendi Jeweled Stingray Clutch: Deliciously textured stingray is the skin of the moment. When Fendi does it, by setting it in an angular Art Deco shape with inverted sides, and best of all, nine semi-precious cabochons of different hues, it’s thoroughly lust-worthy. At Neiman Marcus for $4,260.2) Judith Leiber Python and Pave Crystal Clutch: Snakeskin looks like a work of art when it’s framed by lustrous ridged silver and a multitude of pave white Austrian crystals. This is strong glamour and potent, not prissy, sparkle. At Neiman Marcus for $1,695.3) Gucci “Broadway” Jeweled Clutch: Black satin clutches often have a way of feeling so antiquated (and not in a good way), but the massive, lightning bolt-like cluster of jewels embroidered on this Gucci fold-over clutch packs a razor-sharp punch. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,190.4) Alexander McQueen Feather-Fringe Skull Box Clutch:Calling all drama queens. Shagreen-embossed nappa leather has been decked out in all kinds of crystal stones, not to mention a theatrical dusting of feathers. A decadent gypsy of a bag. At Neiman Marcus for $2,720.5) Valentino Embellished Satin Shoulder Bag: This chain-strap clutch is as delicate as the dainty rose who will likely carry it. Covered in Strass crystals and pearls (my current jewel of choice), with intricate floral and butterfly embellishments along the frame, it ensures that your bag is more bedizened than most women. On Net-a-Porter for $4,195.

Jana Feifer vs. Céline: Two Times the Two-Tone Totes

Does Jana Feifer’s tote look oddly familiar to you? That’s because it is. Meet the look-alike of the week! Jana Feifer’s relaxed leather bag is a direct riff on Céline’s “Bi-Cabas” tote. But Céline wasn’t doing anything exactly brand-new in the first place. Simple, north-to-south, two-handled tote bags are as simple and classic as they come, and color-blocking is by no means a novel concept – we’ve taken it right out of the mod sixties.So why spend more when you can spend less? While Céline’s is albeit far more luxe, in rich lambskin with fine stitching and a more structured look (higher-quality leather will do that), but Jana Feifer’s softer, slouchier take in carefree color combinations, is equally agreeable. I say if you love the style, take advantage of this good frugal option – and save your cash for a Céline that can’t be as readily recreated, like the “Luggage Phantom.”Jana Feifer Two-Toned Leather Tote available in White/Orange, Coral/Green, and Orange/Magenta on Elyse Walker for $550.

Dolce & Gabbana Nappa With Gold Star Chain Clutch

How magical is this bag? I picture myself throwing this on my arm while running out the door wearing a hot orange cut out dress by Pency and some sexy Dolce Vita black wedges on my way to a hot date on a breezy summer night. Something about this purse seems very whimsical to me. I guess it could be the stars. You never know. The little zip and snap button closure purse has one internal pocket and is down to it’s guts with leopard print lining. The little stars dance off a delicate gold metal hardware chain. This clutch is romantic, delicate and perfect for a date night full of magic, butterflies, and lots and lots of wine.Luisa Via Roma for $859