The LIST

Yes ladies, it's about that time: one of the most EXCITING and HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED (can't you see my enthusiasm manifested in the caps??) pieces of mail a fashion-freak can receive: the Neiman Marcus Book.  After paging through this season's sizable, and might I add, heavy piece of artistic inventory, I became inspired.  Tucked inside was "The List," a beautifully succinct catalogue of the heaviest-hitting trends for S/S 2012.  Cue the brain lightbulb...what a fabulous idea for a series of posts!

For the next month and a half or so (there are 9 trends, so I may double up), I would like to showcase each item on The List by taking a look at what's out there in the retail world.  As always, I will bring in a few pictures from my own collection (some of which will, of course, include pieces handed down to me from my impressively stylish mother).  Pricing, designer, and where to buy will also be included, so that my most dedicated followers ;) can have a go without much grunt work involved!

And now to the debut of The List, I would like to introduce......the ever-popular.....classically timeless (redundant? Eh...)....can-never-have-too-many......clutch.


"The Clutch: Get Your Hands on the Bag of Choice"



The clutch is one of my greatest fashion obsessions, an item that can give an otherwise simple or understated outfit that Wow! factor.  Although I have to say that some of my favorites are classic black patent, or a neutral camel or cognac leather, I also tend to gravitate to the ones that really stand out!  Think bold colors (i.e. jewel tones, candy hues, or day-glow), lots of sequins, and even punk-rock hardware.  If you're someone like me who tends to shy away from bright colors or conspicuous details when it comes to clothing, take a risk with your accessories.  And, start with a bold clutch!

Some favorites from my own wardrobe...

Hint: YSL Navy Patent Clutch at bottom left, $475, Comes in many colors and the price is right!

See Net-a-Porter.com: YSL Clutch

Now, let's take a look at what's out there in the retail world...

Clutch: $1-$200

Left to Right: Pink Folded Suede Clutch, Topshop ($64, also comes in blue); Harlow Metal-Plate Envelope Clutch, BCBG, bcbg.com ($128); Oversized Striped Clutch, Muze, Nordstrom ($148); Val Clutch, House of Harlow, shopbop.com ($195); Reversible Envelope Clutch, Trouve, Nordstrom ($138); Large Printed Clutch, Curatorial for Urban Renewal, Urban Outfitters ($24, more colors available); Lemon Meringue Pie Yellow Clutch, lulus.com ($37); Large Leather Carry-All Pouch, American Apparel ($56, every color you can think of available, also in suede); Medium Carry-All, American Apparel ($46, same colors); Embroidered Zipper Pouch, 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, Nordstrom ($108); Maya Colorblock Clutch, Banana Republic ($90); Lilly Pleated Clutch, Danielle Nicole, Piperlime ($78); Hot Streak Clutch, Anthropologie ($148); Sardinia Basket Clutch, Felix Rey, shopbop.com (140)

Favorite: Large Printed Clutch from Urban Outfitters- Tribal is huge this year!  Pair this with a flowy dress and gladiator sandals!  

P.S. I own the Large Carry-all from American Apparel, and it's definitely worth it!  Try tying a silk scarf to the zipper to add some flair!

Clutch: $201-$500

Left to Right: Circle Leather Clutch, Jil Sander, net-a-porter.com ($360); Nixie Clutch, Be & D, shopbop ($248); Tonda Printed Haircalf Convertible Clutch, DVF, dvf.com ($495); New York Charm Travel Magazine Clutch, Kate Spade, Nordstrom ($298); Colorblock Leather Envelope, Chloe, net-a-porter.com ($450); Maryanne Wood Minaudiere, Nordstrom ($495); Diane Clutch, Theodora & Callum, shopbop ($398); The Clutch Sequined Bag, The Bag Snob for DKNY, net-a-porter ($265); Stella Faux Croc Skin Envelope Clutch, RAVEN raven kauffman couture, Saks ($450); 31 Minute Clutch, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saks ($450)

Favorite: 31 Minute Clutch by Phillip Lim- The perfect LBC (Little Black Clutch)

Clutch: $500 Plus

Left to Right: Valorie Glitter Clutch, Anya Hindmarch, shopbop ($550, more colors available); Pom Pom Embellished Suede Clutch, Matthew Williamson, net-a-porter ($1,325); Studded Intrecciato Leather Clutch, Bottega Veneta, Barney's ($1,780); Two-Tone Sequin Clutch, Miu Miu, net-a-porter ($995); Printed Satin De-Manta Clutch, A. McQueen, Saks ($525); Classic Skull Leopard Haircalf Clutch, McQueen, Saks ($1,450); Rossum Woven Leather Clutch, Anya Hindmarch, net-a-porter ($550); Woven Leather Flap Clutch, Burberry Prorsum, Saks ($1,295); YSL Large Denim Clutch, YSL, Saks ($695)

Favorite: Anya Hindmarch Glitter clutch-  Comes in other amazing, bold colors.  What a statement piece!  I love the idea of it with white skinnies and a silk cami.  Let this guy do the talking, please...

Enjoy!  And, happy shopping!!!

M