Carrie Bradshaw of “Sex & the City” got a lot of things wrong, but one of the things that she got right was knowing that a great clutch can elevate any outfit. Imagine this: you’re lounging at home, trying to figure out what to make for dinner, dressed in your favorite Levi’s and a turtleneck sweater because, come on, it’s January and it’s cold outside even in sunny LA. The phone rings and it’s a dear friend from college who you haven’t seen in ages. She’s in town for one night and wants you to meet her for dinner across town in 30 minutes. Which gives you exactly no time to change your clothes. What do you do?
First off, you say “hell yes”. Not only is it important to catch up with old friends, but being spontaneous is good for your brain, helping to keep it razor sharp. Furthermore, shaking up your routine helps to battle the blues which have a tendency to run rampant this month. Next, you dash to your closet, trade out your wool clogs for a pair of heels and grab a great clutch. For Carrie, it was the Fendi baguette. The show may have made it famous, but here’s the thing about a great bag, it’s still in style though significantly more expensive than it was 1998. Which is why I’m so grateful that Stuart Vevers has taken over designing for Coach. He’s brought his years of experience with brands such as Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry and has applied them to the Dinky Crossbody bag. This incredibly versatile purse can be worn across your body on a leather strap or chain (you can buy a variety of designs for multiple looks) or with no strap as a super stylish clutch. Fantastic looking, these bags aren’t cheap ($700 – $900), but they’re about a 1/4 of the price of a Fendi and just as fabulous. Here are two of my favorites:
To check out the whole collection, click here. And if these are a bit out of your price range, Diane Von Furstenberg has a fantastic little satin number that comes in really fun, bright colors that’ll work year round. All for under $200. Talk about a deal. Check ’em out here.
Ok, so all you need is a swipe of red lipstick and you’re ready to roll without anybody being the wiser that 5 minutes ago, you were a coach potato. I’m telling you…. a great clutch is a powerful thing.