enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Clutch3
this is my favorite clutch, purchased the summer after I graduated college. The label inside says "Alexander Muller handbags" but a google search produced nothing helpful.

I had a lot of fun last month sharing my favorite maxis dresses and skirts and so I thought this month I would share my second favorite thing to shop for and collect… clutches. I adore a fantastic clutch and am just as picky about what I carry as what I wear.

Clutch
above is a j.crew invitation clutch from a few years ago. similar here.

First they have to be decent sized. A question I like to ask is "would this fit my iPad?" I am not sure why this is, as when I am using just a clutch I really only carry my iPhone, ID, credit card, lip gloss, granola bar (I spend 80% of my time starving these days), keys and sunglasses. But size matters. Small clutches make me nervous.

Clutch2
I am pretty sure this Stephanie Johnson Pouch is meant to be a makeup bag, but I have carried it for years.

Obviously solid colors are easy but I am also always looking for the perfect mix of neutral and pattern. It has to be crazy and it has to go with everything. It's a delicate balance, for sure. The awesome thing about a clutch is that it can be your statement. But you want it to be a statement that you'll get a ton of use out of too.

Clutch4
this one is the Helena de Natalio Giselle Clutch but sadly, is no longer available.

I love clutches with zip closures or envelope tops. I also love ones that are designed to be folded over. I have a hard time resisting a top fold. I hate "hardware" so no big metal buckles or extra loops and latches. I don't love that slouchy fabric look and bows are not my thing.

I always carry a clutch for nights out and I used to love them for daytime, but now with the kiddo, I haul around a bit more (plus I need my hands free to lug the carseat). But the theory is that if I am going to buy them, I am going to use them. Often.

Last thing… while with maxis I tend to be more about quantity over quality (I mean, let's get real, it's jersey fabric) with clutches I care about the quality much more. Clutches are a collection for me (the only thing I actually collect aside from house plants) and so I am willing to spend more on them (and then make sure I have places to use them).

So, without further ado… below are some of the clutches that recently caught my eye. It's a fun mix of solids and pattern, handmade and big brands.

Clutches

moyna flower embroidered clutch $154, persifor electric arrow pouch $58, scout and catalogue libro clutch $88, jasper & jeera duality clutch $98, coriumi screenprinted iPad case $45, alternative apparel sierra clutch $78, job & boss blocked shibori clutch $108, clare vivier grand pochetter $178, cleobella leo clutch $110, blackbird and the owl large brown leather clutch $95, death and texas large hip pouch $88, gap colorblock leather bag $55 (I'd remove that strap and ta-da! clutch!). Please note, links may be affiliate.

p.s. this clutch is still one of my favorite DIY projects.

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21 responses to “clutch round-up.”

  1. Amanda Avatar

    Love this roundup! I just recently started carrying around a clutch for close-to-home outings and I love it! It feels so freeing somehow!

    Like

  2. Megan Anderson Avatar

    These look awesome, but I’m so scatterbrained that I’d probably leave a clutch behind about 40% of the time because it’s not attached to me in some way–hah!
    I love how you use them to add a personality punch to more neutral clothing, though.

    Like

  3. Mandie Avatar

    I made my own clutch and started using clutches soon after you posted that DIY, but have found several months now, since I’ve used any. I’m curious if using a clutch for momma to stuff inside of a diaper bag would work(for myself). What do you think, now that you’ve had a few months experience?

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  4. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    I’m always hungry when nursing (nursing my third child now, so I can say that statement is fact). Is that what you mean by starving 80% of the time? I try to remedy it with lots of water, granola bars and/or nuts, dried fruit, greek yogurt, etc. Great post; thanks for sharing!

    Like

  5. Emily S Avatar
    Emily S

    I like this style-related posts. I always enjoy seeing how bloggers style themselves.

    Like

  6. brianna Avatar
    brianna

    I own one clutch that I inherited from my grandmother – it’s a fancy one. I’d love some more, though. I hate carrying a purse more than anything, but clutches are a good compromise.

    Like

  7. kristy.lynn Avatar
    kristy.lynn

    I’m not much of a clutch person, having two kiddos in tow, although the idea of one appealed to me when I became a “toss it into the diaper bag” mama. It was nice having “my” stuff in one bag, and so I just used a little zippered pouch. I have been SERIOUSLY contemplating this one, as it’d be a good one to covert from diaper toting mama bag, to a hands free solution when you need it. Just thought I’d share & support handmade! 🙂
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/153691535/waxed-canvas-leather-convertible?ref=col_view

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  8. elise blaha Avatar

    I do almost the opposite… I carry a clutch of baby stuff in my normal purse. 🙂 I have a zippered bag that is washable and in it, I have a change of clothes, extra cloth diaper, wipes and a burb rag for e. It’s working perfectly for now when we don’t have too much stuff to tote around.

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  9. elise blaha Avatar

    totally what I mean. Starving and thirsty for water always 🙂

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  10. elise blaha Avatar

    love that. thanks for sharing a link!

    Like

  11. Marcia Avatar
    Marcia

    This was really incredibly helpful. I’m not so gifted in the “style” department, and this outline of what you look for is a great starting point to making wise accessory choices.

    Like

  12. Brooke Avatar
    Brooke

    this just makes me want to go shop! oh, man! 🙂

    Like

  13. Carrie Rosalind Avatar

    What a fun roundup! I must admit, I think I own maybe one clutch. I usually prefer something I can throw over my shoulder, but after seeing these I want to go shopping!

    Like

  14. Nihal Avatar

    I guess I can never be the clutch kind of girl. I like my hands to be free always. But they are kind of great to carry things inside big bags.

    Like

  15. Coty and Mariah Avatar

    What a fun post! I’ve now got the itch to purchase myself a new clutch..or two. Thanks!

    Like

  16. Libbi M. (Ashland, Oregon) Avatar
    Libbi M. (Ashland, Oregon)

    are you going to participate in ali edwards “week in the life” this year?

    Like

  17. J3SS1C4 Avatar

    What a fun post! I’m so not a clutch person, but there are so many cute options here!

    Like

  18. mandie Avatar

    Great idea. 🙂

    Like

  19. Marcie L Avatar
    Marcie L

    That first flower embroidered clutch from shopbop is on sale for 30% off! Yes, I just ordered one…my first clutch! Thanks for the post!

    Like

  20. Felicitas Avatar

    Einfach super, die sehen ganz toll aus.

    Like

  21. Michele Avatar
    Michele

    I have a beautiful Alexander muller clutch that I was going to list on eBay if your interested. Thanks 🙂

    Like

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