Carry Art With You: Eye Catching Clutches

Photos: (outside clockwise from top left) Poppy Delevigne, street style, Yuanyuan Gao, Miranda Kerr, street style, Cynthia Smith; (middle two) Olivia Palermo and Alexa Chung. Courtesy of: vogue.it; tyle.com; instyle.co.uk; vogue.com; fabsugar.com; jakandjil.com.

If the key words for summer accessories are “bold” and “bright” (like these sunny yellow goodies featured here), then for the coming season they should be “embellished” and “animal printed”. About the sizes? Big enough for your ipad or small enough just for your smart phone and lipstick, nothing in between. As you can see in the picture above, from sequins to feathers, from graffiti to stripes, from tribal pattern to animal print, more dramatic, more fun.

My favorite embellished clutch should be—the Fendi Daisy! The first time I saw them on the runway, I immediately fell in love. Adore the mix of textures: silk, beads, sequins, snakeskin, fox fur, metallic leather all blend together harmoniously. Also love love the patterns, whether the big blooming daisies on the snakeskin clutch, the small cute English daisies on the beaded clutch, or the stunning metallic petals on Daisy Lamé. It’s so hard to decide which one to keep. After a long debate, the two stay on my list are this versatile cross body Daisy that goes perfectly with sun dress, denim jacket or trench coat and this large Daisy for the understated palette, classic checks, edgy studs, and most importantly, perfect size for my ipad!

Daisy clutch (black version here)
Daisy beaded snakeskin clutch with fox fur trim (burgundy version here)
Daisy beaded clutch in green
Daisy beaded clutch in gold
Daisy Lamé Clutch (also here, silver/rose version here)
Daisy clutch, large (perfectly fits an ipad)

Animal printed pieces never go out of style, especially clutches. They can spice up any outfit without making us look vulgar. When I’m shopping for classic pieces, I always look for details. This snakeskin and tribal pattern clutch has the whipstitch detail, panelled design, classic color palette and detachable wrist strap, what elso can we ask for? Pair it with a tailored blazer in a contrast green color and a pair of leather leggings, you get a chic, edgy, cheerful look.

This python clutch by Rebecca Minkoff has my favorite sleek, structured envelope shape. And the color goes with everything, from neutrals to brights like blue and red. Here I paired it with a kinetic jersey racer back dress to let the bag take the center stage.

Left look: Alice + Olivia blazer
Karen Millen limited edition clutch (on sale!)
Right look: Helmut kinetic dress (maxi version here )
Rebecca Minkoff python clutch

For the coming 2013 spring, designers focus on the past and the future. Vintage retro pieces will keep having their moments in the coming year. This printed clutch has an attractive vintage vibe and vivid natural scene. In the coming fall, I will pair it with one of the hottest colors-burgundy. This burgundy wool dress brings out the retro red hue in the clutch. The sequined collar adds a preppy and unexpected touch.

My favorite way to play with vintage floral pattern is paring it with denim and animal print. This See by Chloe chambray shirt tones down the ladylike bag, while the subtle zebra mini skirt adds a modern vibe and an interesting contrast.