Trend Alert: The Classic Clutch

Every season the powers that be proclaim the "it" handbag of the season.  While all of the fashionista's bury themselves in debt trying to keep up with all of the latest proclamation, the rest of us search around for the perfect lower priced version. The never ending cycle of the fashion world... exhausting!

For this exact reason, there was a collective sigh of relief when the news started to spread late this winter that the clutch was the bag to have this spring.  Why, do you ask?  Well, for starters, the clutch is something that I would say 99% of us already own.  Plus, if you would like to add a new a clutch to your collection, you won't break the bank - great clutches are sold at every price point.  Last, but not least, the clutch has some serious staying power.  This is a classic style of handbag. It is not going anywhere... ever.

With that being said, the amount you use a clutch is based on your lifestyle.  If you are just a nighttime user of the bag, you probably don't need too many... black, animal and/or python print, a metallic, possibly a color, and a summer version (i.e. straw or cork).  If you are a daytime and nighttime user, you might need a larger variety of styles... oversize, small, structured, etc. in a well-chosen assortment of colors and prints.

Now, that you are going to be noticing clutches everywhere you go for the next few days, I want to introduce you to Claire Vivier.  She is a French handbag designer who lives in LA.  She started her handbag line due to the fact that she couldn't find functional laptop cases that were also stylish.  Now, she has a fabulous line of handbags that are bold yet clean and classic.  They are well-crafted, but still affordable.  In other words, a must have this spring!

Just to give you an idea of why I love Claire Vivier so much, here are a few fab images I found online...

For a full assortment of colors and styles, you must check out the Claire Vivier website.  You won't be sorry, promise!

                                                                                                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of seevivier.com, paloma81.blogspot.com, pinterest.com.

Fabulous Color!

At this point in the year (or season), I am completely sick of my clothes.  Don't you get to that point where you feel like you have worn the same outfit so many times that you never want to see it again?!  The only time that this feeling is worse, is when you are pregnant.  Why?  When you are at the end of your pregnancy, the last thing you want to do is buy new clothes.  It is the same way that you feel about buying a summer dress in the middle of August (wouldn't the money be better spent on a new bow blouse for fall?!).  But, I digress.  It is just that at this time of the year, you can't wear many of the fall offerings, but you still have weddings, dinners, or a night out in which you need something to wear.

This post came about as I was assisting a client find a new way to wear a fabulous dress for an upcoming wedding.  Seriously, we all get tired of our nude pumps after awhile (I am sure that Kate Middleton is sick of her's by now!).  It isn't that we don't want to wear them again, it is just that we need a break.  One of the best accessories trends this fall to wear now is saturated color.  Whether it is shoes or handbags, it is time to have fun with color.  This ties into a previous post (True Blue), but I wanted to add a few pieces that will add value to any wardrobe!

First there is the Ivanka Trump Animal Print Pump...

This girl knows how to make a good looking shoe at a decent price (under $150!).

Then there is the absolutely amazing Dolce Vita Suede Pump...

And, it's under $200.  Jackpot!

As far as great clutches in bright colors, plus, a very cool animal print, look no further than Claire Vivier.

There are two versions of CV's clutch of which I am a fan... the flat and the foldover.  The green is the only image that I could get large enough to post, but you must check out her website.  The choice in colors will have you drooling, I promise! 

                                                                                            

Two great ways to update your look with color.  Try one, or both, and have fun!

                                                                                                

                                                                                                                     - Allison 

*Photos courtesy of bloomingdales.com, heels.com, seevivier.com.