the thing with clutches

photos by Diamond Oak Photography
 shirt | jeans | shoes | clutch | watch | sunnies | similar necklace  



The older I get, the more clutches I seem to collect. I've gotten at least five new clutches for summer, and I have a feeling it won't stop there (shhh, don't tell Zach). In my high school and college days, I would get a new handbag (usually a $30 Bealls special) and carry it till the straps fell off. It needed to be pretty good size, because I'd throw all kinds of crap in that thing. Cleaning the bag out once it did finally throw in the towel was a job that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Yuck. Poor Bealls special.

I'm certainly not above buying a handbag from Bealls to this day, as the clutch I'm holding above was a Goodwill find for $1.99. The thing I love about clutches is that they're such a fun, unexpected accessory. Adding a bright colored clutch to an otherwise neutral outfit creates a pop of color and an eye-catching ensemble. I used to think that clutches were only for fancy occasions, like weddings or the prom. Now I carry clutches almost daily and I'm certainly too old to go to prom.

Here's how I make it work. On a day to day basis, I carry this large Michael Kors tote. I prefer a big bag for errands and playdates because at any given time there are at least three water bottles, an umbrella, and the kitchen sink in that thing. Don't worry, it's much more organized than my high school days (most of the time). Inside the tote, I keep a couple of small clutches like the one pictured above. If I'm running to have lunch with a girlfriend or to happy hour with Zach, I just throw my wallet and phone in one of the clutches and I'm set. This way I'm still prepared at all times with my Mary Poppins bag, but also can look a little more put-together for an event. 

If you're thinking of starting a clutch collection for yourself, this one is one of my very favorites. It's such a classic envelope shape and transitions easily from day to night wear. It's also in the prettiest serenity blue shade, which is one of Pantone's two colors of the year for 2016. I'm not sure why I'm trying to sell you on this bag so much; I think I missed my calling as a used car salesman. Or maybe selling vacuums door to door. That's probably more my speed.

Happy Hump Day, friends!
xo, Britt