Male Box: J’Adore Couture

My readers know what a rapid fashion Francophile I am when it comes to fashion, but you may be asking yourself why. As all my fellow fashion editors are reeling from the recent offerings at New York Fashion Week, why am I still waxing rhapsodic about the Paris couture from last month? In the “new obsessed” world of fashion, why do I seem to care more about spring couture than fall ready-to-wear? The answer is simple. Diffusion!

In the old days – I mean 100 years before my time – Paris dictated fashion to the world. A year later American fashion would follow. In recent times, American RTW designers’ February shows for fall might show influences of HC designers’ January shows for March delivery. With the advent of fast fashion and twitter and instagram, diffusion from couture to mass production is much faster than ever before. Of course, only elements of couture design are incorporated by mass manufacturers, but if you know what you’re looking for you can jump on a directional trend as quickly as any haute couture customer.

Bill Gaytten’s second collection for Christian Dior was even more hotly anticipated than his first following the scandalous “departure” of his predecessor. For this, he explored the archives to analyze the DNA of the brand while it was still under the direction of Monsieur Dior himself. What emerged on the catwalk this season is a deconstructivist treatise on the essence of  Dior. Before you go thinking that he brought grunge to couture, let me tell you that he used cutaways and sheer fabric to reveal the masterful workmanship that underlies couture. We even see the point d’esprit lace that appeared on several New York  runways by the end of fashion week. See what I mean about diffusion? You don’t have to pay Parisian couture prices to have this by March or even American prices to have it by August. You can go find it right now!

Riccardo Tisci has masterfully helmed Givenchy since Alexander McQueen’s departure. This season he presented 10 pieces of haute couture that combined required more hours of artisan handiwork than an entire 38 piece ready to wear collection. One crocodile inspired evening gown required over 300 hours to hand treat and apply individual “scales”. The truly “directional”  story at this house is the “new” bare and the artful draping that reveals it.

The design duo at Valentino showed a much larger haute couture collection, reflecting perhaps the emergence of a new  generation of customers coming of age or perhaps a renewed interest in the brand since the recent auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s vintage couture collection. Regardless of the reason, three distinct trends emerged from the more than 40 looks. For  comparison, the average American RTW runway show has 36 looks. Long sleeves for evening are a must for the Valentino woman. Whether they are opaque or sheer and applied with lace is a matter of her personal preference. Sheer high collars over strapless dresses are another key to Valentino’s signature demure but sexy style. Finally, the old spring standby of floral is given a breath of freshness with old world embroideries and hand techniques.

Giorgio Armani is among the few Italian designers invited to show during the Paris couture. Signore Valentino paved the way in the 1960s that has since been well trod by the likes of Armani and even Donatella Versace. Futuristic shapes, artful draping, and knife edge pleating were the key elements to take away from the Armani Prive collection.  Armani is known in America as a staple of the red carpet. We will surely see some of his evening gowns at the Oscars next month.

No round up of the haute couture season would be complete with Chanel. The key trend here is blue – 150 shades of blue to be exact!  Blue appeared in all its permutations from retro to futuristic. Portrait collars will be another staple of the well dressed woman this season. With all the emphasis on statement necklaces (instead of rings) in recent seasons, it’s about time that  fashion caught up and created the right frames. My personal favorite is the return of the bateau neck. This oval stand up collar reveals the most flattering parts of a woman’s neck and collarbones without being too revealing. Finally, full short sleeves from cap to bell shaped add just the right amount of femininity to spring fashion.

If you are wondering where all the color is, the answer is Alexis Mabille. While all the other designers kept to pretty spare palettes to better highlight their expertise in design and construction, Mabille put every color in the rainbow – and then some – into one collection. Each of the twenty one head-to-toe monochrome looks explored various signature elements of haute couture from draping to tailoring to volume.

This spring, the best dressed women in the world will be sporting these looks. Why not pick an element – like the first flower of spring – and get the jump on your fellow fashionistas wherever you are? Six months from now you can “compliment” them on their newest looks which you’ll already be discarding as you adapt the fall couture from the shows in July.

– Joseph Ungoco

Photos: Spring 2012 Couture, Style.com

Haute Historian: Go Bold. Versace

“Go big or go home” is a popular motto that gets bandied about, encouraging people to be extravagant and daring during life’s many endeavors. This season, however, there’s a new but seemingly similar adage being used: “go bold.” At least that’s what I’ve been seeing in my inbox over the past several weeks from the plethora of emails I receive from fashion retailers, magazines and blogs. I’m either being told to “go bold” or “be bright” but regardless of the exact wording, the saying is definitely referring to the trend of introducing color, vibrant colors at that, into ones spring and summer wardrobe. From experience, transitioning ones closet from predominately black to one that has splashes of vivid color sounds easy enough, but the actual wearing of said colored garment out is a bit more difficult. Not to worry however, in order to partake in this very accessible fashion trend one needs look no further than Versace for inspiration on how to wear bright colors and go bold.

Gianni Versace hit the fashion scene in the 1970s and founded the Versace label in 1978, which became an almost immediate success and is to this day Italy’s number one fashion house. Now run under the guiding hands of Donatella Versace, Versace’s fame originally came to fruition thanks to her brother Gianni’s skills as a clothing designer. He was able to hone his craft in his mother’s dress-making shop, but what really brought the clothing line recognition was the body-conscious gowns, plunging necklines, rock n’ roll inspired fashion shows, and the use of the most popular and beautiful models of the day. Versace was actually the inspiration in the coining of the term “supermodel” as Gianni paid an exorbitant amount of money to have Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and the other top models of the late 1980s and early 1990s to showcase his garments on the runway.

Versace is known for quite a number of other fashion brilliances as well, including the creation of the chainmail dress and Elizabeth Hurley’s safety pin gown, not to mention the vibrant “jungle” green dress Jennifer Lopez wore to the Grammy awards in 2000. Regardless of what the latest trend is during the varying seasons, Versace seems to stay true to two things; showcase a woman’s physique in a body conscious way and make the garment eye catching, which usually involves the use of color. Maybe it’s the origins of Versace hailing from the Mediterranean where colors seem to be especially appealing, but the use of color in their clothing seems to give confidence to the woman who wears it, by saying go ahead and look, for nothing seems to draw the eye more than an alluring color. Need further encouragement to add a splash of bright to your wardrobe? Just visit Versace.com to see the glowing fashions.

1. Versace Spring 1991 RTW
2. Versace Vintage 1991
3. Jennifer Lopez In Versace 2000
4. Versace  Spring 2003 RTW
5. Versace Spring 2012
 Couture

–Bonnie J Brown

Image Layout: Amy Newling

Celebrity Style: Runway Looks That Suit NYFW Front Row Celebrities

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall ’12 in New York has come and gone and while the runways were stunning, so in fact, were the celebrity front row fixtures. We had some names we knew were going to be there (Kelly Osbourne at Badgley Mischka and Ashley Greene at Donna Karan) and some total surprises that came out of nowhere (Camila Alves at Monique Lhuillier and Yigal Azrouel, Viola Davis at Vera Wang.) Whatever the case, we were proud to see big name celebs like the Olsen twins, Uma Thurman, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Rooney Mara, Bar Refaeli, Jessical Alba and more.

That brought more questions to the forefront like why is Julianne Moore at Reed Krakoff, what is Leighton Meester doing at Vera Wang (oh yeah, she’s the VW fragrance spokesperson) and does Matt Damon really like Naeem Khan or was he just supporting his wife?

Four stars in particular caught my eye and I wanted to do a little investigating into why they were at said designer’s show and what ensemble from the runway might be best suited for them.  Here’s what I came up with:

Camila Alves at Yigal Azrouel

It was a pleasant surprise to see Camila Alves at more than one show this Fashion Week including Monique Lhuillier and Herve Leger by Max Azria.  So what was she doing at the Yigal Azrouel show wearing an electric blue Yigal ball skirt with two slits? We’re not quite sure, considering she told media publications she’s quite a vintage shopper and a thrifter. Whatever the case, it’s obvious that the Brazilian model is getting her fix at one of New York’s finest shops in the Meathpacking District and we know that Yigal Azrouel’s pieces would be perfect for Alves since his Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collection this season was long and lean, which is exactly what Alves is. What I’m also sure Alves liked about the collection is that it had a sense of modesty, while also boasting fierce prints and bold colors.  That’s the thing we love about Matthew McConaughey’s fiance, she’s quiet, sweet and never one to bare all.

This long green leather skirt that falls below the knees is just perfect with the bluish print top that shows just a bit of skin at the cleavage, but not too much. Perfect for Camila Alves, too.  I could see her rocking it at a day event or even on a stroll with the future hubby and kids. Perhaps without the heels.

Whitney Port at Mara Hoffman 

Whitney Port has always been a devout Mara Hoffman fan. At the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 designer’s showing, she paired a gorgeous long print skirt with a tucked in cream blouse and an oversize purple jacket. Knowing Hoffman’s designs, the skirt was obviously Mara Hoffman. And Port is obviously the quintessential Mara Hoffman fan. “I love Mara Hoffman,” she said at the show, “Her prints are always so fun and she has a great outlook on color.”

Hoffman’s Fall/Winter 2012 Collection  was all about that, infusing colors with an ethnic-inspired print that she was experimenting with for the show.  Port, a dedicated fan of bright colors and prints, would totally rock the above runway look with slouchy print pants and a tucked in white blouse (something she also loves to wear.) I don’t see her wearing the hat, of course.

Susan Sarandon at Costello Tagliapietra

While Susan Sarandon‘s clothing style is always, ahem, “questionable” (we much prefer the style of her daughter Eva Amurri) perhaps it’s better that she’s in the front row of Costello Tagliapietra (which seems to cater itself to a more mature audience) than for example, wearing a black Stella McCartney dress with spots that looked too young on her. We didn’t like what Sarandon was wearing in the front row, either, jeans (too casual, this isn’t the Levis runway!), a denim-like jacket with flowers pasted on the side, a striped shirt, and a weird hat that looked like she was trying to be younger than she really is again. We do like what she said about the designer duo, that they “envision real women in the clothes.”

We’d much prefer Sarandon in an ensemble that features both prints and a jacket. We feel like Sarandon can have her fun with prints in a dress with a special pattern designed by the CT duo and then layer an oversize beige jacket with a cinched tie at the waist and open collar in red. For some reason, I can totally see Sarandon rocking this look like no other and its really the best of both worlds – a mature woman who has fun with fashion.

Ashley Greene at DKNY

Twilight star Ashley Greene has long been a spokesperson for Donna Karan and the DKNY label and has worn Donna Karan to many events, including the CFDA Awards and the 2011 Met Costume Institute Gala. So it was no big surprise to us to see her along side the DKNY and Donna Karan runways. We also like that she’s supporting the designer, who ironically, she wore a ton before she became the actual spokesmodel for the label. She called it an organic fit. What we like about Donna is that she knows how to create fashion for the modern woman in bold colors and fabrics without going overboard on prints. That’s why you might see a lot of magenta and furs in her collection but not a lot of squiggly craziness.

That’s why we like Ashley Greene’s bold red dress see in the front row at the DKNY event and we think this fuchsia stunner with slightly transparent top, form fitting body and tulip-y bottom from the Fall/Winter 2012-2013 collection would be perfect for the actress.

–Simona Kogan

Celebrity Photos: Camila Alves, Zimbio; Whitney Port, people.com, Susan Sarandon, Zimbio, Ashley Greene, Ash-Green.org

Runway Photos of Yigal Azrouel, Mara Hoffman, Costello Tagliapietra and DKNY: Style.com

Living Vintage. Spring 2012 Couture

Couture is the precious, rare, gem of the fashion empire. It is the foundation of fashion design, coveted for its history, collectibility, and unprecedented elegance. But as the couture industry has reach near obsolescence, the availability of such luxe, paintstakingly hand-constructed garments is limited to those which have been delicately preserved, fighting their way from decade to decade.

Thankfully, although pret-a-porter is the dominating culture of fashion, there are a handful of designers who have clung to their roots, producing soulful couture collections year after year inspired by and geared towards the most elite of fashion’s connoisseurs. This year’s couture season featured the work of just 12 designers, including Dior, Gaultier, Versace and Chanel. While the collections reflect the sensibility of 2012 tones and trends, the references and techniques are rooted staunchly in the past. It is living vintage. Although each collection was a sensation, a few stood out for their impassioned odes to the past:

Valentino

Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri’s sensually ethereal, flowing collection was poignantly inspired by eighteenth century France and the Age of Enlightenment. Although delicate floral patterns and heaps of flowing fabric were dominant themes, the lines remained chic, with Piccioli and Chiuri taking care to remember the body and embrace form within the movement.  Evoking the country quality of ornate French gardens (ie: Versailles) this collection is breathless and effervescent in its lightness, and rich in elegance inspired by royal ingénues.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Gaultier’s collection playfully created an exaggerated depiction of the 1950s infused with his couture homage to Amy Winehouse. Sartorially a triumph, his work was attacked by Winehouse’s father, who told the British Sun that it was “in bad taste,” and glamourized “some of the more upsetting times of her life.” Outrageous black bouffants were punctuated by highly stylized suit, skirt and pant combos in bold hues and a cheeky mix of grunge, pop and sequined accents. A powerful tribute reflecting adoration, and not antagonism, this collection is a brilliant addition to Gaultier’s canon.

Giambattista Valli

Valli’s extraordinary, breathtakingly elegant 2012 Couture collection represents the “best of” in atelier couture training, with the designer aiming to translate everything he’d learned as a couturier into one runway show. Austerity is the name of the game here, with Valli incorporating the historical techniques and design sensibility of everyone from Roberto Capucci to the Ungaro atelier where he once trained, peppering his opulent collection with a nod to Ava Gardner’s inspired glamour. Many models seemed nearly sewn in to garments as form-fitting as a corset — hearkening to an age where the female body was truly the canvas and a mold for sartorial sensuality.

Givenchy

This season, Ricardo Tisci emboldened Givenchy with a futuristic Gothic elegance, inspired by his past seven years at the design house, as well as the 1972 film, Metropolis, and 1924’s Aelita: Queen of Mars. This cache of references is perhaps the most poignant reflection on history of the couture collections, marked by brilliant styling and extraordinary design — not the least of which, a crocodile gown that took over 350 hours to make. Tisci modernized the vintage qualities of couture in a way that completely erased contemporary fashion. In the past decade, we’ve rarely seen a designer ignite fashion with such inspiration and ingenuity as to displace the current moment. His bold statement is a gift to us all.

Versace

Tisci was not the only designer inspired by Metropolis, and the allure of old Hollywood glamour this season. Versace’s collection, evoking the power of “warrior women” functions as an army of gilded second skins. One might detect a slight battle between good and evil, with the smooth, reptilian glamour of seductive floor-length gowns battling their corrupt seductress alter egos. Equally as luxe. Equally as sexy. In the glory days of couture, clothing was designed and built to empower femininity — almost weapon-like in its ability to seduce, tempt, and allure. Versace’s references were powerfully on point — a reminder that in moving forward, we must always keep a keen eye fixed on the past.

— Amanda Aldinger

Photos: Style.com

Image Layout: Amy Newling

Pret Reporteur: An Old Romantic

What is it about February that makes us all a little love-sick? Okay, perhaps it’s because the most romantic day of the year happens to fall right in the middle of the month – let’s thank St. Valentine for that one.  Still there’s something about this time of year, the crossroads between winter and spring, that always has me craving lace, tulle, and silk like a true Victorian romantic.

And so, as cupid’s day draws nearer and we rack our brains in search of style-inspiration for our date night out I thought, “Why not break out of the cliché red-and-pink color palette and into some truly romance-inspired pieces?”

•    Who said lace was limited to grandmas? Well, unless your grandma happens to be someone in the likes of Daphne Guinness (if only!) I highly recommend keeping this dress for yourself. The body-conscience silhouette and asymmetric hem keeps the cream lace from looking frumpy and old but its delicate hue keeps it classy and sophisticated, and let’s not forget romantic!

•    Women have always had a love-hate relationship when it came to corsets: we love how we look in them, but we hate how we feel. With this Stuart Weitzman corset-back pump, however, we don’t need to be holding our every breath when we slip it on! Such intricate detailing is hard to find in a shoe and this one is definitely putting us in a Parisian state-of-mind. Did someone just say “Moulin Rouge”?

•    We will no doubt dress up for our big date night out. This time however you can be the one to don the dinner coat.  This Rebecca Minkoff jacket keeps a traditional Victorian-era vibe while its vibrant turquoise color and feminine cut gives it that modern-chic twist we all love.

•    I like to refer this Nina Ricci frock as Queen Victoria’s LBD (with a sexier edge!). Its pleated classic A-line skirt flares out flirtatiously while its elaborate low-cut lace design gives it a raw and edgy, almost rocker feel.

•    No outfit would be complete without a little be-dazzle to set the mood! This Anthropologie necklace’s earthy gems and unique design keeps it from looking too dated. However, the Swarovski crystal centerpiece brings back memories of stately brooches of yesteryear.

1.  Stella McCartney Asymmetric Lace Dress, $4075

2.  Stuart Weitzman Corset-Back Pump, $395

3.  Rebecca Minkoff Becky Silk Jacket, $328

4.  Nina Ricci Cap-Sleeve Lace-Front Dress, $3490

5.  Anthropologie Hewn Cosmos Necklace, $398

–Laurie Espino

Image Layout: Kristine Horton

Style Sleuth: No Layering Required!

Sunny days, 60 degree weather, and light breezes are the signs of a bright, upcoming spring season. Too bad (or good luck) because it’s only February! We’re almost out of the woods from having a cold winter this year. You might be wearing your light jackets and all-year round favorites with ease! Here are a few more pieces you can start donning now, as well as get a head start on that spring shopping.

Prints like floral and polka dots are always a prime choice to rise your blustery weather blues. You don’t have to be solely into the trendy neon or pastel colors but any primary color will help boost your spirits. These bright colors are also popping up in both shoes and accessories, especially in handbags. Even if you have a strict wardrobe policy at work, nothing can make your outfit pop like a bright handbag.

Even though the groundhog did see his shadow (Really? Six more weeks of winter?), with the weather we’ve been experiencing in Chicago lately, I don’t think many of us will mind.

1. Rebecca Taylor Starflower Blouse, $175

2. Nine West Taker Flats, $69

3. ASOS Scallop Edge Satchel, $35.81

4. Sass & Bide Coming Back Embroidered Silk-Blend Shorts, $485

5. Topshop Flock Spot Pencil Skirt, $76

6. 3.1 Philip Lim Sleeveless Sequin Dress, $794

— Taneisha Jordan

Runway to Real Way: Iconic 50′s Style

Between this winter’s mild climate and the fast approaching Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, we’ve got spring fashion on the brain! We’re excited for a lot of the trends we see on the spring runways, but the one we’re most tickled to try is the updated look of classic 50′s fashions. Equal parts demure and sexy, these tailored cuts and fresh colors show that even after all this time, you’re still once, twice, three times a lady.

Fashion in the 50′s was the last testament to ladylike – and sometimes old fashioned – silhouettes before the swinging 60′s. But it also hosted a sea of vibrant prints, splashed across hoop skirts and and cap-sleeved tops. Today’s interpretation of one of the decade’s most popular prints, the polka dot, is a little more whimsical but no less fun. Prabal Gurung’s Resort 2012 collection featured yin and yang-like discs against contrasting backgrounds. The result is an eye popping effect that’s reminiscent of Lucille ball’s signature look. For an even frillier take on the I Love Lucy look, Alberta Ferretti’s silk-chiffon confection adds a pop of color with it’s bold purple piping. it’s covered up enough for work but but is clearly built for play as well. No matter which style you prefer, in a print like that you’ll always be the star. Just like Lucy was.

Another iconic female of the 50′s was the prodigal housewife, June Cleaver of Leave It To Beaver. Her knee-length skirts and strands of pearls were the cornerstone of traditional fashions of the time. And even though we may have moved on quite a bit from those gender roles, we can still appreciate the delicate femininity of the shapes. Acne’s Spring 2012 runway was a delight of candy-colored frocks, many of which bore sleeves, pockets and that perfect tea-length hem that would have made June proud. Cleaner lines, lower waists and a slouchier silhouette characterize many of the modern versions of the June Cleaver dress. But some, like Luisa Beccaria‘s wool-blend faille dress, have that same deliciously stiff, retro quality that we all search for when shopping in our favorite thrift stores. This iridescent blue number is a perfect fit for playing dress up and stepping out on the town. White gloves not needed.

With all these strong but mostly traditional leading ladies of the decade, of course we have to pay tribute to the bombshells as well. One in particular revolutionized fashion by putting her legendary hourglass figure on display, unapologetically. Of course we’re talking about Marilyn Monroe and how she revolutionized halter tops, cute little cardigans and naturally, the pencil skirt. From Some Like It Hot to Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Monroe poured herself into the curve-hugging skirts that made men fall in love with her and women want to be her. To this day, the definitively womanly silhouette of the skirt is often used for purposes both naughty and nice. Marc Jacobs went low-key vamp with his Fall 2011 runway, pairing a skintight, patent leather skirt with a wool jacket and patterned tights. For those of us out there that may want to breathe, the queen of feminine wiles, Donna Karan, makes a  stretch pencil skirt of nylon and cotton for what we’re sure is an ultra-flattering (and surprisingly comfortable) fit. So you can knock ‘em dead without dying yourself.

As the 50′s decade came to a close, fashion was already starting to show signs of how groovy it would become. One of the most notable game changers in women’s wardrobes was the sudden appearance of pants. Culottes, pedal pushers or cigarette pants – whatever you called them, they provided a sense of much need liberation from all the girdles and petticoats. By 1970, Mary Tyler Moore had her own show and was appearing on T.V., in color no less, wearing pants and neck scarves for all the world to see. Yet even in the earlier days, this cute little pair of pants was often paired with flats and a set of tortoise-shell glasses for a day at the shore. The cropped pant has luckily stood the test of time and is still a staple in all of our spring wardrobes. But today’s designers, like Rachel Roy, add a clean sense of tailoring to the pant, to make it more versatile. Today they can even be worn to work! And the bold and punchy hue of the season’s hottest color, tangerine orange, definitely lends the pant more of a 2012 vibe. M Missoni takes the trend a step further with the fun little surprise of a bright pink waistband.And what do you know, Mary Tyler Moore was right: we’re gonna make it after all. Toss on any of these 50′s-inspired fashions and celebrate the women we’ve all become!

1. Polka Dot Dress
Runway: Prabal Gurung Resort 2012 RTW
Real Way: Alberta Ferretti Polka-dot Silk-Chiffon Dress, $1595

2. Knee Length Dress with Sleeves
Runway: Acne Spring 2012 RTW
Real Way: Luisa Beccaria Wool-blend Faille Dress, Now $575

3. Black Pencil Skirt
Runway: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 RTW
Real Way: Donna Karan Black Stretch Pencil Skirt, $1005

4. Bright-Colored Cigarette Pants
Runway: Rachel Roy Spring 2012 RTW
Real Way: M Missoni Colorblock Pants, $425

–Alia Rajput

Runway Photos: NY Mag

Get It Now: Good Morning, Winter Sunshine

We have officially reached the dull, gray days of winter in the northern half of the globe (and if you’re reading this from someplace warm and sunny, I’m jealous). And while it might seem easy to hibernate in black, gray and maybe some navy if you’re feeling adventurous, adding some tropical brights and rich jewel tones can be a good way to wake yourself up in the morning.

It’s impossible not to smile when you look down at a pair of bright yellow pumps, and these Brian Atwoods are gloriously goldenrod, not that juvenile school-bus yellow shade that’s sadly more typical for yellow accessories.

Nothing punctuates an all black outfit quite like a deep red, so try swapping your trusty black boots for a pair of red booties like these Rock and Republic numbers. As an added bonus, they would look fabulous with gray, deep blues and even winter whites and ivories as well.

Hot pink also looks fantastic with all the classic winter neutrals, and while this magenta ruffled silk blouse from Etro may be a splurge, it will brighten both your winter and summer ensembles for years to come.

Nothing is easier to wear than blue jeans, so trying something a bit brighter like this cobalt denim pair from Asos is an obvious way to add some life to a cold-weather look.

Last but not least, there’s something about vibrant grass green that just says spring, so carrying a bag in that hue is a daily reminder that winter will indeed be over soon. We like this kelly green shoulder bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

1. Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps, $755

2. Rock and Republic Danica Red Booties, $292.49

3. Etro Ruffled Sleeveless Blouse in Magenta, $2,160

4. ASOS Cobalt Blue Skinny Jeans #4, $36.71

5.  Marc by Marc Jacobs Fresh Grass Shoulder Bag, $395

—Jacqueline Zenn

Image Layout: Kristine Horton

Finds On A Dime: Glam Galoshes

Pret Reporteur: Clutch It

I don’t love clutches. I generally find that even two bags don’t suit my daily needs, let alone one very small one. As an urban dweller sans automobile, most days I’m away from home for at least twelve hours. Who knows what you might need during that time? But I know my faithful duo of a messenger bag and Longchamp-cum-gym-bag will rarely take me from day to evening. I started this article thinking I would feature a well curated collection of oversize envelope clutches. Clutches so large they doubled as handbags — totes, even. But then I started to shop around, and I discovered that petite, creatively designed clutches can actually be kind of wonderful,  perhaps even covetable.

So, here they are — clutches so fabulous you won’t even miss your oversized bag. At least, not too much.

1. Kate Spade New York Barclay Street Ship Clutch, $358
I confess, this is the glorious clutch that turned it all around. It’s asymmetrical, shaped like a ship, and comes in black patent leather. Plus it has that adorable red, white and blue striped interior. Nautical inspiration is always classic, especially when it’s Kate Spade, but this little gem has just enough quirk to keep it unique.

2. Chloe Color-block Leather Envelope Clutch, $450
I had to stick an envelope clutch in here somewhere. I showed great restraint though — it’s not even that big. But its beautiful, geometric patterning and pop of lime green make it instantly special. Who needs a large clutch when Hannah MacGibbon has outfitted you with a seemingly petite one? (It has expandable sides!)

3. Jimmy Choo Candy Mirror Clutch, $595:

Shiny gold things: they will distract me from everything. Even the fact that this gorgeous clutch couldn’t expand to fit all my stuff to save its life. But it delights with its mirrored finish, gold chain strap and super shiny geometric layering. I’m in love.

4. Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette Accessoire Illustre, $330

This is the strangest clutch of the bunch, but it delights me the most. It is super small, but it features an illustration of an old woman and a young porter and I adore it. There is nothing more wonderful than insouciance, and leave it to Mr. Jacobs to always infuse it in his designs. If I have to clutch it, this is my top pick.

5. Alexander McQueen Studded Knuckle Duster Clutch, $2480

But, then there’s this one – which also doubles as your jewelry for the night! It’s bejeweled, sparkly, silver and gold, and is marked with a McQueen skull.

Old ladies and skulls. I love clutches.

— Amanda Aldinger

Image Layout: Kristine Horton