About Bags – Cool, Funky & Unique Bags

With a clean gold-tone cylinder lock serving as the only detail and singular focal point on this discreet foldover clutch, Balenciaga is showing off a minimal new turn – and they have my blessing!

The flap shape, which tapers into a soft V, enhances the lock hardware, letting you know it’s designed to be the shiny centerpiece. So simple and elegant, it makes the motorcycle bags of seasons past look cluttered, almost disheveled. But the brand hasn’t strayed completely from their roots. As with all Balenciagas, this tube comes with a mirror – extra-handy for a clutch, when you’re not carrying your entire cosmetic kit, so you can inconspicuously check your face on the fly. While it’s fun to have a Crayola-wide array of clutches to pick from, if you can only get one, this is the model: neutral black with a shining focus, as versatile as can be. At Barneys New York for $865.

Pair with: The beauty of the plain black clutch is that you can go crazy with other accessories. Wear something along the lines of, say Tom Binns‘ “Slap Dash” necklace, a jam-packed bib of Swarovski crystals, some clear and some hand-painted neon yellow. On Net-a-Porter for $1,900.

Bows are likely to follow a woman through her lifetime. Many of us grew up with up with ribbons tied in our hair, and how many of us have at least a few pairs of bow-embellished pumps in our shoe closet? But the bow on a bag is a tricky bid, one that can end up a big flop. I’m all for adornments on my bags (bring on the studs!); it’s when you get into gratuitous embellishment territory – as in the idea of your accessory wearing an accessory – that it gets tricky.

Which brings us to two new bags courtesy of Chloé. The “Rodas” clutch ($395) from little sister line, See by Chloé, verges on looking just that: like something your kid sis should be carrying. Does metallic leather really need not only the accoutrement of a boldly-placed grosgrain ribbon but a crystal-embellished bow? The “June” bag ($825), in the quietly seventies-era color combo of blue and brown, is far more ladylike. With a rigid shape and twisted gold chainstrap, the flattened bow isn’t too in-your-face (and the studs do hold it down in a rather appealing manner). But the question remains if this bag needs a bow. So what’s the snob verdict: mega-cute or Minnie Mouse?

Just when I thought I had seen everything when it comes to clutches (glow-in-the-dark! handcuffs!), leave it to wildly creative kook Christopher Kane to throw us for a real loop. The self-proclaimed neon-lover has just taken things to a new liquid level. That’s right. These clear PVC clutches are filled with colorful gel, for a super-squishy effect that begs to be squeezed. Which kind of scares me – if this bag turns on you, you’ve got neon liquid all over your ensemble.

In pale green (it almost looks like slime a comic book villain might ooze out) or bright red (I’m seeing Snow Cones and slushies) tinged with blue, these look more like items you might find in my son’s playroom rather than couture clutches. But there’s a fine line between frivolity and fashion, and there’s always a place for novelty! I just don’t know if that place is my hands. What do you think: children’s toy or irreverent conversation piece? On Net-a-Porter for $720.

I love to adorn myself in chic stones – so why shouldn’t I expect my clutches to feel the same way? Sometimes we’re in minimal moods (I’m more of a sleek and simple kind of girl at the end of the day), but every once in awhile there is no denying more is more – precious stones and crystals and beads galore. Here’s a roundup of the top five be-stoned, bejeweled, and bedecked bags of the moment.

1) Fendi Jeweled Stingray Clutch:

Deliciously textured stingray is the skin of the moment. When Fendi does it, by setting it in an angular Art Deco shape with inverted sides, and best of all, nine semi-precious cabochons of different hues, it’s thoroughly lust-worthy. At Neiman Marcus for $4,260.

2) Judith Leiber Python and Pave Crystal Clutch:

Snakeskin looks like a work of art when it’s framed by lustrous ridged silver and a multitude of pave white Austrian crystals. This is strong glamour and potent, not prissy, sparkle. At Neiman Marcus for $1,695.

3) Gucci “Broadway” Jeweled Clutch:

Black satin clutches often have a way of feeling so antiquated (and not in a good way), but the massive, lightning bolt-like cluster of jewels embroidered on this Gucci fold-over clutch packs a razor-sharp punch. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,190.

4) Alexander McQueen Feather-Fringe Skull Box Clutch:

Calling all drama queens. Shagreen-embossed nappa leather has been decked out in all kinds of crystal stones, not to mention a theatrical dusting of feathers. A decadent gypsy of a bag. At Neiman Marcus for $2,720.

5) Valentino Embellished Satin Shoulder Bag:

This chain-strap clutch is as delicate as the dainty rose who will likely carry it. Covered in Strass crystals and pearls (my current jewel of choice), with intricate floral and butterfly embellishments along the frame, it ensures that your bag is more bedizened than most women. On Net-a-Porter for $4,195.

There are the bags we buy out of necessity, the ones we know will eventually get creased and worn in and eventually pass their prime. This is not one of those bags. Matthew Williamson’s embellished clutch would most certainly fall into the category of the goody bag, a fun and frivolous party topper you purchase to lift your spirits and uplift your cocktail wardrobe.

Bright blue satin (it almost has a periwinkle tint) with a pewter metal frame and absolutely covered in sequins and beads reads like a portable jewel box. With a crisp, matching blue lining it’s cheerful; with a small chain-strap option it’s feasible for a night out. An ornate Art-Deco design like this, thrown off with a modern clasp, is a throwback to hedonistic days of another era, like the cocktail-drenched Roaring Twenties. On Net-a-Porter for $1,610.

Pair with: Now is not the time to shy away from sparkle. Go decadent with the “Scala” mini-dress by Rachel Gilbert, a beaded silk rendition on the flapper classic. On Net-a-Porter for $1,100.