In A Clutch

One of the most mysterious things about a woman is her purse. Within those satin folds a MacGyver experience unravels. We often hold the entire world in our handbag including the tools to perform surgery, soothe an ailing child and an entire snack bar. Which is why handbags are essentially chosen for functionality rather than style.

I have a confession….I own more than fifty handbags! I know what you might be thinking, “Good God woman, 50 different ways to carry around stuff”. You might say “be practical and just grab a trash bag, throw your stuff in and sling it over your shoulder and be on your way”. As functional as a trash bag might be it lacks a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ quality.

My favorite handbag is a clutch. With its sleek design and delicate touch, it exudes a sense of lady like perfection. Carrying a clutch, however is not for the faint of heart. Due to its compact size you give up your ability to cart around the weight of the world. You have just enough room for lipstick, money that folds, no coins (it’s not ladylike to jingle when you walk) and a stick of gum. And with cell phones continuing to grow you might not be able to squeeze that in either! I guess Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat will have to wait since your phone has the night off unless your date is willing to tote it around in his trouser pocket.

What is a clutch you might ask? A clutch is a small compact handbag created in the late 1920’s originally known as a ’finger purse’ to hold a lady’s lipstick and gloves. Some were wrapped in luxurious fabric and embellished with stones while others were manufactured out of bakelite plastic. After the fall of Wall Street in 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression, manufacturers where forced to use cheaper more unconventional materials. I am personally a fan of American socialite Florence Gould who carried her belongings around in a metal cigarette case (Lucky Strike), thus becoming the OG(Original Gangster) of sustainable fashion.

Today clutch purses still make an appearance nestled inside the well-manicured fingers of royalty and celebrities on the red carpet. According to Meryl Streep the right purse can “punctuate or compliment a look just like jewelry”. Over the last few months Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, had several Tweets made regarding her wardrobe and handbag selection. Megan’s usual crossbody handbag was replaced with a clutch, which helped to elevate her posture and ward off awkward handshakes during public appearances.

During my last trip to the thrift store I found and fell in love with the most adorable clutch. Of course it just had to come home with me and make friends with all of the

other clutches (plus it was only $3.99). I just found happiness for under the cost of a latte. This little beauty caught my eye because it has a wicker outside and a pearl bow closer. Wicker… no longer just for patio furniture, who would have thought!

Be brave...carry a clutch!!