Riding the Clutch

Wang Jiazhi and Joan Chen carry daytime clutches in "Lust, Caution"I've had big clutches on my mind lately, probably because I got my sister an utterly fantastic vintage one for her birthday last month. It was so good I almost kept it for myself: black satin and chenille, oversized, perfect condition. Sigh! Hope you're enjoying it Miss M!

Anyways...it seems I'm not the only one getting drawn into the clutch-appeal. It's funny though, I'm always one to go for the practicality of the shoulder strap, or at the very least a comfortable handle to hold onto my bag of tricks. Clutches seem so chic and effortless that there must surely be something difficult about them hiding somewhere. I love them for the evening, but for daylight hours? Hmmm...

But as fashion worlds collide (as they often do,) I saw Ang Lee's masterful new film Lust, Caution this weekend and was captivated by the lovely and simple clutch bag that Wang Jiazhi's character carries throughout the film. Plain white, oversized, carrying everything, and coolly elegant, this bag was certainly an attention-grabber. I especially loved the moment when, sitting in a cafe, Mak Tai Tai reaches into said clutch bag, removes a little bauble of French perfume and dabs it slowly on her pulse points while gazing abstractedly out the window. A handbag with character presence.

Of course, if you caught Bill Cunningham's Sunday roundup this weekend in The New York Times, you'd see that this daytime clutch look is gaining popularity. Still, most clutches offered these days seems to be of the "evening" variety: small, adorable, adorned with embellishment and in some delicate material such as silk or suede. Where to find the larger, everyday variety of clutch?

This may be a tall order, but here's what I'd love to find: an oversized clutch (at least 12" across) - big enough to carry my essentials, in leather (maybe an embossed croc?), with a simple look to it but with an interesting closure or design element that makes it exciting. Black, chocolate brown, burgundy, red...some great fall/winter color would be wonderful. Oh, and it would be great if it had a wrist strap option.

If I could find one of those I may just give up the practical shoulder strap forever. Okay, forever's a long time - maybe just this season? Does anyone have any ideas on where to find such a gem? Please point the way! 

Comments

[WendyB]

Hi! Where is your YSL post? You know, those URLs always get eaten up in the Blogger comments.

[miss woo]

I can't wait to see lust caution, the 40s chinese style is just lovely.

[PB]

Ooooh! I so agree with you about the day clutches in Lust, Caution! I actually found your blog googling for clues as to what brand of bags the actresses were carrying!I would so love the red one Wang Jiazhi had!