Sophisticated ladies have been carrying clutch purses on their elegant evenings out for decades. Beaded or leather, boxy or soft, there is no more perfect evening accessory- besides your date anyways! However, the idea of clutch purses originated in the Victorian era with the reticule, a decorative bag in which a proper lady stored her handkerchief and smelling salts. Reticules then went out of fashion, but came back with roar during World War 11 when rationing demanded that things be smaller and women struggled to simplify their lives. After the war, the clutch purse became the evening bag of choice for elegant women everywhere. Sometimes made of Lucite or Bakelite, or silk, satin or brocade, the clutch purse could be tailored to match dress and shoes and finish your look to perfection.
A Brief History On Clutch Purses
Until recently, most women would only be carrying a lipstick, compact mirror, comb, and perhaps a single key or, if it was an evening out with girlfriends, some cash. Nowadays, what with cell phones and wallets and other necessities, it’s much more difficult to go out with a tiny bag. For the nights when you don’t need to carry much, you can still get charming clutch purses that hold whatever you need and set off your outfit well.
Various Styles Of Clutch Purses
Whether you’re more interested in a clutch out there for you. Novelty styles, designer looks, and handmade clutches are all available. Some of the interesting styles currently on the market include:
Judith Leiber Jeweled Clutches
Carrie Bradshaw may not have cared for them, but if you like your elegance with a dash of whimsy, you’re sure to find something in the the Judith Leiber line in novelty jeweled bags in delightful shapes, like animal or instruments. They can be very expensive, but you can find them at more reasonable prices with a bit of online browsing.
Kate Spade Cannes Flower Adelaide Clutch Purses
If you’re more interested in recycling a classic look, this couture satin clutch is ideal. Italian-made, it has a pinched frame, interior slide pocket and 14-karat gold-plated hardware.
Recycled Paper Clutch Purses
This clutch is made of woven recycled newspaper with a zigzag edge is fun, funky, stylish and perfect for you and every environmentally conscious and cool women you know. Even the grab loop is made of recycled rubber.
Artist-Made Clutch Purses
Do you want to support and carry the work of current artists? The bags are quite cute. You can get unique pieces made of metal, leather, or feathers in variety of shapes and hues.
