On Trend: Essentials – The Clutch

I’m not the type to obsess over purses. I tend to invest in a good one then use it until it falls apart. Most of my days are currently spent with a lovely mid-sized teal Marc Jacobs that has been with me for about two years. So far, so good.

However, I am a sucker for a clutch.

Whether it’s a beaded bag for cocktail parties or a more casual option for lunch with the gals, a clutch—at least one—should be included in every woman’s accessories. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and price points. If you have a love for labels, this is (sometimes) your most affordable option to accommodate your designer taste.

The right clutch can give the impression that you are effortlessly put together, like all those gorgeous and irritatingly chic European women. Plus, it’s an easy way to temporarily downsize. Less is truly more during the summer months in south Louisiana, when the idea of carrying even a couple extra pounds is enough to bring on a heat stroke before leaving the house. Sometimes it’s such a relief to shed the weight and just carry the essentials.

If you have to choose only one—I have not. About 10 are in my regular rotation—consider these options to get the most for your money:

A cross-body bag is a must for festivals, concerts, or any time when you don’t have pockets and don’t want hold something the entire time. It’s also nice to not force your boyfriend/husband/friend-with-pockets carry all your stuff for you. You can have that person thank me later.

Possible options: Rebecca Minkoff, Banana Republic, J. Crew

Having a clutch that can hang from your wrist is critical during those important social events when you need to balance a drink AND a plate. It’s also great for travel, when you need easy access to essentials and don’t want to hold up the line at security while rifling through your carry-on. Don’t be that person.

Possible options: Coach 

A little sparkle is ideal for anything from weddings to cocktail parties. I prefer ones that can be easily tucked under my arm in case I need to be hands-free (see above: balancing is a real issue, folks).

Possible options: Kate Spade, Anthropologie