Every woman needs a clutch. For those special nights out, for cocktail parties, all the way to special events like weddings. For practical reasons, you don’t want to drag your big bag around a party with you. You need a clutch. In my opinion, every woman should have at least 2. Like shoes: One white, & one black that matches everything.

And there are so many options in clutches these days, there’s no reason not to have one! They come beaded, sequined, laced, in leather, satin, metal, with wooden handles, etc.

And how to pick one? For me the most important deal breaker of a clutch: it must fit my phone. You don’t want to be the girl with your clutch in one hand, & your cell phone in the other all night. There are lovely brands that make TINY clutches which fit like 2 lipsticks. DON’T waste your time.

Another deal breaker for me: It has to have a strap of some kind. I love especially a clutch that has a long chain I can hang over my shoulder; or a strap just to hang on your hand. I can not get a clutch that I just simply HOLD; You don’t want to be the idiot that is searching in the dark night of a club looking for your bag, especially after you’ve had a few drinks.

Tip: I didn’t realize how underestimated this is, but it’s good to have one that has a (especially) zipped up pocket inside.  This is good for holding your cash, credit cards, ID, etc.  Recently I brought out a clutch that didn’t have one.  I would find i.e. when I would take out my phone, my credit card would be stuck to it.  And every time I’d open it I’d be staring right at my cash, with the fear in mind that it might fall out.

Now.. where to buy?  Macy’s always has a selection of clutches that are not expensive; (remember, sales and coupons!  always check out retailmenot.com) I don’t know about the entire country but here in NY every newspaper always has Macy’s coupons.  You’d be daft to buy anything in there full price.  Other places that have lots of clutches: Nordstrom Rack, & DSW shoe warehouse.  I was pleasantly surprised, actually to find some really lovely clutches at a shoe store.  If you don’t find much in store, head to their websites.  They offer more things online.

Above: a clutch at Target for about $18

Inexpensive places that occasionally have clutches: H&M, Target, and Forever21.  I have a lovely black, sparkly, clutch that I’ve used many times that I got from H&M, that only cost me $15.  Forever21 *sometimes* has clutches.  A place that always has great clutches is: Express.  And there, you must check out sales & coupons as well.  If you sign up for their email, they can email as well as send you coupons in the mail.  A clutch there could be like $30.

A new find: Charming Charlie’s: a store that’s recently popped up, but they only have locations in the Northeast.  They have all kinds of bags, wallets, casual & evening clutches.  This clutch below, is actually strands of faux pearls!  (I thought it was lace!

Lightinthebox.com

If you’re a girl that wants a fancy clutch and can’t afford an expensive one: you will have to go to websites like www.lightinthebox.com.  Nowadays, they are popping up everywhere: websites based in China that sell everything from iphone accessories to wedding dresses.  And the sad part is, some of them are scammers.  There have been news reports where girls buy their prom dress online, only to find a really poorly made cheap knockoff.  HOWEVER, lightinthebox.com is NOT one of them.  The only thing is that don’t buy these last minute; these are coming to you all the way from China.

If you need something fancy, i.e. like your wedding day, but can’t afford to splurge the hundreds on a fancy clutch, don’t.  At lightinthebox.com they have over 1,000 clutches!!!  They start as cheap as $9 and go all the way up to in the $100s.  Don’t wait til the last minute to buy it though, remember keep in mind this IS coming to you all the way from China.  Don’t worry, lightinthebox is a trustyworthy site; one of my friends bought her bridesmaid dress from there.  If you check out the pic above, this clutch is on their website at the moment for only about $20.

My staples that I put in my bag: obviously my phone, keys, cash, credit card, metrocard (depending upon where I’m going) and a lipstick for retouching.  Other girls may bring a mascara, a small perfume bottle, etc. whatever you may need.  Otherwise, shop for a good bargain, and have a great night out!!!

Link to buy above clutch: http://www.lightinthebox.com/women-s-bridal-purse-metal-pure-color-sexlady-handbags_p1877909.html?pos=ultimately_buy_5

Clutches at Nordstrom Rack: https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/Women/Handbags/Clutches

Clutches at DSW shoe warehouse: http://www.dsw.com/handbags/collection/clutches/dsw11cat120018/page-1/

Clutches from Macys: http://www1.macys.com/shop/search?keyword=clutches