day clutching

in this past summer's heat i couldn't be bothered to schlepp around a big handbag. heavy, overstuffed bags just didn't line up with staying cool and looking chic. so i downsized to a small cross-body purse or on some days, even a clutch. now that i regularly head into work with a heavy coat and umbrella in hand, a small clutch once again seems appealing to keep me from juggling too much.

previously reserved for nights out, a clutch can totally work for day. the trick is to avoid the details that make a clutch prime for evening carrying: jewels, embellishment, shine, shimmer or overly petite side.

a few of my favorite daytime styles:

cole haan "izzie" * claire vivier foldover * lauren ralph lauren dorian vachetta

nothing is less "night" than good 'ol brown or tan. these caramel hues, in simple leathers, can go from jeans and sandals to a blouse and pencil skirt, yet never trend too far into evening territory. and yes, for the one hundredth millionth time, animal print is a neutral.

anya hindmarch huxley * old bcbg * nanette lepore

whether braided, basketweave, or woven, nods to natural fibers dress down a clutch. these tans and creams are best for spring and summer, so i've found a basketweave burgundy version carries me through winter well. horsehair and snakeskin are dressier than these shown, but could seemlessly transitioning from day to night back into day.

bcbgmaxazria * clair vivier foldover in blue pebble

marc by marc jacobs * travel case z spoke by zac posen

sure, night isn't saddled only with black, but colors just seem to fit with day. i prefer brights, but a pale mint green or dusty teal are surprisingly versatile as well. local designer, clare vivier, makes a "slouch pouch" style clutch in just about every color under the sun. i own the orange and would likely pick this pebbled cobalt blue if i had another pick.

do you "day clutch"??