By popular request...

... and by virtue of the fact it's something that took me years and years to find and seeing as mine is now a couple of years old AND one of my very good friends has managed to purloin herself the exact same number, may I present a blog on all things black clutch bag related. 

Phew - that was a starter for 10.  I do feel slightly, nay very shit actually, as The rather wonderful Husband last year asked which I would prefer - the black Stella McCartney Falabella clutch bag that he had chosen from Net a Porter (all by himself..) or the Whiskey Chloe Medium Marcie satchel that he had seen on my blog.  And cow bag that I am, chose the Chloe.  Although on reflection, it is only slightly shit I feel, as I have used the Chloe one so so much, I think perhaps more so than I would have used a black clutch bag. (and he did genuinely give me the choice) 

But that's not to say that I don't think a black clutch bag is one of the most useful things you can have in your wardrobe.   It takes all sorts which is handy as there are all sorts available but personally, I've never been able to master travelling light.  So for me, I can't be doing with those titchy tiny pill case size little bags, I need something more substantial. 

And in an ideal world it would have a cross body strap as well - however we all know that the chances of finding something that ticks all the boxes, aren't exactly high. 

So that's why I've done the research for you and come up with some great options that should hopefully suit everyone.  Personally, I'm going to stretch the brief slightly and see if I can find one that can also be used during the day.  For those lunches (that some of us are lucky to go on once in a blue moon) and those occasions where a smarter bag just makes an outfit (and you don't need to carry around Percy Pigs, bottles of water, packets of Match Attax or the iPad so it doesn't have to be "that" big...)

I love a foldover bag - something that isn't too "evening" but actually could easily be taken to a super dressy affair. 

A few of these to choose from. 

Top of my list would be this from DAY Birger et Mikkelsen at My Wardrobe.

DAY Blacktile leather suede clutch now £131 with the 15 % off but don't forget to use HELLO20 for another 20% off.  

Next would be the textured leather one from John Lewis.   Actually it would be a toss up between the two and going on price, this one would therefore win hands down. (although the above one would go with my Toga Pulla boots better... hmmmm)

COLLECTION by John Lewis folded leather clutch £49




Whistles Leather fold over zip clutch bag £75




However there is also the John Lewis version at a rather more palatable £49.  Now I haven't compared the two in the flesh but - well, I've leave it with you...  The Whistles one is ever so slightly larger - but by so little, I'm not sure you'd even notice.

WEEKEND by John Lewis Mistry Leather Clutch £49  




If you are looking for a smaller one then the Coast Tilly Leather Flap Bag looks great.  Slightly smaller than above and in a textured leather.

Cost Tilly Leather Flap bag £55



Now I'll be honest, there aren't as many back clutch bags around as I thought there would be.  

However Atterley Road have a great selection and there is 20%, seemingly off everything (yee ha!) with the code FACEBOOK20 until the end of October.

The Stephanie Noir Suede Clutch £35


A similar envelope shape but very different leather.  This would get my vote.  Adore this one. 

Selected Femme Lala leather clutch £80



However the bargain envelope bag of the day has to be this from New Look. 

Black Zip Envelope Clutch from New Look £12.99






For all round usage, the Hayley bag from John Lewis is an absolute winner for the money (the fact that it's remarkably like an Anya Hindmarch bag is obviously purely coincidence.....) 

COLLECTION by John Lewis Hayley bag £49




However if we're looking for a clutch bag to do the talking and one that is a little statement (not a huge one - just a little one....) in its own right, then this Mint Velvet one wins hands down. 

Black Naomi Clutch from Mint Velvet £89


Another ponyskin number at New Look.  A more structured clutch which also has a gold chain if needs be. 

Black Pony Hair Panel Structured Clutch £19.99






And just to make me weep a bit (even though I LOVE my Chloe Marcie) this is the bag that the rather clever husband was going to get me for Christmas last year.  If he's reading, there is always this year....... 

Stella McCartney Falabella Faux Suede Pouch £255 - how fab would this be with my Toga Pullas. POO!



So there we have, as if by magic, perhaps the first inkling of Christmas lists?  Fear not, it will definitely not be the last. 

Finishing though with outfit from today.  A stunning day seeing a fabulously dear friend who I've known for donkey's years.  Here I am in all the glamour of the Ikea car park.  Can I then point out that it took FIVE, yes FIVE hours to get home (usually a 30 min journey)  Hell knows what was happening with the traffic but after travelling half a mile in 90 minutes, we parked up, went to some other shops, got back in the car.  After literally not moving for 45 mins (you know you think you MUST start moving in a mo but no.....) we abandoned car again and went to dinner in Burger King with the rest of Thurrock.  M&S Outlet store (utter tripe), Nike Outlet store (snoozerama) and Smyths Toy store later (you can imagine how overjoyed I was by this point), we got back in the car and the traffic wasn't too bad.   Needless to say a glass of wine was very very welcome when I got home! 




Rad tee - Zoe Karssen
Black Tuxedo Blazer - Hush
Grey cargo pants - Hush
White leather tennis shoes - Zara
Black Faridah Hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Tomorrow kids are all over the place with football and parties, hopefully I'll get a chance to put some blogs together for the rest of the week.  How is everyone's A/W wardrobe going?  I'm not going to say I think I might be done but..... (so so obviously not....)  I have however noticed a theme in mine..... Any idea what it might be?