Fashion Forward Friday-Accessory Edition: Clutches and Cuffs

The Clutch Bag

HM.com Clutch

So, we're seeing the clutch everywhere this season, but are you hesitant to try them? My first thoughts on the clutch bag trend were: 'extremely stylish, but totally impractical!' It's hard for me to condense everything I own into a small clutch bag and what if I need to use my hands? Having a bag over my shoulder, or in the crook of my arm is what I'm used to and definitely seems a much more sensible and practical option, but the new clutch bags fit super comfortably in the palm of your hand. When you sit down it looks pretty on your lap too, and if you need to use your hands - it clutches neatly underneath your arm. The clutch is feminine, stylish arm candy. For those who really can't imagine a bag without a strap, thankfully - you'll find many clutches come with a detachable strap too. Clutches are extremely versatile and adaptable, they can be worn casually or out on a date.

The clutch is considered perfect for an evening get-to-gather, event or occasion. The early part of 19th century saw these purses being out of fashion but later on they made a strong revival and presently are considered as a style statement that increases the charm of a woman. Generally speaking, clutch bags are small to medium sized bags that should be carried or clutched in the hand. Due to this reason, it is known as clutch bag. These bags are available in a wide range of designs, styles, colors and materials. In order to provide convenience to the users, leather straps as well as detachable chains are also being added to these purses so that they can be easily hanged around the shoulder.

There has been a lot of improvement in the designs and functionality aspect of these purses. This was necessary to allow modern women to carry wide range of items like wallet, pens, documents, books, magazines, cell phones and similar items of general use. You can get these purses in all sorts of shapes and sizes from small square boxes to those in bead and brocade patterns. To provide a personalized look to a clutch bag, people even decorate them with a wide range of accessories, especially on the front flap. By doing so it becomes more attractive and provides a unique look. To match a purse with their evening gown, you can also use accessories that have colors similar to your gown.

Types of Clutch Bags

Evening Clutch Bags

The purpose of these bags is to compliment with your evening gown and are meant to be worn for formal dinner or special occasions. These bags are available in a wide range of styles and can be clutched in the hand or hanged around the shoulder with chains or straps. By adding a detachable strap to the purse will certainly add versatility to it. To keep things safe and secure it may feature a magnetic snap or a zip closure on top or both.

Designer Clutch Bags

With every passing day, more and more people are becoming fashion conscious and are vying for top designer clutch bags and purses. The reason for this is, these products are being manufactured by using high quality materials and come in attractive designs, unique styles and finishes. These items are designed to suit women of all ages and have enough capacity to store useful items.

Victoria Beckham Hermes Baccara Crocodile Clutch

Louis Vuitton



Milan Clutch Purse



Valentino

Beaded Clutch Bags

These bags are in vogue since long and are available in a wide range of trendy patterns, designs and vibrant color shades. These personalized items are considered as a style statement that reflects the personality of the user and are perfect to be worn for different occasions and functions. Some of the manufacturers are also providing customized beaded bags according to the requirements and personal preferences of the customers. Bridal clutch bags worn by brides are the best example of a beads bag that matches with the color of the brides dress.

Furmani Clutch

Prada Clutch

Moyna Clutch

 This bag is perfect for day and night and has a bit of a hippy, bohemian feel to it. I can be found at http://www.topshop.com/ (below)

This Limited Edition Over Sized Snake Print Clutch (http://www.newlook.co.uk/) which is selling at £20, can be bought in Gold or Black. (below)

I also found this gorgeous little woven clutch for only £5, which you can buy in Brown, Red or Silver. (below)

The Cuff Bracelet

HM.com Cuff Bracelets

One of the hottest trends in fashion jewelry for the year's spring and summer season are bracelets, especially cuff bracelets. There are a vast number of different pieces available in the market which can turn a seemingly plain outfit into something hip and trend! A simple outfit like a nice shirt and jeans can become glamorous with the addition of a nice brass cuff bracelet with matching earrings.

Making a Bold Statement

The leading style of bracelets for the spring and summer season are the big and bold bracelets. Over sized cuff bracelets, big chunky beads and large geometric shapes are being heavily favored by many in the industry. You can get something with a more ethnic or something that is avant guarde. It's all about making a big and bold statement!

Evocateur paris Cuff

Luc Kieffer Passionflower Cuff

Art Decco Cuff by Dirty Story

The Natural Look

There is focus on getting bracelets and cuff bracelets in natural colors and materials. Metal, wood, cork, stone - these materials are the forerunners in this season's fashion trends. Try to get bracelets which have an organic and natural look. Don't go for bracelets which clearly give off an artificial or 'man made' feel. Look for bangles that have a tribal or ethnic inspiration to them. Don't be afraid to experiment with print bangles - they can add some zing to an otherwise plain outfit.

Fashiontrend.me Cuff



Oxy 105 Bamboo Cuff

It's All About Colors

Summer and spring is all about breaking out an entire wardrobe of vibrant colors. Nothing says 'spring' and 'summer' better than accessories in bright, vivid, eye catching colors. Don't shy away from getting bold colored bracelets. Turquoise, pinks, reds, blues - these are the colors that are available either on their own or with different materials like metal or leather. A neutral or monotone outfit can get heads turning when matched up with some exquisitely colored bracelets.

Calvin Begay Inlay Cuff

Arinna Swarovski Cuff

Metal Madness

Having at least one gold and one silver cuff bracelet is a must in your jewelry collection. But gold and silver prices behind what they are, there are a variety of other metal bracelets that serve as excellent alternatives. Earthy metals such as brass, hammered metal, copper and rose gold are becoming wildly popular. Brass is one option that you must include in your collection - be it hammered, coiled or beaten. If you can find a bracelet which uses brass together with beads or wood, do not pass it up! Nothing makes a more perfect complement to denim than a beautiful brass bracelet.

Masai Cuff

Inox Cuff

Desi Iba

Mix & Match

Marc Jacobs Cuffs

There is nothing more eye catching than seeing bracelets in contrasting colors on one arm. You can play around with different colored bracelets in order to create the best effect. You can also play with different materials - don't be afraid to experiment! Try wearing different metals together with leather or beads. There is no end to the different combinations available to you!

Love For Nature

Ollipop Sunset Flower Cuff

The motifs for the spring and summer season: Flowers and butterflies. This year, having floral or butterfly related accessories are a must. And they do not have to be small or delicate either! Having large sized flower accessory can make a bold and fresh statement. They can bring a very stylish look to an otherwise very stuff outfit.