Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Clutches

Item: Clutches
Good for: The social butterfly and the girl who's always the life of the party
Why clutches: When I go out in the evening, I like to travel light and be as unemcumbered as possible. Clutches are useful for stowing your lipstick and cell phone, and they add a glam touch to your party outfit. Give this gift before the holiday party circuit goes into full swing, and you can be sure it'll be appreciated on New Year's Eve and beyond.



Go luxe: Chanel's wallet on a chain is my Holy Grail of clutches. Open it up and you'll find smartly designed pockets for cards, cash, and blotting papers. An accordion compartment in the centre expands and accomodates my cell phone, digital camera, keys, and lip gloss with ease. There's also a hidden zipper compartment just under the flap that extends down the flap and the back of the clutch. With a delicate yet strong chain strap that can be rearranged and worn different ways, this clutch is the ultimate marriage of practicality, versatility, style, and elegance. It's available in different materials and styles; the one I bought myself for my champagne birthday had camellia petal-embossed lambskin pattern and silver hardware.



Spend less: Kitson's round studded clutch ($48) is a stud lover's dream and can be held in your hand or worn on your shoulder with the detachable strap. The lining features a zip pocket and a cell phone-sized pocket to keep your essentials organized and accessible.