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Evening bags are meant to be small – an accessory to hold your money, identification, lipstick and keys. Obviously a large handbag at a black-tie event is a fashion don’t. A small black evening clutch is an investment that should enhance your look. Some I recommend for certain occasions:
Black-Tie: Judith Leiber handbags are expensive at $1,500 to $5,000, yet they are pieces of art worthy of display around the home when not worn. The minaudieres are handcrafted with Austrian crystals, and carrying one increases the glamour quotient. Celebrity Stylist Rachel Zoe designed a collection for Judith Leiber, and San Francisco beauty Vanessa Getty was featured in a Judith Leiber ad campaign.
Elegant Dinner: VBH makes simple, envelope-style clutches in colors that compliment evening gowns or evening denim. These are simple clutches that range in price from $850 to $14,000 for exotic skins such as ostrich or alligator. Gwneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker are just a few of the fashionable celebrities spotted holding VBH, and locally Sobia Shaikh is a frequent user.
Casual Night Out: Lauren Merkin clutches, from $150 - $250, are the right size for nights out and the quality is superb. They are available in a wide range of solid colors and a variety of prints. Lauren Merkin clutches are classic wardrobe musts for casual nights on the town.
Women’s shoes for formal events, in my opinion, should be peau de soie, and are extra lovely when trimmed with velvet or satin ribbons, or encrusted with rhinestones or glitter. Traditionally patent leather, while handsome and appropriate for men’s tuxedo shoes, is not apropos for shoes with formal evening gowns. Nowadays soft, metallic leather, as seen in evening shoe collections by Brian Atwood, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent, is suitable for black tie.
Seen on the red carpet at San Francisco Opera’s opening gala, September 2009 (photos by Tim Williamson):
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Click for additional RedCarpetSF coverage of San Francisco Opera’s Opening Gala
RedCarpetSF’s Blog Reporter Cori Miller recommends paying attention to the details, and evening bags count. Cori’s evening bag picks from San Francisco Symphony’s opening gala on September 9, 2009.
Nearly every First Lady dating back to 1963 has carried a Judith Leiber custom-made bag to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration ceremonies. Yurie Pascarella’s black crystal version is versatile, classic, chic and expensive, but a good investment for someone who wears gowns so beautifully and often.
Jennifer Bienamie’s red Yves Saint Laurent clutch was the right pop of color for her black and white Roberto Cavalli dress.
Perfectly complimentary: Jessa Wu’s gold and diamond jewelry, metallic minaudière and beaded caftan-style gown. Shades of metal: d ress by Angel Sanchez, a vintage Cartier handbag and Judith Ripka jewels on Anette Harris. A Christian Louboutin handbag and shoes enhanced Angelique Grippe’s Nina Ricci dress’s elegance. Sandy Mandel with a fashionista’s favorite, VBH envelope clutch.
Jessa Wu's minaudiere
Anette Harris's vintage Cartier handbag
Yurie Pascarella's Judith Leiber evening bag