Clutches have gained popularity because they combine a modern and retro appeal. And there is something very appealing about their relatively small size and strapless simplicity. Like all fabulous bags, clutches are the crowning jewel that can take an outfit to the next level. They are an ideal match for formal wear, but work just as well in smart casual ensembles. These days, you don’t need to reserve clutches for fancy occasions. 

Clutch handbags derive their name from the way you carry them. You “clutch” the top of the bag instead of using a strap or handle. For this reason, clutches are somewhat impractical because you lose the use of one hand. Reducing practicality even further, clutch handbags are usually small because it’s harder to clutch a bag that’s big and heavy. 

The good news is that clutch silhouettes needn’t be all that impractical. They won’t take the place of a large everyday shoulder bag, but if you choose wisely, you’ll find roomier styles, some even with an additional hands free option.

If you’re not a bag lady like me, you can purchase one clutch handbag to work with most, if not all, of your dressy outfits. If this is your plan then you will need to carefully prioritize your needs. Here are some examples to help you through this thought process.

Style: The Wristlet

Clutches with wrist straps are generally easier to carry than ones without. You’re also less likely to lose the bag if it’s looped onto your wrist!

Comfort: The Top Handle Clutch

This type of clutch has a built-in top handle that makes it easier to hold. This specific style has a cut-out handle, but top handles come in all sorts of attachments. This clutch is quite big so you’ll fit more into it than just your credit card, lipstick, keys and phone. 

Versatility: The Short Strap Clutch

A short detachable shoulder strap works miracles. Tuck the strap away for a clean cut “clutch look”, or use the strap by either holding onto it with your hand, or draping it over your shoulder for a hands-free solution. This particular clutch has two compartments, which makes for more room.

Compactness: The Small Package Clutch

Extra small clutches have their advantages. Their size allows you to carry them in the palm of your hand like a small package, which can be more comfortable than clutching a larger bag. You’ll only fit the bare essentials into something this small, so this style often ends up functioning more like a wallet.

Convenience: The Long Strap Clutch

This style is like the short strap clutch but has a longer detachable strap. The longer strap allows you to carry it over your shoulder, AND across your body like a cross body bag. The round bottom design of this particular clutch makes it roomier than flat clutches.

Capacity: The Convertible Clutch

The design on this style of clutch allows it to be folded out and carried like a small tote. This particular example has a casual canvas edge that successfully dresses down a formal outfit. Patent or metallic versions will dress up an outfit.

Once you’ve decided which clutch style works best for you, choose a versatile colour or pattern. For example, metallics are extremely versatile and contrast brilliantly against a black outfit. Black clutches work well against outfits that aren’t black. Animal print, and that includes snakeskin, is bold but works with a multitude of looks. If texture is your thing, opt for interesting tactile fabrications like feathers, beading, embroidery and embossing. I prefer clutches in dressier and shinier fabrications because I have the magpie gene, but clutches also come in casual fabrications like distressed leathers. But if you’re only after ONE clutch, opt for a dressy style so that you have that base covered.

Which style of clutch works for you? Do you wear clutch handbags with more casual outfits, or do you reserve them for dressy occasions? 

You are on Team Tall Boot if you prefer to wear mid-calf, knee-high or taller boots. You are on Team Ankle Boot if you prefer to wear ankle boots and booties. 

Boots are my favourite type of footwear and in Seattle, I can almost wear them throughout the year. I have many pairs of flat and low heeled boots ranging from very short shooties and booties, to ankle lengths, mid-calf heights, knee-high and over the knee styles. I adore boots and my feet love them too. 

I enjoy wearing tall boots over jeans and with skirts or dresses. The combination is dramatic, practical, cozy and very comfortable. I also love to wear short boots and booties with trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses. Boots can create both a classic and fashion forward edge to your look. Some lasses say that there is nothing more fabulous than a killer pair of high heeled pumps, but I feel precisely that way about a killer pair of boots. Furthermore, if I need to wear a 12-hour or more walking shoe, boots are the way to go. I find some of my boots more comfortable than athletic shoes. 

I am hopelessly devoted to ALL my boots. I cannot choose between their lengths because they fulfill different needs and vibes. Some are classic, others are edgy. Some are dressy, others are casual. Some are essential for bad weather, while others are more decorative. Some are a fast “slip on and go”, while others take a while to fit over jeans. I have no choice but to sit this one out on the bench. 

Over to you. Are you on Team Tall Boot or Team Ankle Boot? Tell us why and no batting for both sides.

You first heard about my skincare journey from normal to dry skin. Fashion Stylist and Author Kendall Farr was next, sharing how she cares for sensitive, freckled and combination skin. Today, we hear from my client Karen, who recently wowed YLF with her elegance, grace, style and extraordinary skin. Karen is a month shy of age 71, and I have yet to see skin as beautiful and as well cared for as hers.   

It’s true that Karen was born with dreamy, flawless skin, and she thanks her Dad for that set of genes. But Karen has also taken her skincare routine very seriously for most of her life, and that to me is the crux of the matter.

Angie: What is your skin type? Has it changed over the years? 

Karen: Starting in my 50’s, my skin turned from normal to dry. Just like your skin, Angie.

How did your Mother influence your approach to skincare? 

My Mother did not influence me because she did not care for her skin. I don’t recall her speaking to me about it or being aware of her using any particular skincare products. I think that my fascination with skincare was a direct reaction to that. It had the opposite effect on me!

At what age did you start thinking seriously about skincare? 

In college in 1959, at about age 18.  I started subscribing to Glamour magazine and paid close attention to all the skincare and make-up articles. I kept on researching and researching all that I could about skincare. What I should do and what I should use. I remember spending time with girlfriends back in college, and when they were playing bridge, which I didn’t care for at all, I was trying to make my skin look better. In those days, it was all about fixing your hair and not so much about skincare. I also spent a lot of time fixing my hair, but unlike other girls I also paid attention to my skin.

Are facials part of your skincare regimen? 

I’ve been disappointed in some facials, and they are expensive! But I do schedule two facials a year to receive a mild peel. The peel takes off the dead layers on the surface of your skin and rejuvenates the skin. I like to do the peels.

What is your current skincare routine? 

I ALWAYS cleanse my face, morning and night. Over the last 70 years of my life, I have gone to bed without cleansing my face less than eight times. You NEVER go to bed without taking off your make-up. I use a very mild cleanser in the morning and a stronger one in the evening to ensure I’ve removed all my make-up. I rinse off my face with water at least 10 times to make sure that every trace of make-up is gone. I do not use toner because it dries out my already dry skin. In the morning, I also use a Vitamin C serum, then a moisturizer and eye cream. If I’m going outdoors I use SPF 40 sunscreen. In the evening I use a prescriptive retinoid product and a fairly heavy moisturizer on alternate nights, and again an eye cream. I have always used lots of eye cream.

How has your skincare routine changed over the years? 

After age 60 I added the retinoid product, the Vitamin C serum, and a heavier moisturizer. My dermatologist suggested that I add the retinoid product for skin cell renewal, and I believe that it does work.

Were there any big sudden changes in your approach to skincare?

In my 30’s I developed melasma (brown spots) when I went into the sun. I looked like Gorbachev (my husband even said so). Because of that I started wearing big hats when in the sun. I looked a sight and it wasn’t attractive. It turned out that this problem had a silver lining because it saved me from some sun damage, as I wasn’t aware how damaging the sun can be at that time. You know, in those days we didn’t know that the sun was bad for our skin. People slathered on oil and baked in the sun. I couldn’t do that because of my brown spots, and now I am grateful that I actually protected myself from the sun.

What are the most important things that you have learned about skincare? 

DAILY cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen DO PAY OFF. Never go to bed without thoroughly cleansing your face. I believe that sun protection, a healthy diet, enough sleep, and attention to skincare are evident on your face. I don’t drink much water, only two 8oz glasses a day because I’ve read that it doesn’t make much difference to the outer appearance of your skin. I see people who drink lots of water and they don’t have great skin. I don’t know. I drink lots of tea — does that count?

Where do you purchase your skincare products? 

Apart from an expensive moisturizer with  “lift” purchased from a department store that a sales assistant talked me in to,  and a prescription retinoid product from the dermatologist, all my skincare products are purchased from a drugstore. Over the years, I think I have tried them all.

If time and money were no object, how would you improve your skincare routine? 

I would have more professional facials and purchase some of the very expensive serums that are said to increase cell renewal.

What’s your number one skincare tip? 

Always protect your skin from the sun. Include your neck and décolletage in everything that you do for your face. I also wished that I had remembered my hands in my skincare routine right from the start. My hands look old and wrinkled and there isn’t much that I can do about that now. Angie, your Mother who would have been my age today was so clever to teach you about that.

Karen and I also spoke a little about make-up. Karen says that in addition to nourishing her skin in a way that works for her, she also wears quite a bit of make-up to even out her skin tone. The key for Karen is to find a foundation colour that is very close to the colour of her skin so that her face is the same colour as her neck. Sometimes she adds concealer when she sees dark circles under her eyes. Karen does not use facial powder because it dries out her skin and ages her complexion. Karen believes that shiny skin is youthful skin, and that powdery skin makes you look older than you are. 

As always Karen, your thoughts are wise and inspirational. Thanks for sharing your skincare journey and for the countless giggles that accompany our conversations. You are fabulous in every way.

Aerosoles, the Portuguese comfort shoe company, is a destination store for my clients with fussy feet. Their cushioning footbeds, soft fabrications and lightweight footwear styles work miracles for those who stand or walk the whole day. It’s no wonder that some of my clients leave the store with their new shoes on their feet.

Aerosoles made super booties this season, of which the three styles below were client favourites. Click through all the colour options:  

• Playlist Bootie: The blue is divine! The two inch heel is great for gals who prefer a lower heel, and the tops of the booties are soft so that they don’t cut into your shins at all.
• Patrol Car Ankle Bootie: A lady-like boot that’s ideal for skirts and dresses. I particularly like the way this bootie fits around the ankle because it’s tidy and modern looking. The grey fabric and the grey animal print get my top vote. 
• Play Pleat Ankle Bootie: Nice in black but more fun in grey suede. Great with coloured jeans. 

All styles run true to size and will fit an orthortic. Some of the styles are available in wide and go right up to a size 12. Aerosoles is still running their Thanksgiving promotion today, so nab them on sale asap.