Closet edit: clutches - YouLookFab Forum

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Closet edit: clutches

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m taking a little closet edit break and got into pulling out handbags. I have too many clutches. Some I haven’t used in a couple of years but am reluctant to let them go — usually because I like the color/style. But the truth of the matter is that I rarely use clutches unless they also give me the option of converting to a shoulder/cross body strap. Some of them are also quite flat and/or stiff and therefore not easy to use. I’ve been keeping these orphans because in theory they don’t take up much room, but I’m starting to feel like I should get rid of some of the ones I’m not reaching for anymore.

Does anyone else have a clutch hoarding problem? Care to help nudge me into letting go?

I also have a mint colored handbag that seems to be orphaned since I don’t really have any mint in my wardrobe anymore...

Some photos of examples...

There are maybe 10 more that I do use (have convertible straps and/or I really love them or have a specific use for them), plus a few little occasion clutches as well. I have already put three others in the donation bag.

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31 replies

Latest reply was from Bennett

Anonymous

I'd like to offer you a nudge, but in all honesty, I am not going to be able to edit my bag collection. I cannot bear the thought of parting with a single one of them.

I love that turquoise one you show. Pretty color. Looks soft to the touch.

AndiB

Veteran

I have always liked the idea of a clutch, but they do end up being impractical. Even WITH the ability to add a strap, I don't seem to use them as a clutch. I've purchased many many ! cute ones over the years, but have given them away. I have a couple lovely vintage clutches that I got from my mom, from the 50's and 60's, which I used to carry more ( I suppose when I was younger I had a real social life, and would carry them with a couple beautiful vintage coats I had; that life is long gone!) Keep one or two that are special, donate the rest. For some reason I didn't have any trouble letting loose of mine, I suppose because I literally never carried them. Again, the idea is nice...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sterling, I think Angie also had that turquoise Zara one. Mine is in really nice shape and the size and softness are nice for me, and the color still works with my summer wardrobe. I am thinking of keeping that one.

The raspberry one (Foley & Corinna) — I discovered I can loop a chain strap through some little pieces inside the flap to make this work for a shoulder bag too. It’s also one of the softer, better sized options.

The Kate Spade teal reptile print is so nice, but I just don’t use it.

jill58

Veteran

I would keep the Kate Spade one and try to use it. The rest I would let go (although it sounds like you might want to hold onto the Zara one). Then again, I have a large bag collection that includes not even one clutch, so I'm not sure that my advice is worth anything!

SarahD8

Veteran

When will you choose any of these over one of the 10 you are keeping? (I bet the answer is: never. I am not a bag gal so I will be the voice of ruthlessness!)

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, that’s a good question. The keepers that I seem to use more are black, metallic or neutral, or have a pattern I love (one is floral on a black background, and one I don’t wear a ton but love when I use it is black with red plaid).

These colors are pretty well in sync with my wardrobe — I think if they were a style with a strap I would use them more.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

It also occurs to me that most of these have been out of season for a while — they’re more fall/winter colors for me. I may rotate a couple to the front of the collection for a few months to give them a final chance to get used, and if I keep passing them over, they should definitely go.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES. I had #3 and LOVED it, Janet. The best shade of turquoise. I used it so much - battered and stained. Passed it on earlier this year. I vote keep that one.

Wise Shopper

(website)

#2 is gorgeous. You should definitely keep it.

Kate

Veteran

I'm a sucker for clutches, and have quite a few myself, so I'm no help here. That envelope clutch in #5 is gorgeous!

LaPed

Veteran

Of these, the robin's egg blue really stands out to me. Gorgeous colour!

Tbh, I have the opposite problem -- no clutches! Just one little black bag with a removable strap. YLF hasn't turned me into a bag fiend yet. Bags are absolutely the hardest thing for me to spend money on -- especially "occasion" bags. They're just so hard to justify. I hear you on preferring convertible options.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Haha, everyone has a favorite!

1 is in the donate bag. 4 is in the bag for my niece. Giving the others another chance for now.

Sara L.

Veteran

While these all look nice, if you have others that you use more often, I would let them all go. However, like La Pedestrienne, I'm not a bag person and don't get too attached to mine. I might not be the best person to take bag advice from.

Anonymous

I'm glad you are keeping the turquoise one.

Colette

Veteran

Clutch hoarder checking in. I decided to call it a collection since some are vintage from my Grandmother. I try to wear them and mix it up but like you, there are some I just don't reach for. I do not feel the need to part with any but I've been toying with consigning two very expensive, very formal clutches that I no longer have occasion to wear.

I like your idea of putting them in front for a while and giving them a final chance to make the cut.

Helena

Veteran

Janet, I wasn't going to be any help at all lol ... I love the green snakeskin one especially!

bridgie

Veteran

I would not discard any. Listed here is the order in which I would NOT discard 3, 2, 1, 4, 5. Of course, I am looking at pics. If any of them look, older, frayed, etc up-close, then I might start there. But, Janet, knowing you, I bet they are all in pristine condition! Glad to be of help. LOL

Anonymous

Practical side: do they fit your phone and any other things youd carry when going to clutchworthy places (unlike mine)?
Magpie side: echoing Torontogirl!

Christina F.

Veteran

I say start with culling the ones that look worn out, and then see where you are. Good luck! I too am terrible at passing on bags. I do give most hand-me-downs to my mom, from whom I inherited the bag mania gene. That makes her happy, so it lessens the sting a bit. Will your niece be the beneficiary of any of your bag culling?

Runcarla

Veteran

I like #5 (red) what's new!

Paula B

I just love the red leather bag!!! It is very stylish and would go with many outfits,XXX

Anonymous

I keep hoping someone will tell me that clutches are useless and to get rid of my stash . I keep buying them because they are in interesting patterns or colours bags aren’t in , and /or because they are so much less expensive than a bag . And I never use them ! I find them too fussy and hard to stash at a restaurant table etc ——why do I own them ?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I know exactly what you mean, Lisa! I've stopped buying any more of them. Detachable straps definitely help make them more usable for me.

SarahD8

Veteran

Could you clutch lovers find a different use for some of the ones you don't use but don't want to let go? Like holding little tubes of hand lotion in your nightstand, or maybe bangle bracelets that don't fit in your jewelry box?

(I am on a big kon-mari kick in my house in general, and one of my strategies has been to try to make useful the things I want to keep.)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It sounds like you've reached your decision. I like the green snakeskin patterned one and it sounds as if the Zara one is a good size. The red is also nice. Hmmm. You see where this is going. Well, they don't take up a lot of room.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, LOL, I have a hard time culling handbags in general because I don't generally wear them out (although I am letting go of a favorite old metallic clutch because it's now visibly worn). And they don't care if I gain or lose 10 lbs, so it's not like they don't "fit."

I actually have a beautiful royal blue satchel in my holding zone, waiting for the day when I either tire or or wear out my royal blue backpack bag. I couldn't bear to sell it so I'm keeping it! It's classic and "my" color so I don't think it will ever be "out."

Janet

(website)

Veteran

In my effort to rotate the bags that aren’t getting enough love, I shifted how I was storing the collection, and added this strap to this raspberry clutch. Voila, it just happens to work with what I’m wearing tonight — on my way to judge a camera club competition. Happy to find new use for a pretty bag! Sometimes editing means more than just getting rid of things — it means rediscovering and finding the potential of old ones.

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jill58

Veteran

Perfect!

Joy

Veteran

That red bag is bigger than I thought it would be. Please keep it. I have too many clutches but love them for evenings out when I want a bag sitting on my lap. Those stiff, narrow envelope shapes are so unforgiving. I have a black patent version from Ted Baker that should go but is such a pretty pet.

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