On the subject of day clutches...

Sveta

...I think I am ready to give it a try but here is the problem: so far I have not seen much selection of oversized day clutches in my stores AT ALL. Small evening clutches - yes, bigger day clutches - no!
If I can find one big enough to fit my wallet, sunglasses, keys, cell and have some room to spare I may be sold... any pointers for B&M stores in Canada?

13 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Anonymous

I really like the look of the clutch, but in practically, I need my hands free so I this is not an option for me. Good luck in your search. I hope it works for you.

13 years ago

NancyLee too

Active Member

Must admit I only looked for them briefly here until I confirmed what I had suspected about them - because they're so structured and flat (that's the key word) you can't get much in them no matter how large the overall dimensions. If one is soft and floppy enough to put in even a sunglasses case, then it turns into an unwieldy, saggy lump under the arm.
So I only checked briefly where I happened to be one day, at Sears and Winners, who both had a handful. I think even retailers know they're not going to be a big trend probably for the above reason.

13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

have you tried an ipad case? some here have had success with the ones with more structure. no internal pockets tho.

13 years ago

Mona

Veteran

I agree with NancyLee Too. It is not the size, it is the structure that does not allow for a lot of stuff to go in. I got a medium sized one from Aldo, just to try and realized this. I can hardly fit my wallet, sunglasses and a few other tiny items. Having said that, I still carry it sometimes as I like the look.

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

It is possible to find a balance of structure without too much stiffness! It does take some looking, however, and unfortunately, since I'm in the states I'm not much help when it comes to where you might find one. However, maybe my experience with my current clutches can help.

My teal snake Kate Spade clutch from Una is the stiffest one I own, and it is hard to get all my usual stuff in it, but if I leave out my eyeglass case, for example, it works fine (this works for me because most days I'm also carrying my tote with papers, iPad, lunch, etc.).

However, I have a large raspberry envelope style clutch from Foley & Corinna that holds everything beautifully despite the leather being soft. I think it's mainly because the bottom is gusseted -- it will even stand upright. This might be something to look for. I got mine on one of those flash sale sites -- Gilt, I think. It actually came with a chain strap, which I promptly removed.

My other clutch is by Melie Bianco, and I found it in a local boutique -- it's envelope style and no gusset (but also has a removable strap), but the leather is just soft enough to accommodate stuff without being floppy. Maybe a search of the name will unearth something near you?

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Here's my F&C in blue, via Nordstrom, but sold out

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fo.....ch/3219277

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sveta, I've been having the same problem. Even to find a few to compare is difficult. I would really like one, too, (despite the difficulties of fitting things in) but just haven't found many.

I am sort of interested in this one from Danier, but I have not seen it in person as they do not carry it at my local store: http://www.danier.com/leather-.....colour=686|78558f&mc=yes

I went to the flagship Bay in Toronto last weekend, and I couldn't even find many examples there. It astonished me. Might have more luck at Holts, but the price point would be too high for me.

Another option I have yet to try - H&M and Forever 21. Sometimes Fast Fashion is the only way in these situations.

13 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

The last bag I bought was only about 2.5 inches deep and sometimes I hold it like a clutch (it is rectangular). I also have another one that like Janet mentioned can stand on it's own. And I ordered one just yesterday, a bit smaller, for a special occassion but I think I will wear it other times. It is 2 inches deep. I don't carry much and I'm willing to hang on to my sunglasses if necessary but I think I *could* fit them in this size with the minimal of small wallet, keys, phone, pen and lipstick.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/da.....ltback=176

This last one is planned to go with this dress...but I love the idea of charcoal and black for everyday as well.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....this-dress

13 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the comments! It sounds I am not alone not able to find a practical daytime clutch.
Mary, I am willing to try it anyway. I like my hands free too so I am looking for a style with a wrist strap.
NancyLee, this is right - they are mostly flat with no room to expand but I wonder if there are other styles out there.
bj1111, I did not try ipad case but it has a shape I am not really after.
Mona, I got one too this spring and then I realized I cannot fit me sunglasses in. However I believe some of them are less flat and roomier than others, I just have not found one yet
Janet, thanks. I like you F&C clutch, this is something similar to what I am looking for.
Suz, I have not checked out The Bay and had hopes for this one - too bad! I can have a peek into F21 and see what they have, thanks for the suggestion. This Danier one seems to unstructured for my liking but I have not seen it IRL as well.
texstyle, it is an interesting idea to look at small bags which can be used like clutches - thank you!

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Can you order on line from Zara? I think I remember Angie saying that had a very good range:)

13 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Sveta, this is a great question. I have been having trouble too. I do have two clutches I adore, one black studded (2) and one citron(1), of normal dimensions, however they look too tiny and flimsy against any winter coat!

I did find them at a local funky boutique, and they were not expensive (CAN$40 and CAN$35).

So when you decide on one, be sure to try it with your outerwear gear first.

For the moment I resort to my banana shape padded one (3) - insulated, for your phone! - that I got at a gear shop. It's the only thing that looks good on my coats because

1) It's large enough;
2) Armhole is wide enough
3) Its solid colour means it doesn't get lost with all the zipper/velcro/string detailing of a winter coat.

Anyone else has my problem with clutch + extreme winter?

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13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

Great question, I also have not seen large daytime clutches in the stores.

13 years ago

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