Handbags can be a clutch for the nights out

Los Angeles Times

A New Year’s evening bag may not hold much more than a valet ticket, some Listerine strips and a Razr phone, but without one, getting dressed up just wouldn’t be the same. They can add sparkle or an unexpected dash of color to a simple dress or breathe new life into an otherwise tired old frock.

But with the prices of accessories soaring, evening clutches can cost more than you paid for the dress, forcing you to use the same bag every time you go to a formal affair.

Thankfully, there are options beyond the diamond-encrusted boxes and bejeweled minaudieres that go for more than a monthly car payment. Less-expensive styles are popping up in brilliant jewel-toned satins.

Why buy another little black dress for this season’s swirl of holiday parties? Wear what you have and spice it up with an evening bag from Banana Republic in a dazzling peacock blue or radiant yellow satin. At $49.50 for the bag, you can throw in a pair of new shoes or another accessory.

The girlish, ruffled Mansfield clutch by Hollywould for Target looks particularly saucy in red and will add texture and color to a simple dress. And at $19.99, you can afford to like ruffles for just one night and not feel bad.

So take a break from the frenzy of searching for a new dress this season and just change out the bag for something bright and festive. The best part about these bags, other than the price? All of them comfortably fit a BlackBerry.

Shop these designer evening bags at up to 50% off retail!

CHRISTIAN DIOR designer handbag peach satin evening bag. One inside pocket. Silver hardware. Snap top closure. Wrist strap is silver chain and peach leather. Inside signature monogram lining is gold on silver. Includes Dior embossed leather covered hand mirror. Chain strap folds into the bag to carry as a clutch. Unique locking device closure. Engraved CD hardware. Wrist strap is 13 inches long. Measurements are height 5 inches width 6.5 inches depth .75 inches. Comes with sleeper bag. Guaranteed authentic. Limited supply.

PRADA designer handbags collection handbag BN0905. Genuine ostrich leather shoulder bag clutch bag designer purses. Prada BN0905 black ostrich leather handbag has silver toned branded bar handles a fully lined interior with an extra zipper pocket and a long strap. The bag closes with a flap and a snap and could be secured with a ring at each end that keep the handles together. Measurements: 16 inches wide X 7 inches tall X 4 inches deep X 16 inches strap drop. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag. 66% off retail.

JUICY COUTURE designer handbags brown leather clutch 0609. Measures approximately 12 inch length 6 inch height 2 inch depth. Soft leather. Silver nickel hardware with keys and heart charms. Leather tassel. Fully lined with Juicy Couture signature lining. Inside zippered pocket. Comes with sleeper bag. Guaranteed authentic.


CHRISTIAN DIOR designer handbags limited edition silver metallic clutch made of goat leather and python with a crystal inlaid floral pattern. Measures approximately 10 W x 5 H with a 3 inch depth. Silver metallic distressed leather with silver python trim. The hanging D silver charm is inlaid with python leather. The face of the bag is decorated with clear crystals in a floral pattern. The bag has a flap over magnetic snap closure. The interior is fully lined with one open pocket with a silver metal plate that reads dior limited edition 0120. The strap measures about 7 inches long. Made in Italy. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag.


PIETRO ALESSANDRO designer purses silver metallic pebble grain leather clutch bag 2075. New this season. All leather construction. High end designer details throughout the construction. Secure top closure. Fully lined. Extra pockets. Guaranteed authentic. Comes with sleeper bag. Measures about 12 x 7 x 2 inches. Has a 14 inch wrist strap. Front flap securely closes with a push lock closure.

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