There are things in life one just needs.  I’m not talking about water, eats, et cetera.  I’m talking about those items–be they shoes, a Land Rover (Discovery, not the LR2′s, of course), a certain someone’s face–one craves without reason.

silly amounts of studliness

As soon as I saw the Elgin Studded Handbag, I needed it.  The shape and size is perfect for carrying in-hand and under-arm, but what’s amazing is the versatility of the style.  To me, the Elgin is meant first for clutching.  But with two included straps, the clutch can be worn over the shoulder, across the body like the tiniest messenger bag you’ve ever seen, or (brace yourself) around the waist.

Yep.  This studded clutch also works as a hip bag, a fanny pack, or even… a chaos pouch, if you will.

It’s a good thing the Elgin is so hip.

The front flap of the bag is covered in color-paired studs that form neat rows, keeping the look tidy, despite the multitude of studdery.  Or studliness.

the hippest.

Available in two neutral color options, the leatherette feels really thick, and is face-rubbingly smooth.  It’s a very specific feeling.  It just means you’ll probably want your pretty face to get a feel of the clutch too.  With over 100 studs (yeah, I counted) and the plush material, this bag is a bit weighty for its relatively small size.  But I kind of like it.  As usual, I like my bags’ presence, so the more I feel, the better.

I wouldn’t call this studded clutch perfect, life-completing, everything you could want in clutch/hip/cross-body bag form, or even a permanent and consistent smile-inducer, but… I won’t object if  you do.

It’s small, but it’s FIERCE!

Popularity: 3% [?]

In league with healthy tans, big clutches are one of my favorite contradictions.  A clutch, by definition, should be small.  Small enough to, you know, clutch it.  But even when I’m carrying a clutch, I still want it to be present enough that forgetting it on the table at the restaurant is not an issue.

If clutches are the most accurate manifestation of the term “handbag,” it may be appropriate to call the Chelsea a ribbag.  Or maybe an underside-of-bicepbag.  I suppose it could often be a handbag, but I immediately put this guy under my arm as soon as I hold it.

It just fits there.

underside-of-bicepbag. catchy.

The sheer size of  the clutch makes me happy, as I am all about big handbags and accessories, and the colors are just the cherry on top.  The extra pump of caramel, if you will.  The grey is perfect, because everything grey is perfect.  The orange and yellow are bright enough to be fun and poppy, but do have a slight undertone to them.  The yellow is a mustard yellow, and the orange is slightly burnt.

(So that’s the theme: burnt mustard and grey poupon.  Don’t pretend like it doesn’t sound delicious.)

Condimental connotations aside, this clutch is beautiful, large, and very ready to accompany you on outings from shopping to the dance hall.  (Insert “I like my clutches like I like my men” joke.)

Popularity: 2% [?]

Similar to kittens and tiny dancers, this bag just begs to be held close.  The Roxanne Ruffle Hobo has always been a quiet love interest of mine, and I can’t even put my finger on why, exactly.

"You don't have to put on that red light."

It could be the size. The Roxanne is big enough to house every “daily necessity,” with room to spare for things like, you know, snacks, PlayDoh, or that collection of wrenches you use for self defense.  But with the inverse height-to-strap-length proportion, the hobo bag doesn’t look too big.

It could be the material. You haven’t felt soft leatherette until you’ve felt this bag.  Not only is it eyes-wideningly smooth, it has a thickness to it that just draws  your dirty little hands all over it.  If any bag could be appropriately described as “luscious,” this would be the one.

It could be the simplicity. Free of zippers, studs, color, pattern, and external pockets (save for one in the back), this simple, black hobo bag is perfectly minimal.  But I’m not talking about your mother’s “minimal.”  There is nothing boring about this bag if you appreciate the detailing it does have.  The doubled-over strap is a welcomed change over thin straps that start to dig in after a few hours of antiquing.  And the waved seaming along the front is an understated cool.

The Roxanne isn’t one to immediately draw attention.  But when the attention has been attained, it’s caught.

Popularity: 3% [?]