Purses can come in many different flavors from hobos, buckets, saddlebags, backpacks, shoulder bags, and many many more. All of these purses are designed for different occasions and to hold different types and amounts of your things. So what does a women do if she needs to carry just a few essentials, but not quite enough for a trip out of town? She reaches for her favorite clutch purse and is happily on her way. She knows the clutch will suit her needs perfectly while putting the finishing touches on her outfit.
You don't often see clutch purses on an everyday basis, because these purses are not intended to be used all the time. The clutch is a situational purse for those times when you are carrying very little. The name, clutch purse, is quite appropriate because these purses are carried by clutching them with the hand. Some have a detachable chain or leather strap so that the purse can be slung around the shoulder and hung off to the side if you get tired of holding it.
Purses have been around since over five thousand years, from what we can tell. Very early on cultures realized that small bags could be useful for carrying money and valuables, and thus, purses became very popular with both men and women. They were worn on the belts of men, and women carried them around as bags. It wasn't until the early 1800s that we see the forerunner of what we would consider a clutch purse. Women carried what were called reticules, which she would carry her handkerchief, and perhaps some blotting paper and money. This style eventually evolved into what we now know as the clutch purse.
The clutch purse comes in a variety of styles, colors, adornments, and sizes. They can be seen in department stores in every shape imaginable. They can be seen as little square boxes, heart shapes or triangles, finished with beads, satin, or brocade. They can be fastened with loops, tassels, or other ornate decorations. They can be covered with calf skin. satin, patent leather, metal, or vinyl. They can be hard cased, soft cased, metallic cased, and multi-colored cloth or beads. Of course, the silver clutch purse remains the classic evening bag, and probably will remain so for quite some time.
Here are some of the more popular styles of clutch purses we see today:
Convertible Clutches - The purses are extremely practical. You can morph from clutch, to tote, to shoulder bag quite easily. If you can't afford a designer price tag, there are many convertible clutches available at reasonable prices.
Hard Case Clutch - This style takes on a retro type look and usually has a sleek satin or silk appearance. They make excellent evening purses, or for occasions that do not quite require formal attire, but you still want to look dressy. One trendy take on the hard case is a metallic looking crystal ball. These are very unique and you would need just the right outfit and carriage to pull this one off!
Metallic Clutches - These metallic clutches are extremely popular right now. The metal finish gives these bags a bit of glamorous look, but they are quite at home in more relaxed settings. Extremely tough and durable, the metallic clutch can endure quite a beating.
The Mini Clutch - While not being very practical, they more than make up for in style. They barely have enough room for your keys, lipstick, and some change. You could consider the mini clutch as fashionable arm candy, and the perfect way to round out any cute outfit. There are basically two styles to choose from, the traditional mini, and the super thin crayon clutch.
Over Sized Clutch - The popularity of giant handbags has spilled over to the design of the over sized clutch. They satisfy the impracticality of the traditional clutch purse and allow you to carry your normal load. The over sized clutch is quite popular now in animals prints such as zebra, tiger, and leopard.
The Silver Clutch Bag - Here is the timeless classic, the ever elegant and beautiful silver clutch purse. This is the bag to wear at your formal dinner event, and no evening gown is quite complete unless it is adorned with a silver clutch. This bag never goes out of style, and it is a necessary part of your wardrobe arsenal.
That special clutch purse is all you need to put the finished touches on whatever you choose to wear.
Perhaps you are ready for your first clutch purse, or you would like to add more clutch purses to your collection.
To learn more about silver clutch bags and how you can find a timeless purse for those classy occasions follow this link ===> http://silverclutchbags.com
Elijiah Rampart is an internet researcher on fashion and beauty. He has been particularly interested in purses for women, and especially silver clutch bags. Find out more information on what he has learned by going to http://silverclutchbags.com