Please help me pick a clutch for my girlfriend

[CluelessinTexas]

Hello, I'm begging the fabulous and knowledgeable PurseBlog members for opinions on clutches and maybe wallets on a chain.
I would like to buy my girlfriend a clutch for her birthday, and want to know which clutch and/or chain wallet you like. I was considering the monogram YSL, but I've looked at the forum talking about quality issues with YSL and am now a little leery. I guess all brands will have issues. Maybe a different designer would be better? Maybe a wallet on a chain would be a better choice and more versatile? Maybe she would use the chain wallet more often....or maybe a classic clutch is an essential piece in every handbag arsenal. She's pretty petite...5'2". I would like to keep it under 2k, but it's ok if it creeps a little above. So Chanel and Hermes are probably not an option. I have bought her Louis Vuitton in the past, so while not against buying another LV, I would like to buy a different designer. Could anyone please help a clueless guy out? I want to give it to her on her birthday and take her out to a nice dinner so she can use it. Any insight is very much appreciated. Thank you for your time.

 

[AugustaBlue]

What a sweetheart you are. A lot of this will depend on her personal taste, but I think a wallet-on-chain is a great idea - versatile as a clutch and shoulder bag. A Chanel WOC is actually not out of the question depending on the leather and style. Other options include Dior (the Miss Dior promenade pouch or Diorama WOC), Alexander McQueen (they make iconic clutches), and Lanvin. If you’re interested in more under-the-radar brands, try Delvaux (Madame Pochette) or Valextra (Iside purse with chain or the larger shoulder).

I'm 5'3 and have Dior and Valextra. Neither overwhelms my frame, and both are classic pieces that I like. However, I've been eying McQueen lately for something a little edgier. I've also tried on Chanel, Lanvin, and Delvaux. All work for a petite woman, too.

 

[CluelessinTexas]

What a sweetheart you are. A lot of this will depend on her personal taste, but I think a wallet-on-chain is a great idea - versatile as a clutch and shoulder bag. A Chanel WOC is actually not out of the question depending on the leather and style. Other options include Dior (the Miss Dior promenade pouch or Diorama WOC), Alexander McQueen (they make iconic clutches), and Lanvin. If you’re interested in more under-the-radar brands, try Delvaux (Madame Pochette) or Valextra (Iside purse with chain or the larger shoulder).

I'm 5'3 and have Dior and Valextra. Neither overwhelms my frame, and both are classic pieces that I like. However, I've been eying McQueen lately for something a little edgier. I've also tried on Chanel, Lanvin, and Delvaux. All work for a petite woman, too.

Wow! Thank you for the reply. It was very helpful and educational. So many great ideas! I thought I was doing well knowing what an YSL wallet on a chain was, but now I realize I have a lot to learn. Lol. I'm going to look into the Delvaux and Valextra. I'm starting to lean more and more towards a WOC, and your reply is confirming that. I really appreciate your help. I have to make a decision in a couple weeks.

 

[averagejoe]

I second the MIss Dior Pouchette. It's just a tiny bit over your price point (I think it's only $100 over, I'm not sure).

This photo is from TPF member @tomatotooty

 

[youngster]

CluelessinTexas, you are a keeper for sure! Your gf is quite lucky!

I second averagejoe's recommendation of the Miss Dior Pouchette. I have tried these on and they are beautiful, really stunning, and fully leather lined. It's larger than the Chanel WOC and can easily carry a cell phone, keys, make up and an extra card case. I would have purchased one on a recent trip to Europe but the current seasons colors didn't quite work for me. As a back up, a Chanel classic WOC is always an awesome choice, in either lamb or caviar leather. If it's caviar, she can wear it out to dinner or to a backyard barbeque. It can go almost anywhere. If it matters, the Chanel WOC is also likely to hold its value better than the Dior.

 

[CluelessinTexas]

I second the MIss Dior Pouchette. It's just a tiny bit over your price point (I think it's only $100 over, I'm not sure).

This photo is from TPF member @tomatotooty

Thank you so much for replying. I need all the help I can get. That is a cute little handbag. While doing research in the PurseBlog forums, I've noticed Dior is very popular. It seems the WOC or little handbags are probably the way to go. I wonder if this is big enough for a large iPhone...I will look up the dimensions.

 

[CluelessinTexas]

CluelessinTexas, you are a keeper for sure! Your gf is quite lucky!

I second averagejoe's recommendation of the Miss Dior Pouchette. I have tried these on and they are beautiful, really stunning, and fully leather lined. It's larger than the Chanel WOC and can easily carry a cell phone, keys, make up and an extra card case. I would have purchased one on a recent trip to Europe but the current seasons colors didn't quite work for me. As a back up, a Chanel classic WOC is always an awesome choice, in either lamb or caviar leather. If it's caviar, she can wear it out to dinner or to a backyard barbeque. It can go almost anywhere. If it matters, the Chanel WOC is also likely to hold its value better than the Dior.

I really appreciate your reply and your help. This is exactly why I'm here. The forums are very helpful for a guy like me. I wasn't even considering Dior, now it's a front runner. As clueless as I am, I imagine the Dior would be appropriate for formal situations. When looking at Dior, I saw the Dior Shadow. I think it's a little larger. As long as her cellphone fits, as you mentioned it would, then I think the pochette is large enough. And thank you for the kind comments. She works hard and deserves it, but won't buy it for herself.

 

[youngster]

I really appreciate your reply and your help. This is exactly why I'm here. The forums are very helpful for a guy like me. I wasn't even considering Dior, now it's a front runner. As clueless as I am, I imagine the Dior would be appropriate for formal situations. When looking at Dior, I saw the Dior Shadow. I think it's a little larger. As long as her cellphone fits, as you mentioned it would, then I think the pochette is large enough. And thank you for the kind comments. She works hard and deserves it, but won't buy it for herself.

Well, it's a very thoughtful gift! I'm sure she will be thrilled no matter what you pick!

What color are you thinking? Black? Also, gold or silver hardware? If she wears mostly silver/white gold/platinum jewelry then you probably want to go with silver hardware. If she wears more yellow gold, then gold hardware.

 

[CluelessinTexas]

Well, it's a very thoughtful gift! I'm sure she will be thrilled no matter what you pick!

What color are you thinking? Black? Also, gold or silver hardware? If she wears mostly silver/white gold/platinum jewelry then you probably want to go with silver hardware. If she wears more yellow gold, then gold hardware.

I was thinking black, or at least a dark color. You bring up a very good point about matching the jewelry. I would have never thought of that. Hmmmm...more decisions to make. Lol. Thank you so much for your advice. I (and I know my girlfriend will) really appreciate it.

 

[youngster]

You're welcome! Definitely think carefully about the hardware choice. Some people don't like to mix metals with jewelry and bag hardware being different. Others don't mind at all.

 

[clu13]

If you want something a little less mainstream, goyard reintroduced the Sainte Marie clutch.