Badgley Mischka Evening Couture Rigby Clutch

I was thinking about those caged sandals that are so hot right now. If they’re good enough for the red carpet, they’re definitely great for a fun night out on the town. But you’ll also need to carry some things with you, right? The essentials like your phone, money, ID, maybe some lip gloss for a mid-evening touch-up. And yes, I’m aware of the order I put those essentials in. Come on, you’ll leave the house without lip gloss before you leave without your phone, won’t you? I thought so. Anyway, no matter what you need to have with you, you don’t want to get all dressed up, put on some gorgeous strappy sandals, and then sling a huge bag over your shoulder. You need a clutch, and it needs to match your shoes. These go great with the caged sandals I talked about before, starting with this Badgley Mischka Evening Couture Rigby clutch.

At first glance, it might seem like just another sequined bag. Oh no. Not this one. First of all, the sequins, sewn on in a beautiful circular pattern, are multiple sizes and colors. If you look closely, you’ll see silver, gold, gunmetal grey, and some iridescent ones that, when tilted, shine in hues of blue and violet. But wait, that’s not all! Ringed around some of those circles, and right in the middle of most of them, are genuine Swarovski crystals, giving the bag even more sparkle. The clasp closure is also adorned with crystals. The interior is lined with satin (less likely to scratch that phone), and there’s a small pocket that features a slide mirror in case you do need that lip gloss touch-up. There’s also a delicate chain strap if you prefer, which gives the bag an 11.5-inch shoulder drop. If you like carrying it as a clutch, the strap tucks neatly into the bag. A protective dust bag is included. Splurge on looking fabulous—it’s $695 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

If you want to splurge on the look, but not the price, then check out this Franchi Jasmine pleated clutch. This elegant bag is made from soft, pleated fabric, and has a fully lined interior. It’s sophisticated enough to pair with those shiny, strappy sandals by night, or carry with a subdued suit by day. The metal chain strap gives it a 9.25-inch drop, so it won’t be banging into your hip as you walk. It has a platform bottom for stability when it’s set down, and a top kiss lock closure. I love this silvery grey, but it’s also available in black, gold, and a lovely coral. Get it for just $149 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

There’s never any reason to spend a fortune to look good when there are so many affordable alternatives out there. The La Regale clutch is a perfect example. The actual name of the bag is 25443. What is it with designers and fashion accessory manufacturers naming their products with numerical sequences? Yes, I’ve complained about it before, and I’m sure I will again, so get used to it. The unimaginative name notwithstanding, this is a really cute clutch. It has a curved frame and a pleated, synthetic leather body. The interior lining is satin with a small side pocket, and the top has a magnetic closure. There’s also a strap that gives the bag a 23-inch shoulder drop, which can be tucked into the bag if you prefer. This bag will also work either day or night, depending on what you wear with it. It also comes in black, camel, ivory, and gold. Get a couple of them since they’re only $36 at Endless.com.