Lauren Merkin Lucy Stingray/Rainbow Zip Trim Clutch

The weekend was absolutely gorgeous! For the first time in weeks, I was able to go out without a coat on. I spent some time walking around downtown, got a pedi and a massage, went shopping, enjoyed the sunshine. Then I woke up today to a gray, rainy day. Blah. What a crappy way to start the week. I don’t know about you, but I need something to perk me up, so I decided to go a little whimsical today. Maybe not so much whimsical as unusual. In any case, it’s colorful! Unlike Lady Gaga’s latest fashion folly at the Brit Awards. What. The. Hell. Now it’s just getting ridiculous. I mean, it’s one thing to wear something unique that turns heads, something no one else is wearing, or ever would wear. I like that about her. But now it’s like she’s just going for shock value, and that gets old real quick. What is this, a contemporary version of a muumuu? Just stop, ok? So yeah, let’s get some color going, shall we? Like this cute little Lauren Merkin Lucy Stingray/Rainbow Zip Trim Clutch.

Ok, I have to say, that is a ridiculously long name for a tiny handbag. The only thing I can think is that it’s meant to distract from the designer’s last name. It’s rather unfortunate. Just do a Google search for merkin and check out the first few results. That’s all I’m saying. Anyway, this bag caught my eye for it’s muti-colored accents, but I liked it even more once I checked them out up close. They’re zippers! Well, half zippers. And each little tooth is a different color. I can honestly say I’ve never seen that on any other handbag. The colors are beautifully spring, and go perfectly with the mild green leather. The interior is lined with gorgeous off-white ribbed fabric, and the bag has a frame closure. It’s a very chic addition to your spring wardrobe. It’s $295 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

I have to be honest, I’m not super crazy about this Melie Bianco S-10-12 Clutch. Didn’t Chevrolet used to have a pickup truck called the S10? I don’t think I’d name any handbag I designed after anything so pedestrian as a pickup truck. Then again, looking at this clutch, it does remind me of those lawn chairs made of woven plastic, so maybe the name is a good fit after all. We can call it trailer park chic. Right. It does feature a few nice spring colors, though, and it comes with a detachable shoulder strap in case your hands are full with a 12-pack and carton of cigarettes. Who says fashion can’t be utilitarian? The outer material is all synthetic—I know, big surprise—and the interior is satin, what else? The top zips closed. This is the blue option, but it’s also available in mustard and beige. Order it now to get it before the next NASCAR event. It’s just $73 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

This Mad Imports Gigi Clutch is a bit of a departure from the handbags I normally go for, but I like it. It’s sort of bohemian, don’t you think? The body is made from woven raffia in an olive green, so it’s environmentally friendly, and perfect for warmer weather. The flowers are embroidered in happy colors like orange, yellow, pink, and lavender. Other varieties of the clutch have embroidered stripes (one that looks like rainbows—very ’70s), and a couple of them have wooden accents, one of which is a butterfly on an orange bag—easily my second favorite! The Gigi is on sale, so get a couple. It’s usually $69, but you can get it now for only $37.95 at Endless.com.