<p>Gray or pewter is a great idea. Who needs punch when one can have subtle sophistication? (Plus I’m easing back to my black/white habit!) I’ll look for a different style; I really don’t need that bow.</p>
<p>I have a dove gray metallic clutch from Stuart Weitzman that I bought years ago. It complements black very well - I use it constantly. They don’t make the one I have anymore, but this is similar:</p>
<p>[Stuart</a> Weitzman Tahoe Bag](<a href=“http://www.berenshoes.com/stuart-weitzman-tahoe-bag/p/SX0283_SIL_KD/]Stuart”>http://www.berenshoes.com/stuart-weitzman-tahoe-bag/p/SX0283_SIL_KD/)</p>
<p>Click on the picture to get a much better view. I like the idea of something sleek and structured, not soft and pleated.</p>
<p>Gourmetmom, I have a very similar clutch, but with a V-shaped flap. I use mine constantly as well.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>mafool, I think this is my clothing mantra. :)</p>
<p>mafool, here are some turquoise (and not turquoise) clutch ideas:</p>
<p>[Brighton</a> Diva Daisly Large Clutch at Zappos.com](<a href=“Brighton diva daisly large clutch aqua brighton + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com”>No results for Brighton diva daisly large clutch aqua | Zappos.com)</p>
<p>[Hobo</a> International Effe at Zappos.com](<a href=“No results for Hobo effe | Zappos.com”>No results for Hobo effe | Zappos.com)</p>
<p>[Hobo</a> International Sadie at Zappos.com](<a href=“Hobo international sadie turquoise vintage leather hobo + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com”>Hobo international sadie turquoise vintage leather + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com)</p>
<p>[Kooba</a> Official Store - Fiona](<a href=“http://shop.kooba.com/Fiona/pd/c/2/np/2/p/96535.html]Kooba”>http://shop.kooba.com/Fiona/pd/c/2/np/2/p/96535.html)</p>
<p>[Kooba</a> Official Store - Mila](<a href=“http://shop.kooba.com/Mila/pd/c/2/np/2/p/96537.html]Kooba”>http://shop.kooba.com/Mila/pd/c/2/np/2/p/96537.html)</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>I’ve never gotten on that whole pop of color train. I prefer texture and shape to make my point. But that’s just me.</p>
<p>The pop of color train keeps leaving without me, Alumother, much as I try . . .</p>
<p>Gourmetmom,
I do like Weitzman shoes and bags, except I cannot afford them (except for the GORGEOUS shoes I found on sale, ordered, and then discovered that when I walked in them they made a sound…how to say it? Oh, WTH, it’s just “us girls,” so here goes–they… erm… farted).</p>
<p>So I will look for something similar in my price range.</p>
<p>P.S. re: the 3rd bag in the link: I love the way that “Peau De Soie” sounds when spoken aloud.</p>
<p>Bunsen! Aren’t you helpful! I will check these out.</p>
<p>(oh, you included Kooba. My budget tells me to step away…I think I need to start selling crack, in the most understated and sophisticated way.)</p>
<p>Mafool,</p>
<p>By the time I have the dress and shoes figures out I generally have very little budget left for the handbag. I’ve had good luck for special occasion clutches at Macy’s tho.</p>
<p>Would this work?</p>
<p>[Calvin</a> Klein Handbag, Lux Clutch, Large - Clutches & Occasion - Handbags & Accessories - Macy’s](<a href=“http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=455988&CategoryID=27691]Calvin”>http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=455988&CategoryID=27691)</p>
<p>sewhappy, I like the sleek, uncluttered look.</p>
<p>And: thanks, all. This just the first of 3 weddings I know about in the coming months. The life we live these days (including my work and the community in which we live) doesn’t require/inspire much in the way of “dressing up.” I do miss it a bit. But it is not as if I have a closet full of options anymore.</p>
<p>So, thanks again, and please humor me as I indulge in all of your fashion journeys!</p>
<p>mafool, sorry for including those, but aren’t they nice? ;)</p>
<p>If this is a bag for just a one-time affair, I’d check DSW and TJ Maxx. My D’s budget for her prom bag was very conservative (under 30 bucks), and she lucked out at DSW. This was her clutch (she had earrings that matched the sequins, a gorgeous black mermaid dress, long satin gloves, silver shoes, and her pop of color was her bright red lipstick - LOL):</p>
<p>[Lulu</a> Townsnd Satin & Rhinestone Clutch Evening Shop All Handbags Handbags- DSW](<a href=“http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=7&sort=&category=dsw12cat680004&prodId=199130&brand=]Lulu”>http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=7&sort=&category=dsw12cat680004&prodId=199130&brand=)</p>
<p>And I like the funkyness of this one (and at this price, if you spill your wine on it, you will not cry!):</p>
<p>[Lulu</a> Townsend Pleated Framed Clutch Evening Shop All Handbags Handbags- DSW](<a href=“http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=23&sort=&category=dsw12cat680004&prodId=191191&brand=]Lulu”>http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=23&sort=&category=dsw12cat680004&prodId=191191&brand=)</p>
<p>Also, check Jessica McClinock (yeah, I know!) bags on Zappos:</p>
<p>[Jessica</a> McClintock - Search Zappos.com](<a href=“Womens jessica mcclintock handbags jessica + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com”>No results for Womens jessica mcclintock handbags | Zappos.com)</p>
<p>Some of them aren’t bad looking! (BTW, your shoes are gorgeous. RL makes nice shoes).</p>
<p>Oh, Bunsen, you really are kind. Yes. The bags are* more than nice.*</p>
<p>I am pleasantly surprised by the look and the price of the “framed clutch.” Will check that out!</p>
<p>I can’t say for certain that this would be a “one time” purchase, especially if I get something as versatile as silver, pewter, or gray. I have a few very nice black evening clutches. I just want something different.</p>
<p>This is the best thread (says the mother of a graduating college senior).</p>
<p>Here’s how exciting my social life is - my biggest fashion challenge is figuring out what to wear to book club this month! Some of the members have exquisite taste - and budgets to support that taste. It’s in the afternoon. Any suggestions? We are having gorgeous spring weather.</p>
<p>mafool-
Fart shoes were just beckoning people to look at them-- they’re an expensive fashion statement!</p>
<p>Maybe the light-up disco shoes from further down could be equipped with sound effects for a really awesome effect!</p>
<p>Lol!!!</p>
<p>Sewhappy, how about one of those dresses you have been eyeing?</p>
<p>I had to return some suff to the local N-M (not my favorite place to visit because it reeks of pretentiousness), and went through their dress section just to see what they had. A couple of months ago they hardly had anything worth looking at, but this time there were some pretty nice choices. I especially liked some of the new DVF dresses:</p>
<p>[Diane</a> von Furstenberg<em>-</em>Tech Poplin Cap-Sleeve Dress<em>-</em>Neiman Marcus](<a href=“http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod101260004&eItemId=prod101260004&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FNtt%253Ddvf%2526_requestid%253D51067%2526N%253D4294967291]Diane”>http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod101260004&eItemId=prod101260004&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FNtt%253Ddvf%2526_requestid%253D51067%2526N%253D4294967291)</p>
<p>The model in the picture must be tall, because on a 5’6" woman this dress hits just above the knee, if not mid-knee (yeah, I did try it on :)). The fabric is nylon, but it is soft and feels silky, not cheap. Overall, a very classy dress! Nope, I did not buy it :)</p>
<p>You think Neiman Marcus is pretentious? At the Boston area stores, they go out of their way to be helpful - my experience is that they are very professional. I usually get a hand-written thank you card a few days after I make a purchase. I’ll say the same for the Saks sales associates - always eager to help. These are all people who work for an hourly wage - few of them can afford the expensive things they sell. I’ve never noticed any attitude.</p>
<p>The N-M here is known as “Needless Markups” since it’s noticeably more expensive than the Nordstrom’s next door. But they do have very helpful sales staff. Our Saks is quite small, and usually quite empty. They would do better to relocate to the mall where the other upscale stores are.</p>