Sources:
- gray striped top – thrifted
- black linen skirt – H&M
- belt – H&M
- yellow flats – Target
- Green clutch – courtesy of Crystalyn Kae
Endnotes:
I recently received this clutch bag from Crystalyn Kae to review. If this name rings a bell, it’s because A. has been using one of their totes as her daily campus bag and has reviewed it here.
Since I’m biking to campus these days, I usually go for my backpack to hold my laptops, books, and various other necessities. Upon arriving home, it’s been so nice to dump that backpack in a corner of my living room and transfer my basics – wallet, keys, cell, ipod, chapstick – into a small little clutch. And this one is just perfect, I’ve been in love with it since it came in the mail.
Why do I love it so much? Here’s a handy top ten list to explain:
- 10) The wrist band makes it easy to carry while leaving my hands free
- 9) It’s surprisingly roomier than it looks
- 8) Its awesome pleats and folds give it a cool ‘relaxed’ look
- 7) But it’s still elegant enough that I would use it for a night out too
- 6) How can you go wrong with a little vintage fabric insert (mine’s striped and corduroy)
- 5) [Each bag comes with a different fabric embellishment in the center]
- 4) It’s hand-made in the US (Seattle) so I’m supporting local artisans
- 3) It’s vegan-friendly
- 2) It’s simply gorgeous
- 1) No one else has one like mine
I’m not much of a clutch wearer, I tend to prefer large roomy bags and totes, and still I’ve found myself using this on a daily basis. Since my life resides in my wallet, cell, and ipod (gone are days of large paper organizers and address books), this little clutch is all I need to grab my must-haves.
If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a new bag, I highly recommend checking out Crystalyn Kae’s site. Especially if you’re concerned about shopping locally (from the US) and getting a gorgeous looking bag that is not made of animal products. They come with a one year warranty and shipping to anywhere in the US is free.
Have fun perusing all the different colors…
Or the different sizes…
I used my green bag with yellow accents to create an analogous color combination with my accessories today. Since it’s analogous week over here, I took my neutrals outfit (black, gray, white) and added touches of green and yellow for some interest. While A. voiced her reservations regarding warm color analogous schemes, I can say the same about cool color ones. I typically gravitate towards reds, purples, and fuchsias but went for yellow and green today instead. A yellow bracelet and yellow flats mixed with the green and yellow clutch add a little pizazz to an otherwise subdued color combination.
Are you experimenting with analogous pairings this week? If so, what are your favorite combinations? And are they tried and tested old favorites or are you pushing yourself to try new things? S.
I’m glad academichic is reviewing these bags! I bought the troubadour tote about 2-3 years ago and still use it daily. Something important to note: although these bags are vegan and appear leather-like, they are not made from that weird synthetic PVC stuff that most vegan bags are made of (this includes Mat and Nat, who I believe still make bags out of PVC). I’m not sure if PVC is carcinogenic or not, but the smell alone is enough to keep me away from PVC products. Anyway, the Crystalyn Kae bag are made of FABRIC and then treated with a glaze to appear like leather. It does not smell and because it is fabric you can wash it in the washing machine. I just turn mine inside out, put it in a pillow case, and then run it through the machine. I’m not sure if the pillow case precaution is even necessary, but my bag still looks pristine after heavy use (used daily and carried grad school text books) for the last 2-3 years. These bags are worth the investment and I can’t say enough good things.
I also purchased the Troubadour tote after A. posted her review of it, and I love using it! I bought it in the burgundy/oxblood color, so it goes with basically anything, and it is so light-weight! Also, like S., I was thrilled to support an independent artist/designer.
S., your shoes and outfit are adorable! Love this site.
Love the green and yellow together! I actually keep a clutch inside of my giant work bag so if I’m popping out for coffee or lunch, or running errands at the end of the day, I can just grab the clutch with the essentials (wallet, phone, gloss).
[...] new Crystalyn Kae “matinee messenger” bag. You probably recognize the name because both A. and S. have reviewed other styles of bags by her. The one I picked to review is black tweed slashed with a pale green, blue, brown, and grey [...]
[...] designs. A. has raved about her Troubador Tote many times and E. and S. both love their little pleated clutches. L. has been happily sporting her Matinee Messenger Bag all winter. So, we are very excited to [...]
[...] a sustainable income, and offers educational and health care services to their families. Similarly, we’ve paired with Crystalyn Kae in the past to feature this company’s wonderful eco-friendly bags made [...]