Category Archives: Weekly Inspiration

Best Spring Street Style

It’s time for the battle of the best outfit. NYC is fashion’s capital with daily inspiration of trends. Best of all, you never know what you get in this concrete jungle. Whether she’s wearing stilettos or all white sneakers, she is looking good every hour on the clock. Now, it’s your turn to determine which street style should be awarded the best of the best this spring 2016.

All Black Chic

NYC is known for one color: black. Black is chic and has the magical power of a slimming effect. This fashionista’s casual look is one to mark in the books. She wore a basic white tee and styled it with a studded leather jacket and a pair of leather shorts. She adds converse to perfect her casual, classic look of the day. We can’t forget the most basic accessory: the all black handbag. We love this outfit as an on the go look in the city.

VS

Off the Shoulder Goddess

There are two words to describe this girl: Trend setter! This fashion goddess is rocking every spring trend on the market. She wears an off the shoulder white top with lace detail, a brown suede skirt with buttons down the center, and gladiator shoes to top it off. Her accessories including sunglasses, black handbag, and a body chain are the icing on the cake. She is ready for her next photo op every where she goes. This look is perfect for a day out to a museum or a park.

So will you choose all black biker chic or the trendsetter goddess? The choice is up to you! Let Clutch NY know which look should be crowned “Best Spring Street Style 2016”.

Tech Accessories that Will Blow Your Mind

Technology and Accessories are two worlds that are colliding and making the world a little more stylish for you. Tech accessories are far beyond boring and are innovating as ever! Imagine this: a cute gold bracelet with diamonds detailing the rim AND it tracks your sleeping patterns and calorie intake. Sweet deal, right? This trend is fascinating and affordable!

Here is the inside scoop of our top 4 tech accessories that will blow your mind:

Tory Burch x Fit Bit

Tory Burch teams up with Fitbit to reinvent a new way to wear a tech accessory without looking like you are. The Fitbit Flex tracks steps, distance and calories burned. Tory Burch for Fitbit Fret creates a double wrap bracelet in 5 neutral colors. It’s an exclusive collection that allows you to wear your fitbit from workout to happy hour. The leather detail is a perfect match for the gold/silver metal detailing.

Rebecca Minkoff x Casemate

Rebecca Minkoff teams up with casemate to make this lighting cable bracelet. Why would you need a lighting cable bracelet? If you are on the go with an iPhone that is always dying because let’s face it…you’re always on it, this bracelet should be on your wrist. It converts into a USB connector to charge and sync your iPhone. You can wear it with your everyday jewelry and take it off as soon as you need to charge your phone. The gold clasp is not only for style but it hides the USB connectors so that no one will be able to see it on the bracelet.

My Mira Fit

Have you always wanted to track your steps or calorie intake in a discreet way? The Mira Fitness bracelet and tracker combines style and privacy. It’s feminine and modern look makes it possible to wear to any setting including cocktail parties or weddings. This sweat resistant bracelet requires you to download their app to make it easier to track your daily activity. It tracks distance, elevation, steps, AND calories. Let Mira be your secret weapon to staying healthy.

Ringly

Okay so a tech ring sounds weird right? Well Ringly, proves us wrong with their “Daybreak” ring. Ringly connects to your phone via Bluetooth and lets you receive customized notifications through vibration! It also has a light on the side of the ring to let you know that your phone is blowing up and you should probably check it, Ms.Popular. The specific ring in the picture above is actually inspired by early mornings when the sun’s rays light up in the sky. How motivating is that? Never miss a beat on your phone, even when you’re in the zone at work.

Inspired by these cool tech accessories? Clutch Made is a manufacturing and sourcing factory that helps designers and brands from all over the world. We challenge you to make a tech accessory that you feel is not out in the market. Take charge and create opportunities for yourself today!

Why NYC is the Best Place for Inspiration

Clutch Bags NY is a collection designed by creative director, Laura Dotolo. Clutch Bags have a classic, utilitarian style that reflect the heart of NYC. New York City is our #1 source for inspiration! It’s the city where EVERYTHING happens and no one ever sleeps. It’s lively vibe captures the essence of our brand and our customers. Inspiration can be found almost anywhere in NYC; from the food to the architecture. Do you have a collection or brand and need a new muse?

Here are our top 6 reasons why NYC is the best place for inspiration:

Street Stylin’

Hello Upper East Siders, Lower West Siders, and Brooklynites! No matter where a fashionista resides, she is on the streets looking fabulous as ever. Street style is fascinating in the city where fashion strives. The fashion capital oozes of innovation, trends, and impeccable taste. The typical on the go fashionista never forgets her heels, shades, or handbag wherever she goes. She is also always ready for the next event and photo op. Street style is NYC’s specialty and every outfit on the scene never disappoints.

Foodies Unite

If the talk is not about fashion in New York, it’s about food. NYC has over a thousand restaurants, cafes, and diners. You can also escape a crowd with street vendor food. The possibilities are endless and the food is spectacular. In NYC, Wednesdays are for Brooklyn’s rainbow bagel, while Sundays are strictly for brunch. You can eat an authentic ramen soup or be more daring and try a ramen burger. The creativity is unimaginable in this city and the passion lies in the pure ingredients used to make a food lovers dreams come true.

Architectural Digest

Architecture surrounds New York City. It’s as innovating as the fashion and the food. The Flat Iron building is known for its unique shape, while apartment buildings are known for their incredible classic stairs. There are also NYC “statement” buildings like the iconic Empire State that stands tall in the day and lights up in the night. Buildings are white, black, gold, and sometimes even made out of glass. NYC’s futuristic appeal makes it hard to not get inspired. It inspires structure and color for any product that you may want to include in your next collection.

Street Art Love

Art in itself is a natural inspiration. Art on the streets creates fascination. Every corner of the city lies a picture that screams a thousand words. Artists rely heavily on the city for inspiration and create beautiful works that can make your jaw drop. There is the love wall full of color and there is a wall of a dancer almost leaping out of the art. The talent is shown to inspire everyday people and motivate creation. Everyone has a gift to create, so take the time to think of how you will achieve that goal. Clutch NY takes prides in handbag craftsmanship and art helps our team constantly innovate our products.

Interior Genius’

Interior design is important for any setting. NYC exceeds all expectations and expands creativity. Interior decor in cafes, restaurants, and markets are executed beautifully. Whether it is lights or cool free standing structures, NYC knows how to brighten up a room. Just like architecture, interior decor can inspire structure and aesthetics. If you want a muse for your visual merchandising, interior decor and design is your answer. Let the decor speak to your brand and capture the voice that you create through your products.

Nature’s Parks

Last but not least, the most powerful influence in NYC and the world is nature herself. New York City has America’s most beautiful parks. Central park is iconic with its beautiful garden and fountain. The High Line park is beautiful and one of the most innovating places to visit. We can’t forget Washington Square Park that welcomes you with arches and a big, open fountain. You can also walk past Bryant Park which has a beautiful view in the city at night and an event space big enough to enjoy a yoga class. Nature will always be inspiring! It’s calm nature let’s us escape from the chaos the city can bring. It is a concert jungle after all.

No matter what product or brand you are, inspiration is needed for motivation. Inspiration in NYC is the source of Clutch NY’s passion as well the women who live there. Never forget who your brand is and who you are making your products for. Now follow Frank Sinatra’s lead and “start spreading the news…I am leaving today. I want to be a part of it. New York, New York”

How to Wear Pantone’s Color of the Year

How to Wear the Pantone’s Color of the Year

Pantone announced that the colors of the year 2016 are Rose Quartz and Serenity. These two pastel colors are playful and very natural, just like cotton candy skies. So, how do you think you can wear it this spring? If you avoid pastel colors on your clothes, try them on your accessories. Both colors are perfect for accessories this spring and will pop among the sea of black. Not only will you appear like a trendsetter but you will stand out!

Here are our top three picks for accessories for spring 2016 that dominate the color of the year:

HANDBAGS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but we think that they meant handbags. Purses and clutches are the perfect way to include the color of the year into your wardrobe. If you wear neutrals, your handbag will be your stand out piece. If you are more daring, try a monochromatic look; you can wear an all rose colored outfit and match it with a rose quartz bucket bag. The best part about these colors is that they can come in any style of handbag you prefer; cross body bag, bucket bag, or your basic satchel bag. It fits your personal style and completes your trendy look.

Classic Handbag in Serenity

Edgy Clutch in a Lighter Shade of Serenity

Go-to Bucket Bag in Rose Quartz

Furla’s Classic Handbag in Rose Quartz

STATEMENT JEWELRY

Jewelry is the statement, you are the model. The color of the year in jewlery is perfect for any occasion from breakfast at Tiffany’s to brunch at a bridal shower. Serenity color in a necklace is the perfect accent color with neutral colors such as white, creme, and grey. A rose quartz colored necklace can be worn with matching pastel colors like mint, yellow, and lavender. This pastel color family all looks great worn together. You can also turn up the volume by adding gold to the rose and serenity colors in bracelets. Since both the rose and serenity colors complement each other, do not be afraid to wear them both at the same time. You’ll look as sweet as cotton candy.

Layering Necklace in Rose Quartz

Bright Serenity Colored Necklace with Gold Accent

Rose Quartz and Serenity Bracelets with Gold Accents

Small Serenity and Rose Quartz Details on Gold Bracelets

SUNNY SIDE UP GLASSES

Let’s face it, sometimes when your outfit isn’t captivating, the best way to disguise it is to throw on some shades. Sunglasses are one of the dominating accessories this spring 2016. Time to put the black wayfarers away and replace them with jazzy pink and blue tinted lens. The most trendy sunglasses styles for spring include aviators, cat-eye, square, and round. It is best to see what works with your face shape. Once you find your match, the sun won’t be the only thing that’s hot.

Classic Pink Tinted Aviators

Round Blue Tinted Sunglasses

Rose-tinted Shades in Many Styles

Quay Blue Tinted Cat-eye Sunglasses

Clutch Bags NY is always on the lookout for trends! We are inspired by the New York women who are constantly on the go but forever looking glam doing it. Let the streets guide your fashion taste and make sure to keep up with our blog posts updated WEEKLY!

Until next time,

Clutch NY

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: The Final Step

You have finally reached the final step of making a handbag in the USA. Congrats! Your hard work is just about to pay off. If you have been keeping up with our posts, this week we discuss the last and final step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA. Just to recap, here are the five steps before racing to the finish line:

AND FINALLY!

6. Website and Social Media Set Up (including tips for photography/styling)

Your handbag collection is perfected and ready to be shown through the digital world. The Clutch Made team has extensive experience in the media and styling world. We help you create beautiful product shots and videos for your brand. It is easy, affordable, and all the images you receive will be perfect for all your website and social media platforms.

Your Website: How are you going to get your product on the market place? Have you thought about creating a website? The Clutch Made team will work with you in acquiring a domain and building your own site. Websites are one of the best platforms to use in order to get your product on the market and seen by your biggest fans. We will not only design the website for you, but show you how you can then maintain the site on your own. We also supply all the tools necessary for your website to function. Our team will work with you on your bios, product descriptions, key branding search words and content writing that will get you found on the web. Here is an example of two websites we helped design for our clients, Linda Busch and Blk Blu NYC.

Social Media Set Up: Whats the next step after website set up? Clutch Made can help you create social media platforms that would work well for your brand and products. This includes acquiring all handles for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest and the strategies on how to maintain it consistently. Make sure to follow us on our social media platforms in order to have an idea of the great work we can do for you.

Styling and Photography: This is the fun part for the Clutch Made Team! Our professional NYC photographers are the best in business. Alongside Creative Director Laura Dotolo who has 20 years of styling expertise, the Clutch Made team creates beautiful product shots and video’s for your brand. Our service is affordable with one of the quickest turn- around times in the business. The images you receive will then be perfect for all your website and social media platforms.

Here is an example of a video we made for our client Aurelia Garza:

Working our photography magic!

Behind the scenes look for http://aureliagarza.com

One of the final shots!

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 2

Here comes the fun part of making a handbag. If you are keeping up with our posts, this week we discuss the second step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA. This step is all about conceptualization and design. When you reach this step we discuss your vision, who you are and what you are looking to design.

Your Vision: A vision is necessary for designers. Your vision could be what inspires you. What do you visualize when you think about your dream handbag? A great way to help you identify those key points is to create a vision board. A vision board helps you organize and conceptualize your wants and goals.

Your identity: After identifying your vision and what you would like to achieve, it is time to identify who you are as a brand or designer. Why is this important for design? We want to help you design for a tailored audience. Who are you making a handbag for? What sort of of image are you trying to perceive? A great example would be Clutch Bags NY. Clutch NY is a collection of handbags designed by creative director, Laura Dotolo. Clutch NY handbags have a classic, utilitarian style that reflect the heart of NYC. It is important to note that the main focus of a brand other than its product is its audience.

Your design: We want to make your vision come to life! The design process is the first step that will lead you to the sample of your handbag. Now would be the time to email or call us at 800.208.1840 and set up a design appointment so we can work with you to design that handbag. Maybe you need ideas for your handbag and are not sure what size, color or zipper it should have. Don’t worry! We are here to work with you during the entire design process. We will help you to formulate all your dimensions, details, hardware choices, functionality and materials for your product.

Stay tuned next week to learn how we help you with the next step of the process: Sourcing..or as we like to say, “the secrets of our sourcing powers.”

How to Style a Handbag

How to Style A Handbag

A handbag is more than just an accessory, it’s a statement. It doesn’t always have to hide on your shoulders. Let it add to your outfit instead! Stand out by styling your look to go with your bag whether its for work or for play.

Here are 3 fun ways on how to style a handbag this Spring:

1. Pop It

tumblr_nomdsmZjbU1tguoxuo1_500 tumblr_nctwg5Bf691r0ldx9o1_500 Stand out among a sea of black. Try to never be afraid of color. This mustard yellow color is still as bright and fun as the color of the sun. The best way to style the color of a handbag is to have it be the stand out color of your outfit. Neutrals also look great with this color. Change the rules and rock this look whether casual or professional.

2. Texture meets Style

Not all bags are made of leather! Suede, the napped fabric, is a great alternative so don’t shy away from a suede handbag. You can match the handbag with denim fabric or funk it up with fringe detail. If you want to go a step further, match your fabrics to your handbag! Who says that monochromatic can’t be used for texture? Whether it’s suede on suede or transitional fur on fur, the mix is perfect for this spring. Suede is also one of the trendiest fabrics of this season, so keep this in mind when styling your handbag.

3. Fringe it Up

Fringe returned 2 years ago as a trend and guess what? It looks like it’s still out to play. When wearing this trend pair it with a simplistic outfit. The best quality about fringe includes its fascinating movement. You want the fringe to be the essence of your look. For those that are still hesitant to try the trend, you can buy fringe as a tassel to clip on to your handbag as well. Give fringe a shot and let it dance while you strut the streets.

Remember, a handbag can be more than just an accessory. It is all about how you style a handbag. Try new trends and see what works for you and what does not. This is why Clutch Bags NY exists! We love handbags and the women who wear them. The streets are inspiring and the trends keep us excited and on our toes. Make sure to keep up with our Instagram for our newest spring collection!

Inspired by the lifestyle of New York, our latest campaign for Clutch Bags.

The First Step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA

If you are following along with our posts on How to Make a Handbag in the USA, this week we discuss the first step on how to make your dream handbag, here in NYC. Are you ready to make your first handbag? Follow these easy directions on how to submit a free consult sign up. Making a handbag in NYC is fast, easy, and exciting with the help of the Clutch Made team.

The first step would begin by visiting our website, Clutch Made. This is where you will find the consultation form to fill out.

Next, click on the Services Tab.

From there, you will click on the very first service listed, Free Consult Set Up.

Next, fill out the form and tell us the direction of what exactly you are looking for. Do you already have a business? Do you have a bag design in mind? Clearly state your ideas and a Clutch Made team member will get back to you within 24-48 hours via email.

After you have received an email that confirms that we have received your form, we will want to schedule a phone call with you in order to further discuss your ideas. Make sure to be prepared for some of the questions a team member may ask you. Questions might and could include: Do you know the style of the handbag you want to design? Have you thought about the materials or colors you would want to use for the handbag? Or do you know the size and measurements you want to include? We want you to really think about the product that you will be developing.

At Clutch Made, we promise to help you with every detail of your handbag. If you are unsure about some of the questions mentioned above, don’t let that stop you! We are here to help and guide you. Our expertise will ensure that we make the handbag of your dreams.

To start thinking about these questions, we always encourage designers and businesses to make an inspiration board on Pinterest. Need some ideas? Follow us and get inspired by our posts.

Stay tuned next week to learn how we help you with the next step of the process: Conceptualization and Design.

Handbag Trends for Spring 2016

The two hottest handbag trends for Spring 2016 are (*drum roll* please): The Bucket Bag and The Half-Moon Bag. Which one catches your eye more? Let’s discuss the beautiful features of both handbags and predict which one will be this spring’s “IT” handbag trend.

Picture source: Tumblr

The Half Moon Bag VS The Bucket Bag

The Half Moon Bag: Victoria Beckham flashed this trend in her runway show and amazed every trendsetter watching. It’s shape mimics the crescent moon and represents the fashion movement as a mystical force in nature. This handbag shape, whether large or small, is the easiest silhouette to carry around. This handbag can be seen in many different fabrics including suede and leather. In keeping up with the Spring 2016 trends, buying this handbag in Pantone’s color of the year, Rose Quartz, will assure you an up to the fashion minute trendy accessory. To keep it simple and classic, buy the half moon bag in black or white.

The Bucket Bag: Louis Vuitton has been trying to make this handbag a classic for years. For now, this bag is a trend on the streets. The bucket shape creates a unique structure for those who stray away from the norm. Just like the half moon handbag, you can see the bucket handbag in suede and leather, but also in a shiny patent leather. Mansur Gabriel has dominated this trend in colors from black to tangerine. But if you do not have $400 to invest in one of their handbags, there are so many other brands that sell the bucket bag for as low as $40.

So which one will dominate the streets and become the handbag trend for Spring’s 2016 “IT” bag? Due to it’s relevance on the streets and buzz in the fashion world, our prediction is that the bucket bag will be the handbag trend for Spring 2016’s IT bag. Sorry half moon bag, maybe you can shine at night in the fall instead. Regardless, both handbags are innovative and we are so excited to see any other creative structures that will hit the runway this NYFW!

Remember, if you are feeling inspired to make a handbag, Clutch Made can help you make that into a reality. NYFW is an inspiration and we are your platform.

Accessories Rule!

A new fashion season means a sea of new trends. With the increment of the number of fashion shows and locations that tookÂ place during fashion week, we all are confused and lost in the endless maze of the fashion industry.

Clueless (film)

After reaching a point of saturation and frustration, the past two seasons made a lot of firm fashion followers turn to a different direction. Unbothered by the current trends, people started following THEIR OWN INSTICNTS AND PRINCIPLES. This is turning out to be one of the biggest revolutions in the fashion industry, birthing a new breed of individuals who genuinely reflect their own style and take on fashion.

This new breed has definitely come to the biggest realization that accessories have taken over the apparel industry. With some of the trendiest fashion bloggers like Chiara FerraganiÂ blogging more about her favorite sunglasses versus her favorite dresses, she is confirming the strongest and most convincing message: ACCESSORIES ARE THE NEW IT THING!

The luxury market as well is leaping to a massive shift in the concentration of accessories in comparison to apparel, the biggest proof coming from luxury brands like Chanel, Moschino, Stella McCartney and Celine. In the last twenty years, accessories were an extra addition or sidekick to ready-to-wear. Whereas now, people dress according to their accessories; the consumerâ€™s ready-to-wear has become the canvas of style on which one can paint or draw something new every day with your interchangeable, diverse and stylish accessories.

There will always be that statement little black dress from Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent, but there are also 30 other statement accessories that are way more versatile with the same figures on the price tag.

Fashion Week Fall 2015: Prada Broach

Quit buying new clothes for different occasions; learn how to style the clothes differently with a new selection of accessories. Let accessories be the statement to your wardrobing style and watch to see how many more compliments you fetch!

And while you’re at it, add this one to your list of must-have accessories made right here in New York City:Â BLK BLU NYC!