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”

5 Handbags Every Woman Should Own

At Clutch NY we are inspired by everyday trends and timeless classics. Handbags are one of the most important accessories women wear. Her handbag represents her identity and symbolizes her taste and lifestyle. As her taste or mood changes, so does the handbags she chooses. One day she carries a tote bag to the grocery store and the next she carries a clutch for a girl’s night out. Every day is an opportunity to show off a different handbag in your wardrobe.

Here are 5 essential handbags every woman should own:

Clutch

Clutches are the perfect bag for the on-the go woman. It’s a must-have if you avoid straps and want a smaller-sized purse. Clutches come in many styles including oversized, fold-over, and as a basic pouch. Clutches are the best to bring to weddings or nights out. No matter what style you prefer, Clutch NY suggests to clutch it and go.

Classic Large Bag

Every woman must own a bag with a classic handle and fun silhouette. You can throw all necessities into the typically large handbag and still have room for some flats you might want to wear later in the day. We are inspired by classic handbags from Celine to Bottega Veneta; we call it bagspiration. It’s the girl boss of all bags and an essential for your wardrobe year-round.

Travel Bag

Summer is coming up and that means: vacation getaways. The travel bag is second best to a suitcase. If you are going away for just a weekend, a travel bag can carry all your necessities including clothes and hair products. They also come in many prints and colors but if you are into a classic, year round style the best travel bags are made out of leather. Whatever your style may be, your travel bag can reflect it. The travel bag makes packing for vacation a whole lot easier for you.

Tote Bag

Whether it is made of canvas, nylon, or leather, the tote bag is your go-to grab bag. You can put anything you want in a tote bag including your lunch, cosmetics, or simply the shoes you are going to wear as soon as you get to work. You can also use a tote bag for sustainable reasons. Bring it to the grocery store to reduce the use of plastic bags. Some retailers like Target, will help you save 5 cents towards your purchase for every tote bag that you use.

Backpack

Why would a woman need a backpack if she is not in school? Backpacks are beyond educational purposes. They can be convenient for your commute on the bus or subway. They can also save more room for bags. If you are the type of person to carry 3 different styles of bags, the backpack makes it easy for you to do that. Carry a backpack, a tote bag, and a travel bag like a pro juggler.

These 5 bags are the ideal for the modern woman! Wear a different style everyday or wear multiple all at once. Your handbag should be perfect for your lifestyle and still reflect your stylish taste. For more clean, classic and utilitarian style handbags, visit CLUTCH NY today!

Handbags You Need for Coachella 2016

The most anticipated music festival, Coachella, is near! You almost have all your outfits planned out, but what’s missing? THE handbag! The handbag you need to not only carry essentials things but show off as a fashion statement. What’s it going to be this year? Get your festival look completed and check out five handbags you need for Coachella 2016.

Coin Bag

For a classic on the go clutch, try the coin bag! Clutch NY‘s coin bag is made out of leather and features a braided detail to perfect your festive look. It is offered in four different colors including white, black, espresso, and silver. The size makes it easy for you to throw in all your ID, lipstick, keys, and cash. You can also match it with classic white sneakers and look coach-hella good.

Belt Bag

What’s handsfree, cute, and convenient? A belt bag! Just strap it around your waist and let the bag do the rest. Clutch NY’s belt bag is perfect for your everyday festival look. It features two zip pockets and is made out of perforated leather. For your convenience, it has a credit card patch pocket and an adjustable belt strap. Rock the belt bag with a matching leather jacket and a choker necklace for a grunge look.

Box Bag

Still not tired of fringe? Fringe is a necessity for your festival look. Instead of the average suede or leather fringe, try beaded tassels. ASOS’ Festival Metal Box Bag With Beaded Tassels can be used as a clutch or over the shoulder. The contrast embellishment on gold makes it easy for this bag to stand out in a mass of original fringed bags. Shop the look and complete it with an off the shoulder dress for a boho vibe.

Cross Body Bag

Cross body bags are life savers; throw it across your shoulders and you are handsfree. If you are more of a keys, cards/cash, and phone kind of gal, Nasty Gal’s Common Ground Crossbody Pouch is for you. It’s small, made out of black vegan leather, and features three card slots. It’s also so easy to style! Wear it with a denim romper and some mules for an effortless look.

Pencil Bag

Do you need a bag with a little extra room for your makeup? Clutch NY’s pencil bag is perfect to throw in your go-to mascara, lipstick, foundation, and any other rescue tools you may need. It has two credit card patch pockets and comes in denim, suede, and silver lambskin. This clutch is great for the night shows you’ll go to! Complete the look with a crop top and high waisted ripped jeans.

Which bag is going to complete your Coachella festival look this year? Keep up with Clutch NY’s weekly blog posts all about the latest trends. And don’t forget, keep it clutch and go!

The USA Factory You Can Talk To

Say goodbye to “Made in China” because “Made in the USA” is IT. Overseas manufacturing has always created communication problems. American Made products eliminate the inferior quality, high shipping costs, miscommunication and delivery time problems associated with far east production. So, how CAN you start manufacturing in the USA? Move over Captain America, Clutch Made is your new superhero.

Who? Clutch Made is a modern e-factory that provides design and manufacturing services to small businesses and brands looking to source and produce in the USA. We specialize in sourcing the materials needed for us to manufacture your handbags and accessories. The Clutch Made team works through every detail of our client’s product from the idea to the actual tangible sample and ensures the best service and highest quality of expertise. We are located in NYC with our factory in the heart of the garment district. We believe that COMMUNICATION is the key ingredient in modern manufacturing today. Clutch Made is the factory that you can easily talk to without hassle or any type of language barrier.

Clutch Made’s Motto

How? The Clutch Made Team’s mission is to have open communication so we can make your products a reality.

Here are 5 simple ways to talk to Clutch Made today:

Our Website: On our website, Clutch Made, we offer a contact form that you can submit to us. It is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get in touch with us. When you submit your request, we promise to get back to you as soon as we can. We ensure quick response no longer than 48 hours after your submission. This is the best place to review all the services beyond sample and production at our factory.
Follow Us on Social Media: What? A factory that uses social media? Yes, Clutch Made stays active and current on all of our social media platforms. Check us out and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Message us on any of these platforms and we will be happy to contact you.
Email Us: Unsure about our services or your ideas? Email us directly at team@clutchmade.com with any questions and concerns that you may have. Our team communicates efficiently in and out of the office to ensure great communication standards.
Call Us: The easiest way to reach us is by phone. Contact us at 1.800.208.1840 and if we accidentally miss your call, just leave us a voice mail with your name, phone number, and reason for calling. We will call you back in less than 24 hours.
Find us on Maker’s Row: Maker’s Row is a platform that we use to connect with small businesses and brands interested in our manufacturing services. Make sure to check out our profile and the services that we provide including sourcing and manufacturing in the USA.

Clutch Made is the USA factory that you can talk to; it’s that simple and it’s that easy. We are making the factory and manufacturing experience extremely accessible for you to do business. We truly believe that communication is the most important aspect of the process and promise to always be available at your convenience. We understand the challenges you face and we’ll work to rescue you from overseas production that delays communication. Contact us today and let us show you how easy it is to talk to a modern factory.

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!

Jewelry Trends of Spring 2016

It is officially time for BATTLE OF THE ACCESSORIES 2016! Spring is finally here which means that the trends will start to magically appear. Dazzling jewelry trends were spotted down runways and now it is time they are spotted on the streets. Now what accessories should you wear? Here are the battle of the top two accessories for spring 2016: Statement earrings VS Off the body chains.

Statement Earrings

Sometimes the only dramatic thing you need in your life is your earrings. Big round and disco-like earrings strutted down runway shows from Dior to Gucci. Other statement earrings resembled the tassel on a handbag trend, a large hula hoop, and funky reindeer antlers. This spring, earrings can stray away from being boring and classic. Have some fun and try the various shapes and sizes earrings come in this season. Will you be bold enough to try?

Off the Body Chains

Show off some skin this spring and let your jewelry talk for you. Calvin Klein and Alexander McQueen showed classic ways to wear this trend to a cocktail party or a glamorous event. How about off the runway and on the streets? Body chains are perfect for those nights you want to stand out in a mass of people at a club or even on the streets. As the weather gets warmer, you can also wear your body chain on the beach; just throw on a cover up and take a long walk along the shore. It is simple and versatile for any occasion. Are you ready to try it?

Now, both accessories are bold and glam, but only one can win in the battle of accessories. Which is it going to be? The winner is all about popular demand. So you decide! Will you wear statement earrings or body chains this spring? Let us know and stick around for more fun posts all about the latest and hottest trends!

CLUTCH NY

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 5

So now that you have a good looking sample with all the bells and whistles that you designed, what’s next? What sets you apart from what’s on the market place right now? How is your customer going to find you? Who is your customer? Who are you? If you are keeping up with our posts, this week we discuss the fifth step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA. This step is all about branding and merchandising. When you reach this step we discuss who you are as a brand and how we can make your products unique enough to stand out.

Branding: The goal of branding is to create products with cohesive aesthetics and a point of view. You have to create a name, symbol, or design that identifies and differentiates your product from others. Branding gives you a competitive advantage and a promise to your customer that your product is better or more unique than your competitors. Your brand is then created from who YOU are and HOW you want people to perceive you. We will work with you to help establish your product and company as a recognizable brand. The Clutch Made team will help establish your product and company as a unique and recognizable brand associated with consistent quality. This involves a focused path to brand identity through consistent products and social media.

Merchandising: Merchandising your brand is part of the Clutch Made agency process. Not only does it involve putting your products on the market but you have to think about what pieces will collaborate best for your collection. What materials do you want to use? It is important to use materials that are hot in the market so that they are on target for buyers. Buyers want to see collections that are cohesive and trendy. What pieces of your collection do you want to show and can they go together? For example, a clutch can go well with a cross body, especially if they are made from the same leather and hardware. From extensive development and editing of your products, the Clutch Made team is alongside you in creating your unique brand.

Tradeshow Representation: Now, is it time for you to get your product out on the market in front of buyers? Are Trade Show costs too high for your budget? Are you unsure of how to start the process? We will work with you to help promote the sale of goods, especially in retail outlets. We invite all of our clients to join us under the Clutch NY umbrella at the trade shows. This is one more way The Clutch Made team helps you to convert your ideas to real sales. Selling your product keeps your business viable and the dream alive.

Tradeshow

Once your brand is established and your merchandise is perfected, your products will flourish in the market! Buyers will love how spot on your handbag collection is with the trends and better yet, how well made they are. Stay with us next post to discover the sixth and FINAL step on How to Make a Handbag in the USA with the Clutch Made team.

What’s In for Spring 2016

What’s in for spring? Minimalism! The minimalistic lifestyle is all about keeping your style clean and simple. If you are not one to wear bold colors in the spring, this trend is for you. Simplicity and accessories are finally colliding this season. The key is color, or the lack of. This spring stick to white. Why white? White does not only signify purity but it captures light, goodness, positivity, and clarity.

Following are the best white accent accessories to add to your wardrobe this spring. Check it out!

The OG’s of White Sneakers:

The white sneaker trend started in the fall and is sticking around to be the ultimate spring/summer 2016 shoe. It’s the perfect shoe for the minimalist! It is so easy to wear because it follows the athleisure trend. No doubt, they are also comfortable and stylish. Even celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Jessica Alba, and Gigi Hadid are rocking the streets with their white kicks. Shop the best sneakers at Vans, Converse, and Adidas.

The OG’s of White Handbags:

The Coinage: The coin bag is an on-the-go clutch bag that easily hangs off your wrist. It is convenient enough to run to the store with, take on the subway, or even take to the bar. It is made out of a classic white leather to last you all season.

2. The Lunch Bag: Now, do not get hungry! The lunch bag is classic fold-over clutch that resembles the classic brown lunch bag. It has easy access and folds nicely to accommodate a range of uses including travel, cosmetics, weddings or evenings out. It is also a must have simple accessory for your wardrobe.

3. Mail Bag: Inspired by our local mailman, the mail bag is the perfect spring accessory. If you are attracted to bigger handbags versus clutches, the mail bag is for you. It is oversized, roomy and, you can wear it over your shoulder or across your chest. Best of all, it is great as a day bag, weekend bag or travel bag. Whatever you are doing, the mail bag is perfect to look fabulous while on the go.

Oh and guess what? These handbags are ALL made in the USA. Check out Clutch Bags NY and shop these bags to add simple, clean accessories to your wardrobe this spring. We have no rules when it comes to white. All that we say is: White it and rock it.

How to Make a Handbag in the USA: Step 4

If you are following along with our posts on How to Make a Handbag in the USA, this week we discuss the fourth step on how to make your dream handbag, here in NYC. It is time for manufacturing! Made in the USA products are back in demand and this step gets into the details and creation of your bag. We can manage all your production needs with our network of suppliers and our own factory in the Garment District.

The Clutch Made Team is the factory you can talk to and we will work with you throughout the whole manufacturing process to achieve your dream handbag. Do you already have samples? Put them into production with the fastest turnaround in the business! Our factory in the Garment District has the abiility to start that process now. Your brand can offer American Made products and eliminate the problems associated with far east production like inferior quality, high shipping costs, miscommunication and delivery time mishaps. Best of all, no order is too big or too small. We manufacture orders from 10 units to 10,000 units, all Made IN NYC.

Don’t have a sample? We encourage you to use our tech pack service as a tool in developing your bag. Our team of artisans are expert sample makers. Whether from a sketch or from a tech pack, we will translate your ideas into a pattern and can create the sample you have been dying to see.

Tech Pack Bag

Here are two examples of our magic ingredients for a sample handbag:

Sample Handbag

Sample Wallet

Our recipe is cultivated in NYC! We love making American Made products and we love working with clients. Keep USA products alive in the market and make with us today. Follow our posts and next week discover how we help you establish your product and company as a unique and recognizable brand!