The Minaudiere—petite, feminine and usually synonymous with evening garb, is no longer this stylish little accessories’ definition. Historically known for their diminutive size and tough metal casings, these little LUX bags have been socially revered for their elegance and beauty. Today, the pint-size clutch has broken its stereotypical mold of evening only and has recently been fashioned for big style at any time of day. Of course, one can still expect to find high-shine and drama amongst the special occasion editions of these mini works of art.

What can the LUXista expect to find in the wild for day you ask? Designers have embraced this silhouette with passion by serving up a multitude of redefined versions in the offerings of embossed leathers, snakeskin and rocker chic materials, and metal stud embellishments. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting materials like fur, wood and bezel-set raw crystals. And for something on the unique side, whimsical dramatic prints can be hunted.

Below are some samplings of this HAUTE trend in handbags for S/S ‘10.

The Unique:

Alexander McQueen Skull Clasp Clutch

Show off your edgy side with Alexander McQueen’s Skull Clasp Clutch. This minaudiere features silver crocodile-print leather with black crystal-embellished skill fastening.

Judith Leiber Cupcake Clutch

This multicolored cupcake clutch by Judith Leiber is so adorable we wish we could take a bite. The clutch is covered in crystal embellishments and features a gold tone clasp and chain.

Emilio Pucci Bean-Shaped Clutch

This bean-shaped clutch by Emilio Pucci is a standout piece. The hard clutch is made of navy plexi glass with a pyramid stud finish.

Judith Leiber Ganesh Clutch

Judith Leiber’s hand-painted multicolored Ganesh clutch is truly a one of a kind piece. The minaudiere is encrusted with hand-placed fine crystals and will add glamour and decadence to any outfit.

Daytime:

Jimmy Choo Tube Clutch

Show off your wild side with Jimmy Choo’s colorful leopard printed patent leather clutch. Make a bold statement with this chic minaudiere.

Elaine Turner Leah Clutch

This fun woven clutch by Elaine Turner with chic hardware makes a perfect handbag for spring. The fuchsia minaudiere has a structured body with a white patent trim and a vibrantly colored lining.

Rebecca Minkoff Fling Stud Clutch

We are lusting after Rebecca Minkoff’s neon patent Fing Stud Clutch. The edgy clutch features pyramid studs, snake-chain strap and hinged closure.

Cole Haan Enamel Minaudiere

We love this enamel minaudiere clutch by Cole Haan. The beautiful clutch features optical weave patterns in fuchsia, red, and purple with stunning gold detailing.

Rafe New York Sasha Minaudiere

Be prepared for spring with the Sasha Minaudiere by Rafe New York. The unique clutch features laser cut leather over a metallic leather body.

Evening:

Stella McCartney Punched Hole Clutch

Add some glamour to your cocktail dress with this stunning Stella McCartney clutch. The minaudiere features gold-tone punched hole hard exterior. The sleek clutch is a chic way to carry your evening essentials.

Judith Leiber Bee-Line Clutch

Judith Leiber adds a twist to the classic black clutch by adding gorgeous honeycomb cut-out detail to the bee-line clutch. The black leather minaudiere features clear Austrian crystals and silver-plated brass hardware. This bag will have you buzzing!

Inge Christopher St. Petersburg Minaudiere

This glamorous snake-embossed leather clutch by Inge Christopher is the perfect evening accessory. The boxy design and oversized Swarovski crystal embellishments will look perfect with your best evening dress.

Judith Leiber Marquis Celebration Overture

This fully beaded minaudiere by Judith Leiber is an updated classic. The clutch features jet marquise and multicolor pave Austrian crystals.

- Ehmonie from Handbag du Jour

As a new contributor to beso, I’m finding my way around the site much like you are! beso offers such a wide variety of fashion items so you may be thinking ‘Where do I begin?’  Here are 3 ways that I found to shop beso:

Rebecca Minkoff Linear Stud Flame Tote

I started with searching brands. As a handbag-a-holic, I’m always searching to see what’s new from my favorite handbag designers so I began my ‘brands’ search with Rebecca Minkoff. From the homepage, I typed in the brand name in the main search box, then found a slew of hot Rebecca Minkoff bags, like the Rebecca Minkoff Linear Stud Flame Tote. You can further refine by store on the left hand side.

If you have a particular store you love, it’s probably available on beso!  On the homepage, click on ‘View All’ on the right hand side under ‘Featured Stores and Brands.’  This will take you to an alphabetical list of your favorite online shops.  I chose ‘Neiman Marcus,’ and then further refined to ‘Bags’ where I discovered the Valentino Rouches Napa Tote. Pretty cute, huh?

Valentino Rouches Napa Tote

Finally, on beso, you can search previous blog posts for inspiration. Beso’s editors and bloggers cover everything in the fashion spectrum, from hot handbags, to footwear and hair accessories, to apparel and undergarments. And if you see something you like, sign up for a beso account so you can save your favorite stores and brands!

This ends your introduction to shopping beso. Don’t forget to check back often to see my hot finds and share yours with me too! Happy shopping!

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

Stud Devote Tote

Rebecca Minkoff has become one of my favorite handbag designers over the last year.  With five years dedicated to successfully designing handbags, she continues to create beautiful handbags with bright colors, textures, and fresh silhouettes.  It comes as no surprise that Rebecca Minkoff handbags have become a wardrobe staple amongst celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, and Agyness Deyn.  The Morning After Bag was an overnight sensation, and considered a classic along with the Nikki hobo and clutch.

Ms. Minkoff strives to design bags that are versatile in color and meet the needs of the everyday woman.  Each bag has a distinct personality, yet all are functional with multiple compartments and intricate detail.  With so many styles to choose from — the Stud Devote tote, Loveletter satchel, and Darling hobo, to name a few — it is easy to be come a collector.

Shop all Rebecca Minkoff handbags at beso.

Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton

Gossip Girl Leighton Meester spotted at Paris Fashion Week with the Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton Suede Asphalt Bag  as her arm candy.   The classic day bag shape, reminiscent of  the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy Tote, combined with ultra-soft, casual suede is a great accessory for the Manhattan Queen Bee’s casual-chic look.  Leighton’s floral print dress and platform sandals pictured here are all LV.  We can’t all strut LV from head to toe, but can come close with this look for less.    

Get This Look (for less!) at beso:

Rebecca Minkoff Black embossed suede 'Morning After' Bag, $357

Tory Burch Lou Lou Dress, $279

Stuart Weitzman Teeny Dress Sandals, $365

 

Rebecca Minkoff Stud Devote Tote

Want to stir things up at your conservative workplace?  Add a studded satchel to your ensemble.  Studs are huge this fall, appearing on shoes, handbags and jeans.  But they are easiest to wear on your purse.  You choose if you want your bag to make a statement or just hint at your tough side.  Studded handbags were #2 on Tory Burch’s list of Fall Must-Haves and fittingly, her handbags offer a complete range of styles.  We also like the Stud Devote Leather Tote by Rebecca Minkoff.  If you’re feeling daring, pair your new bag with some over the knee boots to make things really interesting!