Clutch Purse The clutch purse is a small to medium-sized handbag, usually rectangular in shape, and large enough to hold one's necessities yet small enough to be easily carried. Most clutch purses do not have a strap, hence the use of the word "clutch," as in to clutch in one's hand. However, some clutch purses do have a small handle or strap that may be tucked into the purse, or are retractable or easily detached. The clutch purse usually has a fold-over flap design with a small decorative clasp or a tiny beaded tassel. Rarely does a clutch purse have a zipper. Clutch Purses: Materials and Styles A clutch purse can be made from nearly any type of material, including recycled rubber and Astroturf. Most clutch purses, however, are made of more conventional fabrics and materials like silk, lace, brocade, cotton, silver or gold lame, acrylic, leather, fur, or vinyl. A typical size for a clutch purse is about 6 to 7 inches long by 4 to 5 inches wide, but some are as large as 10 inches long by 5 inches wide. The Clutch Purse as Fashion Accessory For years, the clutch purse has been an essential fashion accessory for evenings. A clutch purse is small and compact enough to be easily carried, making it perfect for formal occasions, such as going to the opera, attending a cocktail party, or wedding. A clutch purse is also large enough to hold a checkbook, a driver's license and credit cards, keys, a tube of lipstick, and possibly even a small cell phone. Purses, both large and small, have existed in various forms for centuries. Recently, the clutch purse has experienced a revival and is now one of the hottest evening fashion accessories around. By Heleigh Bostwick            Related Links: History of the Handbag Describes the evolution of the handbag, from the 17th-century until the modern day.

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