Domo Clutch and Bloom Clutch by Rebecca Allen, $70
Majoring in Accessory Design at the Ai Miami International University of Art and Design, Rebecca Allen has proven to be one to watch. In the ‘Best Student-Made Handbag’ category of the Independent Handbag Designer Awards of 2008, she was one of five finalists. A category for students who have successfully started their lines while still in school, Rebecca is poised to do more than that. Judging from her work, she is well positioned to generate a major following to it.
Inspired by established designers such as Prada, Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, and Dior, Rebecca’s design philosophy for her label ‘Rebecca’ is to create pieces that rouse a person emotionally and offer a sense of whimsy and couture to each item she designs.
We received the Bloom Clutch and the Domo Clutch from Rebecca’s Fall Collection. Inspired by Sex and the City’s uber fashionista Carrie Bradshaw and her obsession with flower pins, the Bloom Clutch is a must-have for fall and retails for $32 (I’m not kidding). The Domo Clutch is more of a classic style in a gorgeous burnt orange hue and retails for $38 (no, that’s not a typo).
If you feel like jumping out now so you can buy for yourself, go ahead, I don’t blame you. I’ve had to exercise every ounce of control in order to stop myself from buying the entire collection in all available colors.
Made from burnt orange suede, the Domo Clutch features a magnetic clasp, hand dyed fabric lining, and a hand carved semi precious stone. It measures 9” x 5 ½” x 2” and is available in red and brown, with different stone embellishments.
This purse is exactly what I had expected, the product photo captured the coloration perfectly. Size-wise, it’s quite roomy. I can fit my blackberry, keys, and other small essentials with no problems. The burnt orange hue is just gorgeous. I love wearing it with a pair of bootcut jeans and an ivory silk blouse. With a neutral-color top such as ivory, this clutch provides a fabulous pop of color and totally completes an effortless look.
Onto the Bloom Clutch, it is made of chocolate brown suede featuring a magnetic clasp, hand dyed fabric lining, and a flower embellishment. It measures 11” x 8” x 3/4” and is available in lots of other colors.
This was a bit larger than what I expected which is a good thing because I love the height of this purse. The height and the style of the flap (along with the flower embellishment) make this purse really stand out. Width-wise, it’s not as roomy as the Domo Clutch but it is deeper. If you’re fashion-forward, you would totally love the flower. If you don’t care for it, Rebecca has a flower-less style that is available in four colors. I love this purse. I’d wear it everyday if I didn’t have to lug everything but the kitchen sink in my everyday bag, sack really. Since this is shorts weather, my favorite outfit to wear this with is a pair of cuffed shorts in porcelain and a feminine blouse that is about the same hue as the flower.
In cooler weather, these two clutches would be awesome with a pair of brown boots – can’t wait! Another thing I can’t wait for, new designs from Rebecca. I wonder what she’ll come up with for her Spring Collection? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!
Reviewed by: Chic Techie
