Things are taking shape for pre-fall 2013 over at Oscar de la Renta, where the focus is on strong silhouettes and extravagant details. My favorites run the gamut from cool and classic to completely creative and out of left field. In other words, no matter your style preference, you might love one of these.

The Hex Clutch is available in an array of colors, but my money is on this deep navy version. It’s topped with a gold bauble push-lock closure that punctuates the bag perfectly. Grab this in lieu of a traditional evening bag to make a minimal yet memorable statement.

There’s more than just navy in this mix, but I’d be crazy not to include the Floral Embroidered Goa Clutch in my roundup. Embellished with large, beautiful blooms, the bag is trimmed with sequins and bathed in a lavish, shimmery finish. Naturally, as I’m a sucker for anything floral, this practically has my name hammered into the hardware.

Topped with a majestic looking, brooch-style closure, this Satin Jewelry Clasp Clutch shines in radiant cinnamon-toned satin. Just as sleek as you’d expect, the hefty closing mechanism balances the bag’s graceful silhouette perfectly.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: January 8th, 2013
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
comments: No Comments

Oh, to wear Oscar de la Renta all year round. The designer’s delicious spring/summer 2013 collection captured his usual grace and ladylike glamour, but all of those sensible pieces were presented with a twist. From simple tops adorned with rosettes to sleek pencil skirts wrapped with lavish waist bows, the range brought femininity to an entirely new level. The same can be said for the handbags – a selection of happy-go-lucky pieces that just can’t help but make you smile.

The Cara Vanity Case is exquisite, and not just for its oceanic blue hue. The translucent bag is lavished with bright white enamel flowers, a detail that should make see-through naysayers happy since it manages to conceal the bag’s contents quite capably. The details all marry to create the perfect spring handbag.

When I first saw the Concord Molded Crossbody, I assumed it was a phone case of some sort. This hard case is actually a chic sling-it-on-and-go purse that instantly adds an adventuresome flourish to your most basic ensembles – think jeans and tees, or black pencil skirts and white blouses.

Compared to the rest of the collection, the Midi Envelope Clutch feels surprisingly understated. Its presence on the runway was easily masked by the far more opulent fashions – pair this with crazy combinations of laser-cut leather, rosettes, and the like, and it will practically disappear. What I like about this, though, is its ability to dress up a casual look.

Images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: October 10th, 2012
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags, Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

If this is a taste of things to come, I’m very much looking forward to resort season next year. Oscar de la Renta brought a fun twist to its signature luxe, piling on the bright colors and playful prints. Though it was the eye-popping patterned wedges that really caught my eye, I have to confess my appreciation for the label’s flat clutches, too. Whether your flavor of choice is a sensible solid or a complex graphic, you’ll find one that satisfies. Check out my faves:

Looking to add some yellow to your wardrobe? Check out the Lemon Flat Envelope Clutch. Made of textured elaphe, this snappy little piece of arm candy will add electrifying zing to any look. Imagine the styling possibilities: amazing with sailor stripes, a cool contrast to an equally bright pink dress, killer with a sleek black suit. How can you go wrong here?

This little piece is also available in a black and white combo, but I’m partial to the surprising sophistication of evergreen and white. The Elaphe Flat Envelope Clutch revives the played out graphic print with a slightly mottled, artful design that almost looks like it was stamped over the surface. If you’re feeling particularly daring, pair it with another type of print entirely – you’ll feel slightly runway-chic without falling into that whole “what the heck is she wearing?” thing.

If you’ve gotta have your reptilian fix, look no further than the Alligator Flat Envelope Clutch. Rich texture and a hint of gloss define this beautifully designed bag, which features a push-through closure for easy in-out access. A practical silhouette combined with a punchy color yields a good-time bag you’ll use all the time, guaranteed.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: June 20th, 2012
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
comments: No Comments

Looking for a special group gift for the boss? Well, take a look at this stunning Oscar de la Renta Pearlized Rose Python iPad Clutch. It’s sure to be a hit with basically any female iPad enthusiast! It’s extremely professional and flawlessly fashionable, both inside and out. Speaking of the inside, this little beauty has silky ultra suede lining and a convenient snap closure. It’s 100% gorgeous and 100% secure for those precious iPads! Pick one up for $390 at Oscar de la Renta.

posted: December 9th, 2010
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
comments: No Comments

Lavishly decorated with crystals and glass pearls, this elegant Oscar de la Renta Silk Embroidered Clutch really needs no introduction. It makes a statement from afar, but since it’s white it’s nonetheless quite low key. The combination of a striking floral embellishment and lustrous white silk is irresistible – and almost enough to make any woman say I do. Gorgeous! Available for $1050 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: October 25th, 2010
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
comments: No Comments

Intense is not usually a word I use to describe something as pink and girly as this Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Roll Clutch. But what else can be said about a heavily decorated, glossy snakeskin bag? The colorful stones are seemingly hammered in by sparkling crystals and finished with a myriad of hanging chains. This edgy detail toughens up the bag just enough. Available for $1290 at Oscar de la Renta.

posted: October 21st, 2010
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
comments: No Comments

There’s something very film noir about this Oscar de la Renta Lizard Grafton Clutch. Both the squarer shape and ever so slightly tapered sides are a throwback to art deco proportions. You can imagine a flawless Lauren Bacall reaching into it for her silver cigarette case while she convincingly lies about not killing her stepfather (that’s not from a real movie, but you get the picture). The contrasting texture of the lizard exterior – dappled on the edges with horizontal ridges running down the middle – creates a rich spectrum of color and the lack of hardware showcases the sumptuous pattern. Choosing a color could be tough – the teal has the most polished depth of color, but the patent sheen on the black is hard to pass up, then again there’s something about red lizard that says “no one is the boss of me.” Pick up this glamorous clutch at Oscar de la Renta for $2,190.

posted: April 13th, 2010
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
comments: No Comments

For the next two days, the elegant fashion icon of Oscar de la Renta is selling suits, evening gowns, jackets, and separates at up to 75 percent off.  A CFDA lifetime achievement award winner, he has dressed numerous First Ladies as well as  current A-list celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyonce Knowles.  Indulge in elegance (for a lot less!)  Don’t forget to enter in the giveway for a one-of-a-kind gown and personalized, signed sketch by the designer!

Through 6/18. 137 W. 52nd St., nr. Seventh Ave., fifth fl.

(917-533-8251); W (9–7), Th (9–6).

posted: June 19th, 2009
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags, Sales Events
comments: No Comments

Visit the store
Box clutches are an insane passion of mine. From Bottega Veneta to vintage, I find them to be the absolute most chic clutch a woman can carry, especially for evening. This Jeweled Box Clutch from Oscar de la Renta is a box clutch lover’s dream. Embellished with jewels on both sides, the purse has loads of depth thanks to the tonal details. Not just another little black handbag, this clutch has leather trim on the edges and closes with a substantial jewel closure. Proof that black does not always equal boring. The Jeweled Box Clutch retails for $895 and is available at net-a-porter.com.

posted: February 21st, 2008
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

$895 for this?!? You must be joking. If ever there was a case of the “emperor has no clothes,” it’d be this flimsy Oscar de la Renta Transparent Travel Tote. There’s nothing to it – and certainly nothing to warrant even a fraction of that price. The bag is made of clear PVC with white or black leather trim and gold hardware. You’re really just paying for the de la Renta name, but for $895 one would expect to at least have some actual material so your personal belongings aren’t on display. Nice try, Oscar.

$895 at Neimanmarcus.com

Shop Oscar de la Renta

Discuss this Oscar de la Renta bag in our Purse Page forum

posted: April 25th, 2007
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
comments: No Comments