I’ve had a love/hate relationship with velvet for, well, all my life. I love the feel and romantic old-school texture of it, but hate the dowdy little velvet jumpers my parents forced me to wear as a kid (complete with white turtleneck and sumo-sized hair bow). I generally like velvet best when it’s used in small measures, as is the case with this smart Velvet Clutch from Stella McCartney. The purple hue is striking, and the silver trim is a nice modern contrast to the more vintage (but oh so touchable) velvet. What do I intend to wear with it, you ask? For fall, I’m thinking jeans, tall boots, a silk cami, and one of those hot shrunken black jackets that are cropping up everywhere. In the meantime though, I’m craving a boho twist by pairing it with Orion’s utterly gorgeous, totally summer Susannah Watercolor Print Dress. Think Stevie Nicks with less relationship baggage.

Orion Susannah Watercolor Print Dress: pretaportobello.com/onlineproductdetail.aspx

Stella McCartney Velvet Clutch: kirnazabete.com/accessories/bags/