Patent-leather clutchClick here for product page
Item 95602
Regular: $98.00
I saw this item (in all three colors) at the store and thought they were quite cute. I think it has just the right amount of shiny patent leather (unlike the Andie Bag which we discussed in an earlier post here) to make the accessory "stand out" while not overpowering the entire ensemble. :)
My main issue is that the price seems a bit expensive for such a small clutch (4 7/8"H x 10 1/4"W x 1"D). When I actually opened up the clutch, I noticed that there is barely any room for anything besides the slimmest cell-phone and some loose credit cards (because lets face, no real wallet is going to fit in there without making the clutch look like it has a massive bulge.)
As much as I like the idea of the clutch (in particular this patent leather version), I just don't think its worth the price. Maybe if they added another half an inch to the depth and shortened the width a bit, it could be more usable.
Do you own the Patent Leather Clutch? Have you seen this clutch in your local J.Crew store? Do you love it or would you leave it? Do you think it is worth the price tag? Let us know what you think! :)
I like it, but I agree with Alexis- not worth $98 :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, I like it but would leave it in the store - not worth the price. Especially because clutches are not really functional in everyday use.
ReplyDeleteThis seems more like the size of a wallet or checkbook holder...remember paper checks? Anyways, they ARE cute, but not for the price.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I'd rather pay a little more and get a MKors or something.
ReplyDeleteHello Ladies! :)
ReplyDeleteLynn & Monica: Yeah- the price seems a bit high. The price would be more "justifiable" if I could use it all the time, but like Monica said, this clutch is just not that functional.
FabulousFloridaMommy: Now that you mention it- it does seem like a checkbook holder! ;)
JCrewBug: Good point- you can get a better designer clutch for around that price. :)
I think they're adorable - especially the yellow and red! But I agree with everyone else in the sense that they cost waaaay too much...
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your site. I am also Jcrew obsessed. I would not pay that much for this clutch. My current debate is whether the light gold uptown tote is cooler than the silver one. What do you think. I tend to wear silver jewelry but the light gold one looks cool and not as flashy. Still I can't decide. :0
ReplyDeleteThey either have this one or a similar one in silver and gold. Oh, how I love than and oh, how I want that to go more on sale!!!
ReplyDeleteIts actually a good size clutch FFM I saw it in stores and it would fit my magic wallet (the only one I ever carry) business cards, a cell phone, camera, keys and a lipstick. What more does a girl need on a night out!
I hope the metallic colors go on sale soon!
This makes me want to ask a question of fellow aficionados - how often do you carry a clutch? I hardly ever do, because they're so impractical. If I'm going out, I'd rather sling a small bag over my arm. With a clutch, I'm constantly making sure I still have it.
ReplyDeleteThat said, even if I used clutches more, I wouldn't be buying this one.
Laura: I have a gold bag from last season (the matallic leather magazine tote... or maybe the book tote, i cant remember). I love the gold. Its such a great color. And if it is like last season the gold is more subdued than you would expect. The silver really does pop though. Its all in what you are looking for.
ReplyDeleteKater: I really like the red too! Maybe when they go on sale for $20, I will cave and get one. ;)
ReplyDeleteLaura: Thanks for the nice comment about the site. As for the uptown tote, are you reffering to the Metallic-leather uptown tote? First, both colors are beautiful. I don't think you could go wrong with either color. Second, I think it depends on your skin tone. Does silver or gold look better on you? If it is silver, then I would go with that. :)
La belle: I carry clutches all the time. But I require that they have wrist straps, then they are easy to dance with and they fit all I need (see above post) for an evening. I have a lot of clutches, all different sizes and I adore them all.
ReplyDeleteLa Belle Helene: I have tons and tons of clutches and I barely use them because I too feel like I have to have constant "watch" on them. They are super cute but very impractical for me. I don't know why I keep buying them to be honest. :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the input. I am fine if a small handbag/clutch has a strap (I prefer one that will fit over my shoulder) - it's when I have to tuck it under my arm that I'm wary. I also tend to squeeze it so hard (to make sure it doesn't fall) that the contents get crushed :-)
ReplyDeletefirst off, i LOVE clutches for a night out...i saw this one in the store too. i really like the amount of shine, shape, etc...BUT agree about the size. when i opened it, it just seemed a bit too "short"...like even my smallest wallet/money holder would barely fit, let alone my essentials - keys, cell phone, lipstick. i think that the length might up for this though...i'd have to test it out with my stuff in it.
ReplyDeletebut that's how clutches are...i usually stuff whatever i can in them and transfer my money/cards to a small super thin wallet. i agree that $98 is WAY too much for it though...maybe when it goes way on sale i'd consider it but i think that jcrew has had better styles in the past and they could have made this one a little more unique...
blumre: i usually pick ones with a wrist strap too...:)
ReplyDeletei'd pay 50 or so for it though nearly 100 is highway robbery. Its cute! esp in silver/gold. Heck yes! this is a Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteccbmum: obviously you have fabulous taste.
Much as I adore J.Crew, I think this is just another example of how the company way overprices items :-(
ReplyDeleteI agree--very cute but too small for the price.
ReplyDeletePS, this is my first post. :-)
Bethl: Welcome! You will find this blog has the best members- they are super nice and willing to help. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I like the snazzy colors for the clutch...and I'm sure it won't be too long until these are marked down (a bit). A cute clutch is hard to find.
ReplyDeleteAs a side, I just want to thank you, Alexis, for this post. I've been visiting regularly but have not participated in the posts about the website/orders, etc. It's nice to get back to the fashion and style discussions.
Great blog!
I have to agree about never carrying a clutch. I have two young boys and need to have too many things handy at all times to carry something so small. But I do think these are super CUTE!
ReplyDeleteOn a bit of a tangent, I know some of you have been looking for the polka dot San Telmo Jacket and I just saw it on eBay in a size 0 the item number is 260262810884.
No worth the price given the quality. I have a few nice clutches but seldom get to use them. With a toddler growing fast, I'm just glad that I no longer need to lug around a diaper bag but a clutch is not practical for daily use. Given the price, quality and little everyday use, I'll give it a pass unless it's like dirt cheap.
ReplyDeleteSee I don't really use clutches for a daytime bag (they cant hold my book or ipod for the subway or my files for work). But I do go out every weekend night and sometimes thursday too. So for three nights a week and (my clutches are all falling apart from over use) its worth it for me to get a bag that will go with most of my outfits and that can add pop to an outfit. For me the silver one is it. And IT WILL BE MINE!... when it goes on sale that is.
ReplyDeletewhoops i checked the site (I havent even look at jcrew.com all day... I know shocking and sad). But I realized I was talking about the sparkle- metallic clutch not the patent leather. Its in silver and in stores everywhere... but not on sale in stores yet. Well that will be a purchase when my gift cards come :) and when it goes on sale ;)
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of patent leather in general. I know tons of people like it. But for me unless its on a flat shoe or an embellishment on a hand bag I always think its a little tacky and reminds me of hookers. That is probably a horrible thing to say and I apologize if I offended anyone. But I have never liked it. Even when I was five, I wouldn't let my mom buy me red patent leather shoes. However, I loved my red sparkle dorthy shoes. Those were great shoes!!
i hear ya...i too am glad to be rid of the diaper bag - i have a toddler too :) clutches are pretty much just for nights out...granted, i don't get very many nights out anymore. but i do have a small collection (and growing) of clutches for those rare occasions when i do get to go out at night without my little fella :) most of them are jcrew and i bought them on sale since they usually are overpriced to start...:)
ReplyDeleteblumre: i have been waiting for so long for that silver one with the wrist strap (or was it platinum gold or something?) to go on sale and i don't see it anymore...only that marigold one is there...hopefully the silver will show up on sale too. oh, and buy the way, you have fabulous taste too!
I'm actually looking to purchase a clutch now. I have to say, this clutch won't do. It just looks boring. The leather goods these days have details and designer signatures which gives the clutch/handbag a special appeal.
ReplyDeletewebsuzy: i agree with you, i'd like this one to have a little more "something". as i said above, i think that jcrew could have made this one a bit more unique...they have done better ones in the past...i loved the teddy clutch...i really wish i had bought that one in silver.
ReplyDeleteccbmum: the nyc stores seem to have lots. the one on madison avenue and 16th had quite a few but I dont think they were on sale. You can call and ask though.
ReplyDeletewebbysuzy: sorry i spelled your name totally wrong in my prev. post!...big oops! :)
ReplyDeleteblumre: thanks! if you ever should see them on sale please post! :) i'll check my store in san francisco next week when i'm there since they carry bags - but i didn't notice them last time.
ReplyDeleteSince I get to stay in town on Friday night since the BF has a firm dinner and I dont have any parties to go to I will be making the JCrew rounds and I will keep an eye out for you ccbmum
ReplyDeleteBlumre: If you by any chance stumble upon the Giraffe necklace during your rounds, could please you hold it for me? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteGuilty - I have the gray one. Got it this morning (along with tons of other stuff at Tyson's Corner). I'd been looking at it for a while and decided what the heck. I love it!
ReplyDeleteccbum - I 'found' the silver-ish clutch yesterday at Pentagon City. It was in a bin under some flip flops and scarves. Call the Tyson's Corner store tomorrow to see if they have some. It was on sale for $49.
ReplyDeletesure vivian! I'll watch for it. I know the store on madison by GCT has jewelry. In the mean time you might want to try calling them (212) 949-0570. Since I can't get out there and hunt until friday :(
ReplyDeleteblumre: Since I won't be in NYC until NEXT Thursday you can make the J Crew rounds and then let me know where to/not to go! How's that for deal? LOL.
ReplyDeleteAlso, BIG BIG BIG news. My Madras jacket finally arrived (blumre if you see a blond woman in a Madras jacket in J Crew it is probably ME since I don't plan on taking it off now that I have it!!) Alas, I also received not ONE, not TWO, but THREE pairs of Playa bermuda shorts. I haven't a clue as to why, but I WAS charged for each pair (but not shipping). I also received my Navy Kelly sweater/jacket and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Got two of the Crackle Metallic belts (gold and silver) and love them as well. Now to get my returns ready (since I have so many of them with all the shorts I received!!!). I also got a pair of black pants (can't remember the exact name) but haven't tried them on yet. I'll give my review of them tomorrow. Good night everyone (who is still awake!!)
thanks blumre and thanks Jacquie!!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, and I like these clutches, but not the material (patent). I did have the metallic one in marigold, but returned it because I decided that once they went on sale I wanted the silver (which was then sold out) AND because I couldn't justify the price once I saw it in person.
ReplyDeleteI would pay the $98 for the clutch-it's really simple and a basic, so I would be able to pair it with a lot of different outfits....also, I'd pay $98 for a sweater, but probably not use it as much as the clutch.
ReplyDeleteI would pay about $20 at most for these. Cute but not worth the price.
ReplyDeleteI got 2 orders yesterday that I placed late last week but am still waiting on early July orders from July 3, 4, 8th.
Has anyone else experienced this? Still waiting on early July orders but gotten more recent ones? Thanks for any help. Sorry if this question has already been answered. Just found this site:)
For $98, I'd leave it. It looks too small to fit my 3-year old (read: not slim) cell phone!
ReplyDeletealexis: i agree, that is rather $$$ for such a small bag.... laura: i was fortunate enough to buy the uptown tote last year for $79!! in gold, please note that the metalic colors do fade on the handles, but i like the "worn look"......
ReplyDeleteI think it is a fun accessory and would be cute with a lot of my dresses. When I go out dancing or to a show, I usually only bring my keys, chapstik, ID and debit card, so I don't need something big, but I would not pay more than $30 for it. I like the yellow, but would prefer it if the fabric were leather, not patent.
ReplyDeleteSome people are willing to pay more for bags, which I think makes sense if you use it a lot, but I really only use a pocketbook when what I'm wearing doesn't have pockets or I'm not wearing a jacket.
YAY Jcrewjunkie! Of course I will keep an eye out for good finds for you and ccbmum. I still haven't received mine! But I do have two featherweight merino sweaters and one I was charged shipping for so I will have to look into that one. I am waiting for a call back from the manager that has been working on my "case."
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, shopping experience can be described as cases, that is generally not a good sign.
I love designer bags, but only when I can get a deal on them. These clutches are cute, but not for the price. I would either wait until they go on sale or find a cheaper version somewhere else. I can't justify spending a lot on a purse that I might spill something on or lose at a club. Also, sometimes these clutches go out of fashion quickly, so it doesn't make sense to buy something expensive that I can only wear (fashionably) for a short time.
ReplyDeleteRelated, I've been eyeing those satin party clutches J Crew has for months, but I found a similar (and even cuter!) version at DSW in champagne satin with a fabulously big bow. I took it to a wedding two weeks ago and got tons of compliments. With a coupon (I'm a DSW rewards member) I got it for $15!
Meg: I would like to get back to the fashion side as well. I know I focus on the current website issues a lot. I just feel like there are a lot of issues still needing to be addressed with the site and this is a good outlet for some of us to vent- in order to see we aren't the only ones. :)
ReplyDeleteJCrewJunkie: Congrats on the madras jacket. Although why you received and was charged for three pairs of Playa bermuda shorts is outrageous!! It sounds illegal if you only purchased one pair.
Alexis: I agree there's a legal issue here. I was charged THREE times for ONE item that was shipped wrongly to someone in Illinois. I still haven't received the jacket. If I didn't check my credit card account daily like a lunatic, I wouldn't have noticed.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for this blog! If not for you, so many of us won't know what's going on. Info is power!
Sending me two of the same when they were supposed to cancel an order and lying to me and telling me none were available is also a fraudulent practice.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your stuff vivian!
Luckily i think my situation is being taken care of since I have been communicating with one person and she has been doing a great job "handling my case"
blumre: Thank you for your help with the Giraffe necklace!! The store said they'd have to call me back. I'm here, waiting with bated breath.
ReplyDeletevivian: if that store doesn't have it, I would try the stores in the pittsburgh area. They were really nice when I did my phone search last week, and seemed to have JUST sold the ones they had. And one associate, (Ross Park location?) had a necklace, but it was on hold for someone. She told me to call back if I didn't find one, as the person might not have picked it up. I did find one, so I didn't call back.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the manager at the Whitehall store (Lehigh Valley PA) told me to call her back if I didn't find one. She said she might be able to do something to help...
I'm crossing my fingers for you!
Vivian: I like how everyone is sharing on this blog too! I agree that info is power. And info is also reassuring. I really would have been more upset/confused if I didn't know that others were experiencing the same issues! :)
ReplyDeleteAlexis: I feel such a camaraderie with my Jcrew aficionados here. Not only do we have great style and taste, and get to enjoy and share ideas but also commiserate on our problems with J.Crew.
ReplyDeleteOn another issue: What'd your advice on returns? I'm planning to do some returns but can't decide to do mail or in-store. Have you resolved the problem with your in-store return? It's more than $1,000 worth of goods and I want to make sure it's a smooth return.
vivian: Did you ever get your lisa dress? I'm curious if you liked it? What color did you get? And, I'm still waiting for my fiona jacket. Every day I hope that this is the day it comes! :)
ReplyDeleteVivian if you do an in-store return they can put the money back on your card right there and then. They have done that for me many times. You just need to give there your CC and have them swipe it or something-err-other like that.
ReplyDeleteI always do the in store return. Plus they always give you a receipt with your return and you get your original receipt back. For that reason I think it is safer than shipping it back.
vivian: if you do an in-store return, call the store and make sure they can do it. Someone earlier on this post or another one was saying they recently took something into a store for a return, but the two systems (store and website) weren't talking to each other correctly or something, and they wanted her to leave the item there and mail her a receipt! So I would hate for you to go in and have them do the same thing to you!
ReplyDeleteBut I definitely wouldn't mail it either. Hopefully your store will have no problems with it, but I would definitely check!
good suggestion kater
ReplyDeletemath teacher: I'm still waiting for my Lisa dress along with five other orders! It's strawberry red. By the time I ordered it, the choice was between navy/black and red. Have you worn yours yet? With a camisole?
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about your Fiona jacket! I haven't had a chance to wear mine. It's 95 degrees here, but every day I take it out of its hanger and put it on for a few minutes just to savor it!!!
blumre & kater: Thanks for the suggestions!! I think I'd better lug the box to the store then. Sounds safe. I just feel a tad embarrassed doing the returns in-store. It's about 10 items, and I was worried there'd be a glitch in the system in the store like some people experienced.
ReplyDeleteVivian: dont be embarrassed. One time I brought back about 6 items in one week and then the next week I brought back 3 more. The SA just looked at me and said you order a lot. And we both chuckled. Don't be embarrassed at all!
ReplyDeletevivian: no, I haven't worn it yet. I haven't really been anywhere to wear it. Yesterday was a trip to the vet and then my neice spend the night. One nice thing about being a teacher is having the summer off. Of course, a bigger paycheck would be nice, but I love the time off too much. :) Still no fiona, but fedex usually comes late in the afternoon so there's still hope for today!
ReplyDeletemath teacher: I'm wearing my Lisa dress now! I had three orders arrive today. I love the dress! Doesn't seem low cut (I'm flat-chested).
ReplyDeleteHi Vivian! I agree with others that you are better off returning items (no matter how many) through their B&M stores because you get a credit receipt right then and there. Although the credit doesn't appear as quickly as it use to. Credits from J.Crew (in regards to returns) use to appear back on my credit card in 2-3 business days. I finally received my credit after 7 days for my last item returned. It's clearly taking longer than it use to.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I couldn't agree more with you about the Fiona Jacket. :) Although it is 80-90 degrees in CT, I still wear my jacket a couple of times a day (in my room for just a minute or two each time). I just like the way it looks. ;)
Vivian: i would most definitely do an in store return if you can - for the reasons everyone stated above (immediate credit on your card, etc.) but also so you don't get charged return shipping...they subtract the return ship charge from your credit when you mail it back :)
ReplyDeletevivian: glad you like the dress. I wish I could wear mine without a tank, but I am not flat-chested and have to wear a tank under almost everything. Which I hate. I know, I should be thankful, but it can be hard to wear cute little tops and button up tops and low cut tops (often a little too hoochie!). :)
ReplyDeleteVivian: and don't be embarrassed...i always feel a little wierd too, but remember, you are the consumer and with much of their merchandise being sold through the mail, they expect a lot of returns...:)
ReplyDeleteif they have any doubt about their system working you can always hold on to your stuff until their system is fixed (hopefully soon!).
Does anyone own the city fit cadet pant? If you do, do you like them? I just noticed them in my recent catalog, although they're on sale online.
ReplyDeleteJust got this email from J.Crew's "support service":
ReplyDeleteDear Vivian,
Thank you for your recent order with J.Crew! This email is in reference to an item not available for your order. We do apologize for any inconvenience.
To review your revised order, please visit our order status page at jcrew.com by clicking on (or copying and pasting into your browser’s address field) the following link:
http://www.jcrew.com/commerce/orderstatus/OrderStatusEntryPage.jhtml
Once the page has appeared in your browser window, please enter your order number in the space provided and click on the ‘GO’ button. Your revised order should appear for your to review.
If you have any questions or would like assistance in finding alternate items, please contact us at 800-562-0258.
Sincerely,
J.Crew Support Services Research Department
---
1) No order number. I don't know which order this is referring to.
2) Phone orders don't show on my order history!
This is crazy!
Alexis, blumre, ccbmum, kater:
ReplyDeleteYou gals are awesome! When I traipse into the store with my big bag of returns, I shall visualize you are with me, and try not to be embarrassed.
did you e-mail them back and tell them that? You should.
ReplyDeleteI just did. It's from Support.Service@JCrew.Com. Is it even a real email address?
ReplyDeleteGO VIVIAN!
ReplyDeleteI am returning the extra sweater I got (and I have permission to) and apparently I was never charged for it. But I will be watching my acct like a hawk for the next few weeks! So I get a free sweater or something-err-other. I asked because I felt so dishonest and I wanted to make sure I wasnt charged (I wasn't) and returning something that didnt pay for sounded weird. But thats what CS said to do.
What do you guys recommend for $60.50???? I still feel weird about this... then again could this be payment for emotional distress.
I'm on the phone now with CS. I waited 18 minutes to talk to someone, and now this rep have no idea what the email is referring to, or whether support.services@jcrew.com is a valid email address. For my emotional distress over this order and numerous others, and affected work productivity. I deserve at least $600.
ReplyDeleteVivian: ask for a manager! They can look into it and give you more information.
ReplyDeleteblumre: I had a similar experiece but no freebie after all. I thought I got a free jacket at first. Chronologically on my CC account, nothing appeared. Then the charge suddenly appeared sandwiched between one of the very much earlier charges. It's like some sneak attack!
ReplyDeleteVivian: that is why I will be watching my account like a HAWK
ReplyDeleteI have the city fit cadet pants, in dark slate. Haven't worn them yet but tried them on and definitely like them. I think gray is going to be big this fall? Kind of an alternate to a regular chino. The photo in the July catalogue caught my eye...got them when it was additional 25% percent off (pre upgrade, so that means I actually got them!)
ReplyDeleteI got my city-fit buttery twill pants today in navy and love them! Not so the Keaton pants, which I will return. One more item to lug to the store..shudder.
ReplyDeletevivian - you can do it!
ReplyDeleteone time, I swear, I took in two suits, two pairs of jeans, a sweater and some tops and just told the sales associate that it was one of those weeks when nothing looked right...:)