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As much as I love experimenting annually with buzzy, fresh-off-the-runway trends, I am very much a classic dresser. When I shop, I tend to lean towards the staples. You know, pieces I actually need and can wear over and over again for years, like a basic white T-shirt, polished striped button down, pair of ponte pants that can be styled in about a million different ways, or even something as simple as a black clutch.
DeMellier The Vancouver Clutch
Just like the little black dress, having the perfect little black clutch you can grab at a moment’s notice is a wardrobe essential. It’s great for year-round wear and ideal for formal occasions, but you can easily dress it casually with jeans or dress pants for more low-key events. In other words, it’s an accessory you can rely on whenever, wherever. And while there are plenty of designer little black clutch options out there to choose from, if you ask me, no one makes a better little black clutch than DeMellier.
The bag first appeared on my radar a little over two years ago after Kate Middleton was spotted numerous times with its sister, top-handle style during a royal engagement. I was obsessed with how polished it made her outfits look and how the sleek gold-plated double-bar lock at the center made the bag stand out. Upon further investigation on the DeMellier site, I came across the clutch version, the so-called Vancouver, and I haven’t looked back since.
Kate Middleton with the DeMellier Nano Montreal Bag in 2022.
Sustainably crafted of cowhide leather, the Vancouver clutch boasts a structured, rectangular shape and the same gold double-bar lock that makes the bag so special. It has a retractable top handle that can be carried by hand for a ladylike look (my preferred way), as well as a gold chain strap that the wearer can throw over their shoulder. It also comes in various other colors and finishes, like a black croc-effect or brown suede.
I have had mine for a year and a half already and this elegant silhouette has been in my clutches, so to speak, for countless occasions, from weddings and galas to date nights, dinners, and beyond. I love how it’s big enough to fit my iPhone, plus cash, cards (I usually don’t carry my entire card holder when I’m carrying the bag), and lip gloss with some room to spare.
But above all else, I love how the Vancouver makes me look so put together—especially on those evenings I’m not thrilled with my ensemble. It’s understated, unfussy, and a true outfit completer. I know I’ll have it in heavy rotation for years to come.
Sophie Dweck is the Associate Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn’t testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.
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