Coming Through With The Clutch

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Sandy Hughes

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 06:35 PM

Now that we’re all lugging around our gargantuan bags, it’s time to turn our attention to the other extreme. 

After all, you didn’t think we expected you to lug that behemoth out to a night club or a nice dinner, did you?  What are you, a pack mule?  No, my dears, for more refined situations, you need to get yourself a clutch. 

We suppose that, by definition, a clutch is a wallet-like purse with no handle (so you have to, you know, clutch it), but for our purposes we’ll include any small, somewhat ornamental bag that is suitable for—but not limited to—dressy and evening events.  So when we refer to the Clutch classification, we’re including all species of little purses:  minaudieres,  pouchettes, wristlets, evening bags, or even those cute cigar box purses that remind us of Ybor City.  The only the exception would be fanny packs, which are so uncool right now that we suspect they’re due for a major comeback any second.  (You just watch—by next summer everyone will be on a wait list for the new $2500 orange sheepskin Marc Jacobs fanny pack and we’ll have to wait until fall before we can buy the knockoff at Target…) 

The strange thing about this category is that, the smaller the bags are, the pricier they seem to get.  Some, like Celestina Maristela-Ocampo’s minaudieres ,  or Judith Leiber’s creations, can double as tabletop objets d’art, and at over a thousand dollars, we certainly hope they do.
The celebs and socialites seem to favor the elongated roll or “rock” style clutch, maybe because it gives them something to do with their hands when they’re being photographed.  A chain handle is nice for those of us who like to have our hands free for important things like martinis and buffet plates.  But either way, choices abound in the high-end collections.  Go to Saks and the Neiman’s end of International Plaza  (you know, where Chanel, Dior and Fendi live) to find the big-name bags, albeit along with their big price tags. 

But for more realistic applications, we like Laura Merkin’s distinctive line of clutches.  While they’re still not cheap, their versatility and quality make their $200-$400 price range look like a bargain compared to higher-end models.  And they have enough street cred with fashion insiders to be considered an investment—their instantly recognizable shapes are destined to stay current for at least a few seasons.  We especially like the Louise style.  We’d choose a burnished metallic like the olive lambskin because it’s special enough to pop out as an accent with a plain black outfit, but neutral enough to blend with almost any other color or print, not to mention with daytime outfits as well. 

Regardless of which kind of clutch you choose, the point is, if you’re Big Bagging it, you know by now that you seriously need one. 

Think of it as a little satellite to your carryall that’s ready to pop out whenever you want to travel a little—or a lot—lighter.

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Getting out of your cellphone contract without paying the cancellation fee

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Victoria Lim

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 05:34 PM

Celltradeusa is a “matchmaking” website for consumers and their cellphone services.  It can help you avoid the $150+ fee you’ll have to pay to get out of your contract early.

This is an option we already have, but the common problem is finding someone to assume the remainder of a contract.  Assuming the remainder of another person’s contract can be more attractive than going the pre-paid route because typically with longer term contracts, you get more minutes and better phones at cheaper rates.

Here’s how the website works: consumers who want to get out of the contract and get in on the contract submit their information for free.  The consumer who holds the contract pays the site $20 to get their “matches’” information.  The site also provides information on the type of paperwork you need to ask for from the service providers to make the transfer of liability.

Make sure you trust the person who will assume your contract.  If he/she doesn’t pay the bill, it could ultimately come back on you and your credit.

If you want to keep your number, you can, thanks to the portability law.  Make sure you arrange that with your new service.

To make your contract more attractive when you post on Celltradeusa, founder Eric Wurtenberg suggests you include incentives like your phone and accessories for free.

The consumer leaving a cell phone service provider must leave the account in good standing; and the consumer willing to pick up the contract must pass a credit check. 

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‘You Better Be Quiet Before I Stab You In The Face With My Ka-Knife.’

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Jeff Houck

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 04:22 PM

You know you’ve touched a cultural nerve when people start filming spoofs of your commercials.

Check out this amateur version of the “Two Guys In A Car” series of Sonic Drive-In commercials. This one’s pretty funny, too.

Speaking of Sonic, they have a new, heart-clogging product (their vainglorious ad copy follows below):

Just in time for the holidays, SONIC, America’s Drive-In debuts decadent Cheesecake Bites, the newest novelty to hit the SONIC dessert menu.  Creamy bits of traditional cheesecake rolled in a crunchy graham cracker crust present convenience and indulgence in a single poppable bite.  These magnificent mini pieces are sure to be a seasonal sensation, either alone or after a SONIC meal.  It’s the time of the year for sweets, so eat a little or go all out- and celebrate this December with the newest featured treat from SONIC.

 

 

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Lo-Jack For Your Garment Bag

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 01:32 PM

Disposable computer chips could spell the end of lost luggage, or so their manufacturer will tell you.

Airlines are trying quietly out the technology. Tiny transmitters are supposed to trace your checked bags as they meander through airports, into the belly of an airliner, and back into your open arms.

Right now, bar codes on the bag tag are supposed to track your luggage. They don’t. 

So, can so-called RFID help?
...It can’t hurt.

Wired News reports.

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Get A Clue

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Clarisa Gerlach

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 12:45 PM

I wasn’t going to comment on this because even though I nursed both my girls I’m not one of these breast-feeding activists, but I’m just amazed at how ridiculous some people can be.

When I first read the story about the nursing mom who got thrown off an airplane, I thought she must have been “hanging out” (she reportedly refused an airplane blanket).

Well, today I read in this Newsweek article, that she was completely covered.

“I was holding my shirt closed with one hand. There was literally not a bit of my breast exposed,” the mom said. “I was being as discreet as possible.”

She wasn’t even in an aisle seat, she was sitting close to the window.

Besides, unless that airplane blanket was fresh from a plastic bag, it was probably dirty and germy. Every mom knows that.

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