Is it safe to say that most all of know the name Clare Vivier and we know it to be synonymous with her leather pouches, bags, and bespoke monogramming? Yes? If the name means nothing to you then I urge you to visit her site to familiarize yourself with her products then head over to this fabulous feature about her and her career as a fashion designer on The Everygirl… Then go look at her blog. And maybe even read her “about” overview on her site. If you’re like me (and I am a bit afraid to admit this) you might have looked at Clare’s stuff and thought, “Cute, cute – looks to be great quality – but not a life or death item.” It wasn’t till reading the Q+A on The Everygirl and going way, way back through her blog that I felt this overwhelming feeling that Clare Vivier is an enchanting, creative, motivated entrepreneur and not just the name attached to simplistic, pretty bags.
Reading more about her, how her thriving business came to be, and seeing the world through her eyes via her blog allowed me to look at her products through different eyes. That might sound bad, but I actually thought of it as a positive thing… Sometimes I think that so many brands (especially in this overly saturated luxury logo world) are liked just because of the name/logo and not necessarily for the designers behind them. It definitely depends on what kind of shopper you are, but what motivates me are the stories and the people behind smaller businesses.
Why it took me so long to learn more about Clare, I don’t know. But I do know that I need some of her beautiful products in my life. Her love for her company and products is so apparent and the integrity and gratitude that back her brand make it all the more irresistible… I’d love to get this clutch (if only for the irony that it says “hello again” and it would be my first piece of hers) and put some initials on a catch-all. And some day this messenger will be mine. Tell me, Clare Vivier followers and owners, what pieces do you own or dream of? And do you find Clare as lovable as I do?
When it comes to accessorizing ourselves with a clutch, both Molly and I lean towards the super fun and different. With closets full of basics and solids (for the most part), its so fun to go a little crazy in the accessories department. Some of my most favorite clutches are the ones that are truly different and conversation starters. When you dress in classic pieces like we tend to do, you can surprisingly get a lot of use out of a bag with a big personality. It will go with your denim, dresses, blacks, and whites. So much versatility out of something that can seem so intimidating, right?! There’s no better way to amp up your basics than with a big punch from an accessory. The Mawi clutch that we borrowed from Anthem Wares is no exception to this rule. Have you ever seen something so crazy cool? Its literally like a piece of art in person. I told Molly that I just wanted to sit it on a shelf in my bedroom so that I could admire it each day.
Three reasons why I love this clutch: 1) It’s by Lizzie Fortunato – a fave, 2) it’s got sweet pink and red kisses AND leather involved, 3) it introduced me to illustrator Bernadette Pascua. I know it’s got a bit of a Valentine’s Day vibe, but I think it’s so cute how the lips are embroidered and how the soft, sweet colors are contrasted with the navy leather. I just picture it with an oversized shirt (like this) and shorts (like these) as the perfect detailed accessory that would add a splash of personality.
Lizzie (the designing sister behind the LF line), collaborated with Bernadette Pascua on pieces for the “Super Nana” (French slang for “Beach Babe”) collection, including this “Safari” clutch with lips. Bernadette is the author of her blog Decade Diary, where she shares daily inspiration and illustrations… I love that Lizzie invited her to collaborate because she is such a big fan of hers – after viewing Bernadette’s portfolio it’s obvious why:) Check out the rest of the “Super Nana” Collab as well as the Lizzie Fortunato jewels for SS13 here!
