So Clutch: SML Bags + Win one FREE

UPDATE: Happy Valentine’s Day to Jessica Hills! She’s the lucky winner in this SML Bags giveaway!!

Whenever I find a hidden gem or something that I just can’t keep to myself because it’s sooooo good…yall are the first to know! This week I can’t stop talking about SML Bags.

These adorable clutches are the brainchild of gorgeous and talented handbag designer, Shana Luther.  She’s a one woman show (which I love and admire so much!)… everything is designed and constructed  in her Brooklyn studio and clutches are the focus.

If you take a minute to browse through her collection, you’ll  quickly notice that color is her thing and that fabrics, prints, shapes, and textures are the inspiration behind all of her designs.  Best thing of all, most of her designs found on her website and ETSY store all retail for under $100….

but one of you won’t have to worry about buying this for yourselves becasue as my Valentine’s Day gift to you, I’m giving away my favorite bag, the Mae coral clutch pictured here, to one lucky reader!

To enter, all you need to do is sing up to receive our daily CC updates via email by clicking here.  And if you already get our daily emails then you’re already entered!

Good luck and check out our interview with this very talented up and coming designer…

How long have you been designing bags?
SL: Actually for quite some time, about 6-7 years.  As most indie designer stories go, it began as a hobby. Walking by a bag store in Brooklyn one day, I fell in love with a bag and thought, “I can make this!”  It took me quite a few pattern drafts but I made a bag, an even cooler one!   After that I varied the patterns and made new styles and made them for friends.  Eventually, I decided to really tackle it and make it something bigger and SML Bags was born.

Why did you decide to design bags, and not clothes?
SL:I’ve made many items of clothing but I just gravitated towards making bags.  I love designing bags and I enjoy the fact that I can pound one out relatively quickly. I also like the idea of dressing around one’s bag.  When I’m getting dressed to go out I usually have an idea of what bag I want to carry.  The bag becomes the focal point for me.

What are some of your favorite bag trends for spring 2010?
SL:I been seeing a lot of perforated leather bags popping up and I think it’s really great.  Love it or hate it, the perforated leathers make me think of the 80’s and I’m totally diggin it!  I also enjoy the across the body messenger style bags that many designers are doing now.  Most of them are more practical for day-to-day but much cuter that a plain old bike messenger bag.  Perhaps in the Summer I’ll have created a SML Bags version!

Do you think you can wear a clutch both day and night?
SL:Totally! I carry a clutch going to the grocery store!  The Rosie style that I make is especially great for errands- put in on your forearm, grab your grocery basket and go!  I’m a clutch girl and I’ll carry a clutch everywhere, anytime of day!

What would you wear with the Mae coral clutch that we’re giving away?
SL: Well in the photo shoot I paired it with pale jeans and a khaki colored jacket and I think it looked super.  I’m loving the color combo of bright coral and khaki, can’t go wrong with that, especially for Spring.  That coral brocade also goes great with browns and navy blues.  Throw on a white t-shirt, jeans, boots, and a navy blazer and you’re ready to go with that Mae coral clutch!

NOTE: This contest ends 2/14 and is only open to readers in the US.  Winner will be notified via email.