hit the clutch

Could someone please explain to me why a handbag the size of a small handkerchief can cost $2,000? Or, perhaps more importantly, why anyone would pay it? I can understand, when you count the cost of dollars-per-wearing, how one could justify a fine Chanel bag: It can hang off your arm every day for a decade and never go out of style. But we’re talking about evening bags here, which—conservatively speaking– might see the light of day (or night) 20 times a year.

In my book, here’s the job description for these mini purses:

1) Must look gorgeous in the hand. Satin, beading, ruffles, mesh, flowers…it’s all good.

2) Must fit a cell phone, a credit card, cash for the valet, coat-check stub, mints, and a lipstick.

Bonus points if it has a tiny chain strap that allows you to dance and mind your money at the same time.