I don’t do a lot of “luxury” spending. And living in New York, I’m not so sure a Mini M.A.C. would be considered as such, but for those of us whose savings account is in a shoe box under our bed, this post is dedicated to you.

For most of my life I’ve gone out of my way for bold prints and loud colors to contrast with my reserved and awkward demeanor. As 2012 has been the greatest year of my life so far – I have a “grown-up” job working in an office in Columbus Circle and I even started school at NYU – with my more “mature” experiences has come an understanding of myself that I simply ignored before. I’ve rid my closet of all the neons and frills that were bursting through the seams of my wardrobe, all of which I hadn’t worn in years. Black, grey, and earth tones now have ample space to stick out in the only ways I need them to.

I’d spent a lot of time quietly observing all of the different Rebecca Minkoff handbags for the last year, but the only one that ever gave me the sense of “OHMYGAHD IN MAH CLOSET NOWWWWW!!!” was the Mini M.A.C. (Morning After Clutch). It possesses everything rational about a go-to clutch, while providing the slightest bit of edge with the front hook. I think that was the first thing that sold me, honestly. I wouldn’t say it’s a ground-breaking quality, per se. It’s “edge” because, well, nobody else did it. I spent months comparing the Mini M.A.C. to other designer clutches that I tried to find similarities in, but I simply couldn’t find one that even matched with the Mini M.A.C. I kept thinking “If I buy any other clutch, I simply won’t be happy.”

My Mini M.A.C. in Eggplant arrived in the post at my office today. When I opened the package, the smell of leather hovered over my desk for an hour. It is beautiful, smooth, and possesses “differences in color shading, scratch/marks and grain” meaning “no two pieces are the same, enabling each customer to purchase a one-of-a-kind bag.” I love the gold chain (which is adjustable to remove, make double straps, or a single strap), which creates the feel of elegance. The size is perfect, and even slightly bigger than I was originally expecting. As I’ve become worn out from carrying giant handbags everywhere when generally I only need my wallet and iPhone, the clutch provides more than enough space. I spent a lot of time deciding between the colors Eggplant and Kiwi, which a dashing salesman at Saks Fifth Avenue informed me were Fall exclusives, meaning they wouldn’t be around for very long. It was so hard for me to decide, but after text-harassing my fashion-savvy friends, Eggplant received the most votes, which I think is for the best as it can match with more colors….not that I wear colors anymore. But just saying, hypothetically.

The bag is basically perfect, as it serves every style occasion you could come across (and what I’ve been desperately searching for in a new go-to clutch). An elegant dinner with your partner, partying with your girls at the club, a loud night at a bar or concert, or even just being a semi-upscale tourist. (I’m actually going on vacation to Los Angeles at the end of the month and decided this bag NEEDED to be in my possession before then.)

Oh, and it also comes with a hot French guy named Vincent’s phone number. Not even joking. A perfect addition to the Morning After Clutch. You did good, Minkoff. You did good. I do, however, hope that one day there will be a vegan Mini M.A.C. collection.