Online - May 14, 2004

Emotional Clutch

Allison Townsend Clutches

Drinks are at 8.

The time? 7:59.

You’re blown out, glossed, dressed to perfection. The problem: Your bag is not. That hefty daytime puppy just isn’t doing the trick. (Do you really need all your expense receipts, to-do list, Advil, and iPod tonight?) Yet nothing else seems to work.

Allison Townsend to the rescue. Her line of 25 rectangular clutches can spice up basic black or complement a daring foray into color (it’s spring!). Think Holly Golightly hits Palm Beach. From the Classic (black and white stripes with diamante closure) to Green with Envy (olive with a silver camellia pin), the bags are stylish no-brainers. Toss in the essentials (laptop and backup dress don’t count) and you’ll be out the door and right on time.

Okay. Almost.

Available by phone order (617-817-3189). To see styles, go to allisontownsend.com.