ashlyn’d: celebrity crush clutch & giveaway

Trust us. This is a real fashion find. ashlyn’d clutches. As the the hot, new celebrity and Hollywood stylist go-to evening bag line, their distinct styles were all over the Emmy Red Carpet (so many we couldn’t count them all) including on actress Emily Deschanel and Access Hollywood anchor Shaun Robinson; and, the past few months on the likes of Miley and Tish Cyrus at the Elton John Academy Awards Party, Hayden Panettiere, Rose McGowan, and Olivia Holt at everything from the Teen Choice Awards, Comic-Con and the White House Correspondents Dinner.

The scoop. ashlyn’d was launched in January of 2013 by two Los Angeles natives, Ashlee Nik and Denise Lewinstein, both whom came from a fashion background. After searching for clutches and evening bags for themselves, the ladies felt that there was a lack of unique and affordable options in the market place. Sounds familiar.  This time instead of just talking about it, they decided to actually do something about it.

How? Designer, Ashlee Nik, wanted to explore the idea of making bags that were entirely unexpected. The concept of creating clutches that looked like marble, granite, wood, etc. inspired the “nature themed” collection. The ladies chose to use acrylics and exotic woods with custom finishes to achieve these looks. During this process, Ashlee came up with the idea of creating a “snow-globe” effect clutch using translucent acrylic filled with colored sand that floated and later led to entire collection of bags filled with pearls, crystals, and much more.

The details. While constructing the clutches, they wanted to ensure that each bag had everything a girl may need; a mirror to touch up her makeup, enough room to fit all of the necessities (a phone, lipstick, credit card and ID, and much more!). It was also very important to them that the clutches be priced reasonably so that  it’s actually attainable. You want it? It’s within reach!

The ladies always had a fond appreciation for quality goods that were hand crafted as opposed to having a machine-made assembly line produce their bags. In an attempt to help bring manufacturing back to the United States and maintain quality control, the ashlyn’d team chose to work with Los Angeles based artists to construct their clutches. Thank you, ladies.

Our personal and absolute favorite is the “Honor” bag. Thanks to ashlyn’d , The Blonde and The Brunette are giving away one “Honor” clutch ( a $340 clutch!!!!!) to one lucky reader. It’s a crafty clutch that goes back to school with chalkboard insets at the front and back. A resin stick of chalk conceals the magnetic closure and completes the scholarly look. The interior doubles as a mirror. Piece of chalk and dust bag included. NJ has been carrying it all over LA to high profile events with special messages. The bag literally attracts a crowd wherever she goes. For a chance to win:

1. “Like” this post.
   
2.  Leave a comment telling us what your “Honor” chalk board message might be if you win the clutch. Be creative!
   

Entries will be accepted until October 26, 2013, at 5 PM PST.  The winner will be announced on October 28th, 2013 at 3 PM PST.  No purchase is necessary to enter or win. The giveaway is open to anyone age 18 and older with a valid email address at time of entry. The winner must claim prize within 48 hours of announcement and provide a valid shipping address and contact number. Winners outside the U.S. are responsible for any applicable duties.  If winner has not claimed their prize, a new winner will be selected. The winner will be electronically selected at random from all valid entries.

Each ashlyn’d clutch is its own little piece of art. To shop the “Honor” bag exclusively at ShopBop, click here. For anyone of the special clutches above and lots more, click this ashlyn’d e-store link to request the one you love. Their team will make sure to get it for you.  Of course, if you gotta see one up close and personal, click this link for a retailer near you.

With Love From LA,

NJ Goldston, The Brunette