Clutch to Close

Last week when I was pulling together a few work wardrobe staples for a segment on Twin Cities Live (Wednesday at 3!), I stopped dead in my tracks at Clutch Boutique. I’d love to say it was some ridiculous designer satchel that left me speechless, but alas, no. Signs in the window declared that this locally-owned handbag destination is going out of business. Now, it’s a sad day when any shop closes, but when it’s one of my favorite local retailers (love the unique merchandise and hard-to-find labels), it’s heart-breaking.

I talked with owner and fabulous girl all-around Lori Cheadle, who said that it’s been a tough six months for business. She’s closing Clutch on June 1. Until then, everything in the store is 30 percent off. It’s a bittersweet deal to be sure.

For those of you who may need an arm candy fix after Clutch closes, rest assured that Cheadle plans to maintain her online store until inventory runs out. I think this pleated bronze clutch would the perfect tribute to a shop that made us all a bit more stylish.