As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Fashion · March 21, 2016

{Fashion Monday} How to clutch your outfit

I have been sharing outfit ideas for almost 3 years now on this blog, I have mentioned a number of times that I am no fashionista but I do love fashion and whatever I find hard to replicate in real life or can not visualize I try putting it together online and see what it would look like.

How to clutch your outfit

 

Most of the fashion ideas are from items that I already own or equivalent (obviously not the same brands 90% of the time but similar items nonetheless). Lately I have been looking at my closet and realise whenever I am going out either on a Date night with boo or meeting up with friends, one thing I never try to pair my outfits with is clutch purses. I do have clutch purses in my closet I just always feel like small clutch are behind me with my clubbing days. I then realised I am limiting myself to what I can pair with clutch bags if I really put my mind to it.
This gone weekend I had arranged to meet up with my friend and I felt that this was the perfect time for me to try pairing my clutch purse but the weather had other ideas so I had to abandon the outfit idea altogether but I wanted to share what I had actually put together and also another clutch outfit idea that came to mind. To the lunch meet up with my friend I wanted to wear my jean dress with satin sandals and clutch bag finished off with a waterfall jacket since it’s still pretty cold but as I mentioned the weather had other ideas so I couldn’t get away with sandals so the entire outfit collapsed.
I have a party coming up in the next few weeks and I have been wondering when I can wear my tie front trousers and how to dress it up and honestly I was stuck in the dumps because even though I have put this outfit together I am not exactly sure I can pull it off. I do not have a flat tummy, I have extra bacon coming off my sides now so not exactly idea to be showing mid section skin but that is not stopping me from sharing this outfit idea. Like I always say just because it won’t look good on me currently doesn’t mean I can’t share it, maybe there is someone who is looking for that exact outfit and would find it more useful than me. Besides I can always come back to this post and see how I styled up the outfit.
How to clutch your outfit


There you have it, my idea of how to clutch up your outfits. Clutch bags are so versatile unlike me do not limit them to only a certain theme (clubbing) use them in more settings. So what do you think of these outfit ideas? Would you pair them like this or add/remove any items?
Check out my other outfit ideas and share some of yours on my board.

Follow Miranda ‘s board Fashion on Pinterest.

*Collaborative Post*

In: Fashion

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Comments

  1. Candace says

    April 3, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    Love clutch bags. I have a lovely collection but that didn’t stop me getting another one for a black tie ball I’m going to next weekend

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      April 3, 2016 at 8:01 pm

      Hahahaha never enough

  2. Working mum Blog says

    March 24, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    I don’t think I would change anything! Looks like great pairing suggestions to me. I am going to an award ceremony with work soon and was thinking about outfits and which bag I would take – I will try to use your ideas, seeing what I already have in my wardrobe. Thanks

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 25, 2016 at 2:02 pm

      Thanks and glad you like my collection, have fun at the awards and knock em dead

  3. Jasmine Watts says

    March 24, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    I love clutch bags and these are such beautiful choices! Black and gold one is divine!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 24, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      Thanks so much

  4. WhatLauraLoves says

    March 23, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Love the styling here. The clutch bag with the gold detailing is to die for! xxx

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 24, 2016 at 8:47 am

      Tell me about it, thanks Laura

  5. Idaintyit says

    March 23, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    I only ever use them for going out, Have never used them just as casual but I don’t know why. You do see more people with them these days. Once L is bigger and I don’t need a big bag I will try using them more

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 24, 2016 at 8:46 am

      Yea they are more popular than I thought

  6. Tanya Brannan says

    March 23, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    I love clutch bags and that black and gold one is divine! I will be checking that one out x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 23, 2016 at 1:27 pm

      Thanks Tanya

  7. Natasha Mairs says

    March 23, 2016 at 10:07 am

    really love the colours of these outfits. I used to hate clutch bags but I am really into them now

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 23, 2016 at 10:53 am

      Thanks Natasha

  8. Jamie says

    March 22, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    I love carrying a clutch when I know where I’m going and how long I’ll be gone. If my day is pretty planned, I can usually stash what I need in there and enjoy not lugging a big bag around with me all day.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 23, 2016 at 9:29 am

      I hear you, I do the same most times but smaller bags than clutch bags

  9. Michellette "Mimicutelips" Green says

    March 22, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    I use my clutches to add a punch to my look. I might go for a bold color or funky print to pull my look together.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 23, 2016 at 9:28 am

      Sounds you rock the clutches big time

  10. Laura H says

    March 22, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    I reserve clutch bags for big parties and balls as I’m usually carrying around a camera, a book, a bottle of water etc. and need a large handbag!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      Awesome

  11. Travel Blogger says

    March 22, 2016 at 10:55 am

    I wouldn’t change anything! These are such beautiful choices! I love how light and airy they are for spring, and they all look so feminine. I love a good clutch. It feels like it totally pulls an outfit together.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 11:11 am

      Thanks so much, I do try now and again lol

  12. Ana De- Jesus says

    March 22, 2016 at 8:08 am

    I need that pale pink bralet it is gorgeous and that waterfall jacket is stunning! I love the chambrary shirt too!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 8:09 am

      Thanks Ana

  13. Amanda Love says

    March 22, 2016 at 7:31 am

    I am one of those women who do not own a clutch. They are great for when you’re going to an event but even then I still have a small/medium sized bag. After reading this I think I need to get one.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 8:08 am

      Small and medium sized bags are awesome with the amount of things we can pack in them

  14. Kita says

    March 22, 2016 at 2:51 am

    I love clutch bags. I usually carry big bags due to kids but when I go out with friends, I like to go for a clutch or small handbag.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:33 am

      When I go out its either my cross over bag or just my phone lol

  15. Chantal says

    March 22, 2016 at 2:46 am

    These pieces are very stylish! I have never got into carrying a clutch- I am just more of a purse girl.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:33 am

      Thanks, I do love my purse more than my clutch bag though but now and again a clutch bag comes in handy

  16. Michelle says

    March 22, 2016 at 1:01 am

    Clutch bags do look so elegant and sophisticated. I love the beige pants with a tie at the waist. I’m adding those to my wish list!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:32 am

      Awesome and thanks

  17. Jenn says

    March 21, 2016 at 10:28 pm

    I was purse shopping today and almost bought a new clutch. It’s not like I can have too many. They are great when we go out for the evening.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Hahahaha so true, you can’t have too many

  18. Tori Gabriel says

    March 21, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    I am terrible for bags! I have hundreds (none are designer or anything, I just seem to collect bags). I have a few cluth bags in my collection. I need to try to “clutch my outfit”.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Hahahaha I don’t have any designer bags but I do have a nice collection too

  19. Megan Elford says

    March 21, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    Clutch bags are SO cute. I’m so forgetful though, that I prefer a wristlet. I have to be able to hang onto it easily, and that’s the easiest way to do it for me. I love using them for weddings and other outings when my typical “mom purse” just won’t work.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:29 am

      I love that mom purse, I don’t think I can manage wristlets as I get tired of them easily

  20. Emma White says

    March 21, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    oh I love my clutch bags – loving that trouser and top set very classy indeed

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:29 am

      Thanks Emma

  21. Angelic Sinova says

    March 21, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    I really need to invest in more clutch bags! They’re so cute and practical for fun nights out on the town when you don’t want to carry a huge bag/purse. Love these looks <3

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:28 am

      I know right, that’s how I used to use them back during my clubbing days

  22. Liz Mays says

    March 21, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    These are some really nice looks. The clutch bags you chose are cute. I love the black and gold patterned one.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:27 am

      Thanks Liz

  23. Sarah Bailey says

    March 21, 2016 at 6:59 pm

    I am loving the black and gold clutch it is absolutely beautiful – I am not very good at working clutches with outfits. x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 22, 2016 at 6:27 am

      I am not either but working on it

  24. Leanne says

    March 21, 2016 at 6:38 pm

    I buy more bags than I do clothes they bring me more joy! 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 6:57 pm

      Hahahaha my kind of woman

  25. Jenn @ EngineerMommy says

    March 21, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    For me, it’s all about the accessories. I love your outfit choice! That clutch is so cute. I love using a clutch to carry my essentials with me!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 6:33 pm

      Thanks, accessories definitely go a long way into making an outfit

  26. Fashion and Style Police says

    March 21, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    I need to invest more in clutch bags. Thanks for inspiring me.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 5:00 pm

      You’re welcome

  27. Pam says

    March 21, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    Clutches are great for formal events when you don’t want to carry a big bag around. I always keep a few around to go with different outfits.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 3:17 pm

      That’s true but because I hardly ever attend formal events I don’t tend to have any around

  28. Rhian Westbury says

    March 21, 2016 at 1:11 pm

    I love the look of clutch bags but I always carry around way too much to be able to fit my stuff into them x

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      I know what you mean and thanks

  29. Heather lawrence says

    March 21, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    I have a couple of clutch bags but I normally only use them if the hubby and I are going out and I don’t have to drag my entire world with me. Funny that you mention your clubbing days… I used to tuck my id and my cash in my bra and leave everything else at home! LOL!!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      Hahaha I remember tucking them in my boobs lol thanks

  30. Shirley Wood says

    March 21, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    I’m terrible with fashion. I think some country music songs may be talking about me 😉 I don’t own a single clutch but I do admire them. Your outfit selections are super cute!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 1:11 pm

      Hahahaha I am sure you can throw together a nice enough outfit but thanks

  31. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    March 21, 2016 at 11:20 am

    Those high waisted trousers are really pretty. I have been looking for something similar to that.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 11:40 am

      I am glad you like them, currently can’t pull the off but loving their look

  32. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    March 21, 2016 at 10:24 am

    I have a friend that loves clutch bags. I do think they can be cute, but I always have too many things in my bag to fit into one.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 10:27 am

      I know right, I am always needing a bigger bag so don’t usually have clutch bags

  33. Alli says

    March 21, 2016 at 10:23 am

    My daughter loves her collection of clutch purses. I have a few but hardly ever use them. I need to follow your example and clutch some of my outfits.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      March 21, 2016 at 10:24 am

      I am same as you but trying to change it up. Thanks Alli

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I'm Miranda. Travel-Addict. Blogger. Moscato Addict. Weekend Escapist. Homebody. Countryside dweller residng in Oxfordshire.

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