In the Clutch Story:
Susan and Allison were at dinner one night when they discovered they shared a love of inventing in addition to their love of horses. They compared inventions and found one that solved a mutual problem.

In the past, the two friends had often laughed about finding themselves in a tight situation, or “in the clutch”, needing to go quickly from work, to barn, to dinner. Both had struggled with the question modern women ask themselves daily: How can I conveniently change outfits, look great, but still travel light?

They went to work and after some experimentation, the two friends began making stylish, lightweight, stretchy clothing with matching fabric backpacks, in a variety of fun colors and styles. They made their creations unique by sewing a special pocket onto each item, so that every top, dress, pant, and backpack could fold into its pocket becoming a small soft bundle easily carried in a purse, gym bag or suitcase. Problem solved! Perfect PouchWear™ was born.

The friends were amazed and delighted by the reactions from their friends and colleagues when they demonstrated how the pocked worked. No one could believe that the tiny bundle in her hand was actually a dress or a tank top or a pair of pants! The two friends knew they had something special.

Moving quickly to patent and trademark their idea, now business partners, Susan and Allison, took their concept to market. Buyers instantly realized that Perfect PouchWear™ was a great solution for travelers who didn’t want to pay to check a bag. They loved the idea that an entire weekend wardrobe could fit into one petite backpack!

Perfect PouchWear™ made an impact since there was nothing else like it on the market. First college bookstore buyers, then apparel, travel and gift store buyers were quick to recognize the appeal of Perfect PouchWear™ to women of all ages and sizes.

Said one thrilled client, “It’s amazing to find clothes that feel so comfortable, yet still make you look so good. No buttons, zippers or snaps. Just throw them on and go!”

Entrepreneur Susan Simonson has over fifteen years of entrepreneurial experience, first as co-founder of Wellness Solutions, a hospital-based wellness program for employees, and then as sole proprietor of an SAT and college preparation tutoring service. After obtaining her Masters in Political Economics from Columbia University, Susan achieved a senior sales position at Xerox Corporation, then later went on to work on accounts development for a start-up advertising agency. In 2007, Susan united with her friend, Allison Marchese, to launch their company, In the Clutch Bags, LLC. Their first venture was to produce Perfect PouchWear™, a fashionable line of women’s clothing with a unique patented twist, that makes the clothes perfect for casual living and easy travel. The clothes have matching accessory backpacks in the same fabulous fabrics and with the same patented pocket. The women have pending projects to supply a private label line to Las Vegas casinos, and to create imprinted clothing for South American health clubs. Key Achievements of In the Clutch Bags, LLC: Securing a contract with a major Canadian Museum Selling a line of Perfect PouchWear™ to a large catalog retailer. Contracting sales representatives in the American South East, France and Monaco. Creating a niche market in college bookstores across the country.

Entrepreneur Allison Marchese has over 25 years experience as a marketing and public relations professional. After graduating with honors from Fordham University with a degree in communications and creative writing, Allison promoted luxury spas and hotels as Director and then Vice President of Public Relations for real estate developer, Edward J. Safide in New York City. The Group’s holdings included The Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, The Norwich Inn & Spa, The Greenhouse Spa and the California Terrace at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Allison continued to promote spas as Corporate Director of Public Relations for Canyon Ranch Health and Fitness Resorts in Tucson, Arizona and Lenox, Massachusetts. Broadening her experience in consumer products, Allison was hired to manage the International Food Media Conference with Culinary PR Agency, Primavera Public Relations. She went on to Direct Communications for Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and headed up marketing and fundraising activities for The Austen Riggs Center, a private hospital in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Inspired to explore entrepreneurial endeavors, Allison became an independent marketing and public relations consultant offering services promoting such clients as The Old Chatham Sheepherding Company & Inn part of the Relais et Chateau group of hotels, The Shaker Museum & Library, Silver Hill Hospital, Gilda’s Club and others. An avid rider and horse lover, Allison began a non profit, The Equine Fund, devoted to raising awareness to protect horses and offering educational programs and scholarships to equine veterinary students. In early 2007 Allison joined forces with friend and business partner, Susan Simonson, to create, In the Clutch Bags, LLC. The partners’ innovative new products have been featured in Women’s Wear Daily, in an article touting the creativity and convenience of the company’s new portable backpacks and clothing. The new company has been well received and the clothing is debuting summer 2009 in a national catalog. The backpacks will be worn by characters in a major Showtime series January 2009. Further information about In the Clutch Bags, LLC can be found at www.intheclutchbags.com.