
Woven leather handbags have been around for such a long time. Much longer than I have even been alive. Some designers have even gone as far as making it their signature look (Bottega Veneta, anyone?). I have admired many woven leather handbags over the years. But after awhile, woven leather was feeling kind of old to me. I was over it. Then I saw this gorgeous piece you see pictured here. Suddenly the look didn’t seem so old anymore. Not when it looks as fresh as this piece does! Introducing the Rebecca Minkoff Owen Envelope Clutch!

Obsessed: Tory Burch Slouchy Straw Tote
Whether your strolling down the cobblestone streets of Capri or spending a day at the Sunday Market, the Tory Burch Slouchy Straw Tote is the perfect accessory for any summer occasion. I adore the Mediterranean sea blue leather piping and dainty strap paired with the spacious & tall woven straw body.
Clean lines and structured profile! The Tory Burch ‘Slouchy Straw’ tote is a summer staple. The bag is made of faux straw, which makes for a less structured hobo-esque style and lightweight design. Such a beautiful bag.
Finish the seaside style look:
MONROW T Back Racer Dress in vintage black. $76
Bop Basics Basket Weave Fedora. $74
Tory Burch Kailey Wedge Thong Sandals. $275

Summer must be just around the corner! There are raffia and straw handbags popping up left and right. They are literally everywhere! These summery materials do not have to come in beach tote form though. Yes, beach totes are twice as nice when made of raffia or straw. But other styles can look just as fabulous. Check out this cute little shoulder bag you see pictured here and you will see what I mean.
Check out the M Missoni Raffia Kiss Bag!
I have always been a fan of Missoni’s diffusion line. The pieces are so playful and fun, adding a unique twist to the traditional Missoni-look. That is probably why this particular bag caught my eye. I love the natural and black stripes making up the raffia exterior. The combination is somewhat muted, but there is definitely enough contrast going on to give this piece a striking look. I am also loving all the playful details. The chartreuse leather trim adds an unexpected pop of color. The multi-colored chain strap is also really fun! But it was the embroidered lips embellishment that really set this piece apart. The word “gaudy” certainly crossed my mind when I first thought about it. These lips really aren’t that bad though. Perhaps the muted shade of pink is what saved them, they aren’t screaming at you like a pair of red lips would.
This shoulder bag would make an adorable summer accessory. Simply pair it with some casual pieces, no fuss required.

Mint is one of my favorite colors. It’s bright, pretty and perfect for Spring. Just today I was at the mall searching for a mint blazer. Unfortunately, I found one that was beautiful but of course it wasn’t my size so I shall keep looking for one. As soon as I got home, I came across the Rebecca Minkoff Wicker Woven Studded Honey Clutch and almost died of a fashion heart attack. It’s by far the most beautiful mint colored accessory I’ve seen in 2013. Even during my mall trip today I stopped by another department store to see if I could find a mint accessory and again I was unsuccessful. Mint is such a popular color these days isn’t?

Living in a subtropical area has its perks, such as, hot climate clothing and accessories can be extensively worn past the summer season. If you own more shorts and light tees in the closet versus coats and sweaters; then you probably possess more enlightening and colorful handbags as well.
The rustic and gypset styles of Cleobella present a tote that seems to have emerged straight from the sea, meet the Electra Coral Weave Summer Hobo.

Confession time. I have to admit, ever since Missoni teamed up with Target a couple years ago, I’ve been turned off from Missoni stuff. And I use to be obsessed with Missoni too! I have a dozen scarves and shawls, some dresses and a couple pairs of shoes that I purchased before the Target collaboration. Since then I just haven’t been interested in the iconic Zig-Zag print. I’m not knocking the Target stuff (or Missoni). I was one of those standing in line at the break of dawn and soon as the doors opened I grabbed everything I could. However, I NEVER wore any of it or used any of their home decor stuff. It actually just went straight to the Goodwill. The quality just wasn’t there or what I was use to come to expect from Missoni products.

I know it is January (A.K.A. the dead of winter). Spring and summer are the farthest things from most people’s minds. Yet, many designers are already releasing (or will very soon) their collections for those warmer weather months. That means bright colors and summer-ready materials like canvas and straw. Although these pieces are strictly seasonal, they can still be a lot of fun to own. The trick is to look for more affordable pieces. Right now I am really liking the Rebecca Minkoff Billy Woven Straw Clutch ($295)! Not only is it affordable, it’s really cute too!

Happy Halloween everybody!!!!
Today is the day that happens only once a year, HALLOWEEN! Whether you like to dress up or treat it like any other day, here are a few of my favorite Halloween-ish inspired handbags that I absolutely love.
Halloween-ish Category: Zombie-inspired
Jun Takahashi Brain Bag
Halloween-ish Category: Furry
Stella McCartney Falabella Furry, $1435
Rebecca Minkoff Fur Riley Satchel, $550
Halloween-ish Category: Godzilla & Reptile inspired
Diane von Furstenburg Camouflage Python Tonda Clutch, $365
Mulberry Del Rey Bag, $1904

Interwoven leather fans know that this appealing technique on a handbag always comes off as feminine, striking and makes a great alternative to your typical leather accessory. I’m a fan of such textured accessories, they instantly up-notch your typical classic leather tote bag. No logos or flashy hardware is needed on these heavily textured pieces; the simple admiration of this technique is enough to draw bag-loving stares directly to its design.