As much as I love all my black bags (and I’m still on the lookout for more, very sad,), as soon as spring and sunny days start rolling in, my favorite black bags sometimes seem…so heavy. I purchased a huge Moroccan straw tote as a beach bag last year, and liked it so much that now I’ve been thinking about a smaller version to carry all summer. Like this one:
For several months I thought my straw bag interest was my own organically generated obsession, but in reality I must have been incepted by Ines de la Fressange because while re-reading Parisian Chic, I came across this little snippet.
And after that, I started on Googling rampage, looking for photos of chic women with their straw bags. Some of my favorites, starting with Olivia Palermo.
Rachel Bilson (yes, her’s is Chanel. But still! It’s straw/raffia).
Miroslava Duma.
And one more of Olivia Palermo – this time showing that a straw tote can even be dressed up! I love this look with a white silk dress. This is my favorite straw bag out of the celebrity bunch…and my favorite outfit!
How do you feel about a straw bag for summer? I love how they look (and plus they are typically much easier on the wallet!).
My picks, by the way? Besides the Mar Y Sol above, I like this version from Tory Burch ($275), for those who like to splurge, this beautiful Dolce & Gabanna version with lovely lace lambskin details, and on the other side of the price spectrum, this striped J.Crew tote at $55.
15 Comments
Doreen
March 26, 2014 at 8:16 amI have the same as Olivia Palermo’s from Gerard Darel but mine’s a knitted version in a violet/purple colour and my sister has got one in an orangey-red (similar to capucine from Hermes) and we love ours to bits! Straw doesnt fare well in the long run for me since I wrecked my Balenciaga one a few years ago.
I hope you find one that channels the inner Parisienne in all of us 🙂
Great post for spring :):)
Prêt-à-Porter P
March 26, 2014 at 8:38 amI used to have a canvas striped bag with rope handle in that same beachy theme, but after several years I didn’t want to look at it anymore. They’re nice, but don’t match my wardrobe so much anymore.
Shirling Vanessatime
March 26, 2014 at 8:56 amNice post!!! I love straw bag, it’s very summery, light and easy, pair it with sandals n summer dress, or short n tee 🙂 I wear it a lot when I am in Bali 🙂
Maria
March 26, 2014 at 12:04 pmLove that last look, too. They can look so chic with white in summer. Last year, I purchased an inexpensive straw clutch – a very simple one – that Garance Dore blogged about and the solid version of the J Crew tote. The Mar Y Sol one is lovely, too. Always best not too spend much on these but, if you want to splurge, Kate Spade is a favorite of mine for straw/wicker bags – though I prefer the vintage models more than the newer ones. I have a few that have lasted years. 🙂
Katherine
March 26, 2014 at 1:31 pmWhich one is the Garance one! I love GD!
Maria
March 26, 2014 at 6:05 pmFound it….
http://www.garancedore.fr/en/2013/06/27/a-cool-clutch/
It’s a very casual piece.
(hope the link works)
Katherine
March 27, 2014 at 5:52 pmOh I love it! Too bad it is sold out. Very clean and simple. Thanks for updating and sharing!
Julie
March 26, 2014 at 2:46 pmThe Sam Edelman sandals don’t seem to be on sale?
Katherine
March 26, 2014 at 2:54 pmOh that is a bummer! They were until I guess this morning…even if you search on Google “Sam Edelman Trina” the Nordstrom link for $80 still shows up. Boo!
Thank you for letting me know, I will update the post.
Belen
March 26, 2014 at 6:36 pmI had never had a straw bag before and then my grandma gave me one for my birthday last year. I didn’t think much of it TBH, but ended up using it ALL THE TIME. So convenient and goes with everything. It’s coming undone now, so I need a new one.
I like the J Crew ones, but I’d prefer if they had a zipper like the one I have.
Katherine
March 27, 2014 at 5:49 pmOh I’d love one with a zipper. That would be perfect!
Tabitha
March 27, 2014 at 12:06 amPerfect for holldays and that’s just the right size, Olivia’s is my favourite too.
Ammu
March 27, 2014 at 2:32 amOne of my best friends only carries a straw tote during the summer – and it looks very chic with her maxi dresses.
My summer bag of choice is my Mansur Gavriel unlined brandy bucket bag.
Katherine
March 27, 2014 at 5:48 pmooh that sounds perfect. I am still thinking about a MG bucket bag.
Lisa
March 27, 2014 at 8:57 amHi! I know a very talented purse designer who specializes in exotics but sells this straw tote….thought you might like it. 🙂
https://alexandraknight.myshopify.com/collections/totes/products/large-french-market-tote-cognac-alligator