If you like the popularity of straw this spring, but have yet to pick up a piece because all the purses you like have been a tad too expensive (myself included), take a look at this straw makeup bag by Banana Republic. It’s only $32! Measuring 4.5″ l x 5.5″ h x 2.5″ d, it’s the perfect piece to buy to carry in your larger purses. My favorite part is that the monogram lining is water- and stain-resistant—that’s a must for any bag claiming to be made to handle makeup! Plus, even if you don’t want to use it for makeup, it would make an adorable coin purse!

Popularity: 7% [?]

When I was a little girl, I remember my Grandma having a straw bag that she used as an overnight bag. I don’t recall it having any spectacular details, but for some reason, it made an impression on me. This Shoulder Tote ($195), which is part of Cole Haan’s Sarah Straw collection, made me think of my grandmother’s straw bag, although this is much smaller (17.5″ l x 8.5″ h x 6″ d) and certainly couldn’t be used as an overnighter.

This bag also has many, many more details including double cord handles, delicate gold hardware, leather trim with decorative edges, plus the shape is adorable! I also really like the color choices: natural/bronze, natural/black, natural/white and camel multi—this, of course, makes it difficult to choose, but isn’t that half the fun?!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Finally, a purse I can actually afford and is on trend with the current crop of purses using natural materials! The Straw Mini Purse by J. Crew ($88) measures 9.75″ l x 5.75″ h and comes in two different color versions. One features straw with brown leather and the other is straw with pink leather—I could have a hard time deciding between these two. I love the pink, but think the brown is a great neutral purse. Choices, choices, choices! The focal point of the purse is the brass O-ring tab closure, which at first, I didn’t know if I liked that much, but it continues to grow on me each time I look at.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Express got a recent shipment of items for Spring, among them were some interesting bags. The brand doesn’t have an online store, so when I find great items, I like to snap some camera photos and inform you all!

So summer-ready are the lukewarm-toned wooden beaded wristlets and beaded sack hobos. While showin’ some toesies and baring arms, it’s also fun to celebrate the sultry and carefree time with special accessories just for the momentous period; like espadrilles in shoes and for bags: raffia, straw, wood, bamboo and … and … the hot new trend: tortoise shell.

But Summer is also fleeting, so it’s great to participate in its trends for bags at stores like Express, with lower prices. Except with no online shop and an early stock primed to sell out, are we in the mood enough to brave these winter winds and snow flurries, in time to buy?

Popularity: 5% [?]

The Spring bags are on the shelves, loudly luring us with evil wiles, while we still reel in holiday debt. Even straw materials are offered now from high-end designers, with prices to match. I do enjoy an appropriately suitable straw bag come the heat of Summer, while I vacation and stroll cozy boutiques on a lazy Cape main street, but … it is just too early to truly want to invest so much money in such a thing, even though we know we’ll “need” it come August, at the point that will be too late! Also, I can’t fathom how steep the prices can be for simple raffia bags, such as this $1,200 Celine.

I wouldn’t even spend eBay Coach cash for such a limited and themed bag. Leave straw summer bags to the mid-range brands.

Now let’s talk real design raffia: The Felix Rey Beaded Clutch (above) has allover wooden beads on a rounded oval shaped clutch with kiss-lock closure. At the top and peeking through is golden woven raffia. Le divine! It’s only $120, but do we still have many places to wear it?

Popularity: 2% [?]

This Prada Straw Tote screams not only fun summer color, but “shape, shape, shape!” The pocket alignment, the angles, the wide buckled strap, and the cute heart-esque top curve all mark this bag top-notch in design.

Additionally, the sizable straw body (10 1/5″H x 13″W x 5 1/10″D) makes it the perfect upscale bag to bring on picnics and trips to the beach.

It all makes it the best bag for this summer, and now it’s marked way down to just under $800, from $1,140!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Great Expectations Straw Tote from Liz Claiborne

As you may have noticed, I am on the hunt for a summer / beach tote. I found the perfect mix of sophistication, summer hues and styling, and fun, youthful accents. Combine that with an affordable sale price, $49.99 down from $67, and we’ve got something here.

This faux croc trimmed, straw tote comes with bonus accessories; make-up bag and attached mirror/I.D. case combination, in a fun, bright paisley floral pattern, that also lines the interior of the bag. Like a little bit of whimsy for summer, but want to retain your Autumn sophistication? Keep it hidden inside the bag!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Coach has new items out for Spring. Many items, including handbags, shoes, a wallet, and even a handkerchief have ladybugs on them!

Ladybug Appliqué Boxy Tote

Straw tote with leather detail palm leaves and ladybugs (front, back and side)

Matching wallet! Novelty Mini Wallet (calfskin)

Soho Optic Signature Sm Tote w/ Appliqué

The optic fabric with a multi-tonal, silver-hued, cross-logo pattern is the ultimate luxe look for Coach. (This item does not flow seamlessly, but looks very good.) This bag comes only in green/silver (with khaki). It also has a rhinestone ladybug. Could be cute or detracting. A similar style, sans buggy, comes only in pale yellow/silver. It’s quite fetching.

Both of these new bags come with a cell phone and multi-function pocket. Most Coach items do not, so that is a bonus luxury. (An accessible cell phone and tidy personal items are a must.)

Matching wallet! Soho Optic Signature Compact Clutch

The bold and shiny Optic pattern is rather striking against the khaki in this wallet size. Best in pink and green, also in yellow.

BONUS!

Palm Neckerchief

Classy! Silk/cotton scarf with ladybug/palm print against a khaki mini Signature background. (You can wear it around your neck or your bag!)

Ladybug Key fob

And why not shoes? Yes, Coach 0ffers quite a few pairs of new ladybug shoes.

Green Optic Signature pattern on a criss-cross mule sandal 2 1/2″ heel.

NOTE: ALL of the items - minus the key ring - listed in this entry are LIMITED EDITION.

Popularity: 6% [?]