Woven bags are one of the hottest trends for summer, and  if you haven’t noticed I’m completely obsessed with handbags!

While I am a designer and usually carry my own creations, I do have quite a collection of  bags I could never part with… and well, it just keeps growing.

There’s just something about a straw clutch or beach bag that screams summer and is a great way to add a twist to your favorite maxi dress or swim suite.

On a recent trip to Newport, Kentucky  (which I must say I have not had the pleasure of visiting as an adult) I was thrilled to find some fantastic little shops and vintage stores.

I was heading to lunch and was pleasantly surprised to see Oh Darling Vintage, and simply had to stop!

The small store was packed with great vintage clothes, accessories and had lovely tissue paper flowers suspended from the ceiling with a friendly face behind the counter.

And there it was, an adorable woven tote with big bold green and turquoise flowers. It wasn’t like any of the other woven pieces in my collection and for $12.00 it was a must buy.

It’s a structured bag with two folding flaps at the top secured with a loop and woven button and it was in mint condition.

Thrilled with my fabulous find I headed back to my car only to discover another great little re-sale store.  They had this amazing crushed velvet chartreuse couch that appeared as though it had

barely ever been sat on. I was in love…but unfortunately I don’t drive a truck and shipping the couch back to Chicago would have cost twice the sticker price of $65 with 30% off “all furniture special” they were running that day.

(I’m still heartbroken about the sofa) but I did manage to find another straw tote bag I couldn’t resist. It has a colorful woven triangle pattern and wooden button closure, and it totally matches my favorite crocheted bikini.

Many designers are adding woven handbags to their lines this year that are absolutely gorgeous, so if your into splurging on one here are my favorites:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both of them are great additions to your spring/ summer wardrobe and they aren’t too trendy that they’ll be completely outdated next season. Or you can spend a Saturday afternoon discovering some great little places right in your own neighborhood, and who knows what fabulous treasure you might find?!