Leather and Straw Handbags

Simply Stylish

Handbag departments are full of choices. Let's face it – the gorgeous leather satchel, the summery straw tote, and the canvas weekender all catch your eye. Though it's fun to invest in a variety of functional bags suitable for different occasions, it's equally enjoyable to try out something a little different. Unexpected combinations, like canvas and patent leather or metallic leather and straw, often result in the most eye-catching, memorable pieces a woman can own. Leather and straw handbags, for example, can be as sophisticated and polished as an all-leather purse or a slick clutch.

During the warmer months, a straw bag adds a touch of rustic elegance to any ensemble. It's the perfect complement to a fresh frock or a sweet sundress, and in recent years has become a spring and summer wardrobe staple.

Low- and high-end handbag designers alike have capitalized on the rage, breathing new life into an organic material once mainly associated with picnic baskets. Eye-opening elements, like silk scarves, leather trim, and elegant jewels, add flair to an otherwise simple straw bag. The result is an accessory that's more than just a weekend companion – it's a reliable everyday carryall, a perfect party clutch, or an office-appropriate tote.

Leather and Straw Handbags

With the addition of a little leather, a straw handbag suddenly presents a world of wardrobe options. A straw clutch trimmed with metallic leather is a trendy, dressy piece that's as appropriate for a party as it is for a shopping expedition (just be sure to keep your hands on it at all times!). When it's not acting as a weekend carryall, a boxy straw bag with leather buckles, handles and trim doubles as a workplace essential. Even a straw bucket is easily dressed up with leather accents in colorful, vivid hues.

What to Look For

It's important to know what type of handbag you're after. Have a slew of dressy functions coming up? Several important business events? Simply want a new daytime purse that will easily transition to evening? Taking your agenda into consideration, you can select the type of bag that will best suit your needs. The fun starts when you narrow it down to a specific shape.

An innumerable number of styles and designs in leather and straw handbags exist, so don't worry if you feel overwhelmed at first. Remember that this is a trend worth sticking to – depending on what you choose, it can be a timeless investment that will prove worthwhile for years.

Here are some features to look for when selecting a leather and straw handbag:

High-Quality Straw

Straw handbags are typically crafted of the following:

• Willow
• Rattan
• Cornhusk

These materials are rigidly hand-woven, resulting in a smooth, seamless, tight finish that ensures the bag's longevity and ability to support other materials, like leather and canvas. Straw handbags should feel smooth and comfortable to the touch, not rough and thorny.

Supple Leather

Leather that is soft to the touch is always an excellent choice. Buttery leather is typically constructed of calfskin. Not only does it feel incredible, it also provides an excellent contrast to the stiff straw. Consider the following characteristics for your leather:

• Clean and matte
• Embossed (with a pattern, like a print or logo)
• Nappa leather (stretchy sheepskin)

The Details

Many leather and straw handbags are detailed with extra elements, like embossed logo plates and decorative handles. Other fun details to look for include:

• Shimmering Lurex, a thread woven into the straw to add a faint gleam
• Brass, gold or silver hardware
• Unique embroidery
• Charms, buckles, beads and adorned zipper toggles

Glamorous Choices

Many designers have introduced a variety of leather and straw handbags as part of their spring and summer collections. Notable pieces for the season include the following:

• Gucci Peggy Shoulder Bag: This dynamic purse exemplifies the refined elegance of a classic leather and straw handbag. Teaming natural straw with smart white leather trim, Peggy features tassels with bamboo details and a rich braided shoulder strap.

• Coach Straw Wristlet: An adorable addition to any classic ensemble, this wristlet shows just how glamorous straw can be – it's dressed up with brightly-colored metallic leather and a slinky gold chain strap.

• Isabella Fiore Vacation Sensation Rattan Bag: This standout leather and straw handbag takes creativity to new levels. Turquoise woven rattan is embroidered with colorful floral beading and topped off with rich tan leather trim. A vacation-worthy bag like this is impossible to resist!

• Michael Kors Santorini Shoulder Bag: Straw makes a case for itself as an ideal workplace companion with this classic Kors handbag. A sassy shot of red leather trims the woven cornhusk, adding a dose of sex appeal to an otherwise simple exterior. It's still subtle enough, however, to tote to the office – and it's a great way to add a splash of color to a serious suit.

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