Reese Witherspoon is a woven purse fanatic, that much we can deduce after having covered her and her fantastic woven purses more than a couple of times here at WovenPurses.com (click here to read articles on Reese and her woven purses).

You could say it’s a long-time love affair that will probably see no end. Her latest acquirement is a classic large woven metallic tote from none other than the iconic Bottega Veneta. She was spotted sporting the piece last week; took it from Toys R Us to Neil George Salon while out and about in Beverly Hills.

Reese Witherspoon with her Bottega Veneta Tote, August 20

Now we all know that Bottega bags are expensive. Prices start at US$1500 and it goes up from there depending on the style. This Bottega Veneta Medium Cylinder Tote for instance, costs US$1504 at BlueFly, that’s even after the 20% BlueFly discount (was US$1880).

Bottega Veneta Medium Cylinder Tote, US$1504 at BlueFly (was US$1880)

If you want something similar that will not make you go hungry for a month, you can try these alternatives:

Helen Kaminski Tyra in Platinum, US$675 (Ebags.com)

This Helen Kaminski Tyra Tote in Platinum is a dead ringer for Reese’s Bottega Veneta. It may still be expensive, but at least it is a third of the price.

Sondra Roberts Cameron Tote, US$276 at BlueFly (was US$485)

Though not in metallic gray color, this tote from Sondra Roberts is a close look alike to Reese’s Bottega. Plus, it is priced much lower too!

I think Reese Witherspoon should wear dresses more often. She looks better in them than in her usual t-shirt-and-jeans outfits. For instance, this picture of her from last July 7; the actress was spotted bringing her son to a friend’s birthday party.

Reese Witherspoon and Deacon Philippe, July 7

Isn’t this picture so refreshing to look at? The berry red dress looks very beautiful against her pale white skin and blond hair making her even more luminous; and she looks younger in it too! I also love how she played down the dress with a woven straw tote and a pair of thong sandals; it’s very well put together, and very summer perfect!

Love the look as much as I do? Get it with these:

Hurley Morgan YC Dress, on sale for US$23 (6pm.com); MARC by Marc Jacobs Eyewear, US$98 (Zappos.com); Chan Luu Agate Necklace, US$88 (Zappos.com); Bernardo Matrix Thong Sandals, US$115 (Zappos.com); Columbia Sand N Sea Straw Tote, US$70 (Zappos.com)

I found this picture of Reese Witherspoon with then boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal and thought how interesting it was to see a multicolored woven bag released seasons ago. Such a piece would have been a perfect accessory this spring.

Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal (April 2009)

I guess this just shows how trends come and go, and then come back again. The one on Reese is a Lanvin Happy Woven Bag by the way.

Lanvin Happy Woven Bag

I found another woven Lanvin while doing my search – the Lanvin Happy Satin Woven Purse. Here’s a look:

Lanvin Happy Satin Woven Purse

I’m sure these two Lanvin purses cost a fortune. In fact, the satin purse alone went for over US$2000++ when it was released.

Now if you want something similar but definitey less costly, why not go for a brand like Harveys Seatbelt Bag instead? I found these cute options:

Harveys Seatbelt Bag Paint by Numbers Roxy, on sale for US$101 (Zappos.com)

Harveys Seatbelt Bag Carriage Baguette Merlot, on sale for US$125 (Zappos.com)

You may also try these Kate Spade multicolored bags:

Kate Spade Naomi, on sale for US$298 (6pm.com)

Kate Spade Joleen, on sale for US$193 (6pm.com)