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!

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)

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)

]]> http://www.wovenpurses.com/2010/04/reese-witherspoon-is-lanvin-happy/feed/ 0 http://www.wovenpurses.com/2010/02/reese-witherspoon-and-her-rebecca-minkoff-clutch/ http://www.wovenpurses.com/2010/02/reese-witherspoon-and-her-rebecca-minkoff-clutch/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:42:24 +0000 Roselle http://www.wovenpurses.com/?p=353 Apparently, Bottega Veneta is not the only bag brand Reese Witherspoon loves to wear, check out these photos of her toting the classic black Rebecca Minkoff Clutch.

Reese Witherspoon wearing the Rebecca Minkoff Clutch

Want the Rebecca Minkoff Clutch? And before you start asking, yup, it’s a two-way, the chain strap is removable.

Why not get its latest variant instead? It’s called the Rebecca Minkoff Basket Weave Clutch and it is trimmed with woven leather.

Rebecca Minkoff Basket Weave Clutch

I like this fresh take on the bag – the mixing of textures. You can tell Rebecca Minkoff (the designer) really put some attention into detailing this bag.

The treatment is the first I’ve seen from this perennial Minkoff item. Usually, she just changes the material used for the bag’s body. I am guessing the new dive could be attributed to the woven trend that is up for spring. Either way, it’s good to see her innovate.

If you want something even smaller, you can go for the Rebecca Minkoff Basket Weave Mini Mini Bag.

Rebecca Minkoff Basket Weave Mini Mini Bag

If both options are too small for you, go for the Morning After Bag instead.

Rebecca Minkoff Basket Weave Morning After Bag

You can purchase any of the three Rebecca Minkoff bags at Shopbop.com

Reese Witherspoon

She must love Bottega a whole lot. The outfit is quite simple and down to earth, the same way she is, but wearing the woven Bottega is enough to up the look.

A textured bag, such as a woven Bottega, always brings more than the usual to the plate because it adds character to whoever is wearing it.

If you want the look, but don’t want to spend so much money on a bag, check out the new Iona Bucket in Black Patent from Elliot Lucca:

Elliot Lucca Iona Bucket in Black Patent, US$202

The Elliot Lucca Iona Bucket also comes in Eggshell Patent and Multi Metallic

Elliot Lucca Handbags are definitely more affordable, with bag prices falling under US$250 or even lower depending on the style. What I like most about Elliot Lucca Handbags is that they are beautifully constructed. The workmanship on each bag is clean and sturdy, and the materials are of good quality.

The Iona Collection is its most recent release. All the Iona bags are made of woven patent leather, making it look more trendy, glitzy, and wearable for evening.

If you’re fond of buying in sets, you may also purchase the Iona Bucket‘s small partner, the Iona Demi, available in Black Patent and Multi Metallic:

Elliot Lucca Iona Demi in Multi Metallic, US$122

So what is it about woven handbags that make it such a great fashion accessory? Personally, I think it’s the pattern created by the meticulous weaving technique that makes the bag distinct and unique.

To give you a quick history, the weaving brilliance came from Bottega Veneta. It was the genius of the brand that started this “weave wave” among bags. In fact, the woven handbag has now become synonymous to the brand and vise versa.

Judging by the number of celebrities walking around with it, iconic is probably an understatement. To name a few celebs wearing the popular brand, here are a couple of pictures:

Miley Cyrus with her Bottega Intrecciato in hobo style

Cameron Diaz with her Bottega Montaigne Intrecciato