Singer LeAnn Rimes was spotted last April 7, exiting the Hollywood Palladium after a practice for her performance the next day, a Diane Warren tribute.

LeAnn Rimes

(photos care of Just Jared)

This is actually my first time to see LeAnn in a skin revealing outfit, and boy is she buff! She sure did a good job of disposing all that baby fat. Just check out those toned arms, thighs, and legs!

Anyway, I do have one comment. I wish she had at least put on a sleeved top. There’s just too much skin going on, it makes her look like she’s going to the beach.

That aside, the wide collared sandals on her feet are divine; love the pair and would love to have it.  I also like the way she matched the all black outfit with a light yellow woven Bottega Veneta Hobo; a nice pop of color is always good.

The woven Bottega Veneta bag on LeAnn is actually one of the brand’s iconic pieces. It may have a simple silhouette, but the intricacy lies in the woven material. This particular bag currently costs US$1950. If you have the money to spend for it, you can get one from Bottega’s online store.

But if you want the look without the hefty pricetag, I suggest you get a Helen Kaminski creation. Helen Kaminski is also known for making quality woven bags both in native and leather materials. The prices are not cheap, but definitely much lower than that of Bottega’s.

For example, a woven leather Helen Kaminski Satchel such as the one below will cost you US$775, while a woven leather Helen Kaminski Tote such as the fringed piece below can run up to US$725. That’s more than 50% less than the Bottega above. And the good thing about Helen Kaminski bags is that they are all well made.  

Helen Kaminski Bethan, US$775

Helen Kaminski Hestia, US$725

All of the above Helen Kaminski products are available at Ebags.com.

Here’s Reese Witherspoon in another Bottega Veneta bag. We saw her previously in a hobo version, now she’s wearing the tote.

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

If you’re on the look-out for a woven handbag and don’t know where to start looking, here are a few brands to consider. Bear in mind though, that you will also have to consider the amount you are willing to spend for this woven piece of accessory.

Bottega Veneta US$1500-Above

For those who are willing to spend, Bottega Veneta should be your first choice. This brand is quite famous for its Intrecciato line of bags. Intrecciato is a weaving technique used exclusively by the brand to create its highly coveted woven handbags that simply exude top-quality, hand-crafted, workmanship. This is also THE iconic brand for woven bags. A classic example is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Campana.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Campana

Rafe New York US$220-US$800

This brand offers a different take on woven handbags as the designer, Rafe Totengco, uses different materials to create covetable pieces that are a mix of east and west. Bags from Rafe New York look very distinct and finely made. A few examples are the following:

Latest release is the Rafe New York Mandy Medium Hobo

The Rafe New York Cristina Rattan Clutch

Francesco Biasia US$160 – US$600

Francesco Biasia offers unique and interesting woven handbags you will not find elsewhere. The designs from this brand are stylish but practical; the outcome is a line of versatile handbags that can be worn anywhere with anything. A few examples are the following:

Francesco Biasia Miss Allie Small Shopper made of woven lame fabric

Francesco Biasia Freedom Small Tote

Cole Haan US$190-US$450

Although more well-known for its quality footwear, Cole Haan also offers a good number of woven handbags as it expanded into this segment using its expertise in leatherwear. Take a look at these bags from the Prudence and Genevieve collections:

Cole Haan Prudence Soft Small Tote

Cole Haan Genevieve Small Carpet Bag

Elliot Lucca Handbags US$140-US$300

A brand that offers value-for-money is Elliot Lucca Handbags. Every season, this brand never fails to release a few woven handbag pieces to suit the needs of the budget conscious. A few examples are the following:

Elliot Lucca Handbags Neila Hobo

Elliot Lucca Handbags Casares Hobo

Shop for woven bags at Zappos.com and Bagsbuy.com to enjoy discounts on certain selections.