Looks like Rachel Bilson has a new favorite purse – the 2010 Spring Woven Chanel Tote. She has been spotted sporting this country looking piece for the past few days. Check out these photos:

Rachel Bilson (April 1st)

Rachel Bilson (March 31st)

Rachel Bilson (Mar 30th)

(all photos care of Just Jared)

This girl sure loves Chanel; quite an expensive taste, if I may say. We saw her using a Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag last month (click here to read article), now she’s toting the brand’s latest spring purse.

Woven Chanel Tote (Spring 2010)

(photo taken from Chanel.com)

The new woven Chanel tote isn’t in any way super extra-ordinary looking, but it does have some whimsical and dainty appeal to it. Plus, wearing it does fit the season. The material is actually made of fabric, though it appears to be made of straw from afar. What identifies the piece as Chanel are the tweed flower appliqués, the Chanel pendant, and the leather interlaced chain strap.

Knowing how Chanel bags can be ridiculously expensive (always over a US$1000++), looking for a more affordable option is always the alternative. Here are several quality woven designer pieces that will give you the same look without the hefty price tag:

Cole Haan Halsley Straw Tote, US$198

Francesco Biasia Claire Hobo, US$148

MICHAEL Michael Kors Braided Gromet Straw Large Shoulder, US$328

Here’s a photo of Anne Hathaway with her woven Ferragamo bag. This was taken a few fall seasons back, but I love how timeless she looks, like this was taken just last winter. The outfit does it of course – from her wrap dress, to her pumps, to the lovely woven black bag, everything about it spells classic.

Anne Hathaway

The beauty with classic pieces is its timelessness. It can be easily transformed to fit different seasons by doing a few adjustments with accessories.

To illustrate, let’s get a look-alike of Anne’s dress and make it spring appropriate. A good one to choose would be the AKA New York Wrap Dress below.

AKA New York Wrap Dress, on sale for only US$90 at Shopbop.com

With this dress in mind, the first thing you need to do is lose the black tights. Keep the legs bare and beautiful (and hairless!).

Second step, accessorize with colors to brighten up the blue wrap dress; no need to use a belt.

Juicy Couture Mia Stripe Packable Sun Hat, US$78

Disney Couture Pocahontas Arrow Hoop Earrings, US$38

Then wear a pair of uber chic flat thong sandals in neutral color like the Frye Kayla below.

Frye Kayla T Strap Studded Sandals, US$148

And last but not least, do wear a woven bag like Anne Hathaway’s Ferragamo because woven bags are the thing to tote this spring.

Keep the color of the bag in basic black, and avoid using patent because your dress (the AKA New York) is already shiny. A good woven alternative would be the Cole Haan Prudence Square Hobo.

Cole Haan Prudence Square Hobo, US$398

If the price of the Cole Haan bag is a little high for you, then you can go for the Steve Madden Woven Wonder Satchel instead, priced only at US$109.

Steve Madden Woven Wonder Satchel, US$109

Once you’re done, you’re pretty much spring ready!

As one of the best brands to consider when hunting for a woven purse or bag, Francesco Biasia surely never disappoints. His recent collection called “24 Woven Patent” is a must-have. A look at the pieces in this collection will make you want to buy the whole set, never mind the cost.

Francesco Biasia 24 Woven Patent Medium Shopper, US$582

Francesco Biasia 24 Woven Patent Chain Clutch, US$442

Composed of a Medium Shopper convertible into a Crossbody and a beautiful Chain Clutch, the Francesco Biasia 24 Woven Patent Collection boasts of finely made  bags made with intricately woven two-tone patent leather detailed with light gold hardware.

Even the interior of each bag reflects the designer’s finesse for quality and good workmanship as each is lined with the most luxurious of fabrics, while its inner compartments are trimmed with matching leather.

Interior of the Francesco Biasia 24 Woven Patent Medium Shopper

Interior of the Francesco Biasia 24 Woven Patent Chain Clutch

Biasia’s technique of applying texture (two-tone) on texture (woven) on these two arm candies truly makes it divine to behold. The design of each bag is quite simple but it is just as well because in its simplicity, the two tone woven patent leather detailing stands out like queen.

Toting these pieces will surely make you shine as it can easily catch anyone’s attention and earn you compliments from onlookers and friends.

Both the Francesco Biasia 24 Woven Patent Medium Shopper and 24 Woven Patent Chain Clutch can be purchased through Zappos.com