I thought it would be interesting to post this article for the woven bag junkie, or to anyone who enjoys buying and wearing woven bags at least. There is always a woven handbag you can use for every occasion, no matter what that may be. You don’t need to limit wearing the woven purse to casual or work activities, you can stretch it to a night out or to a red carpet event. Here’s a list of woven bags you can take with you for each occasion:

BEACH and COUNTRY BOUND

Roxy Sand Patrol Straw Tote, US$38 (Zappos.com); O’Neill Vava-Voom, US$46 (Zappos.com)

CASUAL CHIC

Brighton Sangria Shoulder bag, US$280 (Zappos.com); Harveys Seatbelt Bag Lattice Medium Hobo, US$202 (Zappos.com); Ashley M Cadillac Woven PU Leather Clutch, US$60 (Ebags.com); Nine West Melinda Large Hobo, US$60 (Zappos.com)

CORPORATE and CLASSY

DKNY Woven Large Shopper, US$429; Steve Madden  BHypno Large Tote, US$109; Cole Haan Prudence Top Handle Satchel, on sale for US$318; Kooba Meghan Tote, US$599; Cole Haan Eve Soft Tote, US$448

(available at  Zappos.com)

DATE NIGHT DIVINE / CLUB CHIC

Jessica McClintock Marble Croc Woven Flap, US$57; Francesco Biasia 24 Patent Small Shoulder, Vans Crossroad Purse,US$28; US$342; Elliot Lucca Anie Demi Crossbody, US$82

(available at  Zappos.com)

EVENING GLAM

Carlo Fellini Eleonor Clutch, on sale for US$80 (Ebags.com);  Franchi Handbags Constance Bow Clutch, on sale for US$114 (Zappos.com); Big Buddha Martini Clutch, US$45 (Zappos.com); J. Furmani Metallic Woven Clutch, US$35 (Ebags.com); Franchi Handbags Dianara Clutch, on sale for US$93 (Zappos.com)

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)

Here’s what I’m loving today – the Gustto Cameron Bag. Not only is it woven the way I like it, it comes with fringes too! In other words, you get more than just your usual dose of character from this piece.

Gustto Cameron Bag

The red interior is great for visibility when you’re rummaging or searching through   the bag’s contents; and it is just as well because this one is pretty deep and roomy. I hate it when I can’t find stuff in a deep and dark bag.

Interior

I can also appreciate the way the handle was made – with metal rings that pass through large grommets on each side of the bag; this means less wear and tear on the handle, a common dilemma if you like putting a lot of stuff in your bag.

Back view of the Gustto Cameron Bag

Perhaps the best part is that for all the details that it comes with – the bag is still quite affordable, only US$99!

It is also available in Black. If you like it, you can get it from Zappos.

Remember Halle Berry’s woven bucket bag? You know, the one she used last Memorial Day? I’m talking about the bag that I mistook for a Fendi but really was a fresh piece from Cleobella called the Kaya Boho Bag (click here to read article). Well, here’s an update on that one – it’s now available for purchase at Shopbop.com!

Cleobella Kaya Boho Bag

If you liked the bag from afar when you saw it on Halle, then you will definitely love it even more once you see it up close. The bag’s detailing is exquisite enough to sell itself to you. Just check out these pictures:

Lacing at Sides; Woven Panel at Center; Quilting Pattern and Stud Detailing at the Top and Bottom

Hand Woven Ikat Lined Interior

What a beauty, right? If you’re itching to get your hands on it, feel free to visit Shopbop.com and make your purchase. It runs at a steep price US$528. But judging by just how fine the bag looks, I’m almost convinced it’s worth every penny.

Here’s Kate Bosworth looking perfect for the July summer weather.

Kate Bosworth, July 4

(photo credit: Just Jared)

The picture was taken when the stylish celeb was spotted heading to a 4^th of July party last Sunday (July 4).  You know what I like about Kate? She always looks effortlessly stylish, even if it’s just a casual get up. Always. She also exudes grace, which is something I really admire.

If you look at the pieces she is wearing, they’re not that extraordinary. But together, they work. The dress is quite simple, but looks great against her skin and hair (not to mention, very appropriate for the season). The necklace is a nice touch; the shades make her look extra cool; and the woven bag is simply perfect. It completes the whole look like it’s meant to be.

Want this effortlessly chic Kate Bosworth summer style? Try these pieces:

Rip Curl Romy Dress, US$48; Cole Haan Air Veneta, US$110; Harajuku Lovers Endless Summer Beaded Necklace, US$79; Steve Madden S5124 Eyewear, US$42; DKNY Woven Large Shopper, US$429

You can shop for this look at Zappos.com.

Here’s a truly rare find – the 7 For All Mankind Woven Evening Clutch. And you can only buy it at ShoeMetro.com. I checked the 7 For All Mankind website and it doesn’t offer this piece anymore. Yes, that’s how rare it is.

7 For All Mankind Woven Clutch in Bronze (Small), US$69 from US$195 (65% Off!)

The 7 For All Mankind Woven Evening Clutch is made out of metallic leather and comes in two sizes – a small and a much larger one. ShoeMetro’s product pages for these purses will keep you guessing on the exact size though (meaning exact dimensions), because it doesn’t offer much information other than the marked down price.

7 For All Mankind Woven Clutch in Silver (Small), US$70 from US$195 (64% Off!)

7 For All Mankind Woven Clutch in Silver/Gold (Large), US$69 from US$295 (77% Off!)

Speaking of the marked down price, well, once you see how low it is, you will no longer care about the size. The discounted prices range between US$69 to US$70, depending on the color. You’ll be surprised to find that the small metallic silver is more expensive than the small bronze and the large two tone. But really, who cares if it’s just a US$1 difference, right?!

If you want it, better snag it ASAP, because it looks like there’s only one piece left per color and size.

I think I seriously need some help. I’ve been trying to ID the bag Halle Berry toted to the beach last Memorial Day (May 30) and my efforts have lead me to dead end results.

Here are pictures of Halle with the mystery bag I am talking about:

Halle Berry, Memorial Day (May 30, 2010)

I am taking a wild guess that it’s a Fendi, only because the embossed detailing at the top of the bag makes it look like so. Other than that, I am totally clueless.

The bag is beautiful, that much I can say. The woven detailing at the center combined with the embossed feature makes it a unique looking piece. If you can ID the bag for me, it would be a very big help.

My effort to find a look-alike for less gave me nothing as well. But these fresh woven pieces  from Zappos and Overstock are just as beautiful:

Top: Steve Madden BHypno Large Tote, US$109; Maxx New York Allie Beach Tote, US$57

Bottom: Rampage Verona Drawstring Bag, US$65; DKNY Woven Large Shopper, US$429

Update on Halle’s Bucket Bag:

Ok, so after some further research I was able to ID the bag. It’s the Cleobella Kaya Bucket Bag. Retail price is US$528 and it will be available at Shopbop.com this coming June 30th!

Guess which bag made a cameo appearance in Jennifer Lopez’s recent movie, The Back Up Plan? It’s the Diane Von Furstenberg Stephanie Slouchy Bag.

Diane Von Furstenberg Stephanie Slouchy Bag

JLo’s character, Zoe, was spotted wearing this woven baby in these scene stills.

Still shots of Zoe (Jennifer Lopez) and the Diane Von Furstenberg Stephanie Slouchy Bag from the movie, Back Up Plan

I initially thought she was carrying the Stephanie Shoulder Bag version but after seeing the side view angle (first picture), I realized she was carrying the Stephanie Slouchy Bag.

Diane Von Furstenberg Stephanie Shoulder Bag

The Stephanie Slouchy Bag is a slightly larger (14″x20″) version of the Stephanie Medium Hobo (12″x17″), which we spotted on Sophia Bush a few months ago (click here to read article).

If you like the Stephanie Slouchy Bag, you can get it from Shopbop.com for US$875.

Last June 3, I covered Sarah Jessica Parker and her chic and classy woven bag which I initially thought was a Marc Jacobs. However, my guess was quite wrong and I definitely stand corrected. SJP’s woven purse is actually the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Woven Satchel.

Sarah Jessica Parker

I would personally like to thank @SavoirFlair for helping Wovenpurses identify the bag (via Twitter).

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Satchel in Crochet Black

The Black version (above) made out of crochet material is  the more popular variant  as seen on stars like Victoria Beckham, Dita Von Teese,  and Kylie Minogue.

Victoria Beckham

Dita Von Teese

Kylie Minogue

For some reason, though the Black Crochet looks classic and elegant, I still prefer the woven and natural colored piece on SJP.

Where to buy this one is quite hard to answer at the moment. Nordstrom only sells the classic  Red Leather (US$1,895) and Metallic (US$1,795; for pre-order from the Fall 2010 Collection) Tote versions while Farfetch.com only has  the smaller Macrame Flap Bag  (US$1,041) variant. I have yet to see an online retailer selling the exact same bag on SJP.

If you want the look for a lot less, you can check out the recommendations I posted in the June 3 article (click here to read article).

Even for just an early morning school run, actress Sarah Jessica Parker still keeps it fresh and stylish.

The Sex and the City star was spotted walking her son to school early last May in a casual but chic outfit that consisted of folded up jeans, a scarf around her neck, a classic black pullover, and some comfy chucks.

Sarah Jessica Parker and  son

Her finishing touches included some uber cool sunglasses and a piece of elegant looking woven straw tote trimmed with black leather.

I have yet to ID the bag; I have a strong feeling it’s a Marc Jacobs but I could be wrong. I will keep you posted on it.

Sarah Jessica Parker and her mysterious woven bag

It is quite a lovely piece. Nothing show stopping really, but it looks very classy and clean; and I like classy and clean.

If you want it, try getting the same look with these more affordable pieces; because I’m sure the one on SJP will cost you more than just a couple of hundreds:

From Top Left: Elaine Turner Terah Basketweave, US$295; TLC Handbags Ayu Tote, US$89; Aurielle-Carryland Barbados Satchel, US$30; Straw Studios Caroline, US$44