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!

If you can’t afford the iconic woven Bottega Veneta, what bag would you buy in its place? I think I might just have the right answer for you. Check out these woven bags from Deux Lux.

Deux Lux Luella Overnight Bag, US$83; Deux Lux Luella Crossbody Large Hobo, US$115

They have the look of a Bottega without the price of one. Although, I honestly don’t  know if they will feel as expensive as a Bottega because the bags are made from faux leather. But hey, so what, right? They look expensive and they serve the same purpose. Besides, a piece will only cost you a fraction of how much a Bottega would normally cost.

Now if it’s a Bottega you want and you have the money for it, then you shouldn’t be reading this article. You should be checking BlueFly.com‘s inventory of Bottega bags or visiting BottegaVeneta.com for the latest styles.

Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Medium Tote, US$1584 at BlueFly.com; Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Hobo, US$1,504 at BlueFly.com

Good news everyone! I found some great Bottega Veneta finds at Overstock.com. A couple of the bags are being marked down to almost 20%!

If you’ve been saving up for a woven Bottega piece, now is the time to buy. Of course, these aren’t exactly the latest spring releases from the iconic brand, but these are the classic and timeless ones that can last through the years.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nappa Medium, on sale for US$1,400 from US$1,695

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nappa Large, on sale for US$2,000 from US$2,450

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nappa Small, on sale for US$1,500 from US$1,895

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Nappa Maxi, on sale for US$2,000 from US$2,450

Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Tote, on sale for US$1,300 from US$1,695

These beautiful blue ones however, are priced at full retail:

Bottega Veneta Vintage Intrecciato Leather Boston, US$2,020

Bottega Veneta Large Bowler, US$1,785

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 a designer piece worth pondering over: The Vanessa Bruno Mathilde.

Vanessa Bruno Mathilde

The minute I saw this bag, I was in love. The Vanessa Bruno Mathilde is made of intricately woven soft lambskin leather. But what I especially love about it are the knot details applied all over the piece, as well as the dual fringe panels on the front and back. This is definitely more than your usual woven bag. Even the leather cut outs that make up the fringe look soft and luxurious to touch.

Details on the Vanessa Bruno Mathilde

The look of the bag appeals to every girls’ bohemian side – very stylish, fashion forward, and very hippie chic.

Another look at the Vanessa Bruno Mathilde

Now there’s more to the Mathilde’s beauty because the bag offers function as well. The inside is quite simple, but it has a lot of compartments, each of which is trimmed with the same lambskin leather for a more polished feel.

Interior of the Vanessa Bruno Mathilde

The pockets are not only confined to the interior as the bag also features two slip pockets on the front, and one large slip pocket on the back. With all these pockets, organizing your things in this bag will definitely be easy and enjoyable.

This being said, I would probably consider the Vanessa Bruno Mathilde a good buy except for the small issue of price; because at US$1, 494, not everybody can afford this piece, and that includes me.

Is it overpriced? Of course it is. But if you had the money to afford one, would you pick it over a Bottega? I think I just might…how about you?

The Vanessa Bruno Mathilde is available at Shopbop.com.

We know woven is hot this spring, and so is the use of native materials like straw and raffia on shoes and bags. From Chanel’s straw-like, barn-inspired brushed tweed bags, to Bottega Veneta’s raffia made wedge sandals, it’s plain to see woven native accessories are one of the must-buy items of the season.

Chanel Coco Country Handbag (s2010)

Bottega Veneta Paille Raffia Wedge (s2010)

This being said, why not go with the flow and purchase a woven piece for yourself, even if you might not exactly be a fan of such native made pieces?

A good one to try for starters is the Mar Y Sol Lola Sequin Clutch:

Mar Y Sol Lola Sequin Clutch, US$85

It is small enough so you won’t feel overwhelmed with the bag’s native feel, and it is beaded with sequins to brighten up the plain straw appearance of the clutch and give it a more glamorous twist. In fact, this clutch is just the perfect item to bring if you’re off to a beach party or a beach date.

Priced at an accessible US$85, this Lola Sequin Clutch from Mar Y Sol is quite an affordable designer piece to buy.

You may purchase the  Mar Y Sol Lola Sequin Clutch at  Shopbop.com

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

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.

This site would not be complete without a write-up on the most iconic woven bag of all time – The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag.

The Intrecciato line is what put Bottega Veneta on the map of icons alongside Chanel’s 2.55 Flap Bag and many other iconic brands that have made their mark in the history of fashion. It is symbolic to the brand and vise versa. A few of the brand’s iconic bags are the following:

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Campana

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Cabat

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Knot

Intrecciato is actually an Italian word for weave.

To give you a brief history, this weaving technique was born in the 1960’s out of a need for the brand to create leather accessories in a region that was specialized only in the production of clothing, and equipped only with sewing machines designed specifically for cloth.

In order to work with the existing machines, Bottega Veneta had to innovate. The artisans of Bottega Veneta used very fine leather strips that could be sewn under the needle of these machines. However, because the material was very thin, it had to be woven together to make it strong and durable enough to be made into accessories. This is how the Intrecciato was born.

If you find the price of a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag too high, it is not without reason.  Each bag is hand crafted by highly skilled artisans who take approximately two (2) days to work on one (1) bag!

These artisans work diligently to create the weaving pattern that we very much love, making sure that no seams or stitches are seen. The finished product is seamless, a one-piece continuous work of art (a great example is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Cabat). This is a very important defining element of a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag.

The latest variant of the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag to hit the shelves this fall ’09 season is the Tornabouni Intrecciato and it comes in two covet-able shapes as seen below:

Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Tornabouni Boston Bag

The Botega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Tornabouni Top Handle

If you can afford a Bottega Veneta bag (without going hungry, of course) and would like to purchase one, then do so. Because nothing compares to having your own piece of iconic original in the closet.