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