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

GREEN is definitely IN. From property development, to hybrid cars, to garments and accessories, people (buyers and sellers alike) are starting to realize that they need to be more pro-active when it comes to taking care of mother earth. Because…well, we only have one mother earth, and there is no spare in case it wears out because of our neglect.

So for the fashionistas out there who want to go green, but don’t know where to start, here’s one baby step you can take – invest in repurposed bags!

Repurposed bags are made of recycled materials such as newspapers, magazines, old candy wrappers, and even match sticks! It may sound a little odd and perhaps you’re worried the bag might not look wearable at all, but get ready to be surprised. Because these repurposed bags actually look fashionable.

Here are 3 repurposed bags you might want to consider purchasing. These are not only repurposed, but they are woven as well! Woven repurposed bags bring a whole new meaning to the term “woven bag”, as it offers a different take on the usual bag in woven straw or leather.

Raw Bags Newspaper Clutch, US$60

Nahui Ollin Messenger, US$120

The Nahui Ollin Messenger is made of recycled candy wrappers

Keen Irving, US$40

The Keen Irving bag is made of repurposed haul bags (brown bags) and rice bags

Here is what’s new from D&G’s collection of handbags. The D&G Straw Tote.

Three views of the D&G Dolce & Gabbana Straw Tote

Although it may look like any other straw bag, it is obvious that the new D&G Straw Tote is well made. The materials used also speak of genuine quality, from the rich leather trimming to the carefully braided straw.

Contrary to how most straw bags look like, this one does not look cheap. The tag price is not cheap either, as it is priced at US$449. Yes, we will be buying a better quality bag, but does it have to be THAT expensive? Obviously in this case, the brand name dictates the price tag.

If you have the money to spend, would you purchase this piece of accessory? Or would you be practical and buy something less expensive?

I guess for anyone who has the cash to spend and doesn’t care about the price, buying this bag will require no second thoughts. For the brand conscious, buying this bag would most likely be a must.

But for the cost conscious fashionista, this is a splurge that one can do away with in place of a steal, such as the following straw tote suggestions under US$50!

Medina Leather Trimmed Basket, US$48

Straw Studios Annie Wheatstraw Tote, US$35

Bamboo 54 Pandanus Tote Trim & Shells, US$24