I found this picture of Reese Witherspoon with then boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal and thought how interesting it was to see a multicolored woven bag released seasons ago. Such a piece would have been a perfect accessory this spring.

Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal (April 2009)

I guess this just shows how trends come and go, and then come back again. The one on Reese is a Lanvin Happy Woven Bag by the way.

Lanvin Happy Woven Bag

I found another woven Lanvin while doing my search – the Lanvin Happy Satin Woven Purse. Here’s a look:

Lanvin Happy Satin Woven Purse

I’m sure these two Lanvin purses cost a fortune. In fact, the satin purse alone went for over US$2000++ when it was released.

Now if you want something similar but definitey less costly, why not go for a brand like Harveys Seatbelt Bag instead? I found these cute options:

Harveys Seatbelt Bag Paint by Numbers Roxy, on sale for US$101 (Zappos.com)

Harveys Seatbelt Bag Carriage Baguette Merlot, on sale for US$125 (Zappos.com)

You may also try these Kate Spade multicolored bags:

Kate Spade Naomi, on sale for US$298 (6pm.com)

Kate Spade Joleen, on sale for US$193 (6pm.com)

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!