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

Are Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake still together? They are so mum about their relationship that it keeps us all guessing.

Anyway, I found this picture of them and couldn’t help but notice the woven bag Jessica is carrying.

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake

I also found another picture of Jessica carrying the same bag.

Jessica Biel carrying the woven Gryson Olivia

The bag is a woven Gryson Olivia. Here’a closer look at it in brown:

Woven Gryson Olivia

Originally priced at US$1295, not everyone could afford it. It did go on sale for about US$900++ online, but to some that wasn’t low enough. In New York, it went for as low as US$497, but exclusive only to Century 21 shoppers.

I tried searching for a cheaper look-alike but couldn’t find one. Now if you want the woven Gryson Olivia for its name (in other words, you’re basically into the brand), then by all means splurge on one if you can afford it.

But if you like it because it’s woven, then you might as well look for an alternative because there are a lot of woven bags in the market that are much more affordable.

Here are some woven bags which might ease your craving:

Steve Madden Dreamweaver Hobo, US$89

Jessica Simpson Rumor Top Zip, on sale for only US$77 at Zappos.com

Elliot Lucca Ambra Hobo, US$298

Cole Haan Genevieve Plaid Small Triangle Tote, US$398

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!