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.

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