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!

Generally speaking, woven leather bags are priced relatively higher than ordinary leather bags because it takes more time to produce one. The price difference is even more pronounced if the bag uses genuine leather as supposed to using synthetic (faux leather) . Another factor that affects the price is the brand. Usually, woven leather bags made by designer brands are priced at premium.

For the budget-conscious who can’t afford to spend too much for a woven bag but would like to own one, I’m here to make your day. Here are 10 woven leather bag selections at less than US$100:

High Fashion Handbags Medium Woven Satchel, on winter sale for only US$76 at Ebags.com

Prezzo Woven Box Bag, on winter sale for only US$30 at Ebags.com

Amici Accessories Woven Texture Handbag, on winter sale for only US$20 at Ebags.com!

Jessica Simpson Rumor Large Satchel, on sale for only US$82 at Zappos.com

O’Neill Voodoo Child Satchel, US$63

Volcom Crossover Bag W, US$48

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

Elliot Lucca 3-Way Demi, US$98 (made of genuine cow leather)

O’Neill Sugar Kane Tote, US$60

Elliot Lucca Palermo Demi, on sale for US$94 at Zappos.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