Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! This day is all about LOVE LOVE LOVE. And if you already have a date planned, that means wearing a special outfit later tonight.

Dressing in red is boring, and I’d say a tad too much. Plus, you will easily blend with the decorations so avoid going that route. Go for a neutral monochromatic coloring instead (such as charcoal gray, black, navy, beige, bone, or nude) and just show some love by using an eye-catching red handbag like the red woven bags from Rafe New York enumerated below.

This collection of woven handbags is made from the most luxurious genuine leather, while the detailing is a brilliant mix of weaving and pleating. To cap off the unique combination, Rafe Totengco (the designer) highlighted each bag with a pair of hanging hand-cut, handmade tassels. The outcome is a collection that looks fresh, breathtaking, and super distinct. Take a look:

Rafe New York Zoe Flap Clutch, US$254

Rafe New York Mandy Medium Hobo, US$429

Rafe New York Isla Large Tote, US$429

Here’s the latest tidbit on the most sought after celebrity couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The two were seen heading into Alto, an Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side of New York, last January 7, 2010.

Notice how Brad holds Angie’s elbow as he leads her into the restaurant? How sweet! Brad obviously still likes taking his lady love out on dates. And the photos say it all; these two are still hot for each other and IN LOVE!

I have been a fan of Angelina since she came out in HACKERS. Her style has evolved as she matured. Nowadays, I see her wearing more classic, easy to wear pieces. Just like the knitted blue Loro Piana dress in the picture, paired with her favorite classic Ferragamo boots. The same goes for her taste in purses, as clearly seen by the classic black framed clutch she used to complete her outfit.

As we know, a black clutch always goes a long way. It is a versatile and classic piece that every girl should have in her closet.

To get Angelina’s look, you can opt for these clutches from Rafe New York and Helen Kaminski. Both are exquisite, hand-made creations.

Rafe New York Zoe Flap Clutch

This Rafe New York Zoe Flap Clutch features a hand woven detail that gives the bag texture. Combine this detail with the tasseled zipper puller, wearing this clutch will surely give you personality.

Helen Kaminski Cassiopeia Clutch

The Helen Kaminski Cassiopeia Clutch is a more classic piece that is made of woven raffia. Simple and elegant, this clutch will take you from a casual date to a long gown event.

If you want more options, try shopping at Zappos.com or Ebags.com. Both online stores offer free shipping to anywhere in the US so you can actually shop from home without spending for delivery charge.

If you’re on the look-out for a woven handbag and don’t know where to start looking, here are a few brands to consider. Bear in mind though, that you will also have to consider the amount you are willing to spend for this woven piece of accessory.

Bottega Veneta US$1500-Above

For those who are willing to spend, Bottega Veneta should be your first choice. This brand is quite famous for its Intrecciato line of bags. Intrecciato is a weaving technique used exclusively by the brand to create its highly coveted woven handbags that simply exude top-quality, hand-crafted, workmanship. This is also THE iconic brand for woven bags. A classic example is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Campana.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Campana

Rafe New York US$220-US$800

This brand offers a different take on woven handbags as the designer, Rafe Totengco, uses different materials to create covetable pieces that are a mix of east and west. Bags from Rafe New York look very distinct and finely made. A few examples are the following:

Latest release is the Rafe New York Mandy Medium Hobo

The Rafe New York Cristina Rattan Clutch

Francesco Biasia US$160 – US$600

Francesco Biasia offers unique and interesting woven handbags you will not find elsewhere. The designs from this brand are stylish but practical; the outcome is a line of versatile handbags that can be worn anywhere with anything. A few examples are the following:

Francesco Biasia Miss Allie Small Shopper made of woven lame fabric

Francesco Biasia Freedom Small Tote

Cole Haan US$190-US$450

Although more well-known for its quality footwear, Cole Haan also offers a good number of woven handbags as it expanded into this segment using its expertise in leatherwear. Take a look at these bags from the Prudence and Genevieve collections:

Cole Haan Prudence Soft Small Tote

Cole Haan Genevieve Small Carpet Bag

Elliot Lucca Handbags US$140-US$300

A brand that offers value-for-money is Elliot Lucca Handbags. Every season, this brand never fails to release a few woven handbag pieces to suit the needs of the budget conscious. A few examples are the following:

Elliot Lucca Handbags Neila Hobo

Elliot Lucca Handbags Casares Hobo

Shop for woven bags at Zappos.com and Bagsbuy.com to enjoy discounts on certain selections.