This site would not be complete without a write-up on the most iconic woven bag of all time – The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag.

The Intrecciato line is what put Bottega Veneta on the map of icons alongside Chanel’s 2.55 Flap Bag and many other iconic brands that have made their mark in the history of fashion. It is symbolic to the brand and vise versa. A few of the brand’s iconic bags are the following:

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Campana

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Cabat

The Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Knot

Intrecciato is actually an Italian word for weave.

To give you a brief history, this weaving technique was born in the 1960’s out of a need for the brand to create leather accessories in a region that was specialized only in the production of clothing, and equipped only with sewing machines designed specifically for cloth.

In order to work with the existing machines, Bottega Veneta had to innovate. The artisans of Bottega Veneta used very fine leather strips that could be sewn under the needle of these machines. However, because the material was very thin, it had to be woven together to make it strong and durable enough to be made into accessories. This is how the Intrecciato was born.

If you find the price of a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag too high, it is not without reason.  Each bag is hand crafted by highly skilled artisans who take approximately two (2) days to work on one (1) bag!

These artisans work diligently to create the weaving pattern that we very much love, making sure that no seams or stitches are seen. The finished product is seamless, a one-piece continuous work of art (a great example is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Cabat). This is a very important defining element of a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag.

The latest variant of the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato bag to hit the shelves this fall ’09 season is the Tornabouni Intrecciato and it comes in two covet-able shapes as seen below:

Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Tornabouni Boston Bag

The Botega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Tornabouni Top Handle

If you can afford a Bottega Veneta bag (without going hungry, of course) and would like to purchase one, then do so. Because nothing compares to having your own piece of iconic original in the closet.

Who ever said straw bags look boring and uninteresting will have a change of heart once they see the Betseyville La Playa de Betsey Medium Satchel. Yup, we can always rely on Betsey Johnson to give the good old straw bag a complete make-over.

The Betseyville La Playa de Betsey Medium Satchel

First thing to notice about the La Playa de Betsey Medium Satchel is that it looks fun and quirky; a perfect blend of sweet and modern elements that would appeal to the young, and the young at heart.

Hand Embroidery on the Betseyville La Playa de Betsey Medium Satchel

The red and pink hand-embroidered floral details add charm and softness to the rather boxy looking shape. To give it a more contemporary appearance, Betsey Johnson applied metallic leather trimmings around the bag.

Sexy interior of the Betseyville La Playa de Betsey Medium Satchel

To add sexy to the list of words describing the La Playa de Betsey Medium Satchel, she used leopard print material as lining for the interior.

Fun pom-pom accents on the flap and rhinestones on the leather trimming for more bling

Last but not least, finishing touches of red pom-pom balls to line the flap closure and rhinestones embellished on the leather trimmings simply complete the whole drama of this bag. Altogether, it is unlike any other straw bag!

Grab the Betseyville La Playa de Betsey Medium Satchel at Zappos.com. Shop at Zappos.com to enjoy big discounts and free shipping service to anywhere in the US (both ways)

I have always been an admirer of Cameron Diaz ever since she came out in Mask (yes, that was her with Jim Carrey). I especially like the way she manages to look good effortlessly. Apart from the fact that she is blessed with a tall and slim figure, she always makes the right style choices. I’m not just talking about red carpet fashion; I’m talking about her everyday style. This is why she is a favorite among fashion critics and photographers.

I was looking through some of her pictures and came across these shots of her while she was touring in Peru.

Cameron Diaz looking tourista-chic with her Infamous Mao Bag

Doesn’t she just look fabulous? Tourista chic is how I’d like to put it. The bag obviously completes the whole get-up. This bag however, more popularly known as the Mao Bag, got her into trouble in Peru. Apparently, the red star, and the slogan printed in Chinese reminded the people of Peru of a Maoist insurgency that happened in the 80s and left thousands of people dead.

Of course, Ms. Diaz apologized since she clearly had no idea wearing that chic messenger bag was politically offensive.

If you want to get this tourista chic look, put on your well-worn cargo pants, some long sleeve pullover or sweater, top it with a hat and shawl, and complete the get up with the Brighton Peace Straw Convertible Strap Tote.

The Brighton Peace Straw Convertible Strap Tote

Don’t worry this bag will never offend anybody. In fact, it will do the opposite. Thanks to the heart-shaped embellished peace sign on the bag, you can spread the message of peace, love, and happiness as you travel!

A blend of light woven straw and dark leather trimmings

A blend of light woven straw material and dark leather trimmings, the Brighton Peace Straw Convertible Strap Tote is your perfect touring companion. It is easy to wear and roomy enough to accommodate your travel essentials. You can also wear it as a tote by using the top handles.

Roomy interior of the Brighton Peace Straw Convertible Strap Tote

Purchase the Brighton Peace Straw Convertible Strap Tote at Zappos.com to enjoy discounts and free shipping to anywhere in the US both ways.