Finally spring is really here and summer is coming fast. Time to assess summer readiness. First item on the list to tackle is the essential summer bag. Keeping true to my year of designer free living, I focused on affordable beauties that give a lot of look for the money. A straw bag looks chic as a city tote and does double duty as a beach bag. I also love rattan bags; they remind me of my grandmother, in a good way. A lady like structured rattan bag feels right now, and a little nostalgia never hurt anyone. With so many great choices out there in the humble materials of the season, summer is the perfect time to wean oneself off of pricey bags. It seems ridiculous to spend a fortune on a straw or rattan bag, though you can if you want to at Mark Cross or Dolce & Gabbana, but why?
