Though I live in a tropical paradise, I find myself longing for a summer getaway more than ever before. I want to feel the sand in my toes and the ocean breeze in my hair. I want to sleep in and order room service (ok, this is clearly the kid free version of a trip). And I want to talk to people and make acquaintances, shake hands and give hugs, go out to eat, and linger late. None of these will be happening for us this summer. We are in a county with one of the highest rates of COVID right now, and Vlad and I have chosen to stay home, not travel, and stay as safe as possible until the rate of transmission calms down here.
I find myself taking mental vacations often, to our favorite island in the Bahamas at our favorite resort, soaking in that summer vacation feeling we all live for. I suppose it’s why I have started to fixate on raffia and straw bags. Many brands have released them for summer (and actually pre-order for fall) and I continuously find myself going back to look at them. Living in Florida, bags like these make sense for my wardrobe year round because it’s over 80°F most of the time and the beach is our playground. But I also think my new found liking to these bags is a bit deeper. At a time when we’ve all been home for months, and filled with anxiety and worry, a bag that reminds us of better times (and times that I surely took for granted) feels like the type of escapism that would fill me with joy and ease.
If you want to take a mental break of the handbag kind, here are my favorite raffia and straw bags. I feel like I won’t make it out of this pandemic without picking one up myself, after all sometimes a great bag is just the right mood lifter, which is why many of us love them in the first place.
Fendi Baguette
$2590
Jacquemus Le Petit Baci Straw Bag
$549
Loewe Woven Straw Basket Bag
$490
Frame Medium Les Second Raffia and Leather Tote
$295
Chloé Marcie Leather & Raffia Tote
$540
Tory Burch Flemming Straw Clutch
$189
Prada Leather Flap Raffia Shoulder Bag
$1790
Cult Gaia Mini Estelle Raffia Top Handle Bag
$358
Miu Miu Embroidered Raffia Satchel
$1690
Fendi Mon Tresor Raffia Mini Bag
$1980
Nordstrom Woven Raffia Clutch
$59
Cleobella Kingston Beach Tote
$82.60
Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Pochette Raffia and Leather Shoulder Bag
$690
Jacquemus Le Panier Soleil Straw & Leather Bag
$465
AAKS Hand Crafted Hana Mini Stripe
£120.00
I love the Loewe pouchette. Straw bags tend to be bigger than what I prefer or super rigid. The pouchette solves those issues. I just don’t know that I can stomach paying that price for a bag that could easily disintegrate within a couple of years. I can justify designer bags if I think they’ll last and I will use them for the next 5-10 years. Not sure a straw bag has that kind of longevity.
I really really like that Loewe one as well!
I actually have a Balenciaga straw bag from many many years ago, and while I don’t carry it often, it’s actually held up very well! I hope some of these bags do too, like I said I feel like I am going to take the plunge!
Some are cute! Waiting for the ‘I wouldn’t pay a grand for a non-leather bag’ comments, as if the bags would be worth a grand, if they were leather. We’re paying the extra 100s for the brand name and the fact that we like a particular bag, just own it!
Ha! Ya, I mean I get it – this sends us more into the realm of novelty with the material used, but it’s also the brand name we pay for.
Wow! I love almost all of these. Great post, great bags.
So glad you like these bags! I honestly would be so happy with all of them!
I love my Loewe Ibiza Woven Straw Tote. It’s quite sturdy, big enough for everything and love the adjustable straps.
Loewe’s straw basket, hands down. The only thing stopping me is that my cats would beeline for it once it entered the house. It’ll be gone in a minute. I just bought another scratching post yesterday and they went for it immediately after I set it on the floor. The pochette might be a good compromise though as it can be stored out of the way.
I know I REALLY like that bag too!
I actually. like all of these! They are so unique and interesting and I would love to own one. Sadly, my body is my worst enemy because the material irritates my skin. I will need to admire from afar. ??
The quality of Loewe raffia bags is so high that after 3 seasons my wife’s bag is flawless condition.