For centuries, natural materials have been used to make home goods and fashion items. In current times, we have many sturdier man-made materials that have replaced the natural ones that humans previously used for everything, but those materials remain popular for decor and style because they are so grounding and versatile. Straw, Raffia, Bamboo, Hyacinth, Jute, Seagrass, Wicker, and Palm Leaves are all popular design materials, especially for creating handbags! As we head into the warmer months (or maybe just dream of tropical vacations for those of us in higher latitudes), these bags make the perfect effortless accessory that go with everything!
I personally think that the queen of this natural-but-chic bag style is Pamela Munson. She has managed to incorporate elegance with a carefree vibe by giving her bags of natural fibers some shape and structure… the results are truly gorgeous!!
LARGE
If you’re a tote person (me too), this is the one that I have from Pamela Munson (as seen above). This particular ribbon color is from a few seasons ago, but the bag style is always available in some capacity!
I love a French Market Tote; they’re so classic, casually chic and timeless. This one in particular has a leather shoulder strap in addition to the carrying handles for maximum utility. I also found this one that has just the carrying handles if shoulder straps aren’t your preference
This one from Tuckernuck is wonderfully spacious
This Tote from MerSea comes in four sizes(!), so you can choose the best option to fit your needs
Abercrombie offers a Woven Tote with a woven shoulder strap that would work for trips to the beach / pool, but also for everyday. I recently bought this one to be my beachy diaper bag for some upcoming tropical trips and my diaper bag organizer fits in it perfectly!
This Jute Carryall could also be used as home decor for storing throw blankets when not in use as a bag
We love a personalization option and this Straw Tote from Mark & Graham is perfectly customizable!
This Large Circle Tote from Amazon gives major boho vibes, especially with the fun, colorful pom-pom tassel! It also comes in a lighter color if you prefer
SMALL
As much as I love the catch-all aspect of a tote sometimes all I need is a small handbag for the essentials, depending on the situation. For a date night or wedding, I just need a clutch, but for shopping or exploring a new city I prefer to be hands-free so a crossbody is ideal for those circumstances… fortunately there are options for all!
CLUTCH:
I am obsessed with this Fringe Flower Clutch by Pamela Munson — and how cute is this bow version!?
This Smooth Half Moon Clutch was the closest option I could find to the one that I own (as seen in the image above). So smart to add the loop to make it into a wristlet
I love the different textures (the fringe trim detail!), the shape and the zipper on this Half Moon Clutch. If I didn’t already own something similar this would be in my cart! J’adore!
I absolutely love the style of this Envelope Clutch by Tommy Bahama — elegant enough for a fancy date night, but not so much that you couldn’t use it for a casual day out
This Fringe Envelope Clutch is so adorable and offers the option for personalization!
If you’re looking for more envelope style bags I found this one and this one on Amazon and they both look like great options
If structured bags aren’t really your thing, this Slouchy Clutch is an adorable option and can also be used as a shoulder bag with a built-in strap!
This Wicker Clutch feels like a preppy girl necessity for summer
Okay, so technically this last clutch isn’t “woven”, but it’s made of bamboo so it still counts as a natural material! 😉 These Ark style bags have been around for decades, but in recent years they’ve had a resurgence in popularity thanks to the brand Cult Gaia. While I don’t think that their bags are necessarily cost prohibitive, I do think that you can get a good quality bag with a similar look at a fraction of the price so this is an instance where I don’t necessarily recommend splurging. I found mine on Amazon, have had it for like four years and always get tons of compliments on it
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CROSSBODY:
This Envelope Crossbody Bag from Amazon is so cute! I love the colorful tassel accent
This is the same Rattan Circle Crossbody Bag that I own. I love it because it goes with everything and leather strap makes it even more versatile when it comes to shoe pairings
I really love the shape and rich color of this Rattan Crossbody Bag (which also has a leather strap!)
I am also interested in these heeled sandals to pair with this headband for an upcoming trip to a tropical destination and I think they’re going to work so well with my natural bags! This pair and this pair of woven sandals are also so cute!
Happy shopping, friends!
Sending hugs —
xx, Natalie
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