The Straw Tote: How to ROCK it

Summer is coming and with summer always come the nautical stripes and straw totes.  But how do you wear this awesome seasonal accessory?  Here are some suggestions:

 The Neutral
The bag:

 Neutral in color and style.  This handbag has a beautiful shape and detail to it. It's soft in shape without being too schlumpy.  I LOVE the gold hardware detail and the rope straps.  This is a bag you'll have season to season.
This is something you can wear wear dressier (the gold really dresses this bag up) or extremely casual ( straw is generally a more causal choice and the rope handle adds to the causal factor). 
TIP: Make sure that the bag isn't too LARGE or little for your frame.  If it's extremely out of proportion to your body type it will make you look either silly or you'll look like a BIG person with a litle bag.

Elie Tahari 'Emmy' tote $398

Wear it with:

Go Boho with a Flowy Maxi Dress

  

Blue Moom Summer Lov'n Maxi Dress $198

Or    

I love pairing white with cream in the summer

Casual Belted Shirt dress $79

Structured

The bag:

The Birkin Wannabee

  If you don't want the total casual feel of all straw then choose a bag that's leather and straw and has a more traditional handbag feel.  This bag has beautiful butter soft leather as well as straw and has a great structured shape that won't sag when you add items to it.
TIP: If you go with leather and straw make sure the leather isn't really cheap looking.  You can find leather imitations that look more real and hold up great with water splashes. In saying that, this isn't the best choice for a 'by the pool' bag.




Helen Kaminski 'Matilda' bag $595

Where it with:

The cropped capri is SO on trend and ANY body type can wear them..if you find the right fit!!
LOVE white for summer.  Easy to bleach (mamas) Goes with ANYTHING...versatile.






 Paige Premium Venice Crop $165


I love pairing natural fibers together...straw and leather bag with robe sandals

DV 'Dugan' Flat $69

Here's the nautical! If you can wear a skinny capri and you're not heavier on top than below (apple or round shaped with skinny legs) a bat wing sweater for a fun and different silhouette is awesome!







Vince Slouchy Striped Sweater $99 SALE

If you need the shape and structure on top then this embellished tunic will look striking with the white denim and looks great with the leather and straw tote.





Calypso for Target Tunic $29.99

The Colorful Straw Tote

 This bag is BEAUTIFUL! What a statement piece.  The pattern is sophisticated and modern and the colors are so summery.






Nine West Isola Straw Tote $79

What to wear it with:

I like the idea of mixing this bag with another neutral like gray...gray goes well and compliments all the colors in the tote but isn't matchy matchy.







Ann Taylor Jersey Cross Dress $69.50

But pair a FUN and colorful sandal with that gray dress.  I did pick a color that was 'mentioned' in the bag.  Just to tie it all together. Once the bags put down though, this shoe will add some fun interest to the outfit.





Union Bay Leah Blue Sandal $19.99 SALE

The Poolside Tote

NOBODY needs a GIANT bag unless they're carrying a bunch of stuff with them and where else are doing that than when you're headed to the beach or poolside.  THIS is when a bag like this makes sense.

I love the soft olive color of this.  It's beautiful AND functional.




Athleta Rafia Crochet Straw Tote $62

Where this with:

Check out this lightweight jersey burnout swim cover up.  It's so important to maintain shape and style even when you're trying to cover up!







TravelSwim Jersey Burnout Cover up $54

Again, functional but STYLISH! Don't do the generic over done straw cowboy hat..boring!!!

A raffia crochet fedora would look on ANYONE!



Raffia Crochet Short Brim Hat $9