I THOUGHT raffia bags came only in beige-y or tan shades, like this hobo from Revolve. Silly me. This summer, at least, they’ve arrived in colors—fuchsia, turquoise and yellow (see above)—from made-in-Italy brand Bidinis, in bold stripes from Hat Attack, with flowy fringe from Frances Valentine and dotted with seashells from LSpace and Clare V.
And handbags are not the only ones signing up for raffia this season. Patricia Green and Soludos are offering multi-colored espadrilles; Larroudé, rainbow-hued sandals, and Ancient Greek Sandals, seashell-adorned mule slippers.
Colors, fringe, embroidery, shells do add to the cost. The good news is now that we’ve entered peak summer-sale season, many of your would-be favorites are on sale.
Take a look:
Another generously sized bag (13” by 17”)—this one from Hat Attack, handmade by artisans with all-natural raffia. It’s big enough to cram your supplies in for a day at the beach or for hauling your finds from the flea market. The stripe pattern is damn attractive, too. The sale price is $139.99.
The kind of bag that moves when you do and puts a little swing in your step. The Frances Valentine may be small (8.5” by 10”) but makes a flirty summer look to wear with cream- or black-colored woven flats (hint: like Birdies Hummingbird , see below.
Starfish Embellished Raffia Fanny Sling Bag
If your goal this summer—like mine—is to carry around less, scoop up this beaded raffia belt bag, which will accommodate your necessaries. It’s on sale now, too, for $75, down from $87.
If you love the beach, take some of it with you—with this sea-shell-adorned bag (8”h by 14”). Here’s another cheery choice from Clare V.
Designer Vanessa Bruno gives this smallish (about 8.5” by 13.5”) handmade-in-Madagascar raffia tote the glam treatment. It’s available in two other sizes with lipstick red trim (above) and in three other sizes with gold sequin trim. This one’s on sale for $204.
Scalloped Raffia Slip-On Espadrille
I’m a big believer in rubber-soled shoes, so thank you, Patricia Green, for adding them here. The scalloped top on this pair softens the usually straight-edge top of a typical espadrille. And then there’s the colorful checkerboard pattern. They’re selling for $238.40 with code July20.
Raffia Embroidered Icons Flat Sandal
For anyone who likes a little more support in their sandals, Farm Rio’s tropical-inspired sandal provides it with raffia straps that embrace the side and back of the foot.
Ivy Ruffle Flat Rainbow Raffia
It’s impossible not to get into the spirit of summer with these playful shoes from Larroudé. Currently, the price is reduced from $265 to $186.
Yes, woven flats are still in, and Birdies goes the extra mile on this striped pair by adding a lining of transparent mesh. Also, the strap is elastic, so you can slip in and out without unbuckling. And, it’s on sale, reduced from $160 to $112.
Seersucker Blue-White Stripe Mary Jane Espadrille
Soludos updates its classic Mary Jane espadrille in seersucker. It looks oh-so-summery in blue-and-white stripes—and in two other color combos—and it’s selling for $89 now.
Because mules tend to slip off my feet, I’m not usually a fan. But these elegant but spendy shoes from Ancient Greek Sandals could change my mind, especially because they’re made with a padded insole and a rubber outer sole.
Raffia Effect Floral-Embellished Jacket
Apparently, the folks at Lafayette148 NY was so smitten with the look of raffia, they designed this raffia-effect, floral cropped jacket (it has a matching skirt) with a “crosshatch chevron pattern that evokes the dimensionality of handwoven raffia”). Got deep pockets? It’s selling for $1,800; the skirt for $1,300.
Note: I'm off on my Rome adventure tomorrow, so my posting schedule will be on the erratic side for the next six weeks or so. I do plan to photograph and comment on the best street styles I’ll be seeing in Rome and Milan, too. I’ll call these next submissions “Postcards From Rome.” Nancy McKeon, my wingwoman, may chime in, too, from New York, with whatever catches her curious mind. In any case, ci vediamo (We’ll see you!).
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.