Whilst autumn/winter trends may be here for the foreseeable future, I thought one last homage to good old summer was due. This vintage picnic basket is just the sort of fun yet functional summer item that makes those sunny days as fun as possible.

Built in typical retro straw bag style, this Goodhope tote ...

One of the best ways to get a top-end designer handbag with a twist is to choose a handbag crafted from unusual yet economical materials. Straw bags are a great idea for this, as the material is cheap yet the designs are very ... well ... designer!

If the vintage style classy straw bag ...

This spacious tote from little known designer, Magid, shows how vintage straw can be combined with patent leather to great effect.

The deep black patent leather works as a contrasting trim to the surprisingly soft camel straw, effortlessly melding the traditional and the modern in one foul swoop. Whilst the handles are a little short ...

Sun N' Sand knows a thing or two about summer fashions. Its accessories will never suit the red carpet or the inner city jungle, but they're ideal for outdoor picnics, trips to the pool, and beach barbecues on balmy summer nights.

Some may complain about that lack of versatility, but when it ...

The Greek island of Santorini is well-known for its beautiful weather and gorgeous surroundings. Well, most of us can't make it there for a summer vacation, but we can at least get a little piece of Greece from this fashionable Big Buddha tote.

The Santorini handbag comes in a myriad of color options, but I happen to love ...

If you know of a chicer take on the straw bag for summer, please let me know because I am besotted with the Lulu Guinness Padded Straw Shell Clutch.

The black color elevates what could easily have looked like a Boardwalk souvenir from the Jersey shore to a fashionable piece. The shape was ...

If you're more into authentic artisan bags that look like they came from an exotic market than the latest trendy label off Fifth Avenue, this Moroccan Straw Tote may be for you.

Handwoven in Morocco using 100% natural materials, this is a classic straw tote that will never go out of style. ...

I love retro style straw clutches, and this delightful earthy example fits the bill perfectly. Basket bags are hot stuff for summer, and they allow smart clutches to effortlessly transpose into elegant day-wear.

eBay is choc-a-bloc with vintage wicker bags. These range from small clutches to huge totes, designed for everything from posh parties ...

Land Ahoy!

In case you hadn't noticed, nautical stripes and sailor-style themes have been the trends of the past 12 months. Little sailor dresses with bright shiny buttons, cute retro sailor caps and anything with anchors have been favorites of stars and High Street alike.

This bag updates the nautical style for summer - ...

Straw bags tend to be practical, casual purses used to carry towels and flip flops to the beach or pool. But there's no reason a straw bag needs to go back in the closet once the weather cools. Cute straw totes like the Antigua from Felix Rey have the good ...

At first glance, it took me a minute to realize that this Francesco Biasia is made from straw. The bright coral color nearly outshines the interesting texture of the Lillian Shoulder Bag, but the pattern holds its own and adds a summery touch to the handbag.

The woven texture isn't the only ...

Summer gives us the license to embrace our silly side and enjoy fun casual bags like this Felix Rey tote.

It's made from lightweight woven straw in your choice of navy or brown. This casual material is accented with adorable sequin covered fish with cute button eyes. There are three fish up ...

Few accessories remind me of summer as much as a good straw handbag. These casual, lightweight accessories are ideal for toting your towel and flip flops to the beach, but often they look a little too relaxed once the sun goes down. That's where the Margot from Felix Rey steps ...

Even our favorite designers can take a misstep. I usually love the risks that Marni takes with its bold handbag designs, but with the Jungle Bag the Italian designer misses the mark.

The cotton top features a bold African-inspired print. The green, yellow, black, and white color scheme works, but the ...

The wintery weather might be dragging on, but we’re already thinking about summer. This straw basket bag from Marni is just the thing to get you in the mood for the fun in the sun just around the corner!

This adorable handbag is made from soft, yet durable, straw. Chocolate and natural-toned ...

The classic good looks and affordable $60 price tag of the cute Bayshore Bucket bag is sure to appeal to bargain hunters.

The fine woven straw finish features subtle color variations to add texture and style. The hardwearing material is offset by classic brown leather trim and chic silver studs. The leather ...

Now that the winter chill has set in, many of our straw bags have taken up residence in our closets until warmer weather comes. But it doesn't need to be this way. Anne Klein's Marquis Tote is one straw bag that can see us through the year.

The secret is the finely ...

Budget conscious fashionistas will love this fun and fashionable woven bag from XOXO.

Fine strands of straw are woven together in a beautiful diamond design. The subtle straw tones are accented by apricot colored leatherette trim. This same feminine shade is also found on the shoulder straps and front flap detail. The silver turn-lock closure ...

Dolce & Gabbana knows women want to feel stylish no matter where they go, so the Italian fashion house has created this luxury beach bag. Say goodbye to your oversized canvas bag and hello to this stunning straw tote.

This beautiful handbag is made from natural woven straw accented by chocolate brown leather ...

When you hear the word Santorini, you probably imagine sea, sand, and having fun in the summer sunshine. This playful purse from Michael Kors embodies all the characteristics of this exotic locale.

It's made from woven corn husk, an all natural material which cleverly contrasts with the handbag's leather accents. This fun bag is available ...

This summery straw Gucci bag will make any shopping trip fun. The natural straw body is offset by a silver metallic leather trim. A black and tan Gucci sash is woven through the trim for a soft feminine finish.

The open top design is ideal for a day at the mall, as it puts all ...

It may still be freezing in most parts of the world, but it won't be too long before this wintery weather turns warm. And when it does, you'd better be ready with the perfect beach bag. This cute Coach novelty tote could be a real contender.

This fun handbag features a summery straw background with ...