Summer Staple: Rattan Bags

Summer is coming to an end, but I’m not quite ready to think about fall yet. It’s hard to think about adding layers and boots when it’s still 90 degrees outside!  Since my mind is still on summer I thought I would talk about my summer staple this year: the rattan bag.

Straw and wicker bags were one of the biggest trends this summer.  Rattan is a naturally renewable palm that grows in tropical regions and is used in furniture, buildings, crafts, and bags.  Rattan is sturdier than your average straw bag.

Now, I understand that you can find these bags just about everywhere right now.  There are expensive versions from various designers and cheap knock offs sold at fast fashion stores.  If you’re like me, you want the real thing, but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg.  I bought a mid priced rattan bag at bohobags.com, and it’s been my favorite bag this summer. Boho Bags are made in Bali, Indonesia.  Each bag is handmade by Balinese artisans who are paid a fair wage and work in a safe working environment. The artisans are incredibly talented and their magical work deserves to be showed off!

Check out the Boho Bag’s large collection of rattan bags here.  Boho Bags also sell a variety of other bags, including bamboo bags and fringe bags.  The bag shown here is the medium round rattan bag in the Luna design.

My twist-tie dress is from a company called Ces Femme.  They sell affordable and trendy attire, all ethically made in the USA.