Let's geaux shopping: woven handbags

I often find it relaxing to look at pretty things, even if they're pretty things I don't need or am not really planning to buy. I especially like imagining what trip I'd take them on (I once bought a dress solely because upon seeing it, I had an instant vision of wearing it along the cobblestones of Havana—nope, I wasn't planning a trip to Cuba and have never been there, but imagination is powerful, haha). Even better, I enjoy imagining which friend would love a particular pretty thing. These bags reminded me of specific loved ones:

• Leather crossbody: my mom, S, who is both eminently practical and always neat; she could organize everything just-so and stash her signature Orbit Sweet Mint in that easy-access pocket

• Braided top-handle: my sil, L, who is such a great mom of multiple littles, with such a gift for serenity and patience and being prepared; she could fit all the Goldfish, small books, and sunscreen in here

• Colorful clutch: my friend, M, who radiates life and fun; she would take this little number on a girls night to go dancing

• Crochet: my sister, C, who is a champion of the underdog and a photojournalist always on the move; she needs an unfussy and versatile bag for her notebooks, water bottle, and sunflower seeds

• Chain strap clutch: my sil, J, who doesn't want to carry a 20 pound handbag, but has a cool modern-ladylike style; she would probably fill this with a single credit card and a bunch of dog treats for rando strays

• Leather + linen bucket: this one is actually for a fantasy version of myself who lives in Paris and makes a living selling handwritten poems from a little stall along the Seine

• Straw lady frame: my niece, M, who is the most delightful teenager and crazy talented ballerina who loves all things retro and feminine; she would wear this to prom with a vintage dress paired with Converse

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