D&G Dolce & Gabbana Straw Tote

Have I mentioned lately that I’m obsessed with Glee now? I mean, obsessed. I had never seen the show, had heard all the hype, which just makes me even less inclined to watch something. That’s a big part of the reason why I’ve never seen Twilight. I don’t want to just jump on any old bandwagon just because that’s what everyone’s doing. Didn’t we all do enough of that crap in high school? Yes, I think so. But the Twilight thing has a little more reason for me to avoid it. Apparently, Stephen King said Stephenie Meyer’s writing is crap. I’ll take Mr. King’s word for it. Anyway, Glee! So yeah, I had zero interest in it. None. I thought it would be like that High School Musical crap, too. Blah. Then I’m on Facebook the other day, and someone in my newsfeed posted a link to the “making of” video of the Vogue video they did. I’m a Madonna fan, I’m a Jane Lynch fan, so I clicked it. Oh. Wow. In just the few minutes it took me to watch that video, I became mesmerized. I had already missed the actual Madonna episode on TV, so I went to Hulu and watched it. That was quite possibly one of the best episodes of any TV show I have ever seen in my life! They did an excellent job of paying homage to Madge, choosing a good cross section of her extensive catalog, and throwing in several visual elements spanning her many phases of reinvention. In non-critic speak, if effing rocked! So then I watched another episode. And another. And another. Then, as much as I loved the show already, I was a little lost since I hadn’t seen it from the beginning. Open went the iTunes! I have now seen every episode of Glee from pilot to the phenomenal Madonna episode, a few of them twice. While I was in iTunes, I also downloaded both volumes of the soundtrack, and the soundtrack for the Power of Madonna episode, all three of which I have listened to every day for the past week or so. What does all of this have to do with these handbags? Not one damn thing. Did I mention I’m obsessed? But since this is a fashion blog and not a Glee blog—not yet, anyway—here’s a nice handbag for you. Check out this D&G Dolce & Gabbana Straw Tote.

Just so you know, that’s not its real name. These hoity toity designers require me to pick up their slack and give their designs names we can actually use in real life. D&G named this tote the Dolce & Gabbana DB1061 E7675. Try using that in a sentence. And is it too soon for a straw tote? I say no. It’s still spring, but there’s still been some wacky weather out there—rain, wind, even snow in some places—but when it clears up and the sun makes its permanent presence known, you want to be ready for that picnic, or day at the pool or beach right? So start planning now. This straw tote has patent leather handles and trim in gorgeous hot pink, which D&G calls fuxia. Like I said, hoity toity. But if you prefer, it’s also available with white patent leather. The dual handles give it a three-inch drop, and there’s a drawstring top closure. A platform bottom will keep the bag upright on almost any surface. Beautiful fuchsia fabric lines the interior, and provides a back wall zip pocket and a few slip pockets. It can be yours for $449 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Yeah, I know. That’s a bit much for a straw tote your grandma could probably weave for you. Actually, can you imagine having to make a bag like that yourself? How long would that take? Thank goodness we can buy stuff already made, right? But we don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it. How ’bout this Straw Studios Zl86008 Tote? It’s just as cute as the D&G, and you can fit just as much stuff in it. Rather than leather, the trim on this tote is plainweave fabric, including wraps around the dual braided rope handles, making it a little easier on the hands to carry. The interior is lined in the same fabric, also in hot pink, and offers a back wall zip pocket for small items. The lining also zips closed at the top for added security. Adding a nice feminine touch is a raw-edged flower appliqué made from the plainweave fabric, and adorned with a tonal bead in the center. The best part is, the Straw Studios tote is only $60 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Now I gotta be honest. This one’s a little too frou-frou for me. Seriously, it looks like Little Bo Peep’s picnic basket with the ribbons and the pink braided handles. But hey, if you’re a girly girl, then maybe you can get away with carrying it. This is the SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Ombre Straw Basket. Ok, you know what? I’d prefer the cumbersome alphnumeric names to the overindulgent, egotistical names designers come up with. The Sondra Roberts is where the SR comes from, and it’s squared, no less! You have to read five words before you even get to what the freaking product is. Tone the ego down a little, girl. Seeing your name on it once is quite enough, trust me. Anyway, it is more of a basket than a tote, but it’s not like you’d carry something this big as a handbag anyway. Although, with the eight-inch drop provided by the dual handles, you could carry it on your shoulder rather easily. The inside is lined with the same plainweave fabric that’s woven through the exterior, and provides a zip pocket. The top also zips closed to keep everything in its place. Now, if you think this pink one is bad, get a load of the electric blue option. Wow. Hurts my eyes just to look at it. But if that’s your thing, it’s only $35 at Piperlime.com.