Accessories Trend Report: Drawing Straws

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
July 21, 2011

Straw Accessories

Forget slick patent leather shoes and weighty tapestry bags. We're lightening up our accessories load with summer's material of the moment: straw. The lightweight natural fiber is getting star treatment this season in a variety of fashion incarnations: a jaunty straw fedora hat for going undercover, woven raffia stilettos that give new meaning to a romp in the hay and wicker clutches that work for a summer red carpet. Read on for more celebrity and runway-fueled fashion inspiration and find picks from eBay, where listings for fashion items with the term "raffia" are up 11 percent this month over last and listings for "straw" remain high at approximately 20,000 per month.

Hats On

Catherine Malandrino Spring (photo by Randy Brooke/Contributor), Actress Diane Kruger (photo by Andreas Rentz/Staff), Marc Jacobs Spring (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

As the current face of Calvin Klein's fragrance, Beauty, model turned actress Diane Kruger is no fashion novice. The German actress checked an otherwise dressy cocktail dress with a less serious fedora. The hat's striped band lends a sporty touch, and we like the summer-y light cream hue. The red sunglasses could veer into overkill, but they do add bonus UV protection for sensitive peepers. As an alternative, fashion designer Catherine Malandrino showcased some floppy versions for her Spring 2011 presentation. Those more daring can try Marc Jacobs' extra wide-brim toppers in rich pinks, berries and oranges.

Roll over items for details

Handmade Straw Panama Hat

(buy it now price, $59.99)

Hot Pink Wide Brim Floppy Hat

(buy it now price, $26.29)

J Crew Purple and Black Floppy Straw Sun Hat

(buy it now price, $34.99)

Accessories Trend Report: Drawing Straws

"Hay," That's a Chic Bag

Jayma Mays (photo by Jordan Strauss/Contributor), Rachel Bilson (Photo by Gustavo Munoz/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic)

The red carpet need not be a glossy affair. Jayma Mays added a summery touch by breezing in with a Kate Spade be-ribboned straw tote. The "Glee" actress kept the rest of her ladylike ensemble casual with simple black flats. For those that prefer a more delicate option, try a raffia number embellished with lace such as Valentino's Nuage bag that Jennifer Love Hewitt has been spotted toting all around town. For heading someplace pedestrian—like, say, the DMV—follow actress Rachel Bilson's lead and toss your stuff into a slouchy straw shoulder bag with a nature-inspired motif.

Kate Spade White Straw Bag

(buy it now price, $105)

Straw and Lace Tote with Bow

(buy it now price, $37.99)

Valentino Raffia Leather Flower Embellished Handbag

(buy it now price, $2,795)

Straw After Dark

Busy Philips (photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic), Tory Burch Spring (Photo by Elizabeth Pantaleo/AFP/Getty Images)

If you're fully stocked on casual woven totes, then give straw a more formal spin with a structured evening bag. Actress Busy Phillips paired her minimal wicker clutch with a night-on-the-town black asymmetrical dress, a twist on the evening classic. A smaller straw piece could also do well doused in a pretty summer color. (Hint: eBay has great vintage raffia options.) Meanwhile, for her spring collection, designer Tory Burch showcased petite basket bags that can transition from afternoon BBQ to late-night soiree.

Michael Kors Santorini Straw Clutch

(buy it now price, $89)

Vintage Basket Purse With Bamboo Handle

(buy it now price, $20)

Vintage Italian-Made Raffia Clutch

(buy it now price, $24)

Weaving In Heels

Mary Katrantzou Spring (photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images), LeAnn Rimes (photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images), D&G Spring (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Raffia is going beyond arts and crafts. The flexible material is popping up in pointy heels by Isabel Marant (spotted on LeAnn Rimes and on the runway) or woven into sky-high platform pumps at Charlotte Olympia (as seen on Kim Kardashian in va-va-voom cherry red). If picnics and polo matches are in the cards for you this summer, a straw wedge can be good way to go. Both D&G and buzzy British designer Mary Katrantzou took the humble woven wedge to new ground with suede contrasts and pretty colors like sea green, light yellow and candy pink.

Charlotte Russe Straw and Satin Wedge

(buy it now price $8.49)

Floral Rattan Wedges

(buy it now price, $24.99)

Kate Spade Leather and Raffia Heels

(buy it now price, $189)

Fringe Benefits

Roberto Cavalli Spring (photos by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images & Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

We wouldn't be surprised if Roberto Cavalli's fringe-happy Spring-Summer 2011 runway necklaces were crafted with the summer music festival circuit in mind. The boho-luxe collection featured hand-knotted raffia and leather statement pieces that would suit Penny Lane just fine. Those with a tribal instinct can snag a Proenza Schouler rope and raffia bracelet or necklace. Look for bright unexpected bright colors with a retro or ethnic tinge.