Thursday, August 11, 2022

20 Reasons To Embrace The Laissez-Faire Attitude Of A Woven Basket Bag

The summer wardrobe is a blissfully carefree one. Unlike its wintry counterpart, tasked with the responsibility of keeping us warm, dry, and somewhat sane, warm-weather clothing need only provide a modicum of functionality and ideally, the conveyance of “good vibes,” whatever that means to you. Summer accessories have a similar flavor profile, and we find ourselves welcoming lightweight, ephemeral materials into the rotation — specifically, straw, sisal, seagrass, paper, and the like.

Nowhere are these fibers put to better use than in the woven basket bag. This penultimate summer tote is the perfect picture of vacation-oriented laissez-faire: so minimal and inconsequential are your possessions in this state of mind that you could simply toss them into a vessel fabricated from mountain grass and stroll off into the sunset. There is no laptop in this handbag, no gym clothes, prescriptions, or overloaded keychains. This bag conveys freedom, not responsibility.
Bearing all of this in mind, we set about rounding up the season’s best woven purses and basket bags and were delighted to find them in every conceivable shape and size. From torso-sized circle totes to miniature picnic baskets to an on-trend drawstring bag, the woven confections of 2022 are ready to accompany you on any and all adventures you have planned this summer.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.



Madewell Straw Tote Bag In Khaki, $, available at ASOS


Zara Woven Basket Bag, $, available at Zara


Saint Laurent Round Crochet Raffia Crossbody Bag, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman


Mark & Graham Wicker Shell Crossbody, $, available at Mark & Graham


Cult Gaia Coco Basket Rattan Top-Handle Bag, $, available at Neiman Marcus


Crown Vintage Chacha Crossbody Bag, $, available at DSW


Free People Santai Straw Tote, $, available at Free People


Mark & Graham Wicker & Leather Crossbody Bag With Bamboo Handles, $, available at Mark & Graham


Appita Appleseed Embroidered Straw Bucket Bag, $, available at Ted Baker


Sensi Studio Midi Handbag, $, available at Revolve


Urban Outfitters Mini Straw Tote Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters


Madewell Bembien® Jolene Small Tote Bag, $, available at Madewell


Loeffler Randall Cyrus Ruffled Raffia Tote, $, available at Net-A-Porter


Jacquemus Le Petit Panier Straw Basket Bag, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue


Bembien Bembien® Marfa Bag, $, available at J.Crew


Topshop Wicker Bucket Bag, $, available at Nordstrom


Frame Straw Tote, $, available at Shopbop


Kate Spade Love Shack Heart Wicker Crossbody, $, available at Kate Spade


Lusana Lusana Raffia Bag, $, available at Anthropologie


Coach Small Tote, $, available at Coach Outlet


Topshop Red Finch Straw Mini Tote Bag, $, available at Topshop


Urban Outfitters Straw Box Handle Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters


& Other Stories Woven Straw Circle Bag, $, available at & Other Stories


Folks With Pens Handwoven Market Basket, $, available at Etsy


Mango Handmade texture belt bag, $, available at Mango


Anthropologie Serena Woven Circle Bag, $, available at Anthropologie


ASOS DESIGN Straw Mini Basket Bag, $, available at ASOS


J.Crew Macrame woven market tote, $, available at J.Crew


Free People Penelope Basket Clutch, $, available at Free People


Madewell The Small Beach Tote Bag, $, available at Madewell


Erin Considine Allende Bag, $, available at Erin Considine


Pink Haley Aurora Moon Tote Bag, $, available at Nordstrom Rack


Bali Harvest Bali Harvest Handwoven Round Bag, $, available at Amazon


Nannacay Baby Roge tasseled woven raffia tote, $, available at Net-A-Porter


Eliza May Rose Woven Pouchette, $, available at Walmart


H&M Seagrass Picnic Basket, $, available at H&M


Clare V. Pot de Miel Top Handle Straw Basket Bag, $, available at Nordstrom


Loeffler Randall Wicker Tote, $, available at Shopbop


Khokho Sindi Leather-Trimmed Straw Circle Bag, $, available at Barneys New York


Hat Attack Straw Carryall, $, available at Zappos


HEREU Cabas Market Bag, $, available at Need Supply


Wild Fable Straw Tote Handbag, $, available at Target

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Denim Leg Warmers Are The TikTok-Approved Way To Upcycle Your Jeans

Fashion has had a string of odd trends this year, from unnecessary belts to glass handbags and cargo jeans. But if there’s a trend that takes the “Most Unexpected” trophy this summer, it’s denim leg warmers. 

If your brain just entered a state of confusion while reading that term, you’re not alone. (In fact, several Refinery29 staffers asked me to repeat myself when I pitched this story.) Half ordinary jeans, half leg warmers that your mom wore in the ‘80s to work out to Jane Fonda videos, these contraptions — mostly made from upcycled denim — have circulated on TikTok since January, but have picked up more popularity over the last few weeks. 

While this trend may seem confounding — for one, what is the appropriate setting to wear this item? — it’s actually right on track with this season’s top styles, which are heavily inspired by ‘80 silhouettes and ‘00s nostalgia. Take, for example, the proliferation of denim looks seen everywhere from the Blumarine spring 2022 show, which included denim butterfly tops and denim maxi dresses, to the Jean Paul Gaultier fall 2022 couture lineup by Olivier Rousteing, which featured a denim dress and matching cape. It’s also in line with the emergence of balletcore, which is prompting people to style leg warmers for purposes other than dance class. 

@samimiro LIVE NOW! “LEFTOVERS” our first ever accessory collection @samimirovintage #sustainablefashion #fyp #WomenOwnedBusiness #upcycling #samimirovintage #samimiro ♬ About Damn Time – Lizzo

On the designer end, earlier this year, Los Angeles-based designer Sami Miro released denim leg warmers, which were available in black and blue and featured pockets. The pieces quickly sold out. “I think what makes them unique is that it preserves the natural shape of the jean, and they give a floating-like look,” she says. 

Since then, creators, unable to get Miro’s style, have begun to DIY their own pairs. Bibi-Jane Del Rosario cut a pair of jeans into shorts, leaving the remaining fabric intact for the leg warmers. To keep them from sliding down, she sewed elastic bands on the upper hem. Since then, she’s styled them with basic denim shorts and white tank tops but is intrigued to see how they’d look with dresses. 

Meanwhile, Paloma Maria opted for a no-sew process to upcycling jeans. The creator first measured the height of her knee-length boots to use as a guide for cutting the denim. She then stepped through each leg with the boots on and tucked the upper hem into them. “I wore these out and got a bunch of compliments,” she says in the video. 

Forget buying a new pair of cargo jeans, grab some scissors, and turn your old denim into this fall’s must-have item. 

@bypalomamaria pro tip: steal your mans jeans #pinterestfashion #diy #legwarmer #fashiontiktok ♬ Vegas (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS) – Doja Cat

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The Best Sunglasses — From Stylish Tinted Lens To Minimalistic Ones

You only get two eyes in this lifetime, so it’s important to keep ‘em as healthy and stylish as possible. On those supremely bright and sunny days, that means putting on a pair of trendy sunglasses to protect your delicate pupils from harmful UV rays — or from paparazzi flashes, or from bird poop (which, who knows, could all totally happen).

Since we know that the world of shaded eyewear can be overwhelming, we put together this mini guide to the best sunglasses to look out for, categorized by style, lens type, and activity. As you’ll see, sunglasses come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, widths, and price points — and the best way to see if a pair works for you is to give them a test drive. If one style doesn’t work for your face, we guarantee there’s another pair just lurking around the corner that will. Now, go forth and keep those blinding rays at bay.

Classic Sunglasses

You already know the tried-and-true classic styles — the wayfarers, the aviators, the rounded frames. But this year, why not opt for a reimagined staple? We’re thinking John Lennon-style round sunglasses with a tortoiseshell outer or ’70s-inspired aviators in a rose-gold finish or can’t-go-wrong circle lenses in clear acetate.

Statement Sunglasses

When all else fails in the sartorial department, you can always count on statement sunglasses to polish off an otherwise uninspired look. Or put on a pair of show-stopping specs to add another layer of flair to your ensemble. Either way, don’t be afraid of being extra extra — this is your moment to go big and bold.

Minimalistic Sunglasses

We can’t forget the minimalist queens out there. You’ll love the chic options below if you gravitate toward sleek, low-maintenance all-black sunnies. Add a new pair to your collection, as it’ll match any of your neutral summer attire. Bring on the LBDS. 

Polarized Sunglasses

Heard of polarized sunglasses but not sure of their benefits? Polarized shades are especially crucial if you’re an outdoorsy, under-the-sun person — these sunglasses reduce that intense glare of blinding light that usually appears on, say, ocean water or crisp snow, making it much easier for you to see things in nature as they really are.

Sunglasses For Wide Heads

Don’t laugh: Big heads can create a whole host of style problems, like making it impossible to don a chic hat at the beach. When it comes to sunglasses, though, more eyewear designers are taking note and better specifying their styles as “wide” or “extra wide.” The glasses below are all from eyewear brands that offer wider fits — which means no more indents on your temples.

Tinted Lens Sunglasses

Want to literally see the world through rose-colored glasses — or maybe yellow, green, or blue? In this year of 2022, there’s surely a pair of sunglasses that can deliver whatever tint lens you’re looking for.

Sports Sunglasses

If the sporty life is for you, secure a pair of athlete-approved sunglasses that stay put during your summer exercises or activities. The polarized lenses are water- and oil-resistant, the frames are feather-light, and the grippy nose pads prevent droop, even when the sweat is pourin’.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Sapphire Engagement Rings Are Trending — 21 To Shop For A Happily Ever After

WINDSOR, ENGLAND – JUNE 13: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Order of the Garter service at St George’s Chapel on June 13, 2022 in Windsor, England. The Most Noble Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, established by King Edward III in 1348. (Photo by UK Press Pool/UK Press via Getty Images)

Ever since Princess Diana’s engagement ring was revealed to the world, sapphire rings have found a firm place in the bridal industry. It helped that, in 2010, the gemstone’s legacy was cemented in wedding history once again when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his late mother’s ring. 

Yet, even after two famous engagements with non-diamond center stones, blue rings are still uncommon. But there is evidence brides are eyeing them more than ever before: According to Google Trends, searches for “sapphire engagement ring” have increased in 2022, in part thanks to TikTok star Emily Mariko’s engagement ring, a triple-band oval-shaped sapphire-and-diamond ring. Meanwhile, non-diamond engagement rings also trending in 2022, with sapphire being the second most popular gemstone after moissanite. 

If you’re eyeing a sapphire engagement ring for yourself (or a significant other!), take a look at some of the best options available below. Bonus: These styles can serve as a “something blue” on the big day.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Oval Sapphire Ring With A Halo

If you’re looking to reference Princess Diana, you should look for an oval-shaped sapphire engagement ring. Bonus: If it has a halo.

Sapphire Ring With Side Stones

For those who don’t want a halo overshadowing the center stone, side stones could frame the sapphire in a more minimalist way.

Sapphire Solitaire Ring With A Twisted Vine Band

If breaking the mold is your modus operandi, a twisted vine band is a perfect pair for an otherwise-classic solitaire sapphire ring.

Lab-Created Sapphire Ring

Lab-grown diamonds are super popular right now, and so are lab-created gemstones, which offer more affordability with the same bright blue look.

Three-Stone Sapphire Ring

Ever since Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle with a three-stone engagement ring, the shape has been trending. While this is common with all-diamond rings, opt for a sapphire center for an unexpected twist.

Sapphire Ring With An Infinity Knot Band

While a sapphire solitaire stone might look simple, going for a more abstract band is a good way to up the look of your ring.

The Swirl Ring

The two sapphires add a touch of interest to this style that can serve as both an engagement ring and a wedding band.

Oval Sapphire Ring

Thanks to celebrities like Hailey Bieber, oval-shaped rings have been trending over the past few years. For an extra detail, add a few side stones.

Oval Sapphire Ring With A Halo

Blue is known as a cool tone, so going for a white gold band makes for a good pairing to accentuate the center stone.

Hexagon Sapphire Ring

Not all sapphires are made equal. For proof, see this hexagon ring in a lighter shade of blue.

Oval Sapphire Ring

With a stone this bright and a rose gold band, who needs diamonds? A classic, minimalist bride would enjoy this modernist take on sapphire.

Vintage-Style Sapphire Ring

Elaborate settings are a go-to way to channel a vintage look, but, if you’re worried about the piece looking dated, reach for a blue gemstone, like sapphire.

Teal Sapphire Ring

Royal blue is not everyone’s cup of tea, so a teal sapphire ring can be a good substitute for those with a non-traditional approach.

Three-Stone Sapphire Ring

Hate the look of oversized engagement rings? Try one that could pass as stacking jewelry with a lighter blue shade.

Pink Sapphire Band

While sapphire is most associated with blue shades, the gemstone is also available in pink tones that make for an even more unique ring.

Round Sapphire Ring With Double Halo

For the more-is-more bride, a double-diamond halo with round sapphire stone fits perfectly.

Side Oval Sapphire Ring

While oval rings are popular right now, turning the classic shape horizontally can give your ring a non-traditional look.

Angled Sapphire Ring

Thinner bands make for more visible stones, so if blue is your color, go for a more slim band with an oversized — even better, angular — stone.

Princess-Cut Sapphire Ring

Yet another way to channel Markle’s engagement ring via three princess-cut sapphire stones.

Bezel Sapphire Ring

Opting for a bezel style is a good way to ensure that the engagement ring is wearable in your everyday life.

Toi Et Moi Sapphire Ring

Another popular trend this year, this toi et moi ring features a pear-shaped sapphire and a diamond solitaire for those who just can’t choose between the two.

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