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It isn’t written into fashion law that you have to swap out your handbag for spring or summer, but sometimes it’s just nice to have that little reset. Kind of like changing out the throw pillows on your couch with the seasons. Not necessary, but just feels good.
As soon as the warmer weather started to creep in, I found myself obsessively looking for straw or raffia handbags. There’s just something about them that screams summer, like you could be headed to the beach at a moment’s notice, even if you have zero vacation days left for the year.
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Now I really have my sights set on a Loewe raffia tote, but that isn’t exactly in the budgetary cards at the moment. So then I moved on to the truly lovely Patricia Nash Marconia Tote with Spring Multi Scarf, which is impressive looking for a $199.99 price tag. Still, I thought I could find something more affordable. Because, listen, if I’m going to be carrying this bag around all summer, susceptible to my kids dropping their ice cream on it, I kind of want something that won’t devastate me to ultimately see stained.
Enter the Kohl’s Sonoma Goods For Life Amelia Straw Shopper Tote which, to me at least, looks just like the Patricia Nash bag minus the pretty scarf.
Sonoma Goods For Life Amelia Straw Shopper Tote, $40 (reg. $50) at Kohl’s
“This bag is exactly what I thought it would be,” says a Kohl’s shopper, who rates the bag five stars. “It’s well made and I prefer a large tote. I put everything in it which I need. I love straw bags of any size and shape. They are popular for the summer. If you love large straw totes, this one was made for you.”
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Just for comparison’s sake, here’s a look at the aforementioned Patricia Nash bag.
Marconia Tote with Spring Multi Scarf, $199.99 at Patricia Nash
Are you picking up on the twinning vibes with the Kohl’s bag? Even if you aren’t, there’s another reviewer of Kohl’s’ Amelia tote that agrees it looks way more expensive than it is.
“I was very impressed when I picked up this tote,” they wrote in the reviews section. “It is well made and looks much more expensive than what I paid for it—thank goodness for Kohl’s coupons!! It is not just a tote but has several inside pockets so it easily can also be used as a handbag. Nice size—not too big or bulky. Materials used are of a nice quality. What’s not to love?!!”
Related: This ‘Striking and Stylish’ Packable Sunhat Has Shoppers Saying They ‘Might Need to Buy Another One’
