Straw is a prominent component of many spring bags, as a lighter contrast from the heavy, primarily leather handbags that are in stores in winter. It also tends to make bags look much more casual than other materials and - let's face it - an all straw bag is just not always appropriate, no matter how season it may be. Nancy Gonzalez's Python/Straw Tote Bag strikes a nice balance between the luxury of the python and the casual straw, so the bag is much more versatile that you would expect a snakeskin (or plain straw) bag to be. The tote has a magnetic top closure, suede lining and lots of interior pockets. It measures 12"H X 17"L X 4"W. Oh - but interested parties should take note that this bag cannot be shipped to California. Price:$2,170.

While you might not call something made of celery a luxury item, it is fairly easy to envision this celery straw making an appearance at posh brunches, on cruises or anywhere else that a refreshing Bloody Mary may be found. The straws are made of celery that has been grown with a hollow center, turning it into an edible straw. The novel swizzle sticks were engineered by Duda Farm Fresh Foods in Florida, but there is no consumer release date yet.

Which is too bad, because now I feel like a Bloody Mary.

[via boingboing]

As easy as it is to picture the Rafe St. Kitts Straw Basket being carried during a stroll along the boardwalk on a lazy summer afternoon or through a seaside market on a crisp morning, the bag is basically limited to those uses. Take it away from the slightly touristy, summer-house atmosphere of many mainland beaches and just-slightly-offshore islands, and you are left with something that, while cute, looks like a souvenir. The basket is woven with natural wheat straw and has a dark brown deerskin trim and top tab closure. Bamboo handles give it a tropical touch and the seaside look is completed with a net overlay covered with nautical charms and shells. It measures 5"H x 9"W x 2 3/4"D. Price: $300.

Straws are generally consigned to the realm of a very few drinks, such as root beer floats and milkshakes, and it is difficult to imagine sipping a milkshake out of the Monkey Straw from Tiffany & Co. The straw is 7.25-in. long and is made of sterling silver. A sinuous vine spirals along the length of the piece and there is the small figure of a monkey attached near the top. It could be used for actual drinking, but it might make a better gift at a baby shower, along with all the other cute but impractical objects given out at that type of gathering. Price: $155.

[via cribcandy]

I headed over to Target the other day to check out the new Tara Jarmon line in person. Everything looked bright and fun, a bit more edgy than some of the Mossimo and Isaac Mizrahi pieces that are normally seen in Target, but not so different that the clothing looked out of place. I tried on several dresses, but it was the bags that really caught my eye. I liked the polka-dot bag that matched one of the dresses perfectly (not available online), but the Bonjour Baby Straw Bag was too cute to pass up. The bag is a natural straw tote with an open top and leather straps, secured with large metal buttons. The big bow accents only one side of the bag. It's just a casual piece that can add some color and flair to a summer wardrobe without breaking the bank, because the best part is that it's only $29.99.