It’s officially the season for straw accessories, signalling the return of wide-brimmed hats, espadrille wedges, and raffia bags.
The high street is brimming with choices, yet our fashion gurus have spotted a gem that could be gracing your arm just in time for the weekend, all thanks to Prime Delivery. Amazon might not spring to mind when hunting for fashion essentials and add-ons, but we stumbled upon ‘The Drop’ during a casual browse.
It’s Amazon’s in-house label, offering a collection of trendy items that strike the perfect balance between affordability and chic style. Among the summer frocks and beloved footwear, the Women’s Melanie Bag is possibly this year’s most stylish spin on the raffia trend.
At only £34.90, this baguette bag nods to the nostalgic 90s vibes seen resurrected by brands like Mango, while still keeping it fresh and contemporary.
The Women’s Melanie Bag boasts a classic zip top closure, a natural straw texture, a tan leather strap, and brass hardware details. Though it’s only available in a neutral raffia shade, if you don’t fancy straw there are also denim and crocodile options to choose from in the same style, reports the Mirror.
Earning a 4.1 star rating from customers who praise its versatility and fashion-forward design, the Women’s Melanie Bag is a popular summer accessory. One satisfied Amazon customer hailed it as their ‘new favourite purse,’ commenting: “Looks high quality and goes with everything.”
Another pleased buyer wrote of the bag: “Purse is the most beautiful bright blue just like the photos. Perfect size for everyday use or going out. Shoulder strap is the perfect length so it’s not riding up into your armpit but also not too long where it’ll slide off your shoulder. Love the material, easy to clean. Want it in every color!”
This five star reviewer commented: “I love that it can hold all of my essential things and that I don’t have to carry a much larger handbag. It even has a little pocket inside if you want to separate certain things from the rest. It’s very stylish and cute and I have had my friends ask me about it. Overall a very good purchase.”
One buyer noted the bag was “a bit stiff” and mentioned: “Don’t like the strap, so I removed it and replaced it.” However another pleased customer said: “This is a lovely little bag (just the right size for phone, money and lipstick, etc.) For the price, it’s well worth it!”
Fashion deal of the week
Floral dresses are a must for summer, and one £45 number from M&S has shoppers saying “buy without hesitation”.
Whether you are looking for something fancy or casual, the retailer’s Lyocell Blend V-Neck Midi Tea Dress will have you covered. With its whimsical blue floral print on a crisp white background, this £45 dress has been praised as both “elegant” and “casual” by shoppers.
The sleeveless design makes this dress a breezy choice for the warmer weather, while shoppers say that the regular-fit design is “flattering” on the figure. It is complete with a classy v-neckline and simple back zip fastening detail.
Currently proven popular on the retailer’s website, the Lyocell Blend V-Neck Midaxi Tea Dress is available in sizes from a UK 8 through to 24. It has been designed in petite, regular and long lengthways, so it suits a variety of body shapes and sizes.
Currently averaging an impressive four out of five star rating, the Lyocell Blend V-Neck Midaxi Tea Dress has been impressing fashion enthusiasts who are say it is “easy to wear” and “reasonable for the price”.
One five-star review read: “I have been searching for a smart/casual dress for holiday trips and this has fitted the bill perfectly. Elegant enough for formal restaurants yet cool and casual for more relaxed settings. All in all successful purchase which I have enjoyed wearing.”
Another penned: “Really Beautiful fabric and fit. Buy without hesitation.”
Purchase the Lyocell Blend V-Neck Midaxi Tea Dress for £45 on the M&S website here.
Another happy shopper wrote: “Baddie on a budget is how this bag makes me feel. So cute and shipped so fast love it.”
Straw bags are a summer wardrobe essential, offering a laid-back, casual look ideal for beach days, city explorations, picnics, and beyond. Their neutral colour scheme also makes them incredibly versatile, pairing effortlessly with everything from breezy summer dresses to classic jeans and t-shirt outfits.
But Amazon’s must-have accessory isn’t the only one catching our eye this season, with an array of potential sell-outs, celeb-endorsed pieces, and designer dupes on offer. Marks and Spencer has reintroduced its beloved £45 straw tote bag for another year.
Crafted from lightweight straw with chic tan accents, this affordable piece is a splendid addition to your spring collection. It also bears a striking resemblance to Loewe’s coveted Basket Bag, priced at £450, which continues to be a hit among fashion enthusiasts each year.
For a celebrity-approved option, look no further than this River Island clutch. Frankie Bridge took this high street gem with her to the Maldives, commending it for the ‘so much easier’ black wooden grab handle.
Or if you’re a fan of the viral Uniqlo crossbody like us, then this is a fun twist on the popular accessory. The Round Mini Crochet Bag updates the iconic and spacious design of the original with a paper fabric for a lightweight and roomy design.
You can find more of our summer outfit picks on the high street here, or grab the Amazon Women’s Melanie Bag for less than £35 here.
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