When I first wrote this article, I had owned this cute, round, straw Clare V. bag for two+ years, hence the title. And now? Two more years later? We’re going on our fourth or maybe even fifth(!!) summer together.
At this point, this woven straw bag has become such a closet staple that I’m actually considering buying another (something I never do) simply in case Something Bad Happens. This bag adds the perfect amount of French Girl nonchalance to all of my outfits — think: modern Jane Birken. And it’s appropriate in virtually every situation I’ve encountered in the last 4+ years…from easy beach days to weekend outings to weddings, this bag just works.
I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Where to Buy The Clare V. Pot De Miel Bag
Clare V. has now restocked this bag for at least four summers (and it’s sold out each time). But allow me to point out that they did NOT restock this bag last summer (giving me a heart-attack), so I can’t tell if Clare V. has now seen the light, or if this summer is my favorite bag’s last hurrah.
This back-and-forth could mean one of two things:
- It’s a classic and will live forever and ever
- This is IT, folks. THIS. IS. IT.
Truly, I don’t know which way the wind is blowing. Happily, it is back into stock at Anthropologie (also in a black/white check) so fingers crossed this isn’t the last time we’ll see this bag in stores.
Clare V. Pot De Miel Woven Bag: What Fits Inside?
I always refer to this bag as my ‘honeypot bag,’ but its real name is Clare V’s Pot de Miel. The crossbody strap is detachable, and the bag fits a surprisingly large amount of stuff.
On most days (in the summer), this bag will be loaded down with my phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, sunscreen (face powder sunscreen and either a stick sunscreen or spray), bug spray and reading glasses. I can also throw in a lightweight sweater or windbreaker.
And allow me to demonstrate the roominess of the bag using a thick sweater, just for funsies…..
Clare V. Pot De Miel Woven Bag: Which Seasons?
I don’t use this bag in the winter. Which, I think, is pretty typical for straw bags.
That said, this particular bag — because of its sturdiness, texture, and pops of darker colors — this bag does transition well into fall, and I usually start wearing it early in the spring. Basically, it’s sturdy enough to stand up to cashmere and denim, making it a pretty solid three-season bag.
sweater (xs) | jeans *sustainable* (27) | sneakers *sustainable* | bag
Outfit Ideas With The Clare V Woven Pot De Miel Bag
I’ve worn this bag with jeans, dresses, cords, shorts, sandals and sneakers. I’ve brought this bag to the beach, out on date night, to the and to the farmer’s market, as well as stuffed it full of swimsuits so I could pack it in my suitcase on a trip to Italy. As I’ve mentioned, I wear it in the spring, summer and fall. It is, quite simply, the bag I carry most of the time.
Here are a few examples (of the many) outfits I’ve worn with this bag….
So…yeah. Like I said, I’ve worn this bag with jeans, shorts and dresses. I’ve worn it with sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts and strappy little tanks. I’ve worn it on the weekends, during the week and all dressed up. I throw it into my bike basket, I’ve packed it in a suitcase.
Truthfully, this bag is tricky to pack into a suitcase. However, if you stuff it completely full (with swimsuits or socks or even sweaters) to keep its shape — then yes, it can be packed.
In short, I can’t recommend this bag enough. The cost-per-wear, at this point, is very, very low, and it’s saved me from having to buy a new summer bag for several years now.
And if you are debating between the two colors (especially since the striped one is on sale)….I do think the extra bit of black on the checks miiiiight make it work even longer into Fall/Winter than the natural one. But you won’t go wrong with either.
xo,
S
