Chic in Black and White for Summer

Is there anything more classic than black and white? I rarely wear black in the summertime, but with the arrival of this chic tote by my talented friend Gunes Mutlu - founder of Turkish handbag brand Mehry Mu - I’m looking to incorporate more black into my summer wardrobe.

With the basket bag trend here to stay I’m on the hunt for handbags made of natural fibers that nod to the trend but also feel special and unique. Enter Mehry Mu’s collection of caned handbags in a rainbow of colors and ladylike shapes. Caning is one of my favorite things, and I love it on everything from chairs to headboards, from decorative accessories to handbags. Last summer I featured her signature Fey Bag (blog post here) and you all went nuts when I posted this plaid version that Gunes wore to our lunch date in London. Though this tote looks delicate don't be fooled. It can hold a lot. I put smaller items like lipstick and my cardholder in a leather pouch to make sure nothing falls out if it’s overturned, but with such a structured silhouette it sits nicely - on my arm or on the table. While Mehry Mu is taking top European department stores by storm, she’s harder to find in the States. US-based admirers can find her pieces here and here.