I was first introduced to Raw Bags after seeing a trés chic bamboo clutch in an issue of OK! Magazine. Considering this was pre-recession I expected a hefty price tag—especially since there was also a photo of Natalie Portman on the page (her Té Casan shoes weren’t exactly a steal if you remember). So imagine my surprise when the eco-friendly bag was only 50 bucks!

Beth Warner, a former buyer, started Raw Bags in 2005 after being drawn to the raw textiles and natural materials. In addition to bamboo, she works with recycled newspaper and rattan (the material used to make wicker chairs). The clutches are ideal for summer: They’re sturdy enough to pack in your suitcase and more interesting than the raffia purses most people carry on tropical vacations. Raw Bags also has totes in the same materials that are eons nicer than the common canvas bag.

Visit www.raw-bags.com to learn more about the line.