
Summer ain’t over, people! As fall collections start rolling out, we can’t help but want to hold a little tighter to our beloved jelly sandals, breezy off-the-shoulder dresses and summer getaway shorts. Thankfully, the dog days of summer are nowhere near over — there are still countless backyard BBQs, beach weekends and Labor Day shenanigans to attend. And where there’s summer, an on-trend straw clutch or picnic tote surely isn’t too far behind. If the latest celebrity-approved wicker bag trend is any indication, time’s a-ticking to snatch up one of these 27 straw totes with *major* beach-to-boardwalk appeal. Not just restricted to last-minute getaways, these wardrobe workhorses are just as worthy of a stylish commute into the city as a seaside wedding.
1. Modcloth Put It to Good Juice Bag ($45): “SO cute. Where’d you get your bag?” says every passerby on the street. Let the compliments flow as you flaunt your fancy-schmancy watermelon bag to the waterfront, your sister’s wedding — you name it. Not only will it serve as an instant conversation starter (hello, awkward elevator rides), but it’ll serve as a ray of sunshine to every gingham frock and itty-bitty bikini from here on out.
2. Indego Africa Pom Palm Tote ($75): Too many poms? No such thing. Going hand-in-hand with your uniform of denim boyfriend shorts and striped tees, this hand-woven palm leaf tote by Indego Africa is just the thing for an impromptu picnic in the park or a trip to the farmers’ market. Not to mention all proceeds fund educational programming for local artisans. #WinWin
3. Hat Attack Patched Up Clutch ($99): Fellow ‘90s kids will get a kick out of this rad patchwork straw clutch that sends out peace, love and good vibes. Plus, it’ll look boss with your vintage embroidered denim jacket and throwback Chuck Taylors. Toss a tattoo choker necklace and some leather pants into the mix for a look that’s a little bit grunge and a whole lot punk.
4. Sensi Studio Pineapple Tote ($330): We know, we know — we never want summer to end either. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to (at least not yet). Gear up for a weekend in the Hamptons with this hand-painted straw pineapple tote that calls to mind nautical stripes and preppy madras prints.
5. Kayu Cactus Pouch ($125): Have an OMG-worthy embroidered cactus pouch, will find an excuse to style it a million and one ways. Between a post-work Tex-Mex happy hour, a glam-cation with your girls and a vacay to Mexico, this handcrafted clutch will practically style itself. Sign us up, please.
6. Kayu Embroidered Woven Straw Clutch ($125): Fact: You will go bananas for this embroidered straw clutch that will straight-up stun the moment you enter the room. Besides the canary yellow interior and embroidered bananas (we can’t even), you won’t run out of ways to style this hero piece in disguise. For major street style bait, toss on some “ugly” glove shoes and a vibrant yellow topper for a head-turning look.
7. Kate Spade Down the Rabbit Hole Wicker Bee ($398): Three words: too stinkin’ cute. One more word: SOLD. For a warm-weather look that will have everyone buzzin’ around in delight, DO invest in this bumble bee wicker handbag that’s a shoo-in for a baby shower or weekend wedding at the country club. A daisy printed dress and bow-topped heels may or may not be required.
8. Mystique Straw Tote ($155): Did someone say fiesta? (You bring the chips, we’ll be in charge of the guac.) If this neon tassel tote doesn’t make you break out in a spontaneous dance party, then we don’t know what will. Keep a case of the outfit blahs away by styling it with a vibrant maxi dress and white Birks for an epic end-of-summer pool party.
9. Mango Straw Bag ($60): Calling all boho babes! Run, don’t walk, to snag this hippie-dippy black straw bag that can be tossed on with seconds to spare. Think of it as a catchall for your keys, sunnies, old ticket stubs and random knick knacks you can’t bare to part with.
10. ASOS Straw Cat Clutch Bag ($40): Admit it: This straw clutch is actually the cat’s meow. (Fellow dog lovers, don’t deny it.) Style it alongside a denim pinafore dress or an accordion-pleat skirt and stripes for an extra dash of whimsy that won’t go unnoticed. Major bonus if you remember to sport your signature cat eye shades for a cat-tastic look that’s borderline fierce.
11. Sensi Studio Large Straw Tote ($300): A one-piece swimsuit with peekaboo cutouts? Check. Free-spirited tassel sandals for a stroll along the boardwalk? Check. An oversized straw tote big enough to fit a beach towel, sunscreen and retro aviators? Triple check. When carrying less isn’t an option, this artisan-made tote makes a self-proclaimed bag lady look chic.
12. Kayu Luna Striped Woven Straw Shoulder Bag ($130): One woven pineapple straw bag = infinite outfit possibilities. Dress it up with a Bardot-inspired off-the-shoulder romper for island girl charm, or combat a case of the Mondays with an oversized t-shirt dress and denim jacket. Better yet, toss the chain inside and use it as a handy dandy clutch for dinner al fresco.
13. Rachel Comey Norwood Cross-Body Bag ($426): The verdict is in: This is the It girl-approved cylinder-shaped wicker bag you needed in your life yesterday. Go ahead and round out your off-duty uniform, consisting of high-waisted skinny jeans and backless mules, with this scene-stealing accessory that’s destined for sartorial greatness. Bonus points: It’ll fit just the essentials (think: lipstick, credit cards and your cell phone) for a non-fussy commute.
14. French Baskets Blue Multi Pom Pom Basket Tote ($58): It’s not too late to book that getaway to Italy after all. You have the pom-pom embellished basket tote — now all that’s missing is a plane ticket and a twirl-worthy skirt that demands attention. Not jet-setting off just yet? Stand out from the crowd by teaming this uplifting tote with your Sunday best for a Parisian chic look.
15. Flora Bella Dominica Raffia Crossbody ($145): Carefree summer ‘tude? Say no more. This boho-chic crochet cross-body bag is begging to be paired with all your summer whites (hurry, before Labor Day gets here!). The shell accents and festive fringe will elevate everything from a denim romper to an Aztec-printed tunic.
16. Sensi Studio Maxi Woven Toquilla Straw Tote ($235): Extended vacay on the Amalfi Coast? Girl, we’ve got you covered. This punchy red straw tote, complete with a whimsical pom-pom and tassel charm, has a personality of its own. It’ll look resort-ready with a lace-up festival-going dress and borderline corporate when styled alongside a crisp Oxford shirt and high-waisted shorts. Free-wheelin’ espadrilles always obligatory.
17. Mango Straw Clutch ($30): You best be bringing out your go-to army green anorak and come-hither black bodysuit — this safari-inspired clutch is more than ready for its close-up. Ditch the all work, no play attitude by styling it with a black bodycon dress and lace-up ghillies for a day-to-night look.
18. Sensi Studio Tucan Medium Tote ($288): Don’t stop channeling those tropical vibes just yet! This playful toucan tote will inspire you to pull out your rainbow print maxi dress and colorful pom-pom-embellished gladiators for one last hurrah in paradise. For casual Friday, it’ll look just as resort-approved with a borrowed-from-the-boys button-down and cuffed chino pants.
19. Kimchi Blue Straw Mini Crossbody Bag ($49): Oh, this old thing? For a pared-down summer look that’s made for kicking it by the pool and hanging low in your beach bungalow, allow this darling little straw cross-body bag to pave the way. The structured shape will lend instant polish and sophistication to even your most lazy girl-approved slip dresses.
20. Shiraleah Black Carmelita Pom Pom Clutch ($40): Not so fast: Straw bags need not be restricted to daytime outings. We’re swooning hard over this black fold-over clutch that’s just as versatile as it looks. Pro tip: Toss it into your work tote so you’ll always be ready for cocktails once five o’clock hits. Did we mention it’s decked out in party poms? Oh yeah.
21. ASOS New Look Straw Duffle Bag ($29): A wear-everywhere straw duffle bag is exactly what the doctor ordered for the girl on the go with a penchant for tomboy-chic sweatshirts and baseball caps. Toss this streamlined handbag on with denim overall shorts, a crop top and canvas sneakers for the ultimate busy-girl look. It’s that easy.
22. Sensi Studio Watermelon Tote ($330): Found it. After searching high and low for the perfect weekend tote — one that takes you from grabbing blooms at the corner flower shop to picnicking in the park — we’ve uncovered the quintessential beach bag that does it all. This handcrafted watermelon tote is perfect for stashing your favorite beach reads, snacks and a tablet for a work-cation in paradise. Oh, and it just so happens to bring the summatime vibes.
23. ASOS South Beach Woven Cross Body Bag ($33): No sand and surf required to sport this seasonal straw crossbody sac around town. With a white eyelet romper and conch shell necklace in tow, you’ll be ready for every outdoor music festival, beach luau and Taco Tuesday outing in your iCal.
24. ASOS South Beach Straw Clutch Bag ($16): This navy and pink half-moon straw clutch will look just as fly with boyfriend jeans and a silk blouse as one of your prized shoulder-baring dresses. Take it from an upcoming GNO to a networking function with some power pumps (and maybe a bold red lip) for a look that’s anything but business as usual.
25. Kayu Stellar Tote ($125): Channel a laid-back-chic look all day err’day with this star embroidered tote with tiki hut-inspired fringe. It doesn’t matter if you’re rocking a palm leaf printed co-ord for brunch with an oceanfront view or a date night-worthy LWD, this summery tote doesn’t mess around. Natural beach waves and a sun-kissed glow are non-negotiable for a look that stuns from a.m. to p.m.
26. Poolside Got Hot Sauce in My Bag, Swag Panier Marche Tote ($175): Slay, girl, slay! If it’s good enough for Queen Bey, then it’s more than good enough for us. For a seriously chic getup made for dipping your toes in the pool and showing off your crochet-trimmed bikini, you need this “hot sauce in my bag, swag” tote. Not only will it lend instant swagger to your look, but it’s roomy enough to stow away all your remote office essentials (and then some).
27. Cult Gaia Gaias Ark ($88): If this blogger-approved bamboo handbag by Cult Gaia wasn’t already on your radar, it is now. Enter the show-stopping picnic bag-inspired carryall you wish you would’ve discovered sooner. It looks just as ah-mazing with a Montauk-bound white eyelet dress as a sultry plunge-neck jumpsuit that’s ready to mix and mingle come after-hours.
Will you be investing in a straw tote this summer? Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspo!
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Welcome to Selfmade Finance School, our new money series with Block Advisors to help small business owners with their tax, bookkeeping, and payroll needs year-round. This week, we explore the tax implications of bringing family members into your business.
The question for today is this: Does hiring your family members make sense for your business? Let me be clear. This is not a piece about whether hiring your family members makes sense for your relationships with those family members. As someone who is part of a family business, I could fill up a lot more than 600 words on my opinions about that. For today's purposes, we focus on whether it makes sense from an overall "good business and tax implication" perspective. As it turns out, there is a decent amount of tax nuance when it comes to employing your family. Let's break it down based on relationship to the employee:
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Spouses Who Are In Business Together
Personally, if I had to be in business with my husband, it would not go well. However, many couples build viable, strong businesses together and I say, good for them! Depending on how you have your business entity structured, it will make a big difference on the tax treatment of you and your spouse working as partners. Because a business jointly owned and operated by a married couple is generally treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes, the spouses must comply with filing and record keeping requirements imposed on partnerships and their partners. The election to file two Schedule C (Form 1040) forms, (one for each spouse) permits certain married co-owners to avoid filing partnership returns, provided that each spouse separately reports a share of all the businesses' items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. Under the election, both spouses will be subject to self-employment tax and on net earnings from self-employment and receive credit for Social Security earnings.
One Spouse Employs Another
If you have a dynamic where your spouse is an employee of your business, then your spouse's wages are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you are self-employed (not a corporation or a partnership), your spouse's pay does not have to be included in your federal unemployment tax account (FUTA) contributions and payments. However, if your business is a corporation or a partnership you must include that spouse's pay in your unemployment tax contribution calculation.
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You Employ Your Child
First, let's be clear. I work in my family business, but I am an adult, so I am treated just like a normal employee. However, if you, for example, run a family restaurant and want to hire your children under 18 to work for you, there are some tax benefits. But first, you should check with your state for rules on how many hours minors can work (in non-agricultural jobs) and reference the Fair Labor Standards Act for information on limitations on the kinds of work children can perform.
"This is an often overlooked or under-utilized strategy. Paying your children for true services they provide in your business can be a powerful tax-saving tool," says Cathi Reed, Block Advisors Regional Director. "If you are a sole-proprietorship or single member LLC, and the child is less than 18 years of age, the business is not required to withhold FICA or payroll taxes. The child can use his or her standard deduction against income you pay."
You Hire Your Parent
Oh dear. If you are brave enough to do this, know that you will need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your parent's wages and make the appropriate withholdings, but you don't have to pay unemployment taxes. Now all you have to do is convince your parent that you are the boss. Have fun with that!
Is Hiring Family Members Worth It For The Tax Benefits?
"There are some positive tax advantages to hiring family members. It's important to treat a family member like any other employee. Hiring your children can result in substantial savings for businesses. Make sure your child has real, age-appropriate work to do and a reasonable pay rate, comparable to other employees. Consult with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to ensure that you are complying with all requirements," advises Reed. "Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com."
In my opinion, you should not hire a family member solely because of the tax benefits. You should always hire based on whether that person is right for the job and keep in mind how this hire could materially impact your relationship with that person and others in your family. Finally, as I mentioned, make sure you have a tax professional on your team when making these determinations. As you can see, things can get a little tricky!
*All details were sourced from IRS.gov and blockadvisors.com
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. O'Keeffe Financial Partners and any other entity listed herein is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures