Simplicity meets Sleek and Stylish elegance with this clutch bag.
When it comes to fashion accessories, I believe that men often have it much easier than ladies. After the shoes and maybe a watch, we typically get to store our carry-on accessories within our pants pockets. Do not misunderstand my meaning though, as I do not suggest that males cannot carry a bag or that females must carry some sort of bag. Rather, it is not uncommon for ladies to have a variety of bags to match outfits, atmospheres, activities, etc. From satchels, to frame bags, hobo bags, baguette, duffle, shopper, wristlet, messenger, clutch, satchel, tote, bucket, saddlebags, fold over bags, backpacks, etc., the options seem to be never-ending. Throw in a variety of manufacturers and small variations in color/size/shape and you have a near-infinite level of combinations.
The Noiranca PATTI BROWN Clutch bag arrived in an attractive 13 11/16 inches long by 7 inches wide by 6 9/16 inches thick green-grey retail box. The top panel had a large white rectangle with the NOIRANCA name slightly raised within the negative space, and a clever slogan along the front edge “She never gets to be normal.” I liked the simple elegance of the outer packaging and that the white rectangle extended onto the side panel. I lifted the lid, removed the internal tissue paper, and set the included off-white micro suede dusts bag aside. While the outer surface of the box was left mostly unadorned, the inner surfaces were accented with several features. The inner surface of the lid provided the Noiranca name, a classy “Your Silhouette, it’s different” slogan, and a cute descriptive paragraph about the uniqueness of a woman; she is different, #DesireDifferent! The internal lining of the front flap requested for the user to reuse the box and the left side panel provided a QR code that linked to information about the sustainable nature of the packaging. Lastly, the right-side panel provided three detailed icons 1. FSC certified (sourced from responsibly managed and sustainable forest). 2. Soy-based inks (reduce air pollution during the drying process). 3. 100% recyclable (no plastic).
The Noiranca bag arrived packaged within a 17 3/4 inches wide by 12 1/14 inches tall off-white accessory dust bag. The cover listed a quote from Robert Mapplethorpe (American Photographer), “I’m looking for the unexpected,” in the same grey-green color of the outer shell. The bag had a nice touch-feel and an easy-to-access drawstring opening. With the drawstring completely opened, the top portion of the bag created a rectangular fabric to accommodate the purse. I removed the 13.3-ounce tricolored brown purse from within the dust bag and admired the beige-tan-brown color scheme, the interlocking nature of the shoulder strap, the golden accent rings, and the NOIRANCA name punched into the side of the leathery material. The dark brown segment measured 4 inches long by 3 inches thick by 5 1/4 inches tall. The beige segment measured 4 1/4 inches long by 3 inches thick by 5 1/4 inches stall. Lastly, you will find the central tan-colored 4 1/4 inches long by 3 inches thick by 5 1/4 inches tall segment sandwiched between the beige/brown sections. The layout reminded me of an eyeshadow container or a paint sample with different shades of color. Additionally, the use of the gradient style color broke up the monotony of a single color and expanded the utility with other color shirts/outfits.
To access the inner layers of the bag, I gripped the fabric along either end of the 1/2 inches thick dark brown leather trim and pulled outward. I was impressed with the strength of the magnetic closure and with the gaping access port once the bag was opened. The 7 1/4 inches by 5 3/4 inches opening was much larger than I expected, and my nearly 3-year-old daughter thought it looked like the mouth of a fish (catfish). We loved the golden/brass hinge accents located along each side of the bag and the golden/brass colored rings attached to the leather shoulder strap loops. With the bag opened, the internal trapezoidal compartment measured 4 3/4 inches tall, 12 inches long by 4 inches wide at the base, and 5 3/4 inches wide at the opening. Hidden along the walls of the purse, you will find a few accessory compartments. The inner layer closest to the front of the purse (label side), had two pockets: 1. 3 inches wide by 4 inches tall. 2. 3 1/2 inches wide by 4 inches tall. My 6-year old daughter found the pocket perfect for a pack of gum and a small mirror. The other inner wall of the purse contained a 7 inches long zipper with a single brass-colored Noiranca zipper pull. I was pleased with the easy action of the zipper and with the internal 5 inches tall by 7 inches wide pocket contained within the pouch. Lastly, the stylish leather accent with the etched noiranca name did not go unnoticed.
The internal light beige microsuede fabric felt similar to the outer dust bag material. I liked the color, the texture, and the baggy feel of the material, and the extra material made the bag feel bigger than it looked. The internal zipper compartment worked perfectly for a pair of keys, for a small wallet, for a billfold, for a checkbook, a small makeup kit or mirror, or for other items that required extra protection. The quick accesses pockets, coupled with the expansive internal compartment, created a convenient carry bag. I was impressed with the stitching, with the internal pouches, with the magnetic closure, with the color scheme, with the classy accents, with the interlocking rubberized plastic shoulder strap links, and that the company shipped their product within the accessory dust bag. All of the features screamed class and elegance and warranted the price tag of the bag. Hidden within the zipper compartment, you will find a small business card that listed a few product details: 1. No Animal-derived material used in me. 2. Keep me with care for longevity. 3. Put me back into dust bag after each use. 3. Instructions to visit their website (www.noiranca.com) and Facebook #DesireDifferent.
I am not a purse/bag expert but love to learn/expand my knowledge. After a quick search to review purse types and descriptions, the PATTI bag more resembled a Baguette style handbag than a true clutch bag. By definition, a clutch is “considered a small bag with no handles or straps that a woman uses for carrying money and personal things, especially at formal events.” In this case, the Patti bag is able to stand up on its own and has a strap to carry or drape the bag if needed. Even the Patti name has a story, relating back to the funk scene of the 1970’s poet, author, musician Patti Smith. In fact, the tricolored bags were designed as an homage to the multifaceted individual (Learn more about Patti Smith). Despite the semantics, The compact handbag proved to be simple yet elegant, and perfect for day-to-day use and essential carry. The brown gradient coupled with the stylish shoulder strap allowed the bag to cross from day use to classy night use. The shoulder strap may be a bit short for some but proved perfect for my wife and my 6-year-old daughter who wanted to model for the pictures. The size was perfect for an evening out and encouraged a minimalist approach, rather than a Mary Poppins-esque large bucket bag. The purse is perfect for keys, gum, makeup, lipstick, wallet, phone, feminine products, without becoming a bottomless pit of despair.
If the brown gradient theme is not to your liking, consider picking up the Pink Dusty Rose bag, The Maya Blue bag, or the Olive Green bag. We were pleased with the animal-free components and with the trendy hipster vibe that the bag provided. At least for now, you can enjoy 10% off your first purchase and free shipping to most parts of the world.
Learn more about the NOIRANCA Patti Bag
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