Alright confession time. I’ve always wanted a drawstring bag. Its not a popular choice, I realise, but I want one regardless.
I blame it on my aunt who had one while I was growing up and I used to really want one because she always looked so casual-chic carrying hers. I never got round to it for various reasons but I always kept my eye firmly fixed on the Petit Noé, Louis Vuitton’s classic drawstring. Story has it that the Noé (slightly larger) was created back in the day to hold champagne bottles on picnics. Now tell me, how decadent is that?! 😀
The Petit Noé is a smaller version with a shoulder carry strap. There is a smaller version, Petite Noe BB that has an adjustable strap to allow you to carry it cross body if you prefer. I set my sights on the Petit Noé for a long time but never indulged. Recently, I noticed that LV has reintroduced the Noé, Petit Noé and Petit Noé BB to revive one of their most popular iconic bags.
It is also at about this time that I notice a return of the drawstring bags and while walking past the Radley store last week, one caught my eye! Whilst not cheap (and you could probably get some other brands doing similar designs for a smaller pricetag) Radley does do good leather bags and at over 25% savings compared to of the price of an LV, its certainly the “Save” option 🙂
Save: Radley Buttermere Drawstring Bag – RM910
RM910 isn’t much of a save, but its certainly a save when compared to the competition. I didn’t get the chance to touch it, but it is described as being made from soft Diamond leather with a drawstring fastening and a hangtag with the signature scottie on it. Perfect for bashing about on weekends, and on vacation.
There are 3 colours – Black, Cotton (ivory) and Kelly Green (bright green) but I think the black one looks the best. It can be rather casual for work depending on where you work, but I think it’d pass for most offices. The only thing is that the strap is fixed so its strictly shoulder carry only. On the upside, its currently on sale at RM819 on the local Radley website which offers free shipping if you’re curious about it 😉
Splurge: Louis Vuitton Petit Noe Epi Leather – RM4,XXX
Yeah, despite the attractive save option, my heart is still set on the Petit Noé in Epi leather. It also comes in Monogram and Damier canvas but I’m not keen on them, only the colourful Epi leather ones 😀
I tried it on in store recently and its surprisingly bigger than the petit name implies. I didn’t try fitting everything I carry about daily in there but I have it on good authority by my Bag Buddy that it fits a lot and definitely more than I need. The Noé is substantially larger and drowns me, but the Petit Noé or Petit Noé BB is a lovely size!
Compared to the Radley Buttermere (which sounds like it came right out of Harry Potter, doesn’t it? Or am I mixing it up with Butterbeer? 😛 ) I think this one looks a bit more formal which I attribute to the leather used. Its still a casual design but one that can translate to a working environment quite easily.
I realise drawstring bags aren’t very popular because of the perceived safety element. Because the top isn’t zipped shut, pickpockets and thieves can dip their hands in if you aren’t careful and if you don’t tie the top properly. But they say that too of open totes. I think if you are a little more careful with your surroundings and with where your bag faces (mine never leave my side) then it should be quite alright and in fact, safer than carrying an open tote 🙂
Now comes the hard part – which colour?! LOL! 😀
Do you own a drawstring bag? Is it love or hate for you?
I love it but then I always have and yet, I still don’t own one after all these years. I think its time to remedy that. Bag lust calls 😉
Paris B
Michelle says
June 23, 2013 at 11:12 amUgh. Eeeeevil post. I’ve been lusting the Noe for the longest time. Blame it on a cousin who had me coveting her bright yellow one during my formative years.
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 3:27 pmAhhh a yellow Noe would be absolutely wonderful! I asked at the boutique but they don’t do the Petit Noe in yellow epi anymore 🙁
Sam Still Reading says
June 23, 2013 at 11:17 amI adore LV, especially Epi, so I say get it! Black would be most practical, but the blue is gorgeous! I like zips on my bags, but I could be sway by a Noe!
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 3:28 pm*high5* I love LV’s Epi leather too! Then again, I can’t really afford their other leathers so… hehe… I think black is a little plain for the Petit Noe so I’d do it in a bright colour. It’ll be fun and eye catching that way 😀
jen says
June 23, 2013 at 12:18 pmwhen you mentioned it’s a 25% savings..i was going say get the real deal as small amount involved but when i saw the price listed..i think it should be a 75% savings..or am i reading it wrong?
Paris B says
June 23, 2013 at 12:24 pmHaha Jen, this is why I don’t do math! >.< Thanks for pointing it out. I've edited it to say that its 25% of the price of the LV 😀
shuaddict says
June 23, 2013 at 3:37 pmI covet the Noe too but am thinking of going vintage with the monogram print. Watched a review where they actually fit 6 champagne bottles in the regular Noe, super roomy and classic.
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 3:32 pmThat’s what it was originally made for! To carry champagne bottles – so decadent 😀 I don’t see many people with the Noe or Petit Noe. I think that attracts me more too. There’s so much more to LV than the Neverfull which is pretty much everywhere.
Joanne says
June 23, 2013 at 5:43 pmThese bags are back in style? Had a couple of drawstring bags back in the day. So convenient, could hold loads of things. Hmmmm…. Maybe should go look around for one.
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 3:33 pmIt does seem to be that way, Joanne 🙂 I don’t think they went out of style, just that people stopped using them in favour of the hobos which were really in for a while. But I think we’re starting to see them make a return of the casual chic look 🙂
Jyoan says
June 23, 2013 at 6:23 pmSame here! I’ve always liked the idea of drawstring because my mum used to hand sew drawstring pouches for me out of her old skirts.
I’ve tried one drawstring bag that is no-brand, bought off-the-streets, but to my disappointment, drawstring just isn’t convenient to use. After a while, it just got on my nerves that I had to keep drawing and un-drawing the string.
(Actually, same goes for the old-school oxford bag. Gets on my nerves that I have to keep unbuckling and pulling up the flap.)
I’ve since learned that I still prefer straightforward zips, like the LV speedy type, or the hobo. =P
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 3:43 pmYep, I get you on the inconvenience and I can imagine it would be quite a bit of a hassle 🙂 That said, bags with buckles that actually work, work for me so maybe I won’t be as fussed about it? maybe? hehe…
Natalie says
June 23, 2013 at 10:44 pmI would have to agree with Jyoan, drawing and undrawing the string would drive me crazy, and I would probably end up carrying my wallet and phone in my pocket 😀
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 3:44 pmHahhaa too true, Natalie! I don’t think I’d be as fussed to be honest – I do like buckles that actually buckle, not just faux ones. So maybe I won’t be as fussed but then, who’s to know eh?
Natalie says
July 6, 2013 at 12:17 amHave you decided? 😉 Do you have insurance by the way?
My apartment got broken in and all my LV bags were stolen last year, including all the limited edition bags :'(
Paris B says
July 11, 2013 at 11:10 amYIKES! So sorry to hear about the break in and the theft of your bags! OMG! The thief certainly knew a good thing when he saw it 🙁 I’ll look into insurance, thanks!
Irene says
June 23, 2013 at 11:24 pmGet Radley. It has those slider thingies where u can tighten the drawstring easily.
Though…. I really cannot imagine myself spending 4k+ on a bag. That’s like…half a year’s worth of food money. Yikes!
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 3:46 pmMatter of perspectives I guess, Irene 😉 I think I could easily survive for a year on 4k hehe… quite grateful I don’t eat too much 😛
Juan says
June 23, 2013 at 11:51 pmI had what I remembered as the most gorgeous drawstring bag in faux leather in 1992. it was by Esprit and cost only slightly more than RM100 then, in Singapore. it wasn’t an in-thing but you’re right, it was perfect for any occasion yet look mighty chic. gosh… I am now intrigued again reading your post.
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 3:47 pmIts just so classic isn’t it? This drawstring bag thing? I always wanted one but then never got round to getting one and then now, I get a selection to choose from. Fun! 😀
ces says
June 24, 2013 at 11:53 amYes, I inherited one from my “daughter-less” aunt and I’m using it even until now. 🙂
Paris B says
July 2, 2013 at 5:59 pmYou lucky girl! Enjoy your bag 😀
LeGeeque says
June 26, 2013 at 9:06 amBUY. IT!
I got mine many years ago and it’s softened so beautifully. The ties/drawstring was really stiff initially but over years of loving use, it’s so yummyliciously soft now 😀 You’ll be surprised how capacious it is. The newer version comes with a zippered compartment and a fantastic range of colours.
I suggest you grab the orange. Or yellow. Those are such happy happy colours 😀
Paris B says
July 4, 2013 at 4:06 pmYes, I am very surprised at how much fits in there and how easy it is to find things, which is unlike the black hole that is the Speedy! I found out they don’t do the Yellow in Petit Noe which is a pity. It was my first choice 😉
liyeun says
June 27, 2013 at 9:27 amI have always like the design of Noe but I always believe it takes certain styles and charisma to carry it well. Like some who have commented, the only thing that pulls me back from buying is the part of undrawing and drawing it again and again whenever I wanna get hold of my wallet or tissue paper or anything else. Nice to see, but not very practical for me.
Paris B says
July 4, 2013 at 5:55 pmHere’s the funny thing Liyeun, I’ve walked into the LV store to try on the Petit Noe in shorts and in jeans and in a dress (yes, I’m sort of ridiculous that way LOL!) and the bag fits every time! 🙂 But I can imagine the drawstring will put many people off.
liyeun says
July 11, 2013 at 10:23 amThere u said it! U have what it takes to pull it off! I tried them in the store wearing oants and only the bb size looks cute on me. The petite noe, somehow looks a little off on me. Perhaps its the bottom? Pls let us know which one u got in the end?^_^
Paris B says
July 14, 2013 at 4:16 pmThe BB size is the cutest ever isn’t it? 😉 The base of the PN is a little wide but if you tie up the mouth and swing it slightly to the back, it somehow fits well 😉
jen says
October 30, 2013 at 10:35 amHi, I like LV Epi leather too! That’s should add into classic! lol…
I bought LV Damier Azur Drawstring bag 3 years ago at SGD 1500,
It’s really casual and chic and I always match it with t shirt..