Paisley Clutch by Lychee Line, $100
Born of a high-spirited artist from South Africa, Natalie Parkington’s inspiration to create the LYCHEE LINE® label comes from her mother whose passion to create, along with an insight on her daughter’s uncultivated imagination, enabled her to bring her daughter’s first vision of a versatile stick handbag to life.
In Durban South Africa, men carry vines of lychees, a rare sub tropical luscious red fruit, over their shoulders in satchels suspended on long sticks. This enduring method inspired the signature design and name of Natalie’s stick handbag.
The spirit of LYCHEE LINE® derives from the rich culture of South Africa, in its art and exotic traditions. With a distinctive vision, this growing label is fed by the textures, vibrant colors, and emotions of its designer’s imagination. Natalie’s extensive worldwide training in design and art provides the creative aptitude to equal her energy and blend her inventiveness with her refined, yet rebellious sensibilities.
Her collection of handbags, totes, clutch purses, wristlets, and other accessories, are set apart by the use of assorted fabrics, and fine leathers combined with high quality craftsmanship, and offered at price points lower than other mainstream designers.
LYCHEE LINE® is available online and in select stores around the United States.
We received the Paisley Clutch from the label's Spring collection. This style is also available in a chocolote wool pinstripe, a wool gray pinstripe, and in a red pintuck fabric. It has a pillowed flap, a sateen dark rust lining, two interior pockets, and two magnetic snap closures. It measures at 13” x 4.5” and retails for $100.
When I first saw the photo of the clutch (top photo), it looked like it had a satiny finish and very bright, bold prints. I liked it already and could not wait to see in person. When I received it, I have to say, the texture and colors were different, but even more gorgeous than what I was expecting.
The texture is almost that of canvas. It’s matte and not at all satiny. The colors are more muted. If you look closely at the bottom photo, it is truer to the clutch’s color. I absolutely loved it at first sight.
Many times, you see an item online and you get disappointed when you see it in person because it’s different from what you were expecting. In this case, the difference in expectation was true because I had imagined a somewhat glossy, vividly printed fabric. However, rather than get disappointed, I was absolutely thrilled because it looked even better than what I envisioned.
What sets it apart is the combination of the unexpected canvas-like texture of the fabric, the muted colors of the paisley print, the length of the clutch, and the shape of the pillowed flap. It’s not something you’ll find in your neighborhood department store, I’ve looked!
Function-wise, it holds quite a bit. What’s wonderful is that even when it’s jam-packed, the magnetic closures keep the flap firmly secured. You won’t have to worry about your things spilling out into the open. What you may have to worry about though, are your friends wanting to borrow it from you. It’s a compliment magnet. It sets a pretty high bar on the adoration meter.
Versatility-wise, it's incredibly easy to wear. For a casual weekend lunch, pair it up with short shorts and a blouson shirt, or with Bermuda shorts, a tank top, and tons of bangle bracelets. For a night out, wear it with a pair of skinny jeans, a v-neck Grecian top, open-toe heels, and a long layered necklace.
So, if you are one who strives to express your own individuality, one who thrives on being different, and one who aims to be effortlessly chic at all times, this clutch is not just calling your name, it’s screaming for you. It’s a must-have for your spring wardrobe. For a fabulous look, try it with this belted jumpsuit by Laundry by Shelli Segal and answer the call!
Reviewer: Brown Eyes
