If I’ve said it once. I’ve said it 100 times, I have a serious on-again/off-again relationship with Instagram. Instagram is a way to keep in touch on current events, a way to keep in touch with friends and family, and a creative resource/outlet for many.
The inspiration on Instagram is truly endless; I source fashion inspiration all the time, creating mood boards and pinning photos I love to keep me inspired. The keyword really is endless—and it’s that endless part that I often fall victim to. I do my best to keep track of my time spent scrolling, and will often delete the app for a handful of days at a time.
Still, if not for Instagram there are many small brands I’ve discovered and shopped with that I never would have known about if not for social media. This spring, I’ve added a new one to my list, and it stopped me right in my tracks the first time I saw it.
Introducing Porto
Like most things you look at once on the internet, Porto Studio continuously appeared on my social media feeds, and each time, I had the same thought: Is that Bottega Veneta? The leather looked incredibly buttery, soft, and luxe, and while it looked like just another pouch bag, I quickly realized I was wrong.
This pouch is made in small batches in Italy’s Tuscany region, crafted of super-soft nappa sheep leather—all for under $350. Once I navigated to the brand’s website, I was immediately impressed. Poking around, I saw that Porto’s signature silhouette comes in three sizes—the Mini, the Pouch (classic), and the Novella.
Each size is made for different functions, with the largest one able to hold a short book (and more) making it the ideal everyday companion. Plus, Porto sells a longer strap that easily hooks onto any size for crossbody, shoulder, or belt bag wear. Its handcrafted knotting allows the length to be adjusted.
Get the details below and discover more via Porto Studio.
The Details
Sizing:
- The Mini: 7.7″L x 5.1″H (holds lip balm, cards, keys)
- The Pouch: 9.5″ L x 6.3″ H (holds a phone, cards, keys)
- The Novella: 11″L x 7.5″ H (holds a phone, wallet, and more).
Pricing:
- The Mini: $190
- The Pouch: $250
- The Novella: $320
- The Strap: $90
Colors:
- The Mini: Nero and Bianco
- The Pouch: Nero, Americano, Cammelo, Vino Rosso, Sakura, Bianco, Butter and Mochi
- The Novella: Nero, Vino Rosso, Butter, Bianco, Americano, Cammelo and Cognac
- The Strap: Nero, Butter, Bianco, Cammelo and Americano
This is just a cheap dupe of the Loewe Flamenco. As a self-proclaimed Loewe lover Caitlin, surely you should call this out?
I’m sorry to say, but Loewe did not invented a drawstring bag. Bag brands have been doing drawstring bags since ages. If you do a little vintage research, you’ll find a lot of similar bag’s from the ’80s… The Flamenco just put this style on the map again… Everything comes back in cycles..
You got that right!! Also, in terms of current bags, it looks way more like the Bottega I mentioned than the Loewe Flamenco IMO.
I think the style goes back to at least the 60’s and 70’s.
i bought and returned. The price point is high for the quality. They feel cheap in person. The pictures are really doing a lot for the actual bags.
Really?! I thought sheepskin nappa is supposed to be buttery soft beautiful leather!?
Sad to hear it’s cheap when you see if in person….
It looks cheap in some of the photos on their website. I realize not everyone can afford a Loewe Flamenco, but Scottish brand Strathberry makes a much nicer dupe called the Charlotte Drawstring for $425 and their quality is very good.
Every time I buy something from Instagram, I am disappointed in it.
Cutee but nope, feels like a make-up pouch or cable pouch for your oversize bag.
Exactly.
yes! you are exactly right!
It looks like a bag inserts/ pouch.
I just picked up my second, with the strap, and I absolutely love it! It is a soft and supple calfskin and fits (I got the medium) all my necessities. I did looked seriously at both the Bottega’s “pouch” and Loewe’s Flamingo and, found that in terms of value and quality (Bottega’s woven version aside), the little Porto held its own.
But, seriously! You are comparing a very good quality Italian Calfskin pouch for well under $400 with items that while of equal quality that are not only a bit larger but sell a name that retails at about $3,000. So, certainly,in that respect, they are cheap. But I like supporting a small business producing quality goods with a certain understated elegance.