If you’re starting to get out and socialize again, it might be time for a handbag update! I’ve been searching for something new to refresh my closet for several months now and finally settled on the Staud Mini Moon Bag which I bought during their sample sale last month. Here’s what I love about it, where you can get one, and 5 other handbag trends to consider…
Staud Mini Moon And Other Round Bags
My Staud Mini Soft Moon bag is the perfect size for my continental wallet, keys, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and a pair of reading glasses. I love the soft leather and the neutral color (mine is the Mushroom color). I usually don’t like handbags that are open at the top, but this one has a tab magnetic closure in the center to keep my things from falling out. It also has a crossbody strap, so I can be hands-free when I need to (which is almost always!). This style has sold out on the Staud website, but you can get it at Bloomingdales in tan or black leather, or at Saks Fifth Avenue in tan suede.
Added bonus: I haven’t seen any cheap versions of the Staud Mini Moon bag. Having once worked in the design world, it makes me a little crazy to see designer knock-offs everywhere, so I love that this one hasn’t been copied.
If you like a larger bag, take a look at Staud’s Moon Leather Hobo Bag which is currently on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue. It has the same soft ruched detail and can be worn over the shoulder. (This bigger size doesn’t come with a cross-body strap.)
The plain structured version of the Moon bag comes in regular, mini, and micro sizes!
Cult Gaia also has a moon-shaped bag: the Mini Taja Rattan Top Handle Bag which has a beautiful scarf-wrapped handle.
Other 2021 Handbag Trends
If I haven’t convinced you to buy a moon bag, here are some other handbag trends to consider this year! As usual, I’m going to ignore the really impractical trends like the teeny tiny necklace bags and the extra-extra-large tote bags that graced the fashion runways this year!
1.The Crescent Shoulder Bag
If a “full moon” doesn’t work for you, try a crescent bag! Kate Spade’s New York Smile bag is a cute little shoulder bag. We could all use a smile these days, right?!
For an inexpensive nylon version, take a look at Baggu’s Nylon Crescent Bag.
If you need something bigger, & Other Stories has a beautiful, sleek Rounded Leather Shoulder bag.
2.Rope, Crochet And Beaded Handbags
As we head into summer, we’ll see a lot of crochet, rope and beaded bags.
Cleobella’s Aubree Bag is a fun little shoulder bag that combines wooden and metallic beads.
J.Crew has a super cute raffia Bucket Bag With Netting Overlay which has a drawstring canvas lining so that you don’t lose your essentials!
Madewell’s Beaded Crochet Tote comes in both natural and multicolored options.
3.Basket-Weave Leather Bags
Another trend I keep seeing is woven/ basket-weave leather handbags. Michael Kors Bradshaw Small Leather Convertible Handbag has a basketweave textured flap that adds a fun detail to a simple handbag.
If you love this look, opt for a handbag made entirely of woven leather, like Frye’s Melissa Woven Scooped Hobo Bag or Loeffler Randall Women’s Mallory Woven Crossbody Bag
Madewell also has several handbags in woven leather, including their Transport Camera Bag and Knotted Crossbody Bag
4.Cloud, Pillow And Ruched Handbags
Still craving the comforts of home even though you can go out? How about a pillow or cloud bag? These are soft leather (or vegan leather) handbags that look puffy like clouds or pillows!
If you have the budget for it, Mansur Gravel’s Mini Cloud Leather Clutch is just beautiful. For a much more affordable version, take a look at Rebecca Minkoff’s Vegan Leather Ruched Clutch.
If you need to be hands-free like I do, take a look at Coach’s Tabby Shoulder bag which also comes with a cross-body strap.
5.Chain Link Bags
I’ve mentioned chain-link strap details on handbags many times over the last few years, and they’re still going strong. What’s new this year is the oversized chainlink straps, like Banana Republic’s Crossbody Bag With Chain.
If you love the look of chainlink, how about an entire bag made in chainlink like Staud’s Mini Sasha Crossbody bag? I’m guessing that we’ll see more handbags in chainlink as we get closer to the holidays at the end of the year.