One thing about me? My handbag collection boasts more traditional mall finds than designer labels — but I’m not mad about it. When it comes to my small but mighty lineup of investment pieces, I treat them like treasure, and that’s because I’m super intentional about every piece I add. Call it girl math, but I’ve worn my bigger bag splurges so much that they’ve practically paid for themselves — at least, that’s what I tell myself. Out of the few designer bags in my rotation, there’s one that’s seen the most action and has quite literally traveled the globe with me: the Staud Moon Bag ($295). Ahead, I break down all the reasons I love it, what to consider before you buy it, and more.
- Staud is known for its high-quality pieces that hit the sweet spot between mass retailers and high-end designers.
- The Staud Moon bag came out in 2019, four years after the brand was founded.
- It’s known for its signature crescent shape and minimalist design.
- It comes in a wide range of colors and materials and three different sizes.
What I love about the Staud Moon Bag is that it manages to be both timeless and unique — a rare combination in the world of handbags. I have the black leather version, and it’s truly a chameleon piece. No matter what outfit I’m wearing, no matter the season, this bag complements it perfectly, adding a special touch without overpowering the look. I’ve probably worn it over 100 times by now and it never fails to spark compliments; I’ve had more than a few people ask where it’s from.
Another thing I like about the Staud Moon Bag is its price — $295 is still an investment, but it’s way more accessible than your typical luxury designer bags. It’s also the perfect size for my essentials: phone, sunglasses, a few lip products, hand sanitizer, wallet, and keys — everything I need for a night out or a daytime errand run. Plus, it features two magnetic flaps inside that you can lift and place on top of each other for added security, so the top isn’t wide open at all times.
I’m equally in love with its details, from the white contrast stitching that adds the perfect subtle pop of visual interest to the luxe suede lining and interior zipper compartment for small essentials. The top features a removable Staud-embossed accent that stays in place with snap buttons. I never take it off because it only adds to the bag’s vibe, in my opinion.
I won’t lie — the Staud Moon Bag’s interior isn’t the most spacious due to its unique shape, so it doesn’t hold a ton. While its size works well for me, personally, it’s probably not ideal for those looking for a roomy purse that can fit essentials and then some.
And while this bag has been my chic travel buddy for years, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for sightseeing in a new city since the top relatively open. I’m the type to take risks (if you’re a criminal, I’m definitely lying), and I haven’t had any issues, but I can see how it might give others pause.
Lastly, packing it can be a bit tricky. Its structured shape doesn’t compress easily, so you’ll want to be careful to avoid altering its form. That said, it generally fits into my suitcase as I fill it with soft items, like tank tops or T-shirts, to preserve the structure.
Whether the Staud Moon Bag is worth the splurge ultimately comes down to personal preference. For me, it’s a definite yes. I’ve been a fan of Staud’s clothing for a while, and I can vouch that even after years of wear and my less-than-gentle packing habits, the bag still looks brand new. Plus, the black colorway pairs well with everything while adding a playful touch to my outfits thanks to its crescent moon shape.
The Staud Moon Bag is available on the brand’s website, as well as on Amazon with Prime delivery options as fast as one day.
Rating:
★★★★★
Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.
