Most of us require a crossbody or two in our handbag rotation. There’s a time and a place where function reigns supreme when hands-free and no-fuss is a must. However, there’s also a time and place for a look that screams— I’ve got it all together, but I haven’t even tried very hard at all.
You know the one I’m talking about: great-fitting vintage Levi’s, a simple white tank or tee, gold hoops, ballet flats, and the perfect little shoulder bag.
Shoulder bags weren’t always beloved, especially the short-strapped versions, which are notoriously tricky to wear. Even we once questioned the shoulder bag’s ability to make a roaring comeback, but comeback it has, and in a big way.
A few years in, it’s not that hard to see why handbag lovers have swapped their go-to crossbody bags for sleek shoulder bags.
A ’90s Comeback
Ultra-stylish, chic shoulder bags were the It-item of ’90s and Y2K fashion—think the Dior Saddle, Fendi Baguette, Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires, and more. Burrowed beneath the arms of editors and style stars alike, the slim silhouette was beloved by so many in its heyday, and in the 2020s, that love is back.
While the shoulder bags of yesteryear were often less than minimal, today, there are a myriad of bags to opt for, from the OG logo bags and those with prints or embellishments to clean, simple shapes that scream chic.
When it comes to sophistication, few brands offer up the effortlessly cool and undeniably chic appeal as the tiny but mighty The Row Half Moon Bag.
Minimalism Meets Y2K
Refined and devoid of flashy branding, The Row remains the quietly luxe brand of fashion gals (and guys) everywhere. While the Margaux had its moment all over social and digital media and was widely discussed in nearly every major fashion media outlet, the Half Moon bag, in all of its stylish simplicity, also deserves its moment in the sun.
While The Row was conceptualized and founded at the peak of Y2K fashion—2006, to be exact, it stood out from other luxury brands thanks to its focus on impeccable quality and stealth wealth vision. It was well ahead of its time but still relevant, and it remains so to this day.
The Half Moon bag, which remains a staple silhouette for the brand, encapsulates Y2K energy with its distinct, small shoulder bag shape. It also possesses the modern minimalist feel that today’s fashion lovers crave.
It’s perfect in all of its simplicity. Trendy but elegant and simple but sleek, The Row Half Moon bag offers a certain je ne sais quoi—a look we all crave but can’t quite identify. You either have it, or you don’t
I’ve dreamt of this bag for so long and was thrilled to order it in seaweed green.
I was sadly disappointed with how the half moon bag slips off my shoulder 🙁 even worse, the bag bounces off my side due to the rigid construction and how I don’t have a tiny waist though I stand at 5’9 and 130 lbs.
I will always admire this bag, though I’m bummed it doesn’t work for me.
This bag looks very cheap.
All I see is a cheap bag that looks like something dug out of the clearance bin at TJMAXX.
The “SHOP THIS STORY” link says you can buy this bag by The Row “via Chanel.”
Another oversight?
Ya, that wasn’t supposed to say that! We updated some different functions/buttons and are still getting the hang of using them! Thank you for pointing it out 🙂