My Favorite Bag I’ve Carried for Two Years

I have become notably commitment-phobic in my 30s. I’ve shirked the traditional milestones of home ownership, marriage, etc. But the one commitment I have found myself reviewing yearly? Choosing my Clare V Moyen messenger bag. So after finding reaching for my Moyen messenger bag daily since 2021, I think it’s time I tell you why I love this commitment so much.

I’ve absolutely fallen into the “this is a classic” trap before. I’ve probably said on this blog that I’ll have an item for years and gotten rid of it after months. So, in an effort to actually tell you what I consider a classic, I’ve tested it for years before writing about it. Similar to how I’ve had my LV Clemence wallet since 2020. Both of these items have streamlined my decision-making by being things that bring me joy and complement my “uniform” goals.

Why I Purchased and Why I Reach For My Moyen Bag

I purchased the Clare V Moyen messenger for my trip to Ireland. At the time woven leather wasn’t at the forefront of street style. (Or I wasn’t aware of the chokehold Bottega was going to have on 2021-2022.) Initially I was worried about the style quickly dating itself or the leather not holding up. I’m thrilled to report that neither have come to fruition. With nothing but daily abuse and continual purse droppings by a clumsy self, she’s held up beautifully. There was even an incident with a dog getting their tooth stuck in the leather weave and it held up. (It’s a long story and yes – it was traumatizing to everyone involved, the dog, purse and myself.)

I think what makes this purse have sticking power for me is that it’s the perfect size. They did recently release the petite version for those that want an even more hands-free lifestyle. It’s hard in Chicago to find a bag that fits for formal events, Cubs and Bulls games, and you can shove exactly one bag of shredded cheese, four Greek yogurts and an apple along with a wallet, keys, lotion, etc. The ability to hold all all of this and spare me the $.07 fee for a grocery bag makes her the real VMP. (I refuse to make two trips from the parking lot to the condo so it’s crucial the bag not add to the extreme balancing act being caught on camera as I hobble between places.)

Moyen Accessories

Admittedly I do not enjoy accessory gimmicks. By that I mean the “gimmick” that is reversible clothing and accessories (one side is always, always better than the other) or the affront that changing a strap on a bag is enough to trick my brain into thinking I have a brand new item. However, with Clare V’s bags, something clicked. It could be the vast array of options that feel more intentionally curated – wait, I think that’s it.

When I purchased the Moyen messenger in 2021 it came with the standard short and crossbody strap. I texted two trusted stylists who said that neither would work for the Ireland trip it was intended for. However, my stylist Abby suggested that I get a formal chain such as this gold one. I scoffed at the price. And then purchased anyway.

It’s now 2023 and I’ve collected four straps from Clare V for my Moyen bag. The two original straps that came with it. The gold one I use for nights out and special occasions. I use this acrylic shortie strap (in black) acrylic shortie strap (in black) that I use in combination with the crossbody strap for daily use.

Moyen Messenger Over the Years

Here’s just a few examples of how versatile this bag has been since 2021. This doesn’t include the many, many outfit posts on Instagram stories where it’s a staple. Although many of my outfits include black, it’s absolutely gone with everything I’ve worn, for years.

It’s not often that I feel compelled to make an item associated with me. As we’re more aware of link-pushing influencer culture and how it shapes reccomendations, I’m focused on trying to make sure things really work for me. It may not work for you, but at least you and I know I made the recommendation earnestly.