things we love: nena + co. + a giveaway!

I recently found this great little accessories company as I find most of the ‘things we love’ these days, on Instagram, of course. Oh, let me count the ways I love Nena + Co., and in particular, this amazing Day Bag II!

Founder Alejandra Hynek is of Guatemalan descent, now living in Utah. In Spanish, nena means “baby girl” or “darling,” but it’s also Alejandra’s nickname given to her by her mother. After learning about her Mayan cultural roots from her grandmother over the years, Alejandra came up with the idea to up-cycle the beautiful hand-loomed fabric used for huipiles (shirts) and cortes (skirts) to make modern handbags. The result is the variety of beautiful bags, housewares, and even children’s clothing you can find on the Nena + Co. site today. The company now employs over 35 Guatemalan woman [plus more employees in the U.S. based office], paying them a fare wage for their hand-crafted artisan work so they can support their families.

Because of the unique nature of this hand-crafted fabric, every bag sold on the site is one of a kind! Such a cool way to do good and get a truly unique and special piece to add to your wardrobe.

I of course, loved the boho look of these bags when I first laid eyes on them. But in real life, they are even better because the are also super functional! I chose the Day Bag II because I need a bag with a lot of space. I have never been much of a ‘diaper bag’ kind of a mom. I’d rather just have a great bag that I can take anywhere and just also happen to throw some diapers into. For a long time, my LV Neverfull fit the bill for that purpose and although I will probably never get rid of that classic beauty, my Nena + Co. Day Bag II is quickly becoming my new go-to fave. It has ample room in the main section, plus I love the two outside slouch pockets for throwing stuff like my keys or cell phone into quickly. And there are 3 more smaller pockets in the inside and outside panels of the bag, which is just so nice to have to keep better organized. I also love the option of short handles to wear on my forearm or the long strap can go over my shoulder or even across my body. It’s always a good idea to have options when juggling three kiddos and all of our stuff!

Today, because I L O V E my Nena + Co. bag so much [and obviously because I love you too!] I am giving away a Day Bag II of choice to one lucky winner! Head on over to my Instagram feed to enter – it’s super simple! For an extra entry, leave a comment below here telling me your favorite Day Bag II on the Nena + Co. site now [and be sure to leave your Instagram handle so I know you entered over there].

outfit deets: dress by holding horses at anthropologie [so perfect and comfy for postpartum breastfeeding] // ring sling is by sakura bloom // boots by rag and bone [these are from last fall. similar here.] // my cute braid and perfect beach waves were provided by my friend Jill at Nine Zero One Salon.

the fine print: this giveaway is in no way administered or sponsored by Instagram. by entering, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age or older and are a resident of the United States. contest runs from 11/3/2015 6:00am MST – 11/5/15 6:00am MST and a winner will be chosen at random within 24 hours of contest close. winner will be notified in the comments on the original Instagram post. winner may chose any day bag II from available stock on Nena + Co.’s website.