Feb 6, 2015

oh my ONA

A few weeks ago I posted this picture on instagram:



With this caption:

"So my favorite bag is busted. I guess after 10+ years it reached its limit. I need your help! These are the things almost always in my bag. I am looking for something sturdy, with dividers (so I don't have to dig to find my keys, pen, etc.), large enough to fit all this plus a book here and there or camera (optional), and it has to be a cross body. Preferably leather - not the shiny kind. Needy much? Does anyone know of a bag like this and if so where can I find it?! Thanks in advance. GO!"

See, I have some great followers (I hate that term) so let's call them instagram friends. Anyway, I have some great friends on instagram and I know I can ask a question and get some great responses or recommendations. So when my bag broke I felt like I could turn to instagram for ideas on where to find a new bag.

You guys didn't disappoint. 

I was overwhelmed by the recommendations you guys gave me. There were so many companies recommended and I spent the next couple of days researching each one. Some were all about supporting a good cause, others were mainly for cameras and then there were even some great etsy shops. I was serious about narrowing down my top picks because here's the thing, when I find something I love, I stick with it forever - or until it breaks. Just ask my husband about my house shoes. So I was really hoping to find "the one."

Among the companies mentioned, several of you recommended the camera bag company, ONA. When I hopped over to their site I instantly fell in love. I think there was an audible, "choose me", coming from the Prince Street bag. From all appearances, this bag was made just for me.






It had compartments. And not just normal compartments, but dividers you can move and change according to what you want to fit in the bag.

It looked plenty large enough to fit all my pens, sketchbooks, wallet, etc. But what caught my eye most about this bag was that it didn't seem overly huge like some camera bags I looked at. I'm a short gal and didn't want my bag to overwhelm me so the size seemed absolutely perfect. 


It was a cross body. That's kind of a must for me. I love the look of shoulder bags but when I'm carting around two littles, I don't want to fight my bag falling off my shoulder. And while I'm not a girly-girl and often have dirt under my nails from gardening I loved that it didn't scream "girl bag."

And finally, it was made of Italian leather. Dreamy. And the leather already had a worn look - so I wouldn't have to worry about that first scratch. 



It seemed I had found MY bag. But I did have a few questions regarding size and specifics so I emailed ONA and man, their customer service is top notch. The response was quick and all my questions were addressed.

And then the most amazing thing happened. A Prince Street bag showed up on my doorstep a few days later for me to review.



You guys. When I opened the box I may have teared up a little. I don't deserve a bag like this. And yet, here it was. In all its Italian leather glory. I just wanted to soak it all in. The smell of this bag. I have no words. And the texture. Oh my word, it's so soft but really durable. I can already tell this bag will be on side for many years to come.

I immediately started arranging all my stuff in the bag. Moving the dividers. Deciding what pens went where. Where to put my wallet? Sunglasses? Keys? When I was finished arranging everything I was thrilled that everything had a place and I wouldn't waste time searching for lost keys or pens. This bag was like a glove for all my stuff. A soft, beautiful glove.



I have had my ONA Prince Street bag for over a week now and so happy you guys recommended them. It may sound crazy but I kind of feel like they designed this bag just for me. If you re-read my question from my post, it's everything and then some! It's a beautiful, leather cross-body bag with dividers that will fit all my daily things. I could not have created a more perfect bag for myself had you asked me to. Seriously y'all. It's amazing.

Last weekend I traveled to Minneapolis to co-host another Be Crafty event and not only is this bag perfect for a daily carrying bag, but it's an awesome traveling bag too! 


I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. The Prince Street is basically me in a bag. If you're looking for a quality bag,  highly recommend ONA bags. You won't be sorry.


5 comments:

  1. I got all excited that would be an amazing diaper bag that could grow into a future forever bag. But that price. Dang. So beautiful but out if reach. Please post more pics with it so I can live vicariously through you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I got all excited that would be an amazing diaper bag that could grow into a future forever bag. But that price. Dang. So beautiful but out if reach. Please post more pics with it so I can live vicariously through you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment, Melyssa! Yes, it's definitely a higher price point, but only because we believe in premium materials (Italian leather and American waxed canvas) and handcrafted construction. We ascribe to a "buy once, buy to last" philosophy, and feel confident that our bags would indeed be "forever" bags, as you mentioned!

      Do let us know if you have any further thoughts, and thanks again for chiming in! For more mouthwatering photos, follow us at instagram.com/onabags. :)

      Cheers,
      The ONA team

      Delete
  3. I agree with Melyssa! I LOVE the bag but the price tag is WAY out of my budget!

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  4. Thank you for posting this wonderful narrative and pictures. If you hadn't, I may have never heard of ONA. I am not in the market for a bag, but, when I am I will remember this post. Keep planting good seeds!

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I know it can be a little scary but go on, I'd love to hear from you!