CHALA Handbags for Stylish Cat Ladies - Review & Giveaway

Have you ever seen those cute signs stating, "she who dies with the most *fill in the blanks* wins"? If the category is purses, I'm a shoo-in for the grand prize. Despite the fact that I could probably change purses every week for a year without using the same one twice I still can't stop myself from looking for more, especially if it has a cat on it.

The first time I laid eyes on a CHALA bag was in an Acorn catalog when I was compiling the premiere edition of our Purring Peddler series. I admired it from afar until January when I saw one in person at the Vermont Fancy Felines Cat Show and realized I could not live without one of these bags in my life.

CHALA bags are billed as "Sophisticated enough to be at work. Casual enough to go shopping with. Simple enough to carry along wherever you go."

From their About Us page:

We approach life with passion and creativity. We believe in the idea that doing what you like
and liking what you do is a key to happiness in life. We love fashion, and we love handbags.
So here is CHALA.

We love to create fashion, instead of following it. We always find happiness in giving
our ordinary bags a little twist, and seeing people smile.

We try to be as simple as possible in life, even when it comes about fashion.
We adorn simple bags with just right amount of whimsy, not too fancy or complicated.
We believe simplicity and sophistication co-exists,
and we strive to find a perfect balance of them.

We like to be bold & different in life, in a harmless way, whenever and wherever possible.
To celebrate individuality in the fashion world, graphically as on our handbags,
is a happy thing to us, too.

I've been using CHALA's deluxe messenger bag in the " LaZzy Cat" design for about a month now and it fits my lifestyle perfectly. I crave roomy bags with loads of pockets and hidden compartments and this one is fully loaded. The front pocket is just the right size to carry an iPad or Kindle and is detachable with a cute fish shaped zipper puller. The pocket behind that has a handy magnetic closure which is where I keep my wallet for easy access. The main zippered portion of the bag has 3 more little compartments in the lining for keys or glasses. The rear zipper pocket is where I stash my shopping lists and coupons.

The messenger bag is canvas and textured faux leather with detailed stitching and button eyes. It feels very sturdy and well made. The strap is completely adjustable so I love that it's long enough to wear crossbody when I want my hands free but can also be worn on my shoulder for quick stops on the go. Even the orange & brown color scheme is right up my alley because they're tortie/calico colors! I was so happy to receive a compliment on it the first time I wore it shopping.

If you prefer a design other than a cat (but why would you???), dog, fox, turtle and dragonfly messenger bags are also available.

The Carryall Zip Tote in the same LaZzy Cat design is incredibly roomy. (Seriously, I could carry Mudpie around in it.) The main zippered compartment has an open inside pocket, two side pockets with velcro closures (good fit for a water bottle), and a rear pocket with a magnetic snap. Carry it along on a day trip or to the beach, use it to carry books or craft supplies, I can even see using it as a carry-on bag on an airplane. The possibilities are endless!

Lastly I got my paws on a trio of adorable kitty keychains which could also be used as a purse charm. Available in black, brown and ivory, each comes with a fish and flower dangle with the CHALA logo. I'm almost tempted to remove the clip and wear one as a necklace!

I cannot recommend CHALA merchandise highly enough. They're chic and sophisticated, yet practical and whimsical all at the same time. I would encourage everyone to check out their collection on Amazon because they have loads of cute designs and styles. Visit them on Facebook too!

Giveaway: Thanks to our generous friends at CHALA one lucky grand prize winner is going to receive a Carryall Zip Tote ($47.99 retail value) and keychain (cat design, of course), and two runners up are each going to receive a key chain ($14.50 retail value)! To enter simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. (US entries only, please.) 

Good luck everyone!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by CHALA Handbags. All opinions are our own and we never recommend a product we don’t fully believe in.