Friday, March 24, 2017

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.

73 comments:

BoSoxAmy said...

Too cute!

Angel Prancer Pie said...

Wow! Love these!
Give Miss Mudpies >>smoochies<< from all of us.
Hope you have a great Friday!

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Those are really, really cute items - I can see why you couldn't resist!

Linda Szymoniak said...

As much as I love my cats and dogs, I honestly don't have any purses or bags with them. I have tons of t-shirts and other items, but would love a cat purse!

Fur Everywhere said...

I only have one cat tote....can you believe it?! I definitely want more - lots more!!

Shelley P said...

So cute! I have 2 rescue and adopt themed cat canvas totes :)

PL Keenor said...

Just love those bags!
That's Purrfect

Cats Herd You said...

A friend of mine has one of their bags, but it is an open-top tote. I had no idea they made a zip-top version. That's so much more practical for carrying stuff you worry could fall out -- or if you're clumsy about where you put bags, like I am! These are great bags!

Unknown said...

OMC, that is so cute! I don't currently own any cat-themed purses, though I do have a tiger zip-pull (which I think I found through one of your posts). Love their other designs too, especially the dragonfly.

The Menagerie Mom said...

Oh my goodness, you are killing me. An adorable kitty purse, with a calico?!? Yes, please! I can't even begin to count the number of bags I have with cats (and pups) on them, but what's one (or a few) more? You have a serious way of finding the most wonderful gems for cat ladies, Melissa and Mudpie, and this one is right up there at the top of my list!

katsrus said...

I have 15 cat themed purses and totes. Beautiful purses. Thanks for the chance.
Sue B

skkorman said...

I don't have any, boo-hoo! Maybe the CHALA tote will be my first!!

skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

BeadedTail said...

OMC! Love it! Our mommy is a bagoholic too and has three kitty totes but this would be purrfect for every day use! She loves crossbody bags too! We're crossing our paws that she wins!

Elisa and Abby said...

I have a Chala bag that my parents got me on their cruise to Europe. It's an adorable tote bag brown color with the cat. I love it but didnt realize there are other styles & key chains. Thanks for the giveaway.

traveler said...

I don't have any. This purse is delightful, so creative and practical. I would love this special purse.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Melissa! I have never owned a cat purse but would love to. Maybe I will get lucky. Love this one.

Colehaus Cats said...

Those are adorable! And we think our Mom could smuggle a cat or two in them!

kellyr78 said...

I don't own any, but I would like too... so cute!

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Not entering because I make it a point to rarely carry a purse, and I have so many that I already don't use but I wanted to say that these ARE darling!!!! They look gorgeous! Good luck to all who enter! catchatwithcarenandcody

diannekc said...

I have one purse and two totes with cats featured on them. These look like great purses and totes and keychains, would enjoy having one.

diannekc said...

I have one purse and two totes with cats featured on them. These look like great purses and totes and keychains, would enjoy having one.

Anonymous said...

Oh those are cool Mommy doesn't really have any cat themed bags, but they all have purrlenty of cat fur in 'em. MOL She would really luv one of these. Fanks fur da chance to get her one. Maybe it could be a purresent fur her. Big hugs

Luv ya'

Dezi and Raena

BethElderton said...

*sigh* I dont have any cat totes or handbags. I have cats, though :)
Mary Beth Elderton

AnnStaub said...

Aw I LOVE this! I'm in the market for a new purse actually.. I don't have any cat purses at the moment, but adding this to my wish list. Thanks for putting it on my radar!

♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ said...

I just own one cat-related purse, but I'd like more! Lots more! Including this one! LOL.
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

The Florida Furkids said...

OMC That's pawsome....Mom would LOVE one of those!!

The Florida Furkids

pilch92 said...

I want one of those even though I already have several cat purses.

The Island Cats said...

We would love to win this for the mom even though she has a ton of purses already.

Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat said...

Uh oh. I have zero cat themed purses/totes. In my defense, I gave up purses years ago when I got a wallet/keychain combo that is pretty much on its last pocket ;)

A Tonl said...

Those are totes adorbs! #seewhatwedidthere --> TOTES! *cracking up*

meowmeowmans said...

Those are really cute! We can see why you had to have one! :)

Peaches and Paprika said...

How could we, as calicos, not love a beautiful colorful bag with a calico on it! Great review too!

Peaches and Paprika said...

Oh! And we do not own any wonderful cat bags. Or any cat bags.

Edye Nicole said...

Currently, I have none.

mia2009(at)comcast(dot)net

Sandy S said...

I own an embarassing number.....I also have several cat dresses and a pair of cat shoes...I'm very popular :)

Tina W said...

I don't have any cat purses!

MangoMango said...

I don't yet own any cat totes, though I do own a fox purse.

Three Chatty Cats said...

I love these, especially the keychains! I used to buy a lot of purses, but have definitely slowed down since I found the perfect one for me. But I do find myself buying a cat purse here and there!

Katie and The Katz said...

I had one cute straw kitty purse that was a gift, but sold it... and there was a small kitty coin purse and I sold that too. Always trying to make wee bits of money for my kitty babies... hope to someday have a purse I can keep! Love this Chala purse, especially since there are several pockets and a divider in the middle. -Katie Kat.

Annie Bear said...

I just saw the link to this post on your Selfies post. All these bags caught my eye. I just love the design!

Sue said...

I only have one now---but I want more! And I fell in love when I saw these!

lace said...

I don't think I've ever owned a cat themed purse but I think I need too! Thanks for the chance.

coup420 said...

how cute!!! I never owned a cat related purse or tote, but I have way too many cat shirts than I like to admit LOL

allisonnell said...

this bag is super cute and I really need a new purse because mine is ripped and old! I dont have any with cats on them but i love this one!

Lily said...

Those are really cute bags and keychains! Our Mommy has a big tote with cats, but no purses with them.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

Honestly, none. the purse I'm using now has a paw print on it though, does that count :)

Unknown said...

These are too cute!! I'm obsessed with them. I have a few cat tote bags, but no purses. Some other things though - a cat mug and a cat pillow. Love them all!
-Jessica Shipman | Beagles & Bargains

Melody said...

None yet would love one though! :)

Jamie Rasmussen said...

I have one backpack with a picture of a cat on it.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

I have two cat purses. This Chala tote is adorable!

Natalie said...

So cute! Will be my first cat purse if I win!

Taryn Lee said...

Those are adorable!!!

hamjenny said...

I have 2 bags with cats on them

Jeanna Massman said...

I don't have any but I think they're cute.

Luccia B.Buono said...

I used to have one cat themed bag! but it got too worn off 😕

Lapdog Creations said...

Pets in general... probably at least a dozen, if not more! LOVE these bags and cute keychains!

Cathy Keisha said...

No purses but TW does have a couple of cat-themes wallets and about seven tote bags mostly bearing my likeness that she designs on Zazzle..

Penny said...

At least three. I'm a cat lady.

Unknown said...

Oh em geeeee! These bags are PRECIOUS! I have 2 cat wallets

Lynna Conner said...

Beaded handbags are presented in these portals in a number of varieties and these can be availed of from the online shops by choosing the right kind of bead that would go well with a particular occasion which is coming up. designer handbags

Unknown said...

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.

Drake Valentin said...

Thanks mate for sharing about these amazing fashion bags also at the https://www.luxtime.su/louis-vuitton-handbags site. These Challa handbags are really amazing, Personally appreciate the good and well shared post.

Elizabeth J. Neal said...

This is very interesting content! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great.
Ted Baker

john smith said...

The kind of leather used to make the wallet will also determine the cost and quality of the wallet. The least expensive and lowest quality leather is the split leather wallet. When leather is processed, some leather is sliced to half the thickness. cigar wallet

Robert said...


I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here.
Michael Kors Handbags

fortnite said...

Your writing style is marvellous and you have given a good book. Keep your work wholesale bags

Unknown said...

Incredible articles and awesome design. Your blog entry merits the greater part of the positive input it"s been getting. Shoulder Bags

Brooklyn said...

Department stores and brand retail outlets often have a clearance section of old designs of handbags and surplus merchandise when a new line of items is expected to be released. michael kors crossbody bags on sale

Smith said...

a homeless person satchel is probably going to be kidney Backpacks or sickle molded and arrives in a scope of sizes and styles.

aaronnssd said...

Very beautiful stylish cat handbags, Which you have shared in this post. Your article is very interesting and I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing this article here. Vegan Handbags Australia

Anderson said...

The dresses donned by these participants are a blend of Indian and western wear. Commoners openly ape their role models and this eventually becomes the latest fad in the general fashion wear industry in India.
yourcosplay

Smith said...

This brand produces unique Cleopatra grips. Just a single Cleopatra grip is delivered each year. This pack is made by crocodile skin and decorated with high contrast jewels and white gold. https://earnest.winkl.co/content/buying-the-best-gucci-replica

Smith said...

In summer, garments of light shading looks brilliant, giving individuals a feeling of freshness. https://baginning.com/