Happy Holidays. Pretty Shoes.

Hope everyone had/is having a great holiday. I have been away for most of December, back in forth between cities and finally heading home tomorrow. I was back in Toronto for 3 days this month and spent the time changing the studio around. It looks like a brand new place, I will post pictures.

I did a tiny bit of shopping while I was away, picked up a few things here and there, but my favorite so far is my new shoes ( they are prettier and brighter in real life). Got them at a HUGE discount while I was passing through Cincinnati. I love them, they make me even more excited for summer!!

Trying to focus and be productive.

Something happens every year, around the 2nd or 3rd week of December. I start feeling like the holidays have already started. I start feeling like I deserve ending work early, coming in later and eating what ever I want because "its practically the holidays"! This year the problem is that I actually have a lot of work to do before the year is over. I'm finishing up details for the summer collection, laying out the look book and catalogue, re- working a few areas where I think I can improve and coming up with a list of business goals for 2010 (I need lists and goals for everything or else I do nothing). One of my goals for 2010 is to launch Cha Cha in retail stores. So far I have been fortunate enough to sell everything from my website alone, I have come quite comfortable with is but I decided I needed to push it further. If anyone has some store suggestions in your area, somewhere a Cha Cha handbag may like to live, (for a short time only of course) please let me know!

I want to make a book.

While browsing the Internet today, procrastinating, I came across this site blurb.com where you can make your own book. Maybe this has been around a while but I have never heard of it. I all of a sudden what to stop what I am doing and make a book! I'm not sure what would be in it.... pictures and very few words, that's all I know for sure.

Today's Giveaway is....

UPDATE: Congratulations to Stephanie!!

A $50. gift certificate valid at chachalifestyle.com. Simply enter your email address HERE for a chance to win.

PS. If you have entered your email before, no need to re add it. Once I have it you are included in every giveaway!!

Can't Wait for more SADE!!

This is not handbag related, but I have to share. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Sade. I can't wait for her new album!!!

In case you haven't heard it, or want to hear it again, HERE is her new single.

Having a little sale over at chachalifestyle.com.

Just in time for a last minute Christmas gift to yourself!

Packing my bags.

CHA CHA is headed to Miami for a few days, for a little work and of course, a lot of play.

Anybody out there from Miami?? Where should we go?? After making handbags, eating food is my favorite thing to do, if anyone has a restaurant suggestion, please share!!

Handbag Giveaway!!

UPDATE: Congrats to Tina from London England!!

Just in time for the holiday party season!!

Enter your email address HERE for a chance to win.

FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!!!!

Free shipping for the holidays.

Use discount code FREESHIP at the checkout @ chachalifestyle.com

Also enjoy free shipping on our little Etsy shop.

New Stella- ON SALE

I have added a new Stella 3-in 1 shopper made of a beautiful distressed brown.

All the Stella' are on sale right now, check it out HERE.

Freebie Thursday!!! (I know, I'm a little late)

UPDATE: Congrats to Anita from Toronto who won this pretty lady!

I don't know what happened last week, time flew by! I got so wrapped up that I forgot to hold a giveaway. I am trying to hold it every Thursday, but I am only one person here so we might have to be flexible on the day from time to time. Maybe I will change it to Mondays, we all need a little something to get the week rolling.

Anyway, the important part..... This weeks give away is a cute little leather, two toned clutch made of salvaged leather and lined with organic canvas. Perfect as a little wallet, make up case or clutch. Enter your email address at chachalifestyle.com for a chance to win the CHA CHA Recycled Clutch.

Winner will be selected at 6pm today. Happy Monday!!

PS. If you have entered your email before, no need to re add it. Once I have it you are included in every giveaway!!

Pretty Purse Insert

I don't know about you, but I change handbags A LOT! I use one bag to go to the gym, a small shoulder bag to go for lunch, a clutch for a night and so on. But no matter what bag I use there are some items that come with me everywhere, items like my lip balm, phone, compact and credit cards. So this is why I created this cute purse insert. It fits all the necessities but also double as a clutch.

Made of soft black leather, decorated with studs, closes with a zipper and lined with chocolate brown organic canvas.

Check it out here.

Cool Hunting

So the other day I was procrastinating, browsing the Internet, searching a site called Cool Hunting. I'm scrolling, scrolling, scrolling then wait... it's Cha Cha!

Thanks to Stephanie for a great post!

Check it out HERE.

*NEW* Bag- Marnie with a Stud Detail

Check it out HERE.

*NEW* Bag- Marnie with a Bow

Check it out HERE.

*NEW* Cinnamon Hearts Clutch

his little lady is the perfect date for a party! Cinnamon Hearts is made of red leather and is lined with chocolate brown organic canvas. It's just the right size to fit cards, keys, phone and lipstick. Really what else do you need?

Details here.

Freebie Thursday!

UPDATE: Congrats to Miss C.J for winning this weeks giveaway. For all those that entered today, your name will be included in next weeks Cha Cha giveaway. Thanks to all the Cha Cha supporters out there!!

Enter your email address at chachalifestyle.com for a chance to win the CHA CHA Recycled Bow Headband.

Winner will be selected at 6pm today. Happy Thursday!!

Tavi in Pop Magazine

I will admit, I am one of those people who buys books or magazines because of their cover and bottles of wine because of their label. So over the weekend I was browsing my favorite magazine shop and POP Magazine caught my eye. Initially the clash of colors is what stood out, but at closer look I realized it was Tavi, the young fashion blogger graced the cover. I have been reading the 13 year olds blog for a little while and think she is the cutest thing. I love the fresh outlook of a young girl in love with fashion.

This week is all about assembly.

When I am working on large orders I do everything in sort of an assembly line. I will sit and trace patterns for a few days, then I will take a few days to cut, and so on. This week I'm doing all the little details that actually take quite a while, putting on zippers, adding hardware ect. I'm getting close, I almost have enough stock for the Christmas season, I hope!

As I sit and do some of this sort of mundane work I'm already daydreaming about bags for spring. Making brand new styles is the part of the job that keeps me motivated.

This is one of the bags I made today. I like white to wear white all year round! I ignore the whole white after labour day rule.

Today I am.....

FREEZING! It's cold outside AND cold in the studio.

Other then getting mild frostbite I am working on clutches all day today. I think the clutch is my favorite style, am Im gonna try and it make it yours too!

Lou is here to keep me company. As you can see, he is quite bored.

A Few Questions Answered...

Recessionwire.com just posted a nice little interview with moi.

Check it out!

More samples.

Hope everyone is having a great week. It feels like it should be Friday!! We are part way there.

Today I was digging through my trunk of samples and found a few more great pieces.

Check it out!

New to the cha cha family- An eco-conscious series.

Brand new bag! Part of a new series of eco-conscious bags I am making. Hand woven from salvaged leather and organic canvas. More details soon!!

NEW BAG! Stella Leather Shopper in black.

Hope everyone had a great week end. I stayed in, relaxed and got ready for all the sewing I have to do this week. Here is the first finished bag of the week. Stella leather shopper in black.

Christmas came early for me!!!

Today is an ugly, cold rainy day here in Toronto. I have been at the studio since early this morning but really haven't had the most productive day. I was ready to call it quits and head home when there was a knock at the door, I opened it and there was a delivery man holding a pair of shoes I have been stalking on the internet for weeks. My Chloé lace up wedge boots are here!!! There are so soft and fit like they were made for my feet. I was all prepared to stay in tonight and share some quality time with my couch and favorite Indian take out but new shoes make me want to go out!

CHA CHA in NOW Magazine

Check it out HERE.

Contrats!!

Miss Shari got the answer correct and will receive 2 tickets to the One of a Kind Show.

Congrats!!

2 "One of a Kind Show" tickets up for grabs!

The first person to email me at lori@chachalifestyle.com with the answer to this question will get 2 free passes to the up coming "One of a Kind Show" in Toronto.

Where did the name CHA CHA come from????

Seventeen Magazine

A little CHA CHA for future fashionistas at seventeen.com.

Affordable Luxury.

Is there such a thing?

This week I have been trying to come up with a few styles for under $100. I really wanted a few pieces that more people could afford for this upcoming holiday season. That may not seem hard to do, but when you are a small company, buy from local suppliers and don't mass produce, it's pretty hard to make something at that price point. But I came up with a few things.

"Girls Night Out" is one of them. Made of gold leather, decorated with rivets, the removable silver chain allows this piece to be used as a shoulder bag, clutch or wristlet and is lined with salvaged pink leather which makes this purse even more special. This little bag is the perfect size for phone, keys, cards ect. A pretty addition to any outfit.

Check it out HERE.

Also available in black.

Mya is the cutest!

Check out Miss Mya with the "Stella" leather shopper.

She's on Dancing with the Stars, has new album, the girl is busy!

SAMPLES, SAMPLES,SAMPLES

A few more bags added to my little sample store.

Great gifts for under $100. in there.

CHECK IT OUT HERE.

My Favorite Handbag This Week Is....

Meet Maribel, my brand new handbag.

I made this handbag last week and it is my duty as a designer to test it out for a while. I have been using it everyday because it's the perfect size for me. I am not good with HUGE bags, I end up dragging around way to much stuff, but I do need a bag large enough for my sketch book, some water, a snack and a few others things that I bring with me everywhere.

Details:

- cognac colored leather

- double hand braided straps

- hand cut fringe with rivet detail

- 2 interior pockets

- snap closure

- more then enough room for all the important stuff

Price: $355

If you would like one, email me and I will make you one.

lori@chachalifestyle.com

Mini Vacation is over...

Just back from Quebec where I enjoyed a lovely, relaxing Thanksgiving. I really have so much to be thankful for, not sure what I have done to deserve all the good in my life!

Can't wait to get back into the studio tomorrow, so many new projects this week.

I love getting away for a few days but I am THANKFUL that I am always excited to get back to work.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hope all my Canadian friends are having a relaxing long week end with friends and family. I have been lucky enough to be invited to a friends chalet just outside of Montreal in a town called Shefford. I love it. It's so quite, a welcome change from my everyday.

So far I have drank wine by the fire, had some breakfast and went to a chocolate museum. Pretty much my idea of heaven!!

I need a new bag to take out for dinner.

I'm going out for dinner tonight with a friend and since I don't have any new shoes to wear, I thought I would make a new handbag. I wanted something a little extra, but still casual and this is what I came up with. For me personally, I like bags that have some weight to them and have a short strap, so I think this one will work. I will test it our tonight and see how it feels.

Thoughts?????.......

Hello there.

Hope everyone had a great week end. I was out, enjoying the last week end of summer.

Stay tuned this week for a fun contest and some great deals on samples and one offs!!

I can spot a CHA CHA a mile away!

I know my bags when I see them, even if you can't see the full bag!

Check out Perez Hilton carrying the CHA CHA heart wristlet in gold at the Marc Jacobs show on Monday night. If I can't be there at least something I made can be!!

New Bag....

As I get bags ready for the "One of a Kind Show" a few new bags are being created.

Here is one of them. Should be available in the shop by the end of the month.

CHA CHA in Lucky Magazine

The "Lola Clutch" was chosen to be in Lucky Magazine Fall Bag Guide.

Yeah!

Today I am.....

Working on bags for the "One of a Kind Show".

Im not really sure how many bags I should make, or what styles will be most popular with shoppers??? I think I will go with a small selection of clutches, mid size should bags, a few large bags and some belts. So far all I have is sketches!!

Have you been wanting a cute new belt???

Check it out.

COCO- Hip Bag

Meet Coco. She's striking, soft and SOOOO useful. For years I have been trying to create a hip bag that I would actually use and I finally did it. Coco is made of ostrich print embossed lambskin with a bow and wooden bead detail, zipper closure, organic canvas lining, interior pocket, removable wristlet strap, removable belt that can be used with the bag or on is own. The brown belt has four snap closures to adjust the length. Limited quantities available.

CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Today I am.....

Procrastinating. I have so many things I should be doing and have to be doing, but oddly enough that often makes me do the exact opposite. So instead of sewing I have dragged Lou out for walks to my favorite "quiet spots" in the city and now I am considering organizing my messy closet.....

New Bag: LETITIA in Brown

New member to the CHA CHA handbag family.

Check it HERE.

Would you like to work at CHA CHA???

This is a great opportunity for a fashion design student to get real-world, hands-on experience.

What you will be doing...

- cutting leather and canvas

- assist with photo shoots

- shopping for supplies

- assist with shipping products

- screen printing

-Design experience - a must

- MUST be able to commit 15 hours a week for 3 months starting in Sept.

Please email your resume to lori@chachalifestyle.com with FASHION INTERN in the subject line.

Thanks!!

The One of a Kind Show

I just found out on Friday that I was accepted, and will be selling my goods at this years One of a Kind Show (the Toronto version).

This 11 day show is a one stop shop for anyone who loves handmade goods. Im excited for it but also a little scared. Im really not sure how much stuff to make????? I have lots of sewing ahead of me.

And the winning name is......

Letitia!

Thanks Melissa from Calgary Canada.

And a BIG thanks to everybody who sent in suggestions, you can expect a little thank you in your inbox.

Check her out!

Lady Gaga. Love this performance.

Wanna play stylist???

I have been trying to get work done all night, and it hasn't been happening. I have been finding many other way to do anything but work. Looklet is my most recent distraction.

Krysten Ritter with the Cha Cha Entourage Clutch

Actress Krysten Ritter poses with the her "Entourage Clutch" in white.

So cute!!

New to the Cha Cha Clutch Family

Just made this one. Made of tobacco colored distressed leather, lined with organic cotton, closes with a few hidden magnetic snaps and decorated with a few wooden beads (I'm loving bead details right now).

Will be available in the shop soon!!

Lou can't escape handbags or shoes

I caught Lou taking a nap today, nuzzled up to my favorite uncomfy shoes.

From the nicest girl in Nigeria!

Last month I realized I had a few two many notebooks hanging around and decided to share them with others who have my same obsession with Moleskine Notebooks. One of them went out to a lovely lady who makes handbags in Nigeria. Check out the lovely post on her blog about the notebook and while your there check out her great handbags!!!

Thanks Amina!!

Thanks Laura!

Laura from "for those about to shop" just featured "Stella" leather shopper on her great website that focuses on fashion with a purpose. Check it out.

Win this bag!

I need a great name for this handbag. Something strong but pretty. Send in your ideas, if I choose the name you suggest (it can even be your own name) you will receive one of these pretty ladies as soon as they are ready to ship. You will own the very first one!

Details of the bag:

- light raspberry embossed leather

- organic canvas lining

- wooden bead detail

- medium shoulder bag

- adjustable strap

- magnetic flap closure

Email ideas to...

lori@chachalifestyle.com or click on the post to add a comment.

Thanks!!!!

Stella- 3 in 1 Leather Shopper is back and better!

This style was out of stock for quite a while but it is back now with a few improvements.

This version is made of a distressed tobacco colored leather, lined with chocolate brown organic canvas, includes 4 interior pockets, removable adjustable strap and more.

More details HERE.

Pretty in Pink

Or maybe pinkish/purple, whatever. Im working on a few small clutches and shoulder bags in this pretty embossed leather. All will be lined in a dark chocolate coloured organic canvas. 

More pictures soon.

O.G Clutch- The Organic Version

This is a classic Cha Cha style. It was one of the first patterns I ever made. 

This version is made of organic cotton and recycled leather. Features include magnetic snap closure, two inside pockets and a cozy flat, back panel for carrying ease.

Available soon.

Meet my new handbag, Jill.

This is Jill. She is pretty, functional AND eco friendly. Jill is made of brown organic cotton and recycled leather. Features two large pockets on the exterior, double pockets in the interior, adjustable handles and a magnetic snap closure.

Jill is part of a new series of  Eco Friendly handbags at CHA CHA. 

A few pieces will be available in the shop later this week.

Samantha Mumba and her Entourage.

Samantha Mumba makes "Entourage" an even prettier bag!

Recycled Leather Headbands

These cute little things help make any outfit a little more interesting. Both are part of my Organic/Recycled Series. I will be adding the rest of the pieces this week.

For now you can check out more pictures HERE.

Working on new stuff.

This week I'm working on a bunch of new stuff. Right now I am  in the sample stage, but I can tell you that for this next round of designs I will be keeping it really simple. Limited hardware, clean lines, organic and recycled fabrics, soft leather and thoughtful details. This season I will also be adding a few new pieces, headbands and leather jewelry.

Louis is sporting a sample of a cute bow headband that will eventually be made of recycled leather. The headband will be for ladies, not dogs. Lou is just more in a model mood then I am today.

Need a lightly used notebook?

Moleskin Notebooks.

I don't know what it is, but every time I see these in a store I have an uncontrollable desire to buy one, even though I have at least six of them stashed around my apartment and studio. 

I always feel like "this is the one that will inspire me to become an organized person".

Send me your address if you want one and don't mind a few missing pages. It gives the book a little history.

Small versions of regular things.

Sometimes I like to make mini versions of things. While staying in Victoria BC I was a regular at "Miniature World".

Today I made a mini clutch out of salvaged leather.

Handbags = Currency. In my world.

Last week end I took part in a designers sample sale. The place was full of talented Canadian designers with beautiful clothes I could not afford. Luckily at the end of the week end I traded two of my bags for a few pieces.  One of them was this lovely silk top from CARRIE. I love it. If only I could pay my landlord in purses.

More shoes I like but rarely wear.

I can't believe I am openly showing semi close ups of my toes, they are really the least favorite part of me. It's all for the shoes.

The 500sq feet where I spend most of my time

I love pretty shoes, so Im showing them off.

Like many MANY women out there I have a soft spot for pretty shoes. I love shopping for them, bringing them home and lining them up neatly on my shelf. Sadly, that is where they usually stay, in my bedroom, on my shelf. I dont really live in a high heel friendly world. My day generally consists of walking a dog, running to the post office with a cart full of shipments, standing at a counter cutting, and sitting at an industrial sewing machine. Not easy things to do with delicate shoes. So I have decided to at least start show them off here.

NOTE: Please ignore the hideous tattoo. It's just a little something I thought was cool when I was 15 years old.

A few ladies that are loving CHA CHA

Designer Sample Sale this weekend!!

Check out this great event CHA CHA is part of this weekend. If you are in Toronto come by and say hi!

Better weather, new handbags and long walks.

It is finally warm here in Toronto. I feel like I have been waiting FOREVER!!!

This weekend I took advantage of it and enjoyed a long walk with Lou, envied my neighbors ability to grow the most beautiful flowers and casually worked on a new bag. I am re-working the "Jenny" style for fall. Of course I need to test out the sample to make sure it passes all the tests, so the new bag came out or a walk with Louis and I. Here are a few pictures of our Sunday morning.

New Side Project

Im working out the details of a little charity event that involves, kids, writing/drawing and cha cha pencil cases. The leather used in these is the beautiful. It hasn't been dyed, its soft, durable and changes colour as you use it. I have been using mine as a little wallet. I like it. 

Pretty Things.

I made new things, check them out at chachalifestyle.com.

I found some cash.

Yesterday, I forced my lazy self to the bank machine so I could meet my brother and lend him some money. On my walk back I found a $50 bill on the sidewalk! I looked around, no people. I checked again to make sure I wasn't on one of those hidden camera shows, nothing.

Now I feel like I should do something good with it.

Put it towards these comfy shoes that I want, give it to the slightly "crazy" guy I buy coffee for on my way to the studio most days? Take a friend out for lunch?

I feel like I have to do something good with free money.

Time FLIES!

I have been busy making a ton of bags for a huge event next month (details to come soon). I have just about finished my quota of 125 bags. That is a personal best for me. I said yes to the project before I knew it was really possible for me to create that many pieces in that short of time. I seem to work better under pressure I guess.

So for the next day or two I will be away from the sewing machine and attached to my computer, updating sites,  working out the details of an upcoming charity event, moving somethings around my Etsy store, adding new pieces, pictures and stories. I guess its some much needed spring cleaning!

Melissa-Must have travel companion.

There was only one piece of this leather available, so I wanted to make a special piece with it, something that will last a long time.

I was drawn tho this leather because it looks a little worked in, loved. To be honest, the first thing it reminded me of was an episode of Sex and the City, the episode where Carrie first meets Aidan, fakes being a designer so she can get a discount on the great chair... remember???

Check out the details HERE.

New Stella 3-in-1 Shopper- JUST ADDED.

This style has been pretty popular this season. I think people like a bag that serves a few purposes.

Another "Entourage" added.

I just got this new leather in. It's really pretty and will take quite a bit of abuse (for all you rough ladies out there).

Check it out HERE.

This is my Mom.

Wasn't she cute!

I Love Maui.

My time in Maui is almost over, I will be heading back to Toronto tomorrow.

I have had a great time on this beautiful island, I hope to come back one day.

Something about all the fresh air and ocean views been a great source of inspiration. I was trying not to think about work while I was away, but of course I couldn't help it. Im coming home with all kinds of new ideas. Can't wait to get back to the sewing machine!!

Aleshas have been reduced.

I was able to bring down the price of the Alesha style.

Canadian prices HERE

US prices HERE

I quit.

Check out the article featured on Etsy HERE

I know, I'm a nerd about my dog.

I can't help it. I love my four legged man. Today just happens to be my 30th birthday and I am lucky enough to be spending it in Maui. My lovely parents are looking after Louis while I am away and sent me this picture of him this morning. I think it might just be one of my best birthday presents this year. 

New 3-in-1 Leather Shopper added.

I couldn't help myself, I had to make one in blue.

Check it out here.

Just added to CHA CHA Samples

Check it out here.

One of kind bag added.

I only had enough leather to make one bag in this yummy colour.  Only one in the world. I love the rugged sort of look of this leather.

Free Shipping at chachalifestyle.com

Check it out HERE.

Hot off the sewing machine.

Alesha in Turquoise, a great colour for summer. Only two made.

Shop in CAN $$ HERE.

Shop in US $$ HERE.

Not a handbag, but worth mentioning.

Reading used to be a huge pastime of mine but over the last couple of years I can kind of fell out of the habit and replaced it with working. While on vacation a couple of weeks ago I did a ton of reading. One of the books that I read and really like was called Q & A by Vikas Swarup (known now as Slum Dog Millionaire). I haven't seen the movie yet but the book was great. It is told in a way that makes it like a bunch of short stories tied into one that all relate in the end. I highly recommend it. I'm now looking for my next book, I would love some suggestions.!!

Pieces added to CHA CHA Samples

Just added a couple discount pieces, check it out HERE.

Entourage City Tote in CANVAS

I'm trying something new. If you have visited this blog before you already know that leather is my medium of choice, but today I wanted to try something in canvas. Canvas is a great fabric, it's soft, it's forgiving and it's washable. I chose one of my favorite styles to duplicate in canvas, "Entourage City Tote".

Note to Vegans: I was trying to come up with a style that was also vegan friendly, but after I was all finished with sewing I realized I had sewn my leather CHA CHA patch inside. Old habits are hard to break. So this bag is 99% leather free.

Would you want to make a Handbag??

Hope everyone had a great long week end. I was happy to have a few days off to spend with friends and family but I am looking forward to getting back into the studio tomorrow.

Lately I have considered offering a "Make your own handbag" workshop where you could learn the basics of handbag making and take home your very own handmade bag. Please take a second to answer this weeks poll question so I can find out what would work for most people.

Thanks! 

Relaxed and ready to sew.

I escaped from Toronto for a few days in search of some sun. I found it in Miami. All day I read, swam, ate, and went to bed early. Loved it.

As always, while away I had flood of new ideas. Check back over the next few weeks.

Fresh Today

I'm going away next week so I was inspired to create something travel related. I just made these great carry on bags. They are huge have 8 pockets inside and out. Could be used as luggage, a diaper bag, gym bag or what ever you need lots of room and pockets for. They are available in brown and blue.

I will have them up in both shops soon.

Turquoise Moccasin Slippers

I have been wearing the pair I made for myself (someone has to try the new stuff out) and they are really comfortable.

Pretty Diaper Bags

Attention all Mothers!!

I am in the process of creating a diaper bag. I have had quite a few women contact me over the past year expressing their frustration with the selection of cartoon themed bags they have to chose from. So I am making something pretty from leather that can be used as a carry on or gym bag long after your baby is out of diapers. I have purchased a few  cheaper diapers bags to see what kind of pockets and compartments you guys need but would love some input from Mothers.

So ladies, let me know what features you love about your diaper bag or would love to see in a new one. 

THANKS!!

Freestyle Sunday

Sunday is usually my favorite day of the week. I go out for brunch then head into work to create some of the ideas I have had floating around my head the previous week. Something about working on Sundays seems relaxing to me. I think because its the week end, I feel like Im working because I want to and not because I have to (even if I really do). To be honest, todays handbag design was all about me. In a few weeks I am off to my home away from home, Miami and I wanted something light and summery.