Barbara Walters and I are off to Paris.

Tomorrow afternoon I leave for Paris. Im excited and a little nervous all at once. This will be my first show out of the country. I think I have all the work related stuff ready, now I just have to go home and pack my personal stuff, this is Paris after all, I have to represent Canada and have a cute outfit for everyday of the week!  I bought the Barbara Walters autobiography last week for something to read on the airplane. Since then I have already read half, so I may have to pick up another book. Barbara is one interesting women, I recommend this one.
I will try my best to post pictures while I am away. Bonsoir!

More Leather Shoppers!!

More leather shoppers on the way. The new bags will be in the shop in a week or 2!!

Cinnamon Heart Clutch now has a chain strap!

The popular Cinnamon Hearts Clutch now comes with a removable 14"inch chain strap. Check it out HERE.

Old Scanners and Pretty Ladies

This morning I was excited to find out my ancient scanner still works! It must be at least 10 years old, and in technology years thats practically 100 years old. So if there is a surge of photos from books and magazines for the next while it's because I am happy to have the scanning ability back. Im sure the novelty will fade.

I was shopping for books over the weekend. I will spend quite a bit of time in airports over the next month so I need something new to read. While searching a discount bin I found "Vintage Handbags" by Marnie Fogg. Often these books are cheesy, but I like this one. I love looking through books of old fashion, women were so pretty and feminine back in the day. I love that a lot of the handbags had short straps, to me that is a really girly look that I love. I get emails all the time from women wanting extra long straps, and I understand it is convenient. But something about the short strap is just appealing to me, I like holding a bag,  I don't always want my stuff strapped to me. 

Does Cha Cha sell little blue pills???

No. It seems that someone has hacked into an old email address and is trying to sell stuff via my email.
Sorry if you got an email or two. We are not venturing into the world of Viagra, we are sticking to handbags.

The Art of Miss Ruth Ann Pearce

CHA CHA is excited to start a project with an amazing Toronto artist. Check out her skills HERE.

We are working on combining Ruth Ann's art with our handbags. Im excited to see how these will turn out.

If anyone would like to buy me a gift....

I would love anything from Pamela Love.
Here is an interview with the designer herself.

My Favorite Thing This Week Is....

My new shoes. Are they comfortable? No. Easy to walk in? Not really. But who cares, thats not the point, I love them. In my spare time I have taken to trolling the internet, searching for sales on shoes. It's become my hobby. I found these pretty Diors for MANY hundreds off the original price. I try and justify my shoe addiction by thinking.... I don't own a car, therefore I save tons of money a month. Since I walk every where, my feet are my mode of transportation and there fore should be well taken care of. It all balances out right??
I should find a less expensive way to spend my down time, maybe I will take up knitting. It's practically free and is suppose to be relaxing. But.... I probably wont.

One more option. I can not make up my mind.

I am having a very indecisive week. I just can't seem to make up my mind about anything. I can't decide what style I like more, what I want to eat for dinner, what pair of shoes I want to buy from the sale section of Saks, no decisions are being made at all.

So..... do we like the bag with suds on the front flap (see below post) studs on the bottom corners (this post) or no studs at all????

With or Without?

I made this clutch last night. I have been watching the orange, purplish, and gold leather sit next to each other on the shelf for weeks and really loved the way the looked together. So this bag is my first draft. I haven't decided if I like it better with the studs or with out. Thoughts?

Handbag Related Gifts.

I have a close friend who always buys me handbag related gifts. for Christmas last year she bought a book called "The History of the Handbag", I use it as a reference all the time. This year she bought me a handbag calender. Everyday is a picture of a different handbag, styles from the 1940's till now. It's hard not to skip ahead and look at all of them , but Im trying to control my curiosity and just look at one a day. These two are my favorite so far. The first bag is by Judith Leiber, circa 1990's, if I was a proper lady I would use it all the time. The second bag is by CC Designs, 2000's.

CHA CHA in People Style Watch

SHOP for the CAUSE 2 : A Fundraiser for HAITI

For anyone in the Toronto area. The ladies over at Nathalie- Roze & Co. are hosting a great shopping event this Saturday. ALL money raised goes directly to the Haiti Earthquake relief efforts via the Canadian Red Cross.  
Check out the facebook page HERE.

Todays Handbag Giveaway is.....

CONGRATS TO RENADA, THIS WEEKS HANDBAG WINNER!!
CINNAMON HEARTS CLUTCH! 
Simply join the cha cha club @ chachalifestyle.com for a chance to win!

Want your product to be in Macy's???

Macy's is holding an open call. Fill out the application and send it in before January 31st. If selected, you'd be invited to present your line in person and possibly have it sold in Macy's! Check out the details HERE. 

If I get rich soon I will buy....

This beautiful adaptation by Burberry’s  Christopher Bailey exclusively for the one and only Colette.   Available February 22-27, 2010 @ Colette. I read some where that it will cost $2800. If that is the case I will have to sell MANY MANY handbags from now till then!!

Special Discount for CHA CHA Followers!!

48 hour sale starting today today, ending Friday at midnight.. 50% off the entire stock!!

Enter code 50 at the end of your check out for the deduction. www.chachalifestyle.com

Making some new stuff

This week I am working on some new bags for spring as well as a few new pieces for Paris.
This is one I started today. It is unfinished but I like the way it looks so far. Made of bright red leather, includes heart snap closure, studded bottom and will include and adjustable strap. A perfect mix of girly rough.

Photography course, help please.

It's about time I took a photography course. I am starting one tomorrow. I bought a pretty nice camera almost two years ago and use it all the time, but I never really learned how to use it properly. Photos are everything when your business is web based so I know I can make my pictures better. One of my goals for 2010 is to ask for help more often. I have wasted a lot of time being stubborn and trying to figure somethings out all by myself when I could have just asked for help and learned how to do things properly right away.

Cha Cha is going to Paris

I just found out yesterday that I have been invited to take part in a show this February in Paris. I had received an email a while back about this opportunity. They were offering sponsorship for designers who qualified to be part of the "emerging designers" section. I applied, not really thinking I would be excepted but surprise, surprise, I was! I all of a sudden wish I had paid attention in high school french class!!

I will post more details about the event as I get ready for it.

Today I am.....

Finishing up the samples for Spring/Summer 2010. I will try and borrow a scanner and post my sketches. I am having technical difficulties today. My scanner isn't working and my camera is doing weird things. Actually, I think I am doing weird things to the settings on my camera so pictures are not turning out well. I think I will take a photography course this year.

Lately Im loving belts over stuff. Maybe it's a way to feel less bulky in all your winter clothes if your waist is cinched in a bit. As soon as my camera and I are on the same page I will post pictures of some new belts.

First Handbag Giveaway of 2010

UPDATE: Congrats to Jackie, this weeks winner!!! Your bag is on it's way!
Happy New Year!! 
I'm so excited for 2010, many great things in the works for Cha Cha. Im working on a new line of bags that will ready soon. I will post a few hints in the weeks to come.
To start the year off right, todays handbag giveaway is the "Marnie" She is made of smooth brown leather, lined with organic canvas, has two inside pockets, an extra long strap and closes with a fold over flap cover and hidden magnetic snaps.
Enter your email address at the CHA CHA SHOP for a chance to win.

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!