Friday, May 18, 2012

Versatility and Style: Cuddly Monkey Totes {Review & Giveaway}

Oftentimes when I'm out shopping and see the handbag/purse/tote bag section, I get a little bewildered by all the choices and how they would relate to my life.

On the one hand, I'm a casual person. When I'm out and about, it's pretty much a guarantee that I'll be in jeans or athletic pants, so it's hard to imagine the need that would arise for a stylish, dressy handbag or chic little clutch.

On the other hand, however, I like all of those stylish, dressy options in handbags and purses. Because they just make me feel... like an adult. Even though I want to grab a bag that is larger — something big enough to fit my busy mom-on-the-go lifestyle, whether that means we're headed to the park, the pool, after-school activities, the gym, etc — it can still look good, right?

There's just no reason to throw your workout gear or towels into an old duffel bag anymore, because a dose of high quality and fashion can do wonders to reinforce the fact that you're not in sweats with dried macaroni & cheese stuck to your sock. Instead, the perfect solution is a tote bag that can work when mom is out shopping on her own or when she is rushing to ballet lessons without missing a beat: Cuddle Monkey.

canvas tote bags

Born in the heart of Soho in the design studio of Stag&Hare (a team of brand strategists and designers with a passion for creating and exploring), Cuddly Monkey tote bags are the definition of stylish but functional fun. These 100% canvas tote bags feature a simple, sleek, stylish outside that is in stark contrast to the bright, clever design or illustration found on the bag's lining. They are the best of both worlds!

Browsing the collection at Cuddly Monkey proved to be more difficult than I had expected, as each bag was more vivid and humorous than the next. Finally deciding that The Babe would be just right for nearly any occasion around here, I couldn't wait to see this tote in person.

Cuddly Monkey review

Calling out for a trip to the beach, The Babe captures the combination between crisp white and bright color in such a fun and fashionable way.

The outside features durable white canvas accented by light grey handles, which fit perfectly in your hand, the crook of your elbow or slung conveniently over your shoulder.

Cuddly Monkey tote bag

Along both the front and the back, The Babe has three easily-accessible deep pockets (a total of six) that are just the right size for sliding any number of necessities inside. A bottle of sunscreen, a cell phone, a camera, sunglasses... just about anything!

fashion tote bag

However, the uniqueness of this great bag really becomes apparent as soon as you look inside. How can you not be instantly cheered up when you pop open your tote to reach for your magazine and you find...

watermelon tote bag

Love it! The first time I showed The Babe to Big Sister E and Little Sister B and asked them what they thought of the lining, they both shouted, "Watermelon!" and giggled. What better way to sum up the feeling that you get from seeing the bright red inside?

Each time I have used our Cuddly Monkey tote, I have enjoyed it a little more. As it measures in at 20"W x 15"H x 5 1/2"D, there is plenty of room to store our belongings no matter where the girls and I are running around town. I especially appreciate the addition of the snap closure and inner zipper compartment, as I feel glad knowing that my items won't fall out if the bag is tipped and my valuables are kept secure.

beach tote bag

No matter if you are looking for sophistication with a touch of elegance or practicality with a rugged twist, Cuddly Monkey will have a modern bag that will leave you stylishly ready for anything. The collection retails from $68 to $94 (The Babe has an $80 price tag) and, while that is on the higher end for a tote bag, this is not just your basic tote bag.

The functionality, versatility, high quality, and downright fun colors and designs will make your Cuddly Monkey bag the first one that you reach for for your next outing. I'm looking forward to using this for quite some time to come!

Cuddly Monkey The Babe

Sold exclusively on their website, you'll want to visit CuddlyMonkey.com to see photos (especially of the great linings!) and find out more about how their great selection of totes are perfect for any stylista on the go.

Thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be prepared to hit the beach or the gym or just run errands very fashionably as well, because...

One lucky person will win The Babe tote bag from Cuddly Monkey!

Cuddly Monkey giveaway

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to Cuddly Monkey for providing The Babe tote bag for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

190 comments:

shelby b said...

i love the stud
snugles4433@hotmail.com

ColleenMarie82 said...

i also like The Stud

inman@Mobap.edu

Suburban prep said...

I like the Chica in red

Aralynlove said...

I like the boo bag

Jessica said...

I love THe Stud. What a beautiful turquoise color!

jek9880 at gmail dot com

Brandy Castillo said...

I like the goddess bag because of the playful and bright liner

lgm52 said...

I like the Boo Bag

Sylvia said...

I like the Stud
sylviawhit@gmail.com

LissaDora said...

I like t he stud!

debijackson said...

The chica and red is my color

KayeDean said...

I like the Goddess.

Stephanie said...

I like the Darling in white - love the purple lining.

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said...

The purple stud is awesome
vmkids3 at msn dot com

Serena said...

I like the blue-green stud.


Serena Powell

Anonymous said...

I like the stud. julierupert@gmail.com

Allyson Bossie said...

I love the Darling
masugr at yahoo dot com

jodi lasher said...

I like the stud.

Jennifer Irving said...

I like the Chica

Elaine said...

I like the Chica

Julie Lynn Bickham said...

I like the The Stud bag.

bayctygrl said...

I like the darling bag

hippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com

Jennifer B

Ashley Hughes said...

I like the red Chica Bag! So fun!

Anonymous said...

I also like the purple STUD bag.

SueZH said...

I like The Darling.

Anonymous said...

The Goddess

The Tesdalls said...

I love the stud bag!

kortnie.tesdall@gmail.com

Maija M said...

I love The Stud!! Maija pinkmaija at yahoo dot com

Mrs. Brown said...

The chica bag looks great!

kellybrown28021@gmail.com

Stephanie - Couponing Momma said...

I like the stud.

sbourne825 at gmail dot com

Wild N Mild $$$ said...

I like the Chica bag.
Jennifer Rote
wildnmild4u at yahoo dot com

Kimberly R. said...

I like the Boo Bag.

RebeccaWM said...

I love the Stud. What a pretty shade of blue!

vandahm said...

I like the Boo Bag best!!
Jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

CAJUNMAN12 said...

I like The Stud

adf said...

I like the purple stud bag in purple

rtmarie09@aol.com

Jackie said...

I also like The Darling.
Thank you!

s said...

The Boo Bag

Anonymous said...

the chica bag!!!
taylormarves at gmail dot com

Frogger101 said...

the stud.

Unknown said...

The darling.

htarver1991@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I like the red Chica bag.


Love3570@aol.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I really like The Boo Bag.

Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity. ~Pauline

dod@rogers.com

nickieisis3 said...

I like the boo bag.

nickieisis3atgmaildotcom

Kristina said...

The Babe

basketgal917@hotmail.com

Lorna England said...

The Darling for me!! Love the surprise acorns inside!
Thanks for the chance to win!

Lindsay, dozer_bug@yahoo.com said...

The stud, in purple! Love it! Thanks for showing us the site!

Carrie Phelps said...

These bags are so cute, I love The Darling.

EMMAHORTON said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

I LIKE The Chica Bag

Anonymous said...

the boo bag
rierie11booger (@) yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I like the red Chica.

Amanda J said...

The stud bag for sure!

danw78704 said...

twitted this, love the boo bag

Linda W. said...

The Chica.

Maryea said...

The Darling and it really is darling!
magloro@gmail.com

Amanda said...

Oh my! They are all sooo cute! I love the bird lining of the Darling and Stud bags, the deer and rabbit lining of the Stud bag, the acorn and pinecone lining of the Darling, AND the orange slice lining of the Goddess!

Carol said...

I like the Chica in red
brand242003@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

The darling
Gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Diana Lane Utley said...

I like the Chica Bag.

Sarah Rainwater said...

the stud!

Diane Zielinski said...

I like the Goddess bag.

David said...

My wife would love the Stud :)

dvdgossett915 at gmail.com

Unknown said...

The Darling is so cute!!

Kimberly said...

The Chica Bag
Kims2312@verizon.net

Jessica said...

I like The Stud in purple
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

STF said...

love The Goddess,,,,great bags!

contest lover said...

I like the darling!
Anne_sharpe25@yahoo.com

Patricia said...

I like the Goddess

mogrill said...

I like the boo bag.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com

Tara said...

Love The Stud Bag! LOVE!

Ravyn Jazper-Hawke said...

I like The Stud.

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I like the Purple Stud.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love the chica bag.

JJ said...

I like the STUD. Thanks gahome2mom/gmail/com

Tammy1409 said...

Like the Chica Bag best. LOVE the liner!!!

Karen said...

ADORE the Goddess Bag :)

ktgonyea at gmail.com

Brandi Elam said...

I like the Stud!

Keely B said...

I like the Chica Bag!

LORI WOLFE said...

Love the Darling.
rwolfe1071@aol.com

Maggie said...

I like the Chica bag in red.

RawAlmond said...

The stud purple!!

mverno said...

chica bag mverno@roadrunner.com

Jennifer T. said...

I like the Darling.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

hu said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Celeste said...

the Boo Bag :)

Miranda Ward said...

The Babe!


freebiegoddess03@Aol.com

Amethyst said...

The Boo Bag is pretty cute, but I want the Babe.

Unknown said...

the stud

Brooke M Adametz said...

I like The Chica!

AngelWinner said...

The Chica in red!
angelababy2007@live.com

Unknown said...

The Darling

Anonymous said...

Love The Stud.

Francesca M. said...

I love the Darling bag in white!

Anonymous said...

The Boo Bag!!

♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ said...

I like the The Chica Bag in black

Thank you for hosting this giveaway

Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

born2boop said...

The Stud

M.j. said...

I like the Chica bag...ciao4now64 at yahoo dot com.

HomemadeBaby said...

Love the purple Stud bag, and the Darling too.
Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

Daily Woman (Lacey) said...

The Boo Bag
laceylong27574atgmaildotcom

Becky said...

I like the red chica!

Donna said...

I like the darling

wildcat32 said...

I like the Stud in purple.

monster6236 at gmail dot com

C and C girl said...

I love the chica bag. Very nice
nmcpherson74 at yahoo dot com

polly said...

i like the chica bag in red

bellsam said...

the purple bag named stud

Teresa Thompson said...

The Goddess. marine.mom42@hotmail.com Teresa Thompson

Jennifer said...

I like the The Boo Bag

Amy G said...

The Chica bag

Jaime Nicole said...

I love the Darling Bag!

Lina said...

I really like the Goddess!

Victoria G said...

The Stud

Unknown said...

I love the Stud

KJ Commodity Critiques said...

I really like the stud!

LeeAnn said...

I like the Goddess!

tranch said...

i also like The Stud

Vromanators said...

Love The Chica Bag!! So CUTE!

Anonymous said...

I really like the Goddess. Cute and functional :)

Anonymous said...

Like the Goddess. Cute and functional :)
n_halstensgaard@hotmail.com

Mizerable Guild said...

I really like the Chica!!! :) Thanks for the heads up on the site.

Mayla Moore said...

I like The Darling in white!

Mayla Moore said...

I like The Darling in white!

Laura Lynch said...

hard to pick one, but the boo bag? haha

Seyma Bennett Shabbir said...

red chica bag
seyma_bennett@hotmail.com

apple blossom said...

goddess looks nice but not too sold on white.

willdebbie said...

I also like the darling
willdebbie97 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

i also like the stud bag!

christinejessamine at hotmail dot com

lisa said...

the Goddess bag

Sue C. said...

I like The Goddess - deep pockets!

behapATyahooDOTcom

Stefanie Elysse Hurtado said...

I love the Darling!

LesleyfromWI said...

I like the study

dmoniz1980 said...

i like the darling

yanktheese@yahoo.com

MommaMary said...

I liked the Chica Bag

katja9_10 said...

I love the Darling Bag.

Les Johnson

jeffmcclellan said...

I like the Boo Bag

darce said...

I like the purple stud~~

MELINA said...

I like the STUD

Gladys Parker said...

The Boo Bag
sps1113 at yahoo dot com

Hoa said...

I like the Chica Bag.

alittlepieceofheaven777(at)yahoo(dot)com

Katie R. said...

I like the goddess

Yolanda said...

I like the Chica bag.
skyrobinson@yahoo.com

Michelle Frame said...

I love the The Chica Bag
mframe00@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I like The Stud.

Stephanie R. said...

I like the darling!

stephanie.rutledge@me.com

Anonymous said...

CHICA!

Unknown said...

i like the chica!

dani marie

ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Yona Williams said...

I like the grey and black Darling. email: yona(at)pricelesswriters.com

Sewing Fun said...

I like the BOO BAG !

Candice said...

The stud and the red chica bag.
thanks!

annies home said...

love the darling
shopannies@yahoo.com

bettycd said...

love the Goddess - those wonderful wrap around pockets

Tamar said...

I love the Stud. Turquoise is my favorite color.

Unknown said...

The Stud! Cute bag, awesome name!!!

Brandy said...

Really like the stud (brandys01@aol.com)

Rita M said...

I also like The Darling.

*Brittany C* said...

I really like the The Stud bag! Thanks:)

Phoenix said...

The Chica Bag.

AnnaZed said...

I like 'The Stud', my husband would use that!

The Rafflecopter calls me 'Margot' since it is accessing my facebook where I am 'Margot Core' and is connected to this email:

annazed10 [at] yahoo [dot] com

katiedid28411 said...

The Chica Bag is super cute!

lilyk said...

The Stud bag looks very nice!

Anonymous said...

the red Chica Bag rkmarsh@aol.com

skipthelaundry said...

The stud.
skipthelaundry at gmail dot com

shirley H said...

the stud



cpsnsamples@aol.com

Mandy K said...

The boo bag

Sonya said...

I love the Chica bag!

Sharon McIntyre said...

I love the Stud bag!

blandmj said...

Love "The Stud" Fashion forward in the teal blue.

Gina said...

I love the The Chica Bag in Black

Unknown said...

The Stud is so cute!!

Jamie T said...

The goddess bag or the stud bag!!

tarman120 at verizon dot net

Trisha McKee said...

I liked the Stud.

Unknown said...

My wife loves the Chica Bag... bold red with summer on the inside... very cool

gohanxavier@yahoo.com

ltlbitone said...

The first one on their site is my Fave... The Boo Bag

ltlbit1 at hotmail dot com

Renee owen said...

I like the stud

tracey said...

i like the chica bag in black
thanks
rochelle johnson
traceyj40@sbcglobal.net

Unknown said...

The Darling

Tracie Brown said...

The stud

brendaelsner said...

The red chica bag.

kat said...

I love The Boo Bag.
kat_emerick@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I like the Chica in red.
Sherry Conrad
discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

Kathy P said...

i like The Chica Bag

Unknown said...

I like the darling
schueler.jessica@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

i like the darling.
kyonac1@gmail.com

Marianna said...

I like the Chica!
Marianna

tina reynolds said...

I like the stud in purple
eaglesforjack@gmail.com

Shanda S. said...

I like the Stud.

couponshanda (at) yahoo (dot) com

Dawn Reid said...

I like the Goddess
mightynaynay(at)cs.com

Tylerpants said...

I also like the Goddess bag! tylerpants@gmail.com

daveshir2005 said...

I also like The Stud

daveshir2005@yahoo.com

fb/ shirley greenawalt zolenski

Anonymous said...

Love The Chica Bag... great color!

SavingsInSeconds said...

I like the red chica bag.
The watermelon fabric inside the Babe is adorable!
Dede

Breanne said...

I like the chica bag