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.

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.

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.

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!

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...

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.

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!

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!

(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.