We all find different ways to cope after we hear crappy news—like you’re breaking up with a boy or getting the pink slip. When Torontonian Lori Chamers unexpectedly left her graphic design job of three years, she canned the nine to five grill for something a little more shall we say, in the bag.

Design handbags she did, with the result being cha cha, a Toronto based line adorned by celebs like Lady Gaga, Fergie, Denise Richards and Audrina Patridge.

“When I first started making handbags I would find the leather in second hand stores, used jackets, and skirts,” she says from her workshop. “I would cut them up and make them into something new. I really wanted to get back to that because it’s important to me as an individual and as a company to make environmentally sound choices wherever I can.”

Chalmers is so attuned to detail she lines each bag with organic canvas. At most times, she cuts and traces the leather herself. The cha cha collection is comprised of sexy metallic clutches, retro hobos and effortless wristlets that can be dressed up from day to night, and range from $85 to $500. Chamers is such a bag lova she writes a blog about her daily happenings as a designer.

The Entourage City Tote Cognac (above) is $340.55 and Entourage Classic Tote (below) is $311.77; these and others from cha cha are available here. Check out Chamers’ blog here.

Stella 3-in-1 Leather Shopper (first below) is $315; COCO Hip Bag  (second below) is $195.