Since its launch in 1982, Vera Bradley Designs' signature cotton quilted handbags, luggage and accessories have become recognized worldwide. The fabrics are a tad too "country cottage" for me, so they don't work with my personal style, but here's why I still give them a big ol' thumb's up:
- The Vera Bradley success story is the epitome of the American Dream. Two longtime friends start small and make it big through hard work, passion and a loyal fanbase.
- It's a women-owned business. Gotta love that.
- The headquarters are in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Midwest represent!
- The styles appeal to all generations. Last time I was at the airport, I saw a daughter/mother/grandmother trio toting Vera Bradley carry-ons—too cute for words.
- They're affordable. Vera Bradley has something for every budget, from inexpensive wristlets to under-$100 tote bags, and discontinued styles always go on mad sale.
- Those delightful prints. How can anyone hate on those adorable little paisleys and florals? It would be like hating Care Bears. No one hates Care Bears.
OK, I've made my case. What do you think about Vera Bradley? Yea or nay?
It all depends on the print and style. I would never carry around a purse by them. I just think it's tacky... but If you need a duffel, why not go with a cute monogram one?
Sorry for the super-long comment.... clearly I'm more distressed over this than I originally thought.
LOL at Justine's diaper bag comment--spot on!
But I'm sorry the Vera Bradley purses are the most boring things invented.
I fell out of love with the quilted look when I was 10 and I feel like you either have to be 10 or 85 to be carrying around a purse that looks like knitting needles belong in it.
I do admire the story, though, and I certainly don't begrudge any woman her success in the business world.
File under: *WOULDN'T WANT IT IF IT WERE FREE*.
Enough said.
The prices are ridiculously high IMHO. So, again, normally, I would ignore this product line, until I realized the degree of quality and design. There are many sweet little details in purses, clutches, wallets, hipsters, crossbody bags, etc. that I would love in any other designer bag or accessories line. For, example, where else can you find a breakaway lanyard to match your clutch wallet? Or a ziparound ID case that matches your hipster purse AND your laptop bag? Or a backpack that fits your lunch sack and pencil case? Just try to find any of these coordinating features in another bag line. It can't be done. d.
Of course, beauty is all in the eye of the beholder. Some Vera Bradley patterns make me puke. Others I adore. The way I handle my mixed feelings to is find a pattern in a bag or accessory style that I want and wait for it to go on sale. The VB website has unbelievable discounts on retired patterns. I recently ordered small and medium packing cubes in Cuban Tiles pattern that were about $10 each because of 40% coupon on already reduced items. (The y retail at $24 and $28 each) You can't even get that kind of deal at anywhere else. I'm still waiting for them to arrive and can't wait to try them out.
For now, I am trying to be judicious with my spending. Good luck to everyone!