Get a Sneak Peek at the Spring 2009 Vera Bradley Collection – and Help Out a Good Cause!

September 22, 2008 By Dawn 4 Comments

Would you like to get a sneak peek at the Spring 2009 Vera Bradley collection (waaaay before anyone else)? I would!

QUICK UPDATE:  The Vera Bradley Spring 2009 collection is now available!  Make sure you check it out before you go - you won't be disappointed!

Now back to the original post...

However, I can think of only one problem - there's several months (and several feet of snow) to go before I can actually purchase any of them! However, you will have a chance to get a sneak peek in the very near future, and it's all for a very good cause. Keep reading to find out more... [Read more...]

Filed Under: Everything Else, What's New Tagged With: spring 2009 vera bradley, tickled pink

More Good Vera Bradley News for the Fort Wayne Area

August 17, 2008 By Dawn Leave a Comment

Hey Fort Wayne readers, I have some great news!  Vera Bradley is opening another production facility, this one in New Haven.  The company has hashed out plans to lease the Nishikawa building on Adams Center Road, and will add 490 new jobs over the next two years.

I drive past the Nishikawa building all the time, and think to myself, what a waste!  Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the building is less than fifteen years old.  Funny thing...my husband actually got a job there when Nishikawa first opened.  He only stayed about two weeks, because a much better job offer came along, and thankfully, he took it (especially considering Nishikawa's short stint).  But now, Vera Bradley is moving in!  I'm sure you will agree - our economy can use all the help it can get, especially with the migration of good manufacturing jobs out of the city, out of the state, and out of the country!

This is not only good news for Fort Wayne/New Haven - it's good news for anyone who loves the quality of Vera Bradley products, and the fact that the majority of their products are made here in the U.S.A.  Personally, I wish that ALL their products were made here in the United States, but unfortunately, they are not.  To me, a sure sign of quality is that little tag that says "Made In America". 

Well, I am glad to hear there will be more Vera Bradley handbags, luggage and other accessories produced here...

Filed Under: Everything Else Tagged With: vera bradley

A Candid Review of the Vera Bradley Hipster

July 5, 2008 By Dawn 1 Comment

I purchased the Vera Bradley Hipster at this year's outlet sale, and just within the past week or so, started using it.  Although my usual bag is a Villager (or one of the other similarly sized purses), I really loved the styling of the Hipster and thought I could handle downsizing.  Unfortunately, I ran into a few issues...

I still love the styling, and I have received a ton of compliments, even though I just started using it.  I think I counted four or five compliments just at the family Fourth of July party I attended this weekend!  After commenting on the bag, however, I have had a few people ask me what I think about it.  And as much as I hate to say anything bad about my favorite line of handbags, I did have a few complaints regarding this particular one.

My biggest complaint is that the bag is simply too narrow.  It is deep, which I like, but since it is so narrow, it's very difficult to get at anything that is at the bottom.  I am training myself to put my car keys in the outside pocket, because when I throw them inside the purse, it's a struggle to get them back out.

Another thing I don't like are the interior pockets.  It has two slip interior pockets on one side of the bag, and for some reason, I find I'm always catching my wallet or checkbook on the pockets.  Personally, I think they stick out too far into the interior of the bag, and that's causing the problem.  It happens so frequently, I just know I am going to end up tearing one of the pockets.  Aaargh!  I also wish that it had an interior zipper pocket.  Good thing it has one on the outside of the bag!

Besides the overall look of the Vera Bradley Hipster, there are a couple of things that I do like (not everything's negative!).  I like the two exterior pockets.  As I already mentioned, there's a good-sized one with a zipper, but just above that one, there's another slip pocket that goes the entire width of the bag, which I think is handy. 

I also like the strap.  It's adjustable, and I find that I like having the ability to change its length.  Sometimes I leave it long and sling the bag across my body.  Other times I shorten it up and carry it like a traditional handbag.  It all just depends on my mood.

As of fall 2008, the Hipster has been restyled.  I am guessing that a lot of the issues that I experienced with the older model have been addressed.  The new style has three interior slip pockets.  The company also describes it as having a "roomier interior".  The new style still has an adjustable strap, although the exterior pockets have been restyled.  There's now only one on the front of the bag, and it snaps shut.  The zippered exterior pocket has been relocated to the back of the bag.

So, that's my review.  Even though I had issues, I'm sure I will carry it around for several more months.  At some point, I will probably pick up the restyled version too. 

As always, if you have anything to say, feel free to leave a comment...

Filed Under: Everything Else Tagged With: vera bradley, vera bradley hipster

My Thoughts on the Vera Bradley Lawsuit

June 29, 2008 By Dawn Leave a Comment

I sometimes forget that what may be "breaking news" here is of very little importance outside of my little bubble in the world.  For those of you who do not know already, I live close to Fort Wayne, the same city that the Vera Bradley company calls "home".

The big news here in Fort Wayne is regarding a lawsuit that was filed this week against the Vera Bradley company.  The lawsuit was filed by the company's former supplier, claiming breach of contract.  You can see the full article and get more details here.

Basically, the company was sued by its former supplier, Robert Hinty and his three companies, because it moved its production operations in-house earlier this year.  Hinty was not only a supplier, but a former employee of the company, who took out a $3 million loan to grow his business as a supplier for Vera Bradley.

Do I think this lawsuit is going to be a problem?  No, I think it's just a minor hiccup, and I'm guessing that the ladies running the show there knew it was coming.

Having worked in the legal field for several years, I always think its funny to watch Boston Legal (type) shows, where someone gets sued one day, and the very next day they show them in Court duking it out.  In real life, it never happens that way.  It takes months, usually years, before the case goes to Court.  Nine out of ten times the case settles before it ever makes it to that point.

I think that will be the outcome here.  Vera Bradley will file an answer to the complaint.  The parties will exchange discovery requests.  It may even make it as far as mediation.  But in the end, I think the parties will come to some private settlement.  Hinty will be able to pay back his loan, and may even get some start-up capital for his next venture, and both parties will move forward.

Of course, I could always be wrong!  It's just my personal thoughts on the matter.  However, I will keep an eye on how the situation progresses and keep you updated.

Filed Under: Everything Else Tagged With: vera bradley

I Miss My Vera Bradley Mimi Backpack

June 24, 2008 By Dawn Leave a Comment

I just added a new category for the Vera Bradley Mimi Backpacks on the Discount Fabric Handbags store, and it got me thinking about how much I miss the one I used to have.  As a matter of fact, I even have a vivid memory of finding out that the style was retiring (I guess I was a little too attached!)...

Vera Bradley Mimi Backpack

My oldest son is now ten, but when he was just a little guy, we would have weekly playdates with his friend Cassidy.  During the summer, Cassidy's mom and I would meet at the zoo here in Fort Wayne every Friday.   We would load up our Mimi backpacks with water bottles and Teddy Grahams, cover the kids in sunscreen, and go and spend a good couple of hours with the monkeys and zebras.

It was during one of these Friday outings that Cassidy's mom informed me that our favorite backpack line was joining the ranks of discontinued Vera Bradley products.  It may seem superficial to some, but we were mutually bummed over the news! 

Unfortunately, the bag I took on all those weekly zoo trips eventually wore out and ended up in the Goodwill box.  Cassidy's mom and I also lost touch, as our kids grew and their maturing interests consumed our schedules.  However, any time I see a Vera Bradley Mimi backpack (and they are still around, believe it or not), I think of those zoo trips - and fondly remember the good times we had with Cassidy and her mom.

Filed Under: Everything Else

Happy Mother’s Day

May 11, 2008 By Dawn Leave a Comment

Just wanted to wish all the moms out there a very happy Mother's Day! 

I'm blessed to be mom to two little guys, although one isn't so little anymore - he's almost bigger than me!  My oldest gave me a coupon book to be used for chores (I remember giving one to my mom when I was little, but I don't remember her using any of the coupons).  My youngest gave me a necklace made out of Fruit Loops.  I thought about wearing it to church this morning, but I'm afraid he might make a snack out of it!  

Have a wonderful day today, and happy mother's day!

Filed Under: Everything Else

2008 Retired Vera Bradley On Sale Now

March 7, 2008 By Dawn Leave a Comment

The 2008 retired Vera Bradley patterns are now 25% off when you shop online at VeraBradley.com.  Retiring colors include Windsor Navy, Capri Melon, Medallion, Classic Black and Petal Pink.  I'm not sure how long this deal will last.  As they say, here today, gone tomorrow.  I will keep you posted if I come across any other Vera Bradley coupons or deals.  And as always, don't go without checking our selection here at Discount Fabric Handbags.

Filed Under: Everything Else
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