The Nature-Inspired Vera Bradley Sittin’ in a Tree

Recently, I did a post about the new spring patterns, including the adorable Vera Bradley Sittin' in a Tree fabric.  Before the summer patterns arrive in the stores (trust me, they will be here before we know it!), I wanted to talk a little more about the spring styles.  To kick off the discussion, I thought I would talk about my favorite of the four new releases - the Sittin' in a Tree pattern.

I always chuckle to myself when I hear others call these granny bags.  Before the spring styles actually hit the stores, there was a lot of "granny bag talk", even from diehard Vera fans.  I think it has to do with the fact that three of the four new spring patterns have vintage roots.

However, that's not the only reason.  I also think some of the preliminary pictures were not the best.  Last summer, Vera Bradley posted sneak peek pictures of Sittin' in a Tree on Flickr.  Here's a link so you know what I'm talking about:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/clubvera/3788375179/in/set-72157621819487995/

When I saw this picture, I have to admit that I didn't like the colors at all.  I know sometimes computer monitors can display differently, but I looked at this picture on about half a dozen different monitors, and to be honest, I did not like what I saw on any of them!  The green and turquoise hues were almost fluorescent and just didn't work well on the brown background.  Fortunately, it was either a bad picture, or the pattern went through some additional modifications before its release, because the style that is now in stores is so much better than those original pics. [Read more...]

The Vera Bradley Reversible Tote – Two Looks in One!

By now, most of you have probably already seen the Vera Bradley Reversible Tote, new for fall 2009. This bag is absolutely cute, and very versatile too!  In case you haven't had an opportunity to see it yet, here's a picture of one in the pretty Hope Garden print...

Vera Bradley Reversible Tote

I love it when the new patterns arrive at my local Vera store. One of the first things that I like to do is pick up the new purses and take a peek inside to see the liner fabric. I'm wondering - how many of you do this too!? As much as I love the signature patterns, there's been more than once that I liked the interior fabric as much (if not more!) than the exterior fabric. [Read more...]

The Not-So-Spicy Vera Bradley Paprika

There were three new signature fabrics released for winter 2009, and because I have already talked about two of them, I have just one more to discuss - the Vera Bradly Paprika pattern.  Of the three new patterns, I thought this one would be my favorite.  However, as you may already know from reading my earlier posts, Symphony in Hue won out in the end, after seeing the fabrics in person.

I think the name is what first attracted me to this style.  With fair skin and hair, warm, spicy colors tend to dominate the colors I have in my closet.  Based on its name, I assumed that the Vera Bradley Paprika pattern would fit right in.  However, it's a bit brighter than I envisioned, and in the end, I don't think it's the best choice for me.  Luckily, no two people are alike, and I'm sure that this will be a favorite of others who have the complexion to pull off the colors in this pattern. [Read more...]

Vera Bradley Imperial Toile – Surprise, It’s Brown!

Have you seen the Vera Bradley Imperial Toile in person yet?  When pictures of this pattern first surfaced, I thought it was in shades of black and ivory.  I have talked to several others who thought the same thing too, many who were disappointed to learn that the toile pattern had no black at all, but rather dark brown.

I have to admit that I'm torn.  I really liked the idea of the black and ivory mix, just because it would look great with many of the fall and winter clothes I have in my closet.  However, pinks and browns are one of my favorite color combinations too, and this fabric's pink accents are definitely eye catching (and really cute too!).   [Read more...]

Vera Bradley Symphony in Hue – Pictures Don’t Do It Justice!

My first glimpse of the recently released Vera Bradley Symphony in Hue was back in June.  Christmas stockings made from this pattern were passed out at the 2009 Tony Awards.

Based on these pictures, I have to reluctantly admit that I was not initially impressed with this pattern.  However, when in doubt, I have found that sometimes the best thing to do is to wait until I can see it in person.  I have been wanting to make a trip to my local Vera Bradley store to do just that, but since the kids have been back to school, the only time I spend on the road is shuttling them back and forth to school, and my sixth grader to football practices and games. [Read more...]

The Vera Bradley Canvas Collection – Perfect for Fall!

Not long ago, I posted that a new limited edition line was going to be introduced for autumn - the Vera Bradley Canvas Collection. It's now been available for the past couple of weeks in select stores, and for those of you lucky enough to have seen these new bags in person (or to own one), I'm curious to know if you like them as much as I do!

Vera Bradley Canvas

The handbags in this line feature durable, stain-resistant canvas. The creamy, quilted fabric is beautifully accented with rich brown suede details and sturdy webbed straps. They are a little pricier than the signature cotton styles - the Cedar Duffel retails for $165, the Birchwood Backpack for $120, and the Chestnut Tote for $105. [Read more...]

Imperial Toile, Paprika, Symphony in Hue…and Other Vera Bradley Sneak Peeks for Fall

In case you missed it, Vera Bradley has their new Winter 2009 colors posted on their Facebook page.  They are not in stores yet, but my guess is that it shouldn't be too long before these are available (possibly September?).  I actually like all three, and I definitely can't wait to see them in person!

Here are some pics of the new patterns...

Vera Bradley Imperial Toile

Imperial Toile

Vera Bradley Paprika

Paprika

Vera Bradley Symphony in Hue

Symphony in Hue

As much as I love these, I'm even more excited to see the new specialty collections...   [Read more...]

New Vera Bradley Frill Collection Turning Things Inside Out!

I am soooo in love with the Vera Bradley Frill collection!  If you have not seen these new fall 2009 styles yet, you can see a few pictures below...

First up is the SOI (So Over It) tote in Pirouette. If you remember, I said that I would probably not be buying anything this fall in this pattern. Ummm, I lied. There is no way that I will be able to resist this adorable tote. I love plaid, and I love this bag. Everything about it. Absolutely everything!

Vera Bradley SOI in Pirouette

How cute is the wallet below! This is the new G2G (Got to Go) wallet in the Carnaby print. I want one. No, I want three! Of course, I will have no money to put into it. You thought I was kidding about having to join a ten step program to cure me of my Vera Bradley addiction, but if they keep adding new items like this, I'm going to have some real problems!

Vera Bradley GTG Wallet in Carnaby

Finally, check out the YTB (You're the Best) handbag in Blue Rhapsody. Don't you just love it! You can wear it over your shoulder, or take off the removable strap, and carry it in your hand. I can't wait to see this in person!

Vera Bradley YTB Handbag in Blue Rhapsody
[Read more...]

The Surprisingly Spacious Vera Bradley Stephanie

At 14” x 9½”, I knew the new Vera Bradley Stephanie was a good-sized handbag.  However, I didn't realize just how much it could hold until I saw it in person.  It expands up to six inches wide.   When you consider that the average width of most handbags is four inches, the additional two that this one provides really does make a big difference.

The spacious Vera Bradley Stephanie is also really cute!  A couple of the new fall 2009 bags are now featuring chrome-colored O-ring details.  This bag is one of them, with the rings on each side stylishly connecting the double straps of this purse to its body.  [Read more...]

I Saw the Vera Bradley Saddle Up Bag – On QVC.com…

I had heard rumors that QVC was adding my favorite handbag line to its product lineup.  However, I was recently surprised to find the new Vera Bradley Saddle Up bag on their website...

Why the surprise?  Well, I guess I just assumed that they would be carrying overstocks or discontinued items.  However, the Saddle Up bag is new for the fall 2009 season, and there it was, available on the mega-shopping channel's website, in fall's new colors of Blue Rhapsody, Carnaby and Pirouette.  At the time I saw it on their site, it was selling for about $6.00 less than the suggested retail price of $65.00.   [Read more...]