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...]

Coming Soon – A Vera Bradley Outlet Store!

In case you haven't heard yet, the first Vera Bradley Outlet Store will be opening in November! The store will be located at the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, Illinois, and will feature merchandise discounted 25% to 40% off.

According to the article that I read, the company chose this location because it is one of the top ten largest outlet malls in the United States. Although there are no immediate plans to open similar stores, it's in their business strategy, and we may see more at some time down the road. [Read more...]

Vera Bradley Microfiber Tote Giveaway!

The Vera Bradley Microfiber Tote giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to everyone who entered!  Make sure you check back in soon for your next chance to win...

This is one of the best giveaways yet! This time I have a beautiful Vera Bradley Microfiber City Tote to give to one of my lucky visitors...

Vera Bradley Microfiber Tote Bag Giveaway

I love this bag! More than once, I have had to resist the temptation to tear the price tag off and to declare it "MINE!". It is so pretty. However, I purchased it with the intention of giving it away, and so, that's what I'm going to do!

Before we go into the giveaway details, I will tell you a little bit about it...

* This tote is a beautiful limited edition style from the black microfiber collection. Although the style is now retired, it will never go out of style.

* It features double quilted stitching. Many of the microfiber bags feature contrasting stitching, but this one has coordinating black stitching.

* It has eye-catching chrome-colored rivet and buckle details. Very classy looking!

* Pockets? Of course! It has a large slip pocket on the front exterior of the tote. Inside, there are two smaller slip pockets, as well as one large zippered pocket.

* Although it's a "tote", the main compartment does have a zipper closure, and the overall styling is more like a purse.

* The suggested retail price is $90.00.

Now, for the giveaway details: [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...]

What Do You Think About the New Vera Bradley Pleated Tote?

I'm just curious what others think of the new Vera Bradley Pleated Tote.  Of the new fall 2009 styles, this is THE bag for me.  I love it!  However, I have to confess I always go for the larger bags - and at 14¾” x 14” x 5¼”, this one is big.  One of these days I will probably get a lecture from my chiropractor, but as a mother, there are just too many things that I can't leave home without!  I can fit everything I need (and want!) to carry in this bag.

However, in addition to its size, there are a few other reasons why this tote receives my vote for the best bag of 2009: [Read more...]

Lovin’ the New Vera Bradley Fall 2009 Patterns!

The new Vera Bradley Fall 2009 patterns will be available in the next few days!

(UPDATE on 6/26/09:  Good news - as promised, the new patterns are now out!)

The names of the new signature colors are Blue Rhapsody, Carnaby and Pirouette. Of course, you probably want to know more than just the names, so here is a picture of the three new colors...

Vera Bradley Fall 2009 Patterns

[Read more...]