I just bought my first one yesterday. My DD LOVES them! She has everything....the diaper bag, two duffel bags, backpack, a couple purses, coin purse, etc.

They are SO outreagously expensive! There isn't a whole lot to them. I looked at it in the store, and contemplated getting some quilted material and MAKING one. It wouldn't be hard.

I did splurge, even though I had a hard time justifying the cost. But, what the heck? You can't take it with you.

By Marg on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 07:09 am:

Which one do you have?

I never saw them before, but I clicked on those 'smart ads' they're really cute!

By Ilovetom on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 08:37 am:

My daughters! LOL. They have started so many different patterns. Their favorite is the Miller bag for spending the night and basketball/cheerleader stuff. As soon as they get some pieces going- they are discontinued. I always wonder who can afford to buy those as fast as they discontinue the colors?

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 09:33 am:

Never heard of them!

By Vicki on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 10:53 am:

They have never done anything for me. I prefer leather!!

By Rayanne on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 10:56 am:

I think that they are cute. I wouldn't use it as a purse though. I'd probably use it as a diaper bag.

By Beth on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 01:39 pm:

I do prefer leather also. But my sister wanted one of these. I found her one at a flea market and it was in really good shape for only $12. It was a bigger one also. I think they make these in town near where I grew up and they have some kind of big sale every year. If I hear I will let you know!

By Vicki on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 01:45 pm:

That is true, it would be a cute diaper bag or travel bag or something. I just wouldn't want one as a purse!!

By Tink on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 01:53 pm:

I have to say I'm not a fan. I don't love the patterns or colors. I have heard that they are well-made but they certainly aren't my style.

By Melanie on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 03:05 pm:

I have one for a make-up bag. I don't care for them as purses, but I do like them for diaper bags, make-up bags and those sorts of things.

By Hol on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 12:34 am:

I bought the small shoulder bag. It is called the "Spectator". It has an adjustable strap. It also has two pockets outside, two pockets inside, and a zippered pocket on the outside back. I don't like most of the patterns. The only one I liked is Nantucket Navy, which I bought. With the sales tax, it was $63.00!! I know that it's probably poor stewardship of money, but I like the lightness of it, the size and the style. It is also washable, which I love, when you think of how many places your purse goes.

Being a vegetarian, I don't use leather purses. I go for cloth ones, or microfiber. They have accessories, too, like wallets, checkbook covers, eyeglass cases, etc., that match the purse.

I think they are made in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They employ like 600 people, so that's good. It creates jobs for Americans. They also give a good deal of money to breast cancer research.

Their products are also guarunteed. If you have a problem with it, or need a repair, you can send it to them.

Vera Bradley.com tells the whole story about the company. You can also buy them new at Rustic Hutch.com; and on ebay. Beth, if you found one at a flea market for $12.00, you got a bargain!!

By Dawnk777 on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 12:42 am:

Blue Print purse

This one is cute! I would like this one! $38, though? Yikes!

By Feona on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 05:20 am:

We have one in the car for ds amusement restaurant bag. I think it is the large villiager. I have been through 3 cheap bags already. (One a year) This one looks like it will last a long time... And it is a dream to carry. Feels great on the shoulder. Fabric is cotton. Sturdy looking.. Of course I could have gone cheaper. We can use it when we travel too. I like to bring alot of amusements on planes. Else ds will cry.

I sort of want to replace my handbag with one but I really don't need it.... I got a nice comfortable black leather handbag I love.

I love that blue and black pattern. But I really don't need. (Repeat repeat.... ) I haven't seen it before.

By Beth on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 08:47 am:

Yes, Hol Fort Wayne Indiana is only like 30 minutes from where I grew up. My family still lives there so I will keep an ear open for the big sale. I do like these bags. I was more afraid because they were cloth. Even though there washable I was afraid it would get dirty or wet. I am kind of hard on things.

By Katiesmommy on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 09:40 am:

Check Ebay for Vera Bradley you can get some good deals. The are very expensive and come out with new fabrics everyyear I think. They are a bit "loud and colorful" for everday but I must admit, I have a diaper bag from her line. She has been around a long time and remind me of the Yuppie bags we carried in the 80's. Very pretty but not very practical for my use.

By Conni on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 10:36 am:

Hol, I think its great you *treated* yourself to something pretty that you like! You do alot for others everyday and you deserve it.

I think they are cute! I dont have one. But I did buy a couple of diaper bags that were quilted and embroideried (sp) with Blakes name on the side. They were adorable. I even splurged on a diaper bag that was a duffle style sports bag with his name. He still uses that when he goes to Grandmas house overnight. So the money spent was worth it--we have used the heck out of those bags. They have held up well.

By Ilovetom on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 02:04 pm:

Wow- Hol! Thanks for all that info! That makes me like Vera Bradley even more.

By Hol on Monday, February 7, 2005 - 02:00 pm:

Thanks, Conni! That's kind of you to say. I do feel guilty when I spend money on myself, though.

By My2cuties on Monday, February 7, 2005 - 03:42 pm:

Oh wow, I love the Tote and the villager in Bermuda pink and the Sherbert colors, I am going this week to look at them at out local retailer. Thanks alot, I just told my cousin I am so sick of the "diaper bag" look (after carrying one for over 3 years and now I am going to have another baby). $50 is not alot of money to make you feel better about the way you look (or in this case about what you carry.lol)..

By Dawnk777 on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 11:02 pm:

Well, I like the Vera Bradley purses, from the pictures on the website, but just didn't want to spend that kind of money. I found a smiliar style of purse at Elder Beerman and they were 50% off tonight, so I got this purse for $18. I doubt the store in Kohler, WI, would have them on sale. So, anyway, I have my cloth purse and I'm happy. I didn't care if it was the actual brand or not. It's nice-sized, with a pocket inside, just the right size for my calendar.

Purse (on my washing machine! With a big light above, it's the best place to take pictures!)


Pattern. I love blue!


I worked really hard at my clinic job the last few months. I'm exhausted. Since I work casual, it can be feast or famine. I'm sooooo glad to not have any hours at the clinic next week. I have hardly had a moment to myself in the last month or so! I know the money will be less, but I just need more time at home for a bit! Anyway, even indulging on this purse, felt like a reward!

By Marg on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 06:50 am:

I really like those colors. They are happy and cheerful (springy!).

That's great you have the week off

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 07:48 am:

Thanks!

By Hol on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 01:53 am:

The bag that Dawn bought is available on ebags.com It is a brand called "Crazy Quilts". They are just as nice as "Vera Bradley", and a whole lot cheaper. I found it today after I went 'eshopping', after seeing Dawn's purse. I, too, LOVE the colours! Marg is right. It looks real Spring-like.

Dawn, I was wondering...in your picture, it looks like your washing machine is plugged into some sort of surge protector. Is that what it is? If so, it seems like a good idea.

By Hol on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 02:03 am:

There is also a Momsview coupon for ebags. Check it out, if you're interested.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 10:38 am:

Yeah, it's a surge protector!

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 10:41 am:

Dawn's Purse

LOL! I found my purse!