New Merchant Alert: Vera Bradley!!

[SunshineGirl]

I am ready to flip out! We were just invited to join the brand new Vera Bradley affiliate program. I'll be adding their links in about 5 minutes!!

[Hedy]

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[docsmom]

Woo Hoo!!:cooldance:

[Soccer Princess]

OMG!!!!! I just made a HUGE purchase too :( Oh well... Fall patterns will be out soon! YAY!!! :)

-- Resident SR Vera Bradley Addict

[Blessing and Miracle]

:sunshine:Congratulations!:sunshine:

[Alice28]

Hot DOG! I'm really excited about this one! Don't need one now, but like Mandy said, fall patterns out soon! YAY!

[iluvamystery89]

y'all are sooooooooo tempting me to buy my DD a cute little purse to carry on her first day of middle school! must not buy...must not buy...must not buy...

[ShellChelle]

OMG. . . I can hardly breathe! I am going to shop right now for a bag for my daughter so that she can stop borrowing mine! We are Vera Bradley addicts! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tricia, you're the best. . . and Happy Birthday!:hugs:

[m 'n c]

Ok I am totally clueless on Vera Bradley but it sounds like I should know about her and her bags. I guess I better check it out since she's a SR merchant now.

[DisneyMa]

Ok I am totally clueless on Vera Bradley but it sounds like I should know about her and her bags. I guess I better check it out since she's a SR merchant now.

I thought it was just me?:confused: I have no idea who this is? Should I be excited?:rotfl: I'm gonna go look...............

[wilsonfamily4]

I can't bellieve that Catheine didn't know about Vera Bradley! I personally can't afford her stuff BUT I love it. So pretty. I would love to get some of her luggage as it would stand out from others on the line but I would have a hard time getting my husband to agree to the price. :(

Okay I have to add that some prices are really reasonable I just like the expensive suff. :)

[m 'n c]

I can't bellieve that Catheine didn't know about Vera Bradley! I personally can't afford her stuff BUT I love it. So pretty. I would love to get some of her luggage as it woudl stand out from others on the line but I would have a hard time getting my husband to agree to the price. :(

My wallet would probably be happier if I bought her stuff rather than what I would like to buy.

[JillyFish]

I can't bellieve that Catheine didn't know about Vera Bradley! I personally can't afford her stuff BUT I love it. So pretty. I would love to get some of her luggage as it would stand out from others on the line but I would have a hard time getting my husband to agree to the price. :(

Okay I have to add that some prices are really reasonable I just like the expensive suff. :)

In looking around I noticed that items in retired patterns cost less! Don't know if that helps anybody....just thought I'd mention it though.

[jnorth1007]

Ok so here is what i found that i think i want. There are sale items in the accessory link. They have book covers for hardback books and soft back books. They also have an ipod case. I love these but I don't think i would want that kind of print in a bag. I think I am going to get the accessories and see what i think before i put that kind of money out on a bag. Im not big on those kinds of prints so it would have to be one of the leather bags.

[StitchandPooh'smom]

Wow! Congrats, Tricia! I just ordered two bags for my nieces early this month. I don't have any myself, but it seems like many of the girls/ladies in my family are all about Vera!

[MinnieBelle]

Yeah:cooldance: and :eek: at the same time. I love Vera Bradley stuff. I only have the lunch bag and an id coin purse. I have stayed away from shopping there too much because I couldn't get SR $$ for it. Well, it can't hurt to go look again!!!!!!!!!!!!

[~Kathie]

Congratulations and thank you!! I am very thrilled. I too just placed a big order but that didn't stop me from placing one tonight!!!

VB retires patterns and styles and add patters usually 2X a year. Once they retire a pattern, you'd better order or you won't get the item you want. They stuff flies out of there.

My favorite pattern right now is Botanica. I recently bought the Mini Hipster to use instead of a fanny pack on vacation and I have to say it worked perfectly. It has a long strap that I could tie to make shorter. I could wear it either over my shoulder or across my chest. I fit my inhaler, my wallet, my chapstick, my pill case, a package of kleenex, a pen and my cell phone with lots of room for other small stuff. It has an outside ID pocket, a slip pocket and a zippered pocket all on the outside. I love it so much I just bought the regular hipster which is a bit larger. I bought that one in Yellow Bird.

I bought the coin purse to go along with it and the zip ID case. All in Botanica. You can find a store in your area that carries VB and check the products out before you order. The quality is wonderful.

You can wash the cotton purses, in cold water, but never put them into the dryer.
I'd be happy to try to answer any questions anyone has.

[SunshineGirl]

I'd be happy to try to answer any questions anyone has.

You heard it here first, folks. Kathie has volunteered to be your Vera Bradley personal shopper!!

I have to admit that I know nothing about any of it except that it is hot like a tamale with the demographic of women that typifies SR. So I was jumping up and down when I heard from them today!! We are on a "test run" with them through August, but I have no doubt that they will love us.

[3dog2kidmom]

You heard it here first, folks. Kathie has volunteered to be your Vera Bradley personal shopper!!

I have to admit that I know nothing about any of it except that it is hot like a tamale with the demographic of women that typifies SR. So I was jumping up and down when I heard from them today!! We are on a "test run" with them through August, but I have no doubt that they will love us.

Okay, Kathie... I'll take you up on your help. I am going to order the lunch bag in a retired pattern and I need some little thing for wdw and the cruise that is just big enough for a phone, lipstick, and my ID, etc. (it will go in or around my little camera backpack... unless I can replace my camera backpack with something...)

HELP!!! I am a Vera Bradley virgin but I love that the stuff can be washed. I saw some of the backpacks at WDW and loved them... Maybe I should get one of those. Like I said... HELP~

[iluvamystery89]

:eek: they can be washed? i'm IN! i'm definitely hitting DH up when he gets home from work to get DD a small purse and a new wallet (she lost hers a couple weeks ago).

someone tell me all about vera bradley (another virgin here, lol) so i can have my ducks in a row when i ambush my DH! :rotfl:

[~Kathie]

Okay, Kathie... I'll take you up on your help. I am going to order the lunch bag in a retired pattern and I need some little thing for wdw and the cruise that is just big enough for a phone, lipstick, and my ID, etc. (it will go in or around my little camera backpack... unless I can replace my camera backpack with something...)

Try the wristlet. (7" x 3¼" x 1¼") I use this for my Ipod and it works great. If your phone is really small you might get away with using the coin purse (5¼" x 4") or the zip ID case (5" x 3"). I use the coin purse for my CC, and ID but my phone is too big with all that other stuff. I have used it for my phone alone if I go to the beach and want to protect it.


HELP!!! I am a Vera Bradley virgin but I love that the stuff can be washed. I saw some of the backpacks at WDW and loved them... Maybe I should get one of those. Like I said... HELP~

I haven't seen the backpack in person.....but I was looking at them tonight.
My Tinker Bell backpack needs replacing. I'm going to go to the local store tomorrow to check them out and I will let you know.


they can be washed? i'm IN! i'm definitely hitting DH up when he gets home from work to get DD a small purse and a new wallet (she lost hers a couple weeks ago).

someone tell me all about vera bradley (another virgin here, lol) so i can have my ducks in a row when i ambush my DH!


I can tell you about the cotton bags, items because that is what I have.

I first discovered VB when I saw someone in the PO with one. The pattern she had was long since retired so I looked for it online. :rotfl:

The cotton is tighly woven and quilted. There is one pattern on the outside and another one on the inside. For example Botanica has the black, pink, green and white on the outside, green with white dots on the inside. The straps to the purses are double stitched. They are expensive, but they are so well made, you will be amazed. There are a couple of pieces that I bought online a few years ago in a pattern that was started in 1990 and retired in 1997. The pieces still look new. If you take care of them, they will last forever!

Most of the larger bags have a cardboard insert so the bottom stays flat. The inserts come out so you can wash them. The comestic bags are usually lined in plastic as is the ditty bag.

The pieces that I have are The wristlet, garment bag, 2 travel cosmetic bags, the brush & pencil bag, duffle bags, mini hipster, wallet with strap, 2 eyeglass cases both hard and soft, several purses, many in retired patterns I found online and HAD to have. :angel: Also coin purses to go with the regular purses. I'm sure if I went into my closet I could come up with more. I have a LOT!! :)

I just ordered the regular hipster, the zip ID, the cool keeper and the tech case. I want the Little Travel case or the Metro but they don't have them anymore at VB.com (the styles are retired) so I'm going to see if the store near me has either of them.

I bought the mini hipster for my sister for her birthday and she loves it. She saw someone at WDW with it last year and asked about it. She had never heard of VB. I already was a fan so I bought it for her and one for me!! :rotfl: We both love ours and used it at WDW this trip and on the cruise.

You can wash them. I use a very small amount of Dreft (baby detergent) with cold water and wash them on the gentle cycle, then hang them to dry. I have even washed the wallet with strap which has plastic holders. Came out beautiful.

I don't have any microfiber but I don't think that is washable.

Hope that helps a bit. Any other questions post them here. I'm going to go to the store tomorrow so I can check out any particular style you are interested in. I'll bring my camera and see if I can take some pictures.


ETA: I'm almost as bad as purses as I am with shoes..........almost but not quite!

[Hedy]

I use a Betsy as my everyday purse-tons of pockets, great size. The messenger bag is my new work bag. I use the zip around wallet everyday.

[~Kathie]

Okay, Kathie... I'll take you up on your help. I am going to order the lunch bag in a retired pattern and I need some little thing for wdw and the cruise that is just big enough for a phone, lipstick, and my ID, etc. (it will go in or around my little camera backpack... unless I can replace my camera backpack with something...)

Shelly.......the mini hipster might be just what you are looking for.

Here is the description

Don’t let its compact size fool you – this little bag doubles as a purse and wallet! Four interior slots keep credit cards at hand (and a zip-top closure keeps them secure). In back, one curved slip pocket for quick access. The full flap has a zippered front pocket and handy ID window underneath. Knot the strap to your perfect length, and you’re ready to take on the world…or at least the mall!

It measures 6" x 8" x ½" — 59¼" strap. I carried mine everywhere on the cruise and at WDW. It would fit your camera plus your phone and all the other stuff you mentioned. With room to spare. What I liked about it on the cruise was I could keep my room key in that semi-outside ID wondow. You can wear it over your shoulder or across your chest.

It was great! What pattern are you thinking of?

[Alice28]

I have two hipsters, a lindsay, an amy, another one I am forgetting, and the duffle bag. I also have wallets, coin purses, etc. The hipster is great for WDW- I bought the amy for my upcoming trip tho. It's just large enough for a coin purse to hold my ID, tickets, money, lipstick, sunblock, keys...

VBs also happen to resell well on ebay. so if you keep it clean, you can be sure you will get at least 50% of your money back when you are done with it and want a new one. :)

I *love* the new raspberry fizz color. I got one, and then had to return it as DH surprised me with a Coach! But I will still be buying VBs- they are ADDICTING, and fairly affordable. Just watch out tho- once you buy one, you are hooked! I'm so thrilled to get SR $$ back now!

[~Kathie]

I use a Betsy as my everyday purse-tons of pockets, great size. The messenger bag is my new work bag. I use the zip around wallet everyday.


I wish they made the zip around wallet a little smaller. The mini zip wallet is a little too small for me and the zip around wallet is a tad too big.

What patterns do you have?

Tell me about the messenger bag! What do you carry in it?

[iluvamystery89]

thanks so much for the info, kathie! i might be checking out e-bay, cause the "retiring soon" stuff isn't available on the website, and i cringe at paying $40.00 for a purse for a 10 year old, lol.

[Hedy]

I wish they made the zip around wallet a little smaller. The mini zip wallet is a little too small for me and the zip around wallet is a tad too big.

What patterns do you have?

Tell me about the messenger bag! What do you carry in it?

I have pattern monogamy issues:
winter Betsy is pink elephants
summer betsy is capri melon
wallet is piccadilly plum
messenger bag is Botanica

I love the messenger bag-the back zippered part holds my wallet and sun glasses. The outside pockets under the flap hold my cellphone, kleenex, pen and hand sanitizer. Main part holds lunchbox. Inside pockets hold my iPod and gps when I need it.

[~Kathie]

I have two hipsters, a lindsay, an amy, another one I am forgetting, and the duffle bag. I also have wallets, coin purses, etc. The hipster is great for WDW- I bought the amy for my upcoming trip tho. It's just large enough for a coin purse to hold my ID, tickets, money, lipstick, sunblock, keys...

Oh crap......you made me go look at the Amy!!! :rotfl: I may have to order that!!! Cute purse and a great size for me.

I don't keep track of the names of the purses that I have. A few of them are retired styles and no longer available. I just looked and I do have one of the regular handbags. It's like a small duffle.

[~Kathie]

I have pattern monogamy issues:
winter Betsy is pink elephants
summer betsy is capri melon
wallet is piccadilly plum
messenger bag is Botanica

I love the messenger bag-the back zippered part holds my wallet and sun glasses. The outside pockets under the flap hold my cellphone, kleenex, pen and hand sanitizer. Main part holds lunchbox. Inside pockets hold my iPod and gps when I need it.

Would the messenger bag hold a laptop? I'm thinking of getting a new laptop and it's 13" Do you think it's wide enough?

My patterns are

Tavern On the Green (I even have a jacket in this pattern)
Anastasia
Botanica
Jasmine
Bluebird
Maison Blue
Botanica
Yellow Bird

[Hedy]

Yes, but I'd measure it with the sleeve on.

[3dog2kidmom]

Shelly.......the mini hipster might be just what you are looking for.

Oh that looks perfect! Except my camera is a canon powershot s2 which is quite large... maybe I'll have to buy a new camera for the cruise too! :rotfl:


What pattern are you thinking of?

Capri Melon!!

Thanks, Kathie!

[~Kathie]

Oh that looks perfect! Except my camera is a canon powershot s2 which is quite large... maybe I'll have to buy a new camera for the cruise too! :rotfl:




Capri Melon!!

Thanks, Kathie!



You're welcome. That's a big camera. Might need the regular Hipster. :rotfl:
Capri Melon is pretty. I don't have a green bag!!!


Thanks Heather for the info on the messenger bag.

[SunshineGirl]

Thanks to Kathie and Hedy for pointing me in the direction of some good Vera Bradley/ebay information. Be sure to check this out if you decide to go the ebay route:

http://members.ebay.com/ws2/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewUserPage&userid=verabradley

[luvdisney00]

Just got home and saw this, I'm sooo excited, I love Vera Bradley!!! I have a beautiful tote bag that I love, I have to go check it out!!

[3dog2kidmom]

Oh shoot... now I want the Java Blue Backpack. But I don't have $84 :(

Thanks, Kathie, for my new addiction! :rotfl:

[Magical JenK]

I found out about these bags a few weeks ago on here. I think Hedy was talking about another site that carries them. I saw them on EVERY young tween girl in WDW & I couldn't figure out why so many were carrying around quilted bags...now I know....they're the "in" bag!

I'm sure I'll be purchasing some at some point!! :0)

[~Kathie]

Oh shoot... now I want the Java Blue Backpack. But I don't have $84 :(

Thanks, Kathie, for my new addiction! :rotfl:

You're welcome I think!!! :rotfl:

VB has offered free shipping twice in the last couple of months. February and for the end of April. That was nice. They also have sales once in a while usually it's to clear inventory of retired pieces. They had a 40% off sale at the end of March which is why many of the retired pieces are gone.

I will make the suggestion to anyone who is thinking of buying. Start off small. I could never figure out what the hoopla was all about until I saw that bag at the PO. I have bought pieces I thought I would like and then didn't.
Took me a while to figure out what I liked.

Tricia........you live in Indiana and you have never been to the Outlet Sale???
You need to go!!! You'll be hooked!! I would love to be able to go to that one day! Just has never worked into my schedule. Who knows....maybe someday I will get there.

[~Kathie]

I went to the store today to check out some of the new styles of VB. I was disappointed that the store had very little inventory....and only 2 items in Botanica. They were both the same item...regular backpack. Hardly any of the retired colors in any styles left.

They wouldn't let me take pictures. I didn't think they would but it didn't hurt to ask.

They had both the large backpack and the regular backpack. The large backpack is huge. Much bigger than I would ever need but probably great for a student. It had a velcro on the outside, lift that up and there was an ID window, and a pocket behind it. It also had a zippered pocket across the back and two side pockets for a water bottle or a phone. The inside was quite large and would hold books, clothes and a small laptop. It was pretty squared and seemed plain to me because of that.

The regular backpack was curved at the top and much more my size. It had 2 interior pockets, a slip pocket on the front, a zippered pocket on the back and 2 side pockets again for a bottle of water or a phone. The price was $84. Yikes Shelly!!! I'd have to think twice before spending that on a backpack no matter how nice!!

I also saw the regular Hipster which I just ordered. It's huge compared to the mini hipster which I love. Not sure I am going to like the bigger one.

No messenger or metro bags. I really wanted to look at those. :( Wish they had several views of the products on the website.....like the inside.

They had the medium cosmetic bag and it is a good size. I have a small one and it is just too small for all the cometics when I travel. I end up with several cases. It would be nice to have just one.

They had the jewelry cases which are new. Those are very cute. I have always had a problem transporting jewelry when I travel. I tried seveal cases and none seemed to work. Now I put each piece in a small zipper bag I buy at Michael's Then those bags go into bigger zipper bags all necklaces in one, earrings in another, bracelets in another. They would all fit perfectly in this bag.

Regarding the microfiber. It had a suede feel to it and can't be washed. They had a few small pieces.

Hope that helps.

[Hedy]

Kathie-I had to go to 4 brick and mortar stores before I got my messenger bag. I keep on meaning to post pics for a vera forum I belong to, if I do I'll post them here.

[mjjmbnmm]

does anyone know how big the reg. hand bags are? I want to get one for my sister, but not sure it will be to small for her.

[3dog2kidmom]

Thanks for all the good info, Kathie. I don't think I'll get the backpack. But, I did take the plunge and order two wristlets in retiring colors (mesa red and blue capri I think) for the two daughters of a very good friend who are graduating - one from high school and one from college. They were marked down to 18.75 so I didn't think that was too bad. I'll tuck a $15 gift card from Barnes & Noble or Borders (or maybe even The Container Store and they can pick up a couple little doo dads) inside each one and have a nice grad gift.

When they get here, I'll see if I like them and maybe order one for myself later. New pattern I adore -- yellow bird!!

[~Kathie]

Kathie-I had to go to 4 brick and mortar stores before I got my messenger bag. I keep on meaning to post pics for a vera forum I belong to, if I do I'll post them here.

Thanks!! There are a couple of other stores that carry VB but they are not close by. Guess I'm going to have to let my fingers to the walking to find the bag.

I'd be interested in a link to that Vera Forum to if you don't mind and could PM me! I found one years ago but it hasn't been posted to in about 3 years.

does anyone know how big the reg. hand bags are? I want to get one for my sister, but not sure it will be to small for her.

Are you talking about the one of the website for $50?? It measures 11¼” x 5¼” x 5¼”. It is the shape of a duffle bag ( but a lot smaller) and closes with a zipper. I have that bag and I find it a trifle to big for me. It holds a lot and keep in mind that it's made of cotton so it will hold more since it doesn't have rigid sides. How big a bag does she normally carry?

I'm one of those that the bigger the bag, the more junk I put into it. I'm safer with a smaller bag.

Thanks for all the good info, Kathie. I don't think I'll get the backpack. But, I did take the plunge and order two wristlets in retiring colors (mesa red and blue capri I think) for the two daughters of a very good friend who are graduating - one from high school and one from college. They were marked down to 18.75 so I didn't think that was too bad. I'll tuck a $15 gift card from Barnes & Noble or Borders (or maybe even The Container Store and they can pick up a couple little doo dads) inside each one and have a nice grad gift.

When they get here, I'll see if I like them and maybe order one for myself later. New pattern I adore -- yellow bird!!

Those will be great gifts and to get them on sale with SR credits back is even better. Yellow Bird was the pattern my sister picked out for her mini hipster. Funny.......I was going to order that for her and then figured I should let her pick herself. Great minds. It's a really pretty pattern...I ordered my tech case in yellow bird.

[mjjmbnmm]

Are you talking about the one of the website for $50?? It measures 11¼” x 5¼” x 5¼”. It is the shape of a duffle bag ( but a lot smaller) and closes with a zipper. I have that bag and I find it a trifle to big for me. It holds a lot and keep in mind that it's made of cotton so it will hold more since it doesn't have rigid sides. How big a bag does she normally carry?

I'm one of those that the bigger the bag, the more junk I put into it. I'm safer with a smaller bag.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes thats the one, she does tend to carry a bigger bag, so that might be perfect for her, thanks for your help.

[~Kathie]

Yes thats the one, she does tend to carry a bigger bag, so that might be perfect for her, thanks for your help.

Anytime!!! :sunshine2:

[luvdisney00]

I am going to order some of the smaller retired pieces like the eyeglass case and the zip wallet for teacher gifts. They are very popular here and my kids each want a bag as well. I want one too, but DH just got me a coach for Mothers Day and might be upset if I get a new bag so soon. I am a bag addict though, so I might not be able to help it!

How is the shipping? I am looking at a fairly large order , is it comparable to most other sites? There is a store near me that caries a large inventory, but the retired patterns sell out fast.