Vera Bradley Durability Question

[jrmasm]

DD11 really, really, really wants a VB Messenger bag for Xmas. I'm concerned that the weight of her binder and books will be too much for a fabric bag.

Any experiences?

 

[poohandwendy]

They are made really well, I have a few myself. I think it would withstand the weight better than a typical bookbag, to be honest.

But, I am not sure I would buy one for a young girl to carry her books in, mainly because it would be tossed around so much and get dirty really quickly. (LOL, just thinking about how my kids treat their poor backpacks/bookbags)

 

[Sammy]

I would be more worried about the durability of the fabric itself. I had a small, pink/lime green VB that I purchased in May last year for a "summer" bag. I absolutely loved it. However, by the end of the summer, it was looking pretty tired and the handles were faded and soiled where I held it all the time. I washed it, and the colors faded even further. A couple months later, I noticed some of the corner areas had worn right through the fabric and the foam batting was coming through. I know several other people who had the same problem. I know they are only fabric bags, but for the $$ you pay for them, you would hope they'd last a little longer.

 

[Hedy]

I've used a Villager as a bookbag successfully. However, there is no way I could have just used a messenger bag at age 11 for books. They're not the best for your back, esp. long distances/heavy packages.
</ fun ruiner>

 

[LBAK]

My DD, 11 uses the tote everyday for her books. (Her middle school does not allow backpacks) It has held up really well and it is loaded everyday. She's really happy with it and all her friends seem to be happy with theirs.

 

[Crankyshank]

I can't comment on the messenger, but I use the villager for my books and it holds up incredibly well. My bag weighs 50lbs easily most days.