Vera Bradley lovers... help would be appreciated!

[housetomouse]

I'm not a huge fan of Java Blue either. I really wanted that particular bag though! Had it been a color I really disliked, I'd have passed it up. There are some patterns that flat give me a head-ache!

I love love love my Coach legacy saddle bag. I'll carry it forever. My husband proposed to me with a Coach bag! My ring was in a wrislet! He kept asking me what was "inside it" and I kept saying it was just the care instructions. He kept asking me and I finally opened it to show him it was just the instructions...oh and an engagement ring...

That's an awesome story !

I have a Java Blue tote and I don't use it very much. I can't decide if it's the tote itself (hardly any pockets, if any) or if it's the color.

 

[housetomouse]

So who has a Weekender? I almost bought one, but wasn't sure I'd love the pattern for a long time (Poppyfields - the more I looked at it, the more the red poppies looked like lips lol! I held off on it, but I still like it). But even if it isn't that particular pattern, I still like the Weekender, and I wonder if it would fit under the seat on an airplane, or if it is heavy to carry when it's filled. I really love that it has a shoulder strap, and all the pockets. And it says you can wash it, but can you? Even with the strap detached, there is some hardware that might get banged up.

The other thing I want is a Pleated Tote, I love the style, and those big outside side pockets. Anyone have one of those? Do you like?

 

[CampbellScot]

I just bought a weekender! Boysenberry!! It's a really nice bag. I was able to take it on a short weekend trip and it fit under the airplane seat just fine. It's incredibly roomy too which I love. I was able to pack just the weekender and no other luggage! YAY no baggage fees!!

I don't have a pleated tote, but my friend Allie has one and she loves it! She says it carries her whole life without making her look like a "hobo"... I'm not sure what a hobo is supposed to look like but it must be bad! I think she meant the bag carries a lot without looking overstuffed. I do know that since she got that bag I stopped hearing her say "Where is my cell phone?! Where are my keys?!" I think there are quite a few colors on sale at verabradley.com AND shipping is just five dollars! Usually the shipping at VB.com is pretty high...I'm trying to control myself. That doesn't mean I can't encourage others!!!

 

[housetomouse]

I just bought a weekender! Boysenberry!! It's a really nice bag. I was able to take it on a short weekend trip and it fit under the airplane seat just fine. It's incredibly roomy too which I love. I was able to pack just the weekender and no other luggage! YAY no baggage fees!!

I don't have a pleated tote, but my friend Allie has one and she loves it! She says it carries her whole life without making her look like a "hobo"... I'm not sure what a hobo is supposed to look like but it must be bad! I think she meant the bag carries a lot without looking overstuffed. I do know that since she got that bag I stopped hearing her say "Where is my cell phone?! Where are my keys?!" I think there are quite a few colors on sale at verabradley.com AND shipping is just five dollars! Usually the shipping at VB.com is pretty high...I'm trying to control myself. That doesn't mean I can't encourage others!!!

You're a bad influence lol! Thank you, and another question about the Weekender. Do you think I could get away with calling it my "purse" on the plane, and still take a rolling carryon? See really I'd save money if I'd buy the Weekender because it could help me avoid $50 in checked bag fees. I'd be crazy not to buy it right? I don't have to worry too much about impulse buying VB, though, since it takes me forever to decide what pattern I'd want. I can't decide what pattern I like for the Pleated Tote either, so I think it's going to be a while. Thanks!

 

[keenercam]

I have to say that I LOVE my large duffel. I got it in Symphony in Hue and it is absolutely gorgeous!! I've had it since last July and have used every excuse to carry it. It is perfect for a trip of about 5 days and it fits great in the plane's overhead compartment.

I bought a large and small duffel for my DD for Christmas in Mediterranean White and the colors are so sharp and vivid.

Now I am eyeing a padded carrier for my ipad in "Barcelona" which I think is so pretty. My excuse is that we are going to Barcelona to board the Disney Magic for a cruise this summer and it seems only fitting that my ipad should be in Barcelona.

 

[housetomouse]

Haha-- I'm the same as you! I tend to think Vera Bradley can be over-priced, but I have to have my leather Coach bags! I can justify the price on those because they're classic and leather. I do tend to get tired of Vera patterns in a way that I NEVER tire of my Coach bags.
I'm definitely going to stock up on Mocha Rouge-- probably a coin purse to hold my camera and a travel cosmetic.

The Vera bags are at a low enough price point where I can feed my habit, though! I love Coach, but I only have 2 because I they're priced high enough that I can't feed the habit very often. But there's always a good deal somewhere on Vera Bradley I think life-style-wise, the quilted bags are a better fit for me anyway. I was drooling over the blue plaid poppy Coach stuff that was out in December, though. So cute!

So do you tend to buy several Vera things in one pattern, or do you buy a little of everything? I'm always afraid I'm going to get sick of a pattern I buy, so I try not to buy too much in any one pattern. But then my stuff is all mismatched!

 

[CampbellScot]

You're a bad influence lol! Thank you, and another question about the Weekender. Do you think I could get away with calling it my "purse" on the plane, and still take a rolling carryon? See really I'd save money if I'd buy the Weekender because it could help me avoid $50 in checked bag fees. I'd be crazy not to buy it right? I don't have to worry too much about impulse buying VB, though, since it takes me forever to decide what pattern I'd want. I can't decide what pattern I like for the Pleated Tote either, so I think it's going to be a while. Thanks!

ME?! A bad influence?!

totally.

I know.

I don't know if the weekender could pass for a purse...then again, if you carry it by the shoulder straps and take the incriminating cross body "I'M A CARRY ON" strap off of it you might be able to get away with it! That being said, I've seen two different incidences with VB bags being called out as "too big". One was a large duffle (I love mine too, great for longer road trips!!!) that was absolutely STUFFED to the gills. Those bags are big as it is, filling them to capacity makes them look enormous! The bag had to be checked. Passenger NOT happy. The other time was a Get Carried Away tote, similarly filled but the mom had one and her little bitty daughter had one...clearly not hers. She had to stop every few feet and put it down. It was as big as she was!! The mom was able to argue that everyone is allowed a carry on and a personal item. I didn't blame her though...the checked bag fees are insane. The weekender is sized in such a way though that if you don't pack it near to bursting you could probably call it a purse and not get grief from anyone!!

It terms of patterns...I tend to buy different patterns in things b/c I like so many of the patterns and colors and I think I would get sick of the same thing. Some people like to get a matching wallet for each bag etc. My step daughter likes that a lot. Baroque is her current favorite pattern with boysenberry being her second favorite. Interestingly enough, the only pattern/color that I have more than two of the same is Boysenberry. I have a weekender, a large cosmetic bag, a Lizzy, and trip kit. Those were gifts for various things and I'm fairly certain my step daughter picked them all out! She likes things to match! She also likes to borrow from my collection...she's no dummy!

OH and I do have an Ipad case in Calypso. It fits the ipad nice and snug. Although after I got it I realized that it's a pretty big case in and of itself which makes it bulky to carry in other bags. Especially since VB makes bags that have laptop/ipad sleeves. If you want to carry it on it's own, it's great though. Very protective case. I use it on the train when I don't need to carry a lot more with me.

i'm so obsessed...and glad to have found people in the Dis who are obsessed too so we can talk about our obsession!!!

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

Does anyone have "Julia"? I am looking for a smaller bag. It is boxy looking but for some reason, I keep coming back to it. There is nothing close local, so I have to look online and decide if the fit will be right

 

[mrsheppo]

DH was so nice to me and ordered me a large duffel in Buttercup. It came today and it is so nice! It looks like the perfect carry on bag for when we go to Disney. He has been supporting my Vera habit lately as when we reach an acceptable customer service level at work, instead of cash we are rewarded points for shopping on a company website. They have a lot of Vera products and he always gets me something new. So far he has bought me a mini hipster in Mediterranean Blue, a Hipster in Very Berry Paisley and a couple of the ID cases.

 

[klacey1]

So who has a Weekender? I almost bought one, but wasn't sure I'd love the pattern for a long time (Poppyfields - the more I looked at it, the more the red poppies looked like lips lol! I held off on it, but I still like it). But even if it isn't that particular pattern, I still like the Weekender, and I wonder if it would fit under the seat on an airplane, or if it is heavy to carry when it's filled. I really love that it has a shoulder strap, and all the pockets. And it says you can wash it, but can you? Even with the strap detached, there is some hardware that might get banged up.

The other thing I want is a Pleated Tote, I love the style, and those big outside side pockets. Anyone have one of those? Do you like?

I love the weekender! It's perfect as a carry-on. I don't know if you could claim it as a purse, though. I carry mine the same way I carry purses, though (on the crook of my elbow if it's not too heavy), so maybe you could get away with it-- especially because it'll fit under the seat in front of you.

The Vera bags are at a low enough price point where I can feed my habit, though! I love Coach, but I only have 2 because I they're priced high enough that I can't feed the habit very often. But there's always a good deal somewhere on Vera Bradley I think life-style-wise, the quilted bags are a better fit for me anyway. I was drooling over the blue plaid poppy Coach stuff that was out in December, though. So cute!

So do you tend to buy several Vera things in one pattern, or do you buy a little of everything? I'm always afraid I'm going to get sick of a pattern I buy, so I try not to buy too much in any one pattern. But then my stuff is all mismatched!

I like things to match, personally. The thing is with most VB patterns is that I either love them or hate them, so if I love them, I tend to stock up! I have the most Cupcakes Pink and Very Berry Paisley, about 7 pieces in each.

 

[housetomouse]

I have to say that I LOVE my large duffel. I got it in Symphony in Hue and it is absolutely gorgeous!! I've had it since last July and have used every excuse to carry it. It is perfect for a trip of about 5 days and it fits great in the plane's overhead compartment.

I bought a large and small duffel for my DD for Christmas in Mediterranean White and the colors are so sharp and vivid.

Now I am eyeing a padded carrier for my ipad in "Barcelona" which I think is so pretty. My excuse is that we are going to Barcelona to board the Disney Magic for a cruise this summer and it seems only fitting that my ipad should be in Barcelona.

You need the Barcelona carrier for your trip It would be wrong not to get it

I love both of those Mediterranean colors (white and blue). I'm not familiar with Symphony in Hue. I've been stalking the large duffels but I think I need the Weekender more. But I go back and forth.

 

[housetomouse]

ME?! A bad influence?!

totally.

I know.

I don't know if the weekender could pass for a purse...then again, if you carry it by the shoulder straps and take the incriminating cross body "I'M A CARRY ON" strap off of it you might be able to get away with it! That being said, I've seen two different incidences with VB bags being called out as "too big". One was a large duffle (I love mine too, great for longer road trips!!!) that was absolutely STUFFED to the gills. Those bags are big as it is, filling them to capacity makes them look enormous! The bag had to be checked. Passenger NOT happy. The other time was a Get Carried Away tote, similarly filled but the mom had one and her little bitty daughter had one...clearly not hers. She had to stop every few feet and put it down. It was as big as she was!! The mom was able to argue that everyone is allowed a carry on and a personal item. I didn't blame her though...the checked bag fees are insane. The weekender is sized in such a way though that if you don't pack it near to bursting you could probably call it a purse and not get grief from anyone!!

It terms of patterns...I tend to buy different patterns in things b/c I like so many of the patterns and colors and I think I would get sick of the same thing. Some people like to get a matching wallet for each bag etc. My step daughter likes that a lot. Baroque is her current favorite pattern with boysenberry being her second favorite. Interestingly enough, the only pattern/color that I have more than two of the same is Boysenberry. I have a weekender, a large cosmetic bag, a Lizzy, and trip kit. Those were gifts for various things and I'm fairly certain my step daughter picked them all out! She likes things to match! She also likes to borrow from my collection...she's no dummy!

OH and I do have an Ipad case in Calypso. It fits the ipad nice and snug. Although after I got it I realized that it's a pretty big case in and of itself which makes it bulky to carry in other bags. Especially since VB makes bags that have laptop/ipad sleeves. If you want to carry it on it's own, it's great though. Very protective case. I use it on the train when I don't need to carry a lot more with me.

i'm so obsessed...and glad to have found people in the Dis who are obsessed too so we can talk about our obsession!!!

Thanks! I think I'm willing to take the chance on the Weekender as a purse (or "personal item", I think they call it).

I like the idea of getting a matching wallet for a bag. I was looking at them recently and I think I like that zip-around wallet, but I'm not sure. I've never had a Vera Bradley wallet and I'm overwhelmed by all the choices.

Your step-daughter sounds like a smart girl! But if she's buying you stuff, it's all good!

 

[housetomouse]

Does anyone have "Julia"? I am looking for a smaller bag. It is boxy looking but for some reason, I keep coming back to it. There is nothing close local, so I have to look online and decide if the fit will be right

I've never seen that before and I just Googled it. It seems like a nice size, and it's really cute, AND it has a shoulder strap (I love anything with a shoulder strap!). I would wonder if the shoulder strap is long enough to wear cross-body. It does look boxy, but I can't tell if it gives at all.

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

or what about the mini hipster? Will a cell phone fit in there? Thanks for any help.

 

[housetomouse]

DH was so nice to me and ordered me a large duffel in Buttercup. It came today and it is so nice! It looks like the perfect carry on bag for when we go to Disney. He has been supporting my Vera habit lately as when we reach an acceptable customer service level at work, instead of cash we are rewarded points for shopping on a company website. They have a lot of Vera products and he always gets me something new. So far he has bought me a mini hipster in Mediterranean Blue, a Hipster in Very Berry Paisley and a couple of the ID cases.

That is so nice! Enjoy!

 

[housetomouse]

or what about the mini hipster? Will a cell phone fit in there? Thanks for any help.

I don't have one, but I was checking them out in a store. A cell phone will fit in a mini-hipster!

 

[housetomouse]

I love the weekender! It's perfect as a carry-on. I don't know if you could claim it as a purse, though. I carry mine the same way I carry purses, though (on the crook of my elbow if it's not too heavy), so maybe you could get away with it-- especially because it'll fit under the seat in front of you.


I like things to match, personally. The thing is with most VB patterns is that I either love them or hate them, so if I love them, I tend to stock up! I have the most Cupcakes Pink and Very Berry Paisley, about 7 pieces in each.

Thanks. I think I'd try it, if I ever get a Weekender!

I love both of those patterns (Cupcakes Green too). I think it looks really nice when things match. One of these days I may try it! I like lots of patterns, though, so for me I think it's also that I want to try everything. There aren't usually too many that I dislike.

 

[CampbellScot]

I purchased a mini hipster for my step daughter for Christmas (mod floral pink). It would definitely fit a cell phone and a wallet and maybe a few other things as well. It's a really good park bag size if you don't like to carry a ton of stuff. As the designated pack mule I have no choice but to lug a bunch of stuff around...and I'm sort of controlling and need to be in charge of everything so I know where everything is.



*ahem*

and just b/c this has always bothered me...it's technically a mini MAILBAG! It has fa flap like the mailbag...the hipster does not have a flap. Then again perhaps it was named "hipster" b/c it's a cross body hip level bag...?

wow...I really think WAY too much about this stuff!!!!

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

I purchased a mini hipster for my step daughter for Christmas (mod floral pink). It would definitely fit a cell phone and a wallet and maybe a few other things as well. It's a really good park bag size if you don't like to carry a ton of stuff. As the designated pack mule I have no choice but to lug a bunch of stuff around...and I'm sort of controlling and need to be in charge of everything so I know where everything is.



*ahem*

and just b/c this has always bothered me...it's technically a mini MAILBAG! It has fa flap like the mailbag...the hipster does not have a flap. Then again perhaps it was named "hipster" b/c it's a cross body hip level bag...?

wow...I really think WAY too much about this stuff!!!!

its still nice though? Or is it not handy?
I use a tote or sling pack for the parks - too many kiddos. I just want a small bag for quick summer things.... and I need a reason to get something in the Lemon print. I think that bag looks nice in that print (online anyway...haha)

 

[CampbellScot]

its still nice though? Or is it not handy?
I use a tote or sling pack for the parks - too many kiddos. I just want a small bag for quick summer things.... and I need a reason to get something in the Lemon print. I think that bag looks nice in that print (online anyway...haha)

It's definitely nice!! Very cute and very handy little bag! Have you seen the Lizzy? It's one of the new bags and it's also a cross body. It's deceivingly large. It has a flap pocket on the front and large zip compartment in the middle and a zip pocket on the back that is against your body. I really like it. The cross body strap is adjustable and the Lizzy wins out over the mini hipster for me only b/c the strap is wider and more comfortable to me. The mini hipster has a long fixed strap that you can shorten by tying a knot to the desired length. They are both very different looking bags as well. My step daughter loves her mini hipster. I love the lemon color as well! I'd say go for it if you've had your eye on it!! It will look really cute with a little summer dress!!

there I go, being a bad influence again!!!