Vera Bradley?

[UnderTheMistletoe]

I am interested in purchasing some Vera Bradley luggage (if I don't get it for a B-Day gift Monday). Specifically, I want to give the large duffel a try. My huge rolling case had both wheels call it quits recently. I'm hesitant to purchase another large rolling case with all the rumors about charging foe checked baggage. We usually both pack in the one case, hence the size.

Are you happy with the size and quality of the VB traditional duffels? Do you have one of the roller cases? If so, what's your experience? Did you pruchase them online (didn't really want to pay shipping and handling) or find them through another source (like Crabtree and Evelyn)? I'm a little worried about the patterns being retired- I really like to have matching luggage and am hoping she'll come out with the rolling luggage in Petal Pink with time....

 

[canwegosoon]

I have the XL duffle...no longer available. and I love it for car trips-but would never think of putting it in luggage(I don't think it would last long). I also have a weekender bag which I always use as a carryon(it fits under the seat really well-and holds a lot for a smaller bag.

FYI many stores have a sale on VB near Mother's Day(my local store is)-VB dealers are only allowed 2 sales a year(my local store also does a customer card).

Good Luck on your purchase, I don't know where you are on the East Coast, but if you are near Albany NY PM me and I will tell you where I get my bags from.

 

[my3kids]

Our local store that sells VB keeps a notebook of which pieces people want in which pattern then when there is enough for an order they place it all together so no one pays shipping. Ask you local store if they can order it for you.

 

[BethR]

I agree completely with canwegosoon. I love the look of Vera Bradley, but I would never buy the luggage unless you know that it would get very "light duty."

DD's have a number of VB bags and if you carry them for any extended period of time the straps will fray. And why wouldn't they? They are made of fabric. So IMO VB bags are pretty to look at, but are not suitable for heavy duty service.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

I agree completely with canwegosoon. I love the look of Vera Bradley, but I would never buy the luggage unless you know that it would get very "light duty."

DD's have a number of VB bags and if you carry them for any extended period of time the straps will fray. And why wouldn't they? They are made of fabric. So IMO VB bags are pretty to look at, but are not suitable for heavy duty service.

Thanks-

The luggage that I have seen is more or less weekender roller suitcases that would fit as carry-on. Unless I have a heavy duty black or navy blue suitcase, I wouldn't put anything through checked! You're pretty much guaranteeing that it's going to get dirty and/or mangled. My sister got the cutest set of *********** luggage when we were younger. My parents were so upset when, right after the Christmas she got it, we checked it through and it came home with dark black grease stains on it. Lesson learned!

 

[canwegosoon]

I looked it up ...I have the Miller bag(aka weekend bag)...I think the rolling bag style is really new to VB. And like anything new there is probably a learning curve. I would wait on such a purchase-the duffles are another matter. I have had mine 5+ years and it still looks great(I got it in MING-which is a really dark pattern, and does not show any durt or dust). If I were to get the Pink one you are thinking of-I would consider the use, and store it in a large ziploc bag, with a cedar chip.

ETA:
I have used this company to buy VB from a few years ago http://www.brownson5th.com/vbpricelist.html They do offer free shipping and free monograming-you have to look around their site a little, get the VB pop up window for the price list, and look for the specials list, you might find something with a little extra(like a little coin purse as a 3rd item for the cost of the other 2 items)