Which Vera Bradley tote should I get?

[sherry7]

I'll call this budget related, because Vera bags cost a lot, and I want to get one that I really like. This is a Mother's Day gift to myself, since my family never bothers getting me a gift.

I've been looking at the website, but there are so many different totes, and I need to narrow down my choices. I want to get some type of tote...not too small, but not humongous either. I'd prefer a zipper top, but I guess a snap closure or magnetic closure would be okay too. I want to be able to comfortably carry a large wallet, cell phone, keys, a small cosmetic bag, 2 or 3 diapers, a soft pack of baby wipes, and a "fat" sippy cup. (I'd prefer that there be a pocket large enough to accomodate the fat sippy cup. We use insulated sippy cups, so they're fairly wide.) Plus, it would be a bonus if I could throw in my lunch bag, so I'm not carrying 2 separate bags on my way to work.

Any recommendations on which bag to consider? Thanks.

 

[goofystitchfan]

Whichever you decide, go on their website to purchase. They have a sale section and have deals a few times a month where certain prints are 40-50% off. My suggestion is to go to a store that sells Vera and check them all out and see what works for you and then add your email address on their website and you will get the emails regarding the sales. For our trip last year I purchase the large hipster and it held everything.

 

[living20057]

I like the Miller bag, but it is large. You may like the Vera tote. Also you can google the tote you like, because I have found youtube videos of women showing you how they use it and how much it fits.

 

[sherry7]

Thanks for the tips. I did stop by a local store today, but they didn't have most of the styles of totes that are on the website. I would have never thought about checking YouTube...great idea!

Just to clarify, this isn't for a park bag, just something to use on a daily basis.

 

[snoodledoo]

I would suggest the VERA. At first I though of the East West tote, but because of the sippy cup, I'd go with the Vera. All the pockets are great for organization and the interior space would hold your lunch bag as well.

 

[smi727]

I love my perfect pocket tote. I typically carry a large wallet, sunglass case, cell phone, work keys & car keys, lip balm, & some mints. The front pockets fit bottles or a couple diapers and travel wipes. It doesn't have a closure but that's ok with me. I also have a bowler, a reversible tote, and just got a saddle (my new park bag) and I find I can fit my stuff & baby's stuff with no problems whatsoever.

 

[snoodledoo]

The Pleated Tote would be a good option for you as well. It has a zipper closure and outside pockets for the sippy cup.

 

[disneymarie]

I love the saddle bag as it is cross body leaving my hands free. It fits everything. Get on the email list and every few days they have specials even as said 40-50 % off styles and colors.

I found my saddle bag in the Pocono's at the candle shop on 35% off, so check your area for other shops that carry the bags.

I did get an email this week for a diaper bag, but is sure didn't look like my mothers diaper bag, or mine for that matter.

I did notice a dissapointment on the last purchase; "side by side" which may work for you, it is not the 18" across as advertised, but also my complaint was the staps, will not stay up on my shoulder, they are wide and stiff.
There are two great outside deep pockets. Another thing, especially with a sippy, the bottom is a piece of cardboard. It is not plastic, protected, nor even closed on the side seams. Just a piece of cardboard sticking out at the edges.

I was going to go with this as my camera bag, then I noticed they introduced a camera bag this week. Although it was nice, I bought a reg camera bag, $10 less and waterproof. Disapointed in what Vera had, storage pocket wise and not water resistant.

I would look on youtube for the saddle and see if you like a cross body.

 

[Eastern]

Whatever you decide, wait til it goes on sale. Everything eventually does, especially if it's not a newer pattern. A few days ago, pleated totes were on sale for 29.99, usually $80. Every one was sold out by the time I got to the website so check each morning for sales.

I could never pay full price for Vera unless I was absolutely dying for a certain pattern (and that just won't happen).

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

When you decicde which style you want, I would also call the outlet stores. There is one in Wrentham, MA, PA, and Orlando. I think they charge a shipping fee of about $8. Many weekends the store will be an extra 20% off which may offset the shipping charges.

 

[soccerchick]

My daughter uses the Vera as her school bag. It fits her lunch bag (also VB), her pencil case and several notebooks/books.

I think the Villager might be the next size down.

There's also an outlet in Leesburg, VA. Just don't call on the weekends since the place is always mobbed.

 

[goofystitchfan]

There are 2 different prints on 50% off til Monday on the web site....

 

[ToddyLu]

If you live near Fort Wayne, IN the national outlet sale is incredible. We traveled from MS in 2008 and I got over $1000 worth of Vera (presents for 2 years) for about $300. I can't wait to go back one day. I agree with the PP, her website sale is great and every now and then there is a Outlet section in the sale section that is great. I check her site every morning and never purchase anything full price.

IMO:

Best travel bag--is the Miller bag due to zipper top, great carryon size, multiple interior pockets for toiletries-easy to monogram. Whenever I have given this bag it proves to be an instant classic.

Best small travel bag--Villager due to wide shoulder strap, zippered top, pockets

Best park bag--Hipster or mini hipster. I use the mini because it works best for me. Park cards and IDs I keep in a VB ID case to whip out quickly, mini strap while slender, does not dig into my shoulder. I am pooh sized and the mini strap hits me perfectly. If you need to carry bottled water and a larger camera go with the Hipster.

Best park backpack-the smaller backpack, for when you need to take an umbrella or poncho or refillable mug. Nice adjustable wide straps with hanging loop, multiple interior and exterior pockets. Great under airplane seat.

 

[meg8017]

I have the Villager which is a good size, I think you could fit all the things you mentioned comfortably in it although probably not the lunch bag. The Vera is nice too, it's larger and may be a little big for an every day bag but you could definitely fit a lunch bag in it. My friend has the Vera and uses it for things like day trips to the zoo and things where you might need a few extra things. Also, the Villager has a zipper, the Vera only has a button. Whatever you choose, enjoy! They're great bags, they hold up really well and the patterns are so cute!

 

[dex08]

Another recommendation for the Villager. It's big but not too huge and it's got lots of pockets on the inside. Plus it's got a zipper closure and nice length shoulder straps.

 

[MISSYLEXI]

I just bought myself my mothers day gift yesterday, the Vera Bradley Lizzy Bag.
You can put it over the shoulder, cross body, and I plan on using it like a fanny bag, around the waist. It has a zipper top, a flap in the front and also a zipper on the back that has slots for credit cards.

 

[sherry7]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I finally made a decision, and just ordered. I'm glad that I waited a little, because earlier today I got a one-time use coupon code from VB for $20 off a $75 purchase. I think this was because I signed up for their emails.

This is what I ended up ordering. A Get Carried Away Tote in the Baroque pattern. (I absolutely adore that pattern!) I also got a Side by Side tote in the Night and Day pattern. The Night and Day pattern was 50% off today, so I got that one for only $34. Plus I got free shipping because I spent over $100, plus the $20 off coupon. Now I just can't wait until they get here!