Who is Going to the 2011 Vera Bradley Outlet Sale?

Well the big 2011 Vera Bradley outlet sale is coming up on April 13th through April 17th, and I was wondering who is going.  I really wanted to go this year but it will not work with my schedule unfortunately.  The outlet sale as usual will be in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

If you are going to go I would highly recommend going on the 13th or 14th which is a Wednesday and Thursday.  You have to pay for these tickets but you will be able to beat the huge crowds that will be there on the weekend through Sunday and by then most of the good stuff has already been picked through, leaving all of the less than desirable patterns behind.

There are 4 sessions on Wednesday and 4 more on Thursday, but the tickets are limited to 3000 people per session.  On the weekend who knows how many people will be hopping around that place.  If you get a little claustrophobic or don't like to be in huge crazy crowds, then you will be better off staying home.  But what fun is that?  If you are crazy about Vera Bradley then you will love this experience and I think any Vera fan should go at least once to see what it is like.

The deals are absolutely amazing and you can really rack up your collection.  The early bird gets the worm though, and the sooner you get in that coliseum the better.

So how much does it cost?

If you want to go early on Wednesday or Thursday you will have to pay $5 per ticket and you can buy them at ticketmaster here.

You can check out more details about the outlet sale at Vera Bradley's website here.

To get in on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you don't need a ticket.  You just need to be really early and a little patient.  And please try to avoid pushing and shoving this year.  Hey, we all love Vera, and we CAN get along right?

So if you are going to the 2011 Vera Bradley outlet sale let us know with a comment below.

Or if you have been there before and you have some advice for everyone going, you can fill us in on those helpful tips too.

Check out the 2011 Vera Bradley Spring Patterns on Sale

Have you seen the new spring 2011 Vera Bradley patterns yet?  They are refreshingly colorful and new, while still keeping the same Vera Bradley style that has made the company famous.  The company as recently gone public with their stock and word is getting out on a nation wide scale about how popular these handbags and accessories actually are.

But there is a new buzz going around about the new 2011 spring patterns.  The names of these new designs are Boysenberry, Folkloric, Blue Lagoon, and Lemon Parfait.  The most popular one so far has been a close match between Boysenberry and Blue Lagoon.  Here are some pics of the four new patterns below:

Boysenberry

Blue Lagoon

Folkloric

Lemon Parfait

You can click on the pictures above to see some purses and handbags of that pattern on sale right now, so go ahead and check them out.  You will find some of the new styles with these patterns for 2011 as well.

The new Blue Lagoon pattern has been bought up like crazy as women are loving this fresh shade of blue which is both calming and refreshing with the bold white paisley patterns.  The boysenberry may remind you of the purple tones in Vera Berry Paisley, but it is more subtle and has more frills than combinations of colors.

So what do you think?  Leave us a comment below to tell us what you think of the new patterns and which one is your favorite or if you just simply hate all of them.  We know that not every new pattern is a winner and some of them just look wrong and it makes you wonder what Vera Bradley is even thinking when their designers came out with it.  We are not the company but we love to review all kinds of purses and handbags online, so comments are always welcome to help other readers to make up their minds.

And as always you can check out all of the Vera Bradley patterns here!

5 Vera Bradley 2010 Spring Styles Handbags Are All New

If you have not seen the new styles for the Vera Bradley 2010 Spring collection then you have to check them out below.  Along with the four new patterns (Sitting in a Tree, Loves Me, Totally Turq, and Poppy Fields) Vera Bradley has even better styles which I think will be more popular than the new 2010 Spring patterns themselves.  The new styles are chic, stylish, cute, and one of a kind.

Here are 5 new styles for the Vera Bradley Spring 2010 collection:

1.  Alice

If you like the old school look of the early forties and fifties purses you will absolutely adore the new Alice handbag which has a classic and chic retro look.  The slender look of the top of the bag opens up at the bottom and provides plenty of room for both your belongings and sense of style.   The kiss-lock opening makes sure nothing falls out and adds to the classic feel of the bag, while  a load of hidden pockets make it easy to organize and find everything you need to carry around. The Alice bag is 13.5 inches wide and 11.25 inches high.   In any of the new patterns but especially in some of the older patterns this bag looks great.   I think it looks great in Calypso and Hope Garden.

2.  Angle Tote

The Angle Tote is a different take on the other Vera Bradley totes and is named for it's subtle or not so subtle angles on the sides that give it more of a handbag look.  And that was the intent of the designers, to make sort of a hybrid purse for tote and handbag lovers.  The Angle Tote is a roomy style that will provide you with plenty of room to spare unless you are trying to use it as a diaper bag.   No matter how much weight you have in this bag the rolled handles will make it much more comfortable for you to carry on your shoulder or in your hands.  Being a little more than 11 inches square, it's the perfect little getaway bag that you can use along with your other luggage.  Check out some of the VB Angle Totes on sale on ebay right now in the auctions below and get a bargain. if you don't see the pattern you like, click on one of the Angle Tote pics to see more selection.

3.  Emma

The Vera Bradley Emma is already betting a lot of buzz.  It looks sort of like a knapsack or maybe one of those little backpacks kids love nowadays, but it has all kinds of practical uses, and once again, Vera has shown us yet another bag that can make life a little bit easier.  On the Vera Bradley site they say it is great as a gift bag, but that's really only true if you are the one receiving the gift in this case.  With one small tug on either end of the draw-strings the Emma will close shut and you can tie a little knot for safe keeping.  It might be tough to make it a regular handbag that you use every day because it would be a pain to untie that knot every time you wanted to use it, but for a younger audience this bag may be just the ticket and has a load full of other uses as well.  At only 9.5 inches high and 7.5 inches wide it won't take up much space either.  Check out some Emma bags on ebay right now in the auctions below.  If you don't see a style you like, click an image to see more selection.

4.  Frannie

The Vera Bradley Frannie is a small purse that is more like a clutch and is a perfect little handbag for those who love to carry as little as possible and don't want to get bogged down with a humongous monstrosity of a bag.  It can also be a nice little item for the younger Vera Bradley fanatics who are just getting their collections started.   The Frannie is 9.5 inches by 5.25 inches and has a 50 inch strap so you can let it hang by your hip instead of carrying it under your arm if you so choose.  it probably won't win any awards but it's a delightful little thing that I'm sure many will want to add to their growing collections.  Check out some Frannie bags on sale with ebay right now in the auctions below.  If you don't see a pattern you like just click the image to see more selection.

5.  Get Carried Away Tote

It is possible that Vera Bradley got carried away with this new style for the Spring of 2010.  It seems like all of the large totes are some of the most popular bags the company makes so they decided to come out with an even better one.  If you liked the Super Tote or Weekender you will love this bag.   The sizes are 18.25 inches high by 15.5 inches high and their is a break away zipper enclosure so you can use it like a duffel or however you want.  It's great to use a another piece of luggage and their are pockets everywhere.  In fact, some of the pockets are even lined with plastic.  The shoulder straps are as comfortable as it gets, and of course, you can really pack in all kinds of stuff for your trips or use it as a "Momma Purse" like so many Vera Bradley fans do.  Check out some Vera Bradley Get Carried Away Totes on Ebay right now in the auctions below.

The Classic Vera Bradley Bowler Bag

For many women the Vera Bradley Bowler Bag has been a timeless classic since the very first one came out.  For it's size it has a ton of cargo space for all of your stuff and the end to end zipper enclosure makes sure its easy to open and find what you are looking for right away.  Nothing is worse than fumbling through your purse when you are in a hurry.  In side  the Vera Bradley bowler you will find three slip in pockets for knick knacks and personal items and also a large zipper pocket to keep stuff from jostling around in transit.  On the outside the Bowler has 2 magnetic closure pockets which I absolutely love.  The bag is 13 inches wide by 10.5 inches tall and the strap makes it easy to hold under your arm and carry around.  This bad is always going to be in style with it's unique shape.  You don't have to be a big fan of bowling to love the Bowler.

I have been seeing a lot of buzz about Bowlers lately so thought I would write a post to highlight some of the Bowler bags on sale right now at the listings below.  These are live ebay auctions and the deals are constantly changing so when you see one you like you should grab it before someone else gets it.  Not everyone likes buying things on ebay because you are dealing with other people just like you and a few bad apples have spoiled it for some.  But for me, the risk is worth it because I have saved SO much money over the years by shopping on ebay.   Besides, if you pay with a credit card, you don't even need a paypal account to pay with paypal and you will have added security.  I don't recommend paying with checks and money orders.  So check out some Vera Bradley Bowler bags on sale right now for prices well below full retail.

10 Vera Bradley Christmas Gift Ideas

Well maybe you have most of your Christmas shopping already done, but if you are like most of us who wait til the last minute, we need a little bit of help with gift ideas.  And with Vera Bradley coming out with new products all the time it can be hard to keep tract of all the great gifts you can get with them.  Here I thought I would list 10 inexpensive ideas for buying some Vera Bradley Christmas gifts for that lover of Vera Bradley patterns.  You will also see a link for each gift idea showing you where to get those items for low discounted prices.  Some of these are ebay links but there are other websites as well.  We are compensated for this revenue and it helps keep the website up and running.

1.  Vera Bradley Agenda:

The Vera Bradley agenda is a great Christmas gift idea because everyone will need a planner for the start of the new year, so why not do it in style.  You can get these agenda calendars and planners in all kinds of Vera patterns.   They are very durable and of course as cute as a button.  There are tabs for helping you to stay organized and 164 pages.  You will find list makers, stickers, and even pockets and bookmarks in this agenda.  The size is 7 inches by 8.5 inches and is a 1 inch ring binder.

2.  Vera Bradley Christmas Stockings:

In case you have not yet seen the Vera Bradley Christmas stockings, you need to check them out right way.  I just love these things and think it was the perfect move for this holiday season.  Not only are the patterns just sublime for these stockings, but they just seem to fit that Christmas holiday cheer so perfectly.  They are roomy and durable and come in only 2 Vera Bradley patterns.   I don't think you can find a retired pattern from a couple years ago in the stocking unless it's homemade.  In fact, most of the ones I have seen are in Symphony in Hue and Blue Rhapsody.  But these are the 2 patterns that fit this season so well anyway.

3.  Vera Bradley Ornaments:

Just like the Christmas stockings, Vera Bradley ornaments are full of holiday cheer and come in Blue Rhapsody and Symphony in Hue.  The colors are just so vibrant on these ornaments and they can help make any tree look festive and inviting.  Any Vera Bradley fan would be delighted to get a VB Christmas tree ornament for a gift this Christmas.  If you are lucky you can even find some of the older patterns for ornaments like Pinwheel Pink, Raspberry Fizz and Mediterranean White and Blue.  In fact, go ahead and check out the selection of ornaments on sale at the link below.

4. Vera Bradley Wallets:

A Vera Bradley wallet can be the perfect gift for any woman, because you really can't have too many, especially when they are made by Vera.  The great thing  about these wallets is that they come in so many different shapes and sizes to fit all kinds of situations.  There is the classic zip around wallet, taxi wallet, clutch wallet, sleek wallet, pocket wallet and more.  Just find a pattern you know someone will love and it will be an instant hit.  It's nice when you can get a wallet in the same pattern as a purse that you already own as well, so keep this in mind.

5.  Vera Bradley Mini Coolers:

I just love these little things.  I did not think the idea would take off at first, but a Vera Bradley cooler is definitely on my list.  These coolers come in all of your favorite patterns and are perfect for taking your lunch to work or even for packing some snacks for a long trip.  The lining is insulated really well and can keep things cool or hot for a good while.  And there are even pockets all over the cooler too, just to keep in style with all the other Vera products.  A cooler could be a hot gift for your list this year.

6.  Vera Bradley Laptop Cases:

Whether you are a student or just a person who has to have the laptop at all times, the Vera Bradley laptop case is just the perfect gift.  College students especially love this case because they have to have their computers with them all the time and who wouldn't want to transport the laptop in style.  These come in all kinds of patterns so look through the selection and find the perfect one for your next gift.

7.  Vera Bradley Lanyard:

The Vera Bradley lanyard is a great gift for anyone who is always losing their keys.  You can carry your ID card and keys at the same time with this lanyard and it comes in all kinds of Vera Bradley patterns.  Also, the clip makes it fast and easy to remove and add keys in an instant.  You can wear this around your neck, around your wrist or just put it in your purse for easy access when you need to get to your keys quickly.  These are great little accessories that anyone can appreciate.

8.  Vera Bradley Photo Album:

Who doesn't love a nice photo album for sharing memories with friends and loved ones.  Vera has a huge assortment of all kinds of photo albums in many patterns.  The deluxe photo album is particularly nice and can hold up to 200 4x6 prints.  These are rugged photo albums and there is even room for captions for each photo you have, so this will save time explaining every single picture.  I love the album in Bali Gold, Java Blue and Carnaby.  But check them out yourself and find a pattern you love for a gift someone else will love even more (because they get to keep it=).

9.  Vera Bradley Handbags:

Hey, why not get that someone a Vera Bradley handbag that they will love for years to come.  Even for that Vera fan who seems to have it all, there have to be at least SOME patterns or styles they do not have yet.   If you notice they already have a certain pattern, try getting a matching handbag in the same pattern or even an accessory for it.  Chances are she does not have every single pattern and style made by Vera Bradley.  You can even find some retired patterns and styles on here.

To make your search easier try looking for a Vera Bradley handbag by clicking on search by pattern or you can search by style!

10.  Check out Some Vera Bradley on Clearance!

Who doesn't love a bargain?!  Why not check out some Vera Bradley that is on clearance right now.  You can check out the official Vera Bradley website or even check some of the bargain houses for Vera Bradley purses and accessories.  I have found such a place that has some incredible deals going on right now for Vera Bradley wallets and purses.  The selection of patterns is a little sparse, but you can find some really sweet deals.

Check out some products on clearance here!

Vera Bradley Christmas Ornaments in Your Favorite Patterns

You might think you already have too many Christmas tree decorations, but once you check out these great Vera Bradley Christmas ornaments you may change your mind and think you need just a few more.  It was a great idea for Vera Bradley to start making some Christmas decorations for the season and they have done very well so far with wonderful Christmas stockings as well.  On the site they are called holiday ornaments but I think they should still call them Christmas ornaments.  After all, you don't put these things on the Turkey at Thanksgiving so why call it a "holiday" ornament when it's really only for one holiday to begin with!  There are all kinds of great patterns that come in the ornaments including White and Blue mediterranean, Symphony in Hue, Blue Rhapsody, Rhaspberry Fizz and Pinwheel Pink.  Once in a while in the listings below you will find some more patterns too so come back as often as you would like.  Below are ebay listings of Vera Bradley Christmas ornaments that are on sale right now, so if you see one you like you should bid on it right away because these things don't last long at all.  Check out some great Vera Christmas decorations below before it's too late.

Vera Bradley Bow Cosmetic Bags: Retired but Beloved

I am sure I'm not the only one who just loves the Vera Bradley bow  cosmetic bags and who is also sad to see them go.  You can still get a few from retail stores if they are secretly stashing any in the back for a rainy day, but Vera Bradley has stopped making these bags for good, or at least until we can convince them to start making them again.  They are just so functional, and that kind of functionality is hard to find in a cosmetic bag these days.  There are pockets on the inside that are just perfect for organizing all of your makeup and lip gloss, and these pockets are mesh so you can see where you put everything.  If you are the kind of person that has to have everything in it's proper place than you will appreciate the practicality of a bow cosmetic bag.  Why the bow cosmetic bags?  Well they just look so much nicer.   They are elegant little bags that you can use for more than just makeup.  They also come in three different sizes so you can find the one that fits your lifestyle pretty easily.  The small bow cosmetic is 9.5"x3.25"x3" and great for carrying brushes and pencils as well.  The medium size is 9.5" x5.75"x3.75" and has a little more of a boxy shape, and the large bow cosmetic is 11"x7.75"x 4".  You can even use them to carry baby wipes like I know some women to do.

But don't be discouraged.  These bags may be discontinued, but you can still get a Vera Bradley bow cosmetic bag on asle right now in the auctions below on ebay.  These are live auctions and you can get amazing deals if you catch one at the right time.  Since these bags are so popular and they are just going to become more and more rare you might want to act quickly and grab one up that you like if you see it.  It probably won't be there tomorrow.  You can also check out the Vera Bradley official website for some cosmetic bags on sale as well, but only in select colors.

Vera Bradley Made in China or United States?

Ever wondered why SOME Vera Bradley purses will say "Made in USA" and others will say "Made in China"?  Well a few years ago you did not have to worry where that Vera Bradley bag was made.  Fort Wayne Indiana was cranking out the purses and all of them were made in the good ole USA.  But a couple years ago we started noticing some bags said "made in China" and questions were raised.

The excuse Vera Bradley gave us was that the demand for these fabric handbags was so much that they had to outsource some of the work to keep up with the demand.  China was willing to do the work and help Vera stay on top of her orders and keep her customers happy with plenty of supply.  But were they really happy?

While some have been outraged that a portion of the purses are being made over seas, some are happy just to have  a Vera Bradley bag and don't care where it is made, as long as the quality is still good.  But therein lies the problem for some.  I have heard reports of the China made bags having poor quality, while others have said they are made with the SAME quality, and still others believe that both USA and China made bags are being made cheaper than in the past, and simply do not last as long.

What portion of these bags are being made overseas?  While at one point it seemed close to 60% or more, the company explains this is only a temporary fix.  They have built another factory in New Haven and have hired a few hundred workers to try and fix this supply and demand issue.  This new plant is supposed to help keep these beloved bags made in the United States, while providing some more jobs for Indiana as well.

What I want to know is this.  Have any of you had any problems with China made bags?  Do you even care if some of them are made overseas.  I know for myself, if I had to choose between a Purple Punch Libby made in the US and one made in China, I would definitely go for the one made in the US.  But at the same time, I am not too concerned where it is made as long as it holds up and is well made.  These are cotton purses after all, and will tend to wear out the more we use them, no matter how well they are made.

In any store you can request Vera Bradley handbags and wallets that are made in the United States.  Sometimes the store owners will keep them in the back.  That kind of makes you wonder.  Why are they so sneaky about this?  Many Vera Bradley fans have been upset about the fact that the company has not been very forthright with information.  They seem to WANT to keep us in the dark.  Even the thread they started in facebook on the issue was left unresolved for over a year now.  Tired of not getting answers?  Leave your comments below and lets get something started here.

Vera Bradley Reversible Totes on Sale: 2 Purses in One!

One of the newest designs from Vera Bradley is the reversible tote and it is getting a lot of heads turning. I just don't know why they didn't think of it sooner. I mean the interior patterns of the Vera Bradley designs are always so unique and beloved that many love those designs better than the exterior ones, so now you can have both. You simply turn the reversible tote inside out and "Bam!" you have a whole new purse. This is a new concept for the company and some of the patterns I have seen with this are Imperial Toile, Bali Gold, Cupcakes Green and Pink, Symphony in Hue, Paprika, Purple Punch, Hope Garden, and Blue Rhapsody.

The reversible tote is 12 inches by 10.75 inches and is 4.5 inches deep with plenty of room for all your stuff. The cool thing is that the two interior pockets on the ends become exterior pockets when you put the purse inside out. Cute AND practical... what more can you want really?! It's a good thing that the linings of these bags are made well and they actually CAN serve as an exterior lining as well.

These purses sell for about $65.00 retail price from Vera Bradley right now, but check out the great discount deals below on the exact same purse. These are authentic bags from legitimate sellers. Some of these bags are going for $59 and under right now so grab a deal and have it sent to your door. Saves you a trip too.

Vera Bradley Symphony in Hue, Imperial Toile & Paprika on Sale

All of the 2009 winter patterns from Vera Bradley are finally out for sale.  We have been showing you pictures of these patterns for a few months now, so you can see them for yourself in person if you would like.  Although some of these patterns are not going to be on the all-time most popular list with Vera, they are definitely a tad different and perhaps will appeal to a different taste.  So far, the most popular has been the Symphony in Hue.  From a poll we have been running for a few months, this is the clear winner with Imperial Toile close behind.  The European inspired Paprika has been a dismal last place, but there are always a few loyal fans around of even the most hideous colors.  There are not many orange colors in the Vera Bradley line up, so Paprika can at the very least fill that void.

The Asian inspired Imperial Toile has a subtle dark brown background and is a pattern that I have grown to love.  I guess some of these patterns just take time, because even the cluttered and busy Symphony in Hue is becoming a pattern I wish to have on my next handbag.

So now all of the new winter 2009 patterns are out in force and ready for the Christmas shopping season.  You can either buy them in the malls or right here in the listings below.  These are ebay auctions and many of the prices are much lower than what you will find in retail VB stores.  And you will get the real deal as well so check out some of the auctions listed below:

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