Designer on the Rise: Vera Bradley

Looking to be the trendsetter this year at school? Look no further than Vera Bradley. This up and comer company from Indiana designs attractive, yet functional cloth luggage, handbags and travel accessories. Vera Bradley has been all the buzz lately at college's across the country, including my own - Ball State University. Whether you want to stand out with bright colors or blend in with neutrals Vera Bradley has everything you need with a variety in colors and designs and a constant in all of their designs, functionality. You can even feel good about the splurge knowing that the company is a strong supporter in the fight against breast cancer. The Vera Bradley company created a foundation for breast cancer in 1998. They do a variety of things to raise money for the cause including the prints, New Hope and Hope Toile that are available for purchase. When you purchase one of these prints part of your money goes to breast cancer research.

When you first look at a Vera Bradley handbag, you may not see anything too special. Sure the designs are cute, but do these products really do more than just look pretty? That is what I'm about to tell you. Let me start off with two of my favorites, the Zip Around Wallet and the Maggie. Which, in my opinion make the perfect couple. You really cannot find a better wallet than this, with nine inside pockets, an outside change pocket and even a hideable wrist strap it is everything you could possibly need in a wallet. Though I have found that it is the perfect match for the Maggie the Zip Around can also fly solo. It is perfect for a night out. You can fit everything you need, but isn't a bulky purse you have to worry about carrying around all night.

Now for the Maggie. If you are looking for a mid-sized bag that is practical and ready for every day use then this is the bag for you. Smaller than the hobo Maggie is a crescent-shaped bag that fits a lot more than you think! This is one of those magic bags that fits all of the necesary items, but doesn't look oversized on your arm. Inside, the Maggie has two small slip in pockets for those small items that you don't want floating around in the large enclosure. It also has two end pockets that are very handy! These end pockets are the perfect size for a cell phone or any other small object that you want to keep close dibs on. With this bag you will never have to dig for a ringing cell phone again only to find that you have missed your call. As far as comfort and practicality go, I found this bag to be more comfortable than any other bag I have owned. Since they are fabric the strap is very comfortable, pretty and also easy to clean! All you have to do is remove the cardboard base from bottom and they are machine washable! I would recommend these pair to anyone who is looking for something very practical and useable and at the same time still very stylish.

The next Vera Bradley product that I have gotten to use is the Metro. This product is very functional while still upholding the attractive exterior. This bag holds everything you need when you are on the go. Whether it be for school or your career this bag holds your laptop, books whatever it is that you need.


Inside are a full zip compartment and three medium sized slip in pockets to keep your life organized. The full zip compartment works great for a laptop as long as it isn't too big. If your laptop doesn't fit in the zip pocket you can still put it in the bag and use the zip pocket for accessories. So even though there is the slight flaw of size on the zip pocket this bag is still highly funtional. This bag also has a double zip/slip-in pocket in the front. I found this pocket worked perfectly for last minute notes, lists or even your favorite MP3 Player.

Along with all of the features that I have already mentioned this bag also has the classic pros of all Vera Bradley bags. It is made entirely of fabric,except for the shoulder strap, which can be removed for washing. So not only does this have the comfort and style of any other Vera bag is also has the practicality.


The final and probably my favorite bag is the Vera. This bag is so versatile, you can practically use it for whatever you need. From bookbag to overnighter to beach bag, this bag is really everything you need. One of my favorite features of this bag is the SPACE. It is unbelievable the amount of space that you have. The bag itself is 19 1/2" X 15" X 6 1/4, which is pretty big for a bag. Then you get all the added space of the 6 inside pockets that line all around the inside of the bag. I found these pockets to be perfect for everything from hair products and make up to my planner, small books and other objects I didn't want to get lost in the space of the interior. The outside has a zip pocket and the main interior has a tortoise toggle closure.

I find myself using this bag all of the time because there are just so many uses for it. It also makes carrying heavy loads very comfortable and bearable. Even carry a full bag of books seems easier with this practical fabric bag. The straps at an 11" strap drop are the perfect length to keep the bag comfortable for carrying. Though it might be a little big for some situations, if you are looking for space and comfort then this is the bag for you!