Vera Bradley fans?

[Summerfriend]

My bags are literally all black or brown, so I love to use Vera Bradley pouches inside for makeup, pens, tampons, or whatever. They're pretty durable, washable, soft, and provide a nice bouquet of colors when I peep inside my bags. I also like my LV pochettes and so forth, but a nice combination of both feels balanced and attractive to me.

 

[APhiJill]

I love Vera Bradley and yes, I carry Vera inside my Longchamp, Louis Vuitton and Chanel bags.

I have a few leather pieces and they are amazing

 

[DZK]

I am a big fan of the older bags, I feel like quality has gone downhill. But only in a minority of prints - I like the prints that look more boho I guess, or nostalgic to me personally for various reasons. I also like the prints to be more toned down. But what I LOVE are the turnlock wallets - which look great in my solid colored leather bags....and crazy when I use them with the other Vera purses, but I'm not the type to change out my wallet based on the bag I'm carrying so.....oh well. As much as I love the prints I did choose to buy, I'm not sure how easily I'll make them work with outfits - I fell it actually takes a heightened sense of style to make it all work with Vera prints, lol! My solid leather bags are so much easier to style with outfits, they always elevate my outfit - Vera bags, imho, can really kill an outfit if you aren't careful.

 

[tealocean]

I found you! I'm getting my first Vera Bradley from 6pm! It's a fuchsia Chain Shoulder Bag made of microfiber with patent trim. I'm guessing since it doesn't say the word leather that this is just faux leather? Or does VB patent = patent leather? I've never had a bag like this (usually easy care leather or something I can wipe). How should I clean this if needed? Since it has patent trim, can it go in the washing machine or just wipe off with something like Folex. (I have littles!) Thanks for advice!

 

[DZK]

I found you! I'm getting my first Vera Bradley from 6pm! It's a fuchsia Chain Shoulder Bag made of microfiber with patent trim. I'm guessing since it doesn't say the word leather that this is just faux leather? Or does VB patent = patent leather? I've never had a bag like this (usually easy care leather or something I can wipe). How should I clean this if needed? Since it has patent trim, can it go in the washing machine or just wipe off with something like Folex. (I have littles!) Thanks for advice!

Welcome! Though I think this thread might be dead, lol I got into Vera very recently - I only have their older bags though, back when the inside was lined with printed fabric - I think the quality is going down while the prices are going up. Now...I am not sure if microfiber bags can be thrown in the wash like the cotton ones - you'll have to research that. Also, if the chain is not detachable, then generally it can only be spot cleaned.

If it's like the cotton bags, check the base to see if there is a removable cardboard base - if so, be sure to remove it. Turn the bag inside out if you can. Wash it on the gentle cycle, cold water....people say with Woolite to preserve color. I say if it's new, Woolite is fine. I got many of my bags used, and I needed to use regular detergent to get them bright again. Then you air dry the bag thoroughly before putting the cardboard insert back in.

My guess is that that leather for the chain bag is faux. The chain bag is so cute, I don't have one, but I like it

Their genuine leather bags are very nice - not sure how durable, but I am in LOVE with my new Veras in genuine quilted leather. They are just very plush and cosy in rich colors. But the leather is so soft that I'm not sure if it will scuff easily. They do wrinkle because they are so soft. I'm wondering if they will continue making quilted leather items in the future or if going foward they will do away with that and just have plain leathers. Not sure how popular that wrinkling in the quilted leather was. I have the Emma satchel and the Stella.

Anyways, tangent over! Let us know how you like the new bag - I am curious how you feel about the quality of it, too. I snatched up several microfiber crossbodies because they are perfect for my job. They are black, so far no need to spot clean even - but I will likely just handwash them when the time comes.

 

[tealocean]

Thank you @DZK ! I've avoided fabric bags since I don't want to worry about keeping them clean, but this color made me grin from ear to ear! It was only $17.99 (80% off). I don't have anything this bright, and I like that it is slightly smaller and lightweight compared to my usual medium size bags. I'm sorry to hear the quality has gone down. It's my first VB, but I've seen them; so I'll let you know what I think. I'm glad your microfiber bags are easy to keep clean! I love black bags! I have recently ventured into colorful bags but still solids.

 

[DZK]

An update that's on my mind...I'm donating/consigning a bunch of Vera Bradley bags. I had sold a bunch earlier, but I find they don't turn around so well on ebay. I am only keeping the ones that I know will be most practical for my wardrobe and shoulders - this for me winds up being the campus tote and the Vera. The other bags (that I had) had straps that were too thin to be comfortable for my shoulder.

The older style Vera is the ultimate work bag for me, and the padded straps make all the difference. But I was looking at reviews of the current Vera being sold by Vera Bradley...and I was surprised! Apparently the inside is no longer equipped with thick, quilted pockets, but rather a flimsier silky material that flops wide open. Plus no sturdy base, so it won't stand up well....basically, no longer nearly as practical.

So, for me, I will not be buying anymore Vera Bradly fabric bags. I have checked out a few of their other styles in a recent pattern that I like, and it was just so cheap feeling - I wouldn't have spent more than $20 on it, as it didn't even feel like it would be very durable - meanwhile it cost far more than that. So, imho, and I don't want to insult anyone else's tastes, I think Vera Bradley is just in decline.

I do have several of their leather bags, and I like them a lot - though some of them are so soft they don't hold their shape and wrinkle. But I won't be buying anymore of those, simply because I've got several right now I am curious if anyone else has tried the leather ones, what wear and tear they've seen, etc.

 

[tealocean]

Hi DZK, I got my fuchsia chain shouldbag and like it, but mainly because of the color, size, chain, and how light it is! It's also my first bag with a chain, and I've been wanting one. As far as quality, I was only disappointed that the edging on the patent strap has one area where they messed up, and it looks sloppy. Unfortunately 6pm didn't have anymore; so I kept it. It is only noticeable close up. Also the way it was packed flat, without any stuffing, made the bottom have a crease in it. Since one of the reasons I got it is to have a light/small/compact bag for travel, it would get like that anyway. I stuffed it, and it is a lot bigger than I expected. I think it's a great size! Importantly, it does stand up! I love how light it feels to carry since I prefer leather and am used to that heavier weight. It's not a luxurious bag, but I like it and I'm happy to have it.

 

[DZK]

Hi DZK, I got my fuchsia chain shouldbag and like it, but mainly because of the color, size, chain, and how light it is! It's also my first bag with a chain, and I've been wanting one. As far as quality, I was only disappointed that the edging on the patent strap has one area where they messed up, and it looks sloppy. Unfortunately 6pm didn't have anymore; so I kept it. It is only noticeable close up. Also the way it was packed flat, without any stuffing, made the bottom have a crease in it. Since one of the reasons I got it is to have a light/small/compact bag for travel, it would get like that anyway. I stuffed it, and it is a lot bigger than I expected. I think it's a great size! Importantly, it does stand up! I love how light it feels to carry since I prefer leather and am used to that heavier weight. It's not a luxurious bag, but I like it and I'm happy to have it.

They can be so practical and comfy for travel and work I'm glad you like your bag - that is a gorgeous color. I am also keeping my microfiber crossbody mailbags for work - I actually stocked up, since the specific style I like has been discontinued - the quilting pattern has been changed, and the zippers now seem cheaper, sharper, and stick. The ones I have are perfect and sturdy and nice for my job, will hopefully take me through several years at least.

 

[tealocean]

They can be so practical and comfy for travel and work I'm glad you like your bag - that is a gorgeous color. I am also keeping my microfiber crossbody mailbags for work - I actually stocked up, since the specific style I like has been discontinued - the quilting pattern has been changed, and the zippers now seem cheaper, sharper, and stick. The ones I have are perfect and sturdy and nice for my job, will hopefully take me through several years at least.

Nice! Do you have pictures on here of your bags? I love black!

 

[tealocean]

Here is an online image I found of mine. It has 3 compartments. One that zips (closest to the body), a middle one that is open and held shut by magnet, and the outer flap compartment also closed with magnet. Now I have 2 pink bags! So fun! This one and a Coach Margot in Cerise (deep red pink).

 

[DZK]

I don't have pictures up of my bags - maybe I'll find some online examples to post, though I'm attaching a pic of the black double zip mailbag that I use for work. The inside pockets and compartments are amazing for organization. There are a few other solid colors left - cheapest on 6pm.com, and just navy on the Vera Bradley website. But I got most of my Vera bags on ebay, even new with tags, for far cheaper than the retail price.

 

[tealocean]

I can see how organized this bag is! Nice! Thank you for posting a photograph. I usually don't like flaps, but on the VB they are nice and light and don't fall down on me, at least the little one I have.