How I Discovered Vera Bradley: Handbag Designs with Character

Every fall, the Southern Women's Show comes to Greensboro, North Carolina. My sisters and I drag the kids to the Greensboro Coliseum so we can pamper ourselves for a day and check out food and fashion. I'm not usually one for name brand purses and handbags, but when I found my younger sister browsing a handbag booth, I decided to look around. That's when I discovered Vera Bradley.

Several co-workers had bought small handbags by Vera Bradley, but I never gave them a second look. For one thing, their handbags were too small. I'm a mother so my handbag needed to be a wee bit bigger. Besides, I wasn't into lime green and pink floral prints.

That Saturday at the show I got a chance to examine Vera Bradley handbags up close and personal. The first pieces I saw were the same floral prints as the handbags owned by my co-workers. My sister picked out a light blue and brown print, but I wasn't feeling that one either. I started to leave when I saw it-the Windsor Navy print. I didn't know it then, but that print had just been introduced in July of this year.

Now that I had found a print I liked, there was no stopping me. Vera Bradley is unique. Most handbags are plastic or beaded or shiny with buckles or chainlike straps and such. Vera Bradley handbags are quilted 100% cotton. At the show, the vendor featured the classic handbag design, hipster, tote, bowler, and shoulder bag to name a few.

I chose the classic handbag design in the Windsor Navy print. This handbag was just the right size for a thirty-something mom on the go-classy and stylish without being pretentious. The last thing I wanted to do was look like my grandmother. For me, a good handbag needs to be zippered and have ample storage so I don't have to dump everything on the counter just to find my bank card.

Vera Bradley handbags provide space without sacrificing style. My handbag has an outside slip pocket that is perfect for my cell phone. The main compartment has a two way zipper. Inside, there are five pockets and a key clip. Count them-five, and one is zippered. Each zipper has a signature tag. A signature label attached to the largest pocket includes washing instructions.

Not only were there handbags, available but accessories in matching prints. I bought a zippered ID case complete with a clear plastic cover and a signature key ring also in the Windsor Navy print. The vendor also featured eyeglass cases, checkbook covers, clutch purse, change purses, and lunch bags. Never have I had so much fun picking out a handbag before.

I know what you're wondering: is it affordable? I stay away from name brands because of the cost, but Vera Bradley is affordable for every generation of woman. My classic handbag retailed for $50.00 and my ID case, for $10.00. When I visited the website I discovered her line of travel products, stationery, and home accents, too. If you haven't already, try Vera Bradley today. You won't be disappointed.