Review of Vera Bradley's New All in One Wristlet and Original Wristlet

Vera Bradley is a maverick in the luggage and handbag industry. The company has turned cotton print fabrics into an elite designer line. They cater to a wide audience, however. Teenagers to soccer moms love the extremely well constructed and washable bags.

In an effort to change with the times and needs of their intended buyers, Vera Bradley updates the fabrics every six months and often retires a handbag design in favor of a new one. The wristlet, a popular checkbook sized bag, has been redesigned as the Vera Bradley All-in-One Wristlet. However, the original wristlet was also redesigned as well. So some Vera enthusiasts are wondering which wristlet is the better deal.

The Vera Bradley Wristlet
The regular sized wristlet is a simple bag with one inside pocket and dimensions of 7"x 3 ½" x 1 ¼". This bag has a 6-inch strap with a trigger clasp. The new design includes an additional hook on the opposite end of the bag so you can quickly transform your wristlet into a small handbag. The trigger clasp also allows you to easily hang it from a larger bag as well. It is big enough for me to tuck chapstick, a cell phone, my small camera and some money, ID, and credit cards.

The biggest drawback to this bag is that there is only one pocket so organization is out of the question. Money and credit cards will just be thrown together and the sole inner pocket does not have a snap or any type of closure.

The Vera Bradley All-in-One Wristlet
The new design in wristlets is an attempt to organize the original by adding pockets and ID windows. The wristlet measures 3" x 5 ¼" ¾". This may not seem significantly smaller, but it is. The wristlet has one outside pocket for a cell phone or digital music player and on the opposite side has a clear view ID window. Inside, there are 3 credit card slots and a zippered pocket. There is one slip in pocket for cash or other cards.

The biggest drawback to this design is the size. I used it with an Apple iPhone, my cards, a small amount of cash and coin, and one skinny size chapstick tube. It was overstuffed and I had a hard time closing the zipper. While I like the idea of the organizers, it needs to be bigger for my needs. The zipper also opens all the way around on three sides so anything you do stuff into the middle will fall out when you open it. If you are only carrying cash/cards/phone, this may be ideal. But anything larger than an Apple iPhone and the pocket will not work.

Price Comparison of the Vera Bradley Wristlets
Regular price for the Wristlet is $25. Ebay and other retailers often have sales and you can get these at a better price. Also, the retired fabrics go on sale at Vera Bradley stores and online for 25%-40% off.

Regular price on the new All-in-One Wristlet is $32. Again, go to eBay or other sellers for a better deal.

For the price, I believe you will still get a better deal with the original wristlet. Perhaps the designers will take into account the size and redesign the All-in-One larger. I'll wait for that.