Are you a Vera Bradley fan?

13 years ago

I hope there's someone out there to converse with me about my frustrations with VB's purses, etc.

I've been a fan of her's for a few years now. But the past couple of years her colors are just too "mod & young" for me. Her retired colors from years ago are beautiful!

I love quilted purses. I do carry one of her quilted wallets that I will NOT give up, but I'm tired of her colors, no zippered compartments inside, and the high prices.

So I did a web search on Quilted Purses and came up with purses MUCH prettier than Vera's at just a fraction of the cost. AND most of them have an inside zippered compartment!

I mean seriously, what woman wants to carry a purse without a zippered compartment? ;)

Anyone else here likes quilted purses like I do?

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Comments (18)

mimi_boo
13 years ago
Totally huge Vera Bradley fan... Anxious for new styles and colors!
glenda_al
13 years ago
Friend bought one beginning of spring and I really liked hers. It was the flowerdie one, and I found one similar at Kohl's and without the VB attached and I'm happy :o)
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Aloe vera? Or something else? pic heavy...
Q
Comments (11)
To say it nicely back, I didn't edit my message, and as Danielle kindly points out, you can confirm that. There was no need for editing, no? No need to be so snarkily erudite here, latinlady - please spare me your negative-energy suggestions and we'll all get along fine. And this is what an edited message looks like, with a picture of !!!!!!!!!!!!!Aloe!!!!!!!!!!! vera thrown in for you. Cheers, Jeff This post was edited by cactusmcharris on Thu, Aug 15, 13 at 0:15
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please identify this aloe "vera"
Q
Comments (29)
Hello, It is Aloe Chinensis, which I think has a much more delicate swagger, due to its spotted fan shape, than Aloe Vera. It is beautiful as an ornamental but does have the same medicinal properties and can be used exactly the same way Aloe Vera is used. Sharing my experience with this plant, which I've had for five (5) years now - Brief history: I brought home a tiny offset from my mother's Caribbean garden, where they are growing beautifully in a lightly shaded area around a hedge of Jasmine. Once home, I slowly inched my Aloe towards a window sill to acclimate it to my lighting conditions but noticed that whenever I placed this particular plant on a window sill, it lost all its color and turned ghostly white. I would move it back to an indoor table and it would again turn green. This phenomenon went on for about 6 months, which I though was crazy...Aloe's need some sun and filtered light on a NY window sill should not be a problem. Another problem...It didn't grow at all in all this time. Well, I was very patient and really wanted to save this one because it came from mom's garden. One day I placed it on a window sill and viola...it stayed green. I left it there all winter, didn't touch it and hardly looked at it until the Spring. SURPRISE!! It grew AND gave me three offsets. Now we're in business! I recommend a window that provides morning sun, not very hot midday sun. Late afternoon sun is good, too. I've learned: - This is one temperamental Aloe! Once established it takes off all on its own so you can't take the credit - Ha!! Likes to be left alone; not touched too much, fussed over too much, moved too much or even watered too much. Do not move this one around...It likes a permanent home. - Does not like its leaves lying on soil...They'll rot. After much trial and error, I finally got it right: Stones on the bottom of the pot, cover the roots ONLY and a little bit of the stem with quick draining cactus mix, fill in with stones to prop up the plant. This plant has rewarded me with at least 45 offsets, which came up right through the stones. Someone mentioned a root ball. This Aloe has no root ball. It, in fact, has a small amount of roots...It's major root and small feeders coming off that. The pot you have it in IS too large. The principle of a pot double/triple the size of the root ball applies to trees. That does not even apply to the everyday houseplant. Here's the problem with large pots - They stay wet far too much longer than the particular plant needs. This Aloe loves being tight in its pot. Also, you asked about clay pot vs. plastic. Clay is always better because they breathe, which allows air circulation, which allows the plant to remain drier. I would go with a pot about 1/3 the width of what you currently have, that doesn't taper outward but comes up straight. See above for my recommendations for planting. Don't worry about the offsets looking cramped in the pot when they do come in...They will be fine. Every Spring, I uproot my large Aloes that are full of offsets in order to remove them and check the plant for overall health. All the offset will have their own roots and can be planted separately. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I have taken a photo for you. As you can see, I've removed some offsets from another plant and put them all together in a small pot for now. This is fine because they have small root systems and are just as happy as pie all together like that. The photo also shows one of my mature plants (actually, there are two in the pot) full of offsets. By the way, stones in the bottom will also help make the plant heavy, so it'll be less likely to be knocked over. I know people who customarily place a brick in there for this purpose! Well, I sincerely hope your plant does well. Please feel free to reach out if you need help in the future.
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Vera Bradley bags
Q
Comments (8)
Also, if you go to Froogle.com and type in 'fabric quilted bag' or 'fabric quilted purse,' you'll see a lot of photos of sellers -- some from etsy, ebay, other places. I was kind of amazed to see the Bradley items at Barnes&Noble, that they made a marketing deal. I was recently in a stationery/invitations/gifties shop that had a huge wall full of the Vera Bradley stuff. It was pretty overwhelming! I've never found a pattern that I really love.
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Is my Aloe Vera okay?
Q
Comments (12)
I think you are overdoing it - closed container (is it a box?) lined with aluminium, strong lights...not sure all of that is necessary. Why are you trying to 'reduce leakage light?' LED lights are suppose to emit less heat - but I guess if in enclosed environment, heat will build up. I think such high temps are 'torturing' the plant, and stagnant air doesn't help. If you want succulents to grow well, you need to try to supply best conditions. I am sure there are fans available that make minimum noise. If your soil is drying up slowly, that is could be eventually a problem for succulents. It is not advisable to let excess water to be re-absorbed back.
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Kathsgrdn
13 years ago
I have 2 quilted purses after my expensive leather, Fossil purse fell apart. One is for work and the other is my everyday purse, a Vera Bradley. I don't pay attention to designer labels, though. Most designer purses are ugly to me and I wouldn't be caught dead with one. But, this one was on sale in the store at the hospital I work at. It's red, brown and yellow, flowery. Very pretty and the shape and size were perfect, so I bought it.

I have no idea what the other purse is...just checked, it's a Belvah, whatever that is.
Oakley
Original Author
13 years ago
Mimi, VB put out their new colors a couple of weeks ago. They're on the website.

I love my totes though. I use them often. But I don't get why VB is into the "mod" style now. It's been this way for the past couple of years.

Plus, like I said, no inside zippered compartment? That's crazy! lol.

Here's a good website for quilted purses. I love their colors.

This isn't the main page of the site.

Here is a link that might be useful: Quilted purses
User
13 years ago
I have a VB purse, I really like it but I would like a zippered compartment also. I got mine on ebay, I'm not about to pay those high prices. They don't last very long either, they start to fray.
I don't know what the new colors or patterns are now I will wait till mine wears out. Before I bought mine I was doing a internet search and found some people that make a very similar purse for about 1/2 the price. I didn't keep the website. What website did you find for a better purse?
Kathsgrdn
13 years ago
I found my purse!

Here is a link that might be useful: purse
williamsburgjane
13 years ago
I have a VB purse that I bought on Ebay. It was a brand new purse when I bought it with tags. Pattern had been retired but that didn't bother me at all. I did go and look at the purses on the website that Oakleyok mentioned and found one I realy do like the pattern and its just the size I like too. I just might have to go back and order it in a few weeks.
maire_cate
13 years ago
I had a VB purse that I carried for a long time. It was my favorite fabric - the blue Toile. After she discontinued that print I just couldn't find one that I liked. They were all too vivid and wild. So I bought a pattern and pick the quilted fabric that I like at Jo-Ann and I've sewn quite a few that I've given as gifts.
kacram
13 years ago
I don't know brand name stuff. But I checked the websites and I do like what you call her new patterns. the other stuff looks like stuff from the 70's lol .

I definitely like a zipper!
FlamingO in AR
13 years ago
I like quilted purses, too, but don't like the fabric and quilting that VB uses, it comes undone too fast. I quilt my own and then sew the purse from that. I've made up a few patterns that really work for me.

I do buy an occasional one, though, because sometimes it's cheaper to buy one than it is to make one.

Here is a link that might be useful: I have this one without the fish- it has a zip compartment on the back.
mrsmarv
13 years ago
I have 7 VB bags, two of which are the same pattern (Mod Floral Blue). My wardrobe is rather classic and staid, which works for me. I'm not into trendy clothing and I don't go for fads. What I do like is being able to be a bit funky with my accessories...eyeglasses, jewelry, handbags and shoes. I like the fact that the VB bags are a bit "mod & young". I may be 58 but I don't want my accessories to scream "matronly".
patti43
13 years ago
I'd like them better if they didn't cost so darned much. I have a VB makeup bag (gift from DSis who lives in Ft. Wayne) and a large bag (gift from another DSis) I use when we travel for our toiletries. I'd like to go to their yearly sale in Fort Wayne sometime.

Try Etsy--I bet they have quilted bags.
darrah
13 years ago
Awhile back there was a discussion here about purses in general and someone mentioned Vera Bradley purses. I took a chance and visited one of their stores. Thank goodness I already knew the purse I wanted and could afford - the mini hipster - because when I walked thru the door it was like walking into a candy store - so many choices and colors. I bought two and I'm glad I did because I love them! I can see how it could become addictive and decided when its Christmas or my birthday I know exactly what to tell my husband I want.
mrsmarv
13 years ago
FYI...go to the Vera Bradley site and sign up for their customer e-mails. They have some wonderful sales. I just purchased the tote in the bworn toile pattern and it's the perfect size. I work in a school and we have many VB fans. When there's a sale on a particular style and free shipping is offered (usually $75+) we all get together and choose our patterns, have it shipped to the school, and everyone's happy. The cost of the tote (inc. tax/no S&SH) ended up being
pammyfay
13 years ago
Here's my thought on why there are no zippered compartments: So you have to buy a matching small makeup bag or eyeglass pouch or whatever.

A few years ago I had a VB itch to get a lightweight quilted purse, when I saw a huge display at a store, but I didn't find any then-current pattern that interested me, although I love a bit of lime green in my life! I liked the retired colors and patterns better. But not so much that I purchased one. That's the kind of thing that I decided is better to look for in a knock-off.
czech_chick
13 years ago
Huge VB fan - just got a purse in the color "Symphony in Hue."

Carol
ksmith25
13 years ago
Vera Bradley bags are great...I have carried them for years. I have also become a fan of Bella Taylor Bags...I think that the quality is at least as good and the colors and patterns seem to fit my personality (or is it my age?)better.

Here is a link that might be useful: Patterns of Bella Taylor Bags
Oakley
Original Author
13 years ago
Mrsmarv, I get their emails. They're having a great summer sale now, except the fabric I ordered for my purse wasn't on sale. :(

ks, I like the Bella bags but they're just too small in width for me. If they were just an inch or two wider I would have bought one. I am SO picky. lol.

So I caved and bought myself an early birthday present. Below is the link t021171217967N976D14791-->
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Are you a Vera Bradley fan?

Comments (18)

mimi_boo

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Are you a Vera Bradley fan?

Comments (18)

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