Top Vera Bradley Must for Spring Vacation

1. Beach Towel –
   

   These retail for $35 but worth every penny! Sometimes you can get them cheaper through the outlet stores. I have 5-7 myself. They are oversized, luxurious, and colorful. If you can, try to score the older beach towels. The older beach towels are higher quality than the newer ones. These also make great bath towels, especially for plus-sized fans
2. Flip Flops –
   

   I lived in these when I lived in So Cal. Super comfy and cheap enough ($24 before any sales) to have lots of patterns! I don't recommend the older ones with the straw bottoms or Starry Night, they are uncomfortable. However, Vera caught on quickly and made much-needed updates. I even wore them to Disneyland, they are that durable.
3. Sunglasses –
   

   I think these are very underappreciated and often forgot in the melee of  Vera Bradley accessories. I picked up two pair, one in Boysenberry and the other in Raspberry Fizz, at the annual Outlet Sale for $30 each. Normally these retail for $64-$108. Honestly I forgot about them until my $160 Coach sunglasses snapped in two a couple of years ago. I dug out my Boysenberry and never looked back. They are durable, lightweight, and cute!
4. Ditty Bag –
   

   You can't go to the beach without this bag. I never did! It retails for $28, but often you can get them cheaper in retired patterns. It has drawstring closure and more importantly, it's plastic lined. This allows you to put in wet and/or dirty stuff inside without having to worry about leaks or getting the pretty exterior pattern dirty. I've used this to hold wet towel, shoes, swimsuits, goggles, and on occasion a dirty diaper. I've washed mine over and over with no issues. You can also bring snacks in the Ditty Bag or hold travel necesseties in your luggage. The possibilities are endless!
5. Beach Bag – There is no way I can narrow down the perfect Vera Bradley beach bag for you because there are so many options! I personally have used the Get Carried Away, Vera, and the mesh bag, depending my needs (ie how many kids I have in tow). All have worked well. I also recommend bags in the Lighten Up line because they are lightweight and waterproof. I have yet to use a backpack, but I could see that in my future.
6. Cooler Bag –
   Ooops, this was supposed to be a Top 5 list, but then I remembered my Marrakesh Cooler Tote and my Mini Coolers! How could I forget? What cute way to store cold drinks, cheese, fruit, and yogurts for a hot summer day! The zippered top to my Cooler Tote deterred many a frustrated seagull. I found my Cooler Tote on the Vera Bradley's eBay store for about $20. Coolers aren't super great sellers, they often show up deeply discounted online.

My Vera Bradley Collection Video Review

Top 10 Vera Bradley Bag Style

1.Saddle Up Bag – Color me shocked when this style was retired! It was the perfect crossbody for me! It had ample room, enough for my wallet, phone, keys, snacks, and a diaper. I love crossbody bags because they allow your hands to be free and make it harder for theives to snatch your bag. I have the saddle style bags in Louis Vuitton and Cath Kidston, but Vera made the best one. The pockets were easy to reach, yet protected by the flap. I didn't have to look down to flip it open to stick something in my bag. I have a lot of patterns in this style, and current similar styles from Vera are not the same.

2.Hipster –

The classic Vera Bradley bag. It's been around since forever, constantly being retooled and updated. The Hipster was one of my first bags, in Cambridge I think. Then it had a handy hidden hole in the front pocket to slip your ear buds through. It's a sleek design, best looking when it's thin. I don't usually use a Hipster because it doesn't hold as much as I need it to.

3.Pleated Tote –

I have no idea why Vera Bradley keeps messing with the availability of this bag. It's a universally popular tote. Vera fans tend to like bigger bags and this fits that bill. Sometimes they retire it, but it always comes back by popular demand.

4.Campus Backpack –

For a while this was the largest school backpack Vera Bradley made. They have recently introduced the Campus Tech Backpack, which is a home run. The Campus Tech has a place for your laptop and a trolley sleeve on the back, features not present with the original Campus Backpack. The only complaints I have heard is that the straps do not extend enough for plus-sized fans.

5.Triple Zip Hipster –

Such a great crossbody! It has a little more room than the Hipster and the rounded corners give it an updated look. The two zippered pockets on the front are easy to reach. The depth isn't as great as the Saddle Up, but it can accommodate the larger Vera Bradley wallets better than the Hipster.

6.Weekender –

What a great travel bag! I like this better than the Large Duffel because of its pockets, sturdy base, and handle options. The Grand Traveler is similar, but the Weekender is a better seller. It has enough room for a weekend getaway (hence the name).

7.Vera –

Another great large Tote! It's a little smaller than the Pleated Tote, but it's so versatile. It has six interior pockets, which to me made it a great beach bag. I've also used this to hold toys for airplane trips, a library bag, and an overnight bag. The updated version has a zippered closure, but I was fine with the original toggle closure because I could fit more in. My only complaint is the name. Sharing the same name as the company makes it hard to search for online.

8.All in One Crossbody –

So versatile! It's a crossbody, a wallet, and a wristlet. Vera keeps updating it to accommodate the changing smart phone styles, which is so smart. If you have an older phone like I do, you can get some great deals on this bag. It can hold all your cards, ID, money, receipts, etc in a compact space.

9.Backpack – I'm probably one of the few to put this on this list. The Backpack is small. It's not a school bag, unless maybe for a young girl. However, for shopping, it's functional piece. You can hold a lot in it, but it's small enough to not be burdeonsome. If you baby wear, you can have the baby in the front and backpack in the back. At one time, the Backpack  was the most used bag at the Disney parks.

10.Cargo Sling –

Like the Pleated Tote, this bag keeps coming back due to popularity. I have the older version in Java Blue and the updated version in Heather. I use this as a travel bag for my accessories. It can even fit my hair dryer! It's a crossbody, which I love. I have heard this is a good crossbody for plus-sized fans since it's one of the largest crossbodies Vera has.

Top 10 best Vera Bradley Patterns

1. Java Blue – Spring 2006 – Fall 2010 one of the best-selling patterns for Vera Bradley. At first glance I thought it was a little old looking, but up close I really appreciated all the detail in this pattern. The blues and dark brown coordinate with a lot. I really think this pattern was the key transition from the vintage patterns to the newer, younger-themed patterns. Java Blue is one of the longest running patterns.
   
2. Pink Elephants – January 2007 – July 2008 – probably the best-selling breast cancer pattern for Vera Bradley. The breast cancer patterns run on a tighter time schedule than other patterns. However, Pink Elephants broke the mold when Vera Bradley reintroduced the pattern a few years ago. Black and pink, little elephants, what an irresistible combination!
   
3. Baroque – Winter 2010 – Spring 2013 – the pattern to finally take over the popular Java Blue. The black, gray, and white colors coordinate with a lot, and the yellow adds a splash of color.
   
4. Kiev Paisley – Fall 2016 – Current – A knock out combination, black background, bold multi-color accents, and Vera's classic paisley design. Previous similar patterns include Symphony in Hue and Parisian Paisley. However, Symphony is a bit dull and Parisian Paisley's accent candy colors are too bright. Kiev's jewel colors are finally the right color combination.
   
5. Heather – July 2013 – May 2015 – my favorite pattern for a long time! The purples and blues just drew me in. The flowers and paisleys pair so well together! I swear every time I look at the pattern I see something new. If you aren't a fan of the color combination, you could always go with Midnight Paisley, the same pattern in black and white.
   
6. Mesa Red – July 2006 – July 2008 – in my opinion (hence my blog) the truest red pattern Vera has made. It has a bit of a western theme, which makes me wonder why it wasn't named Red Bandana instead of the actual pattern they did name Red Bandana. I had a red and white kitchen in my first home and the Mesa Red placemats were a perfect accent.
   
7. Purple Punch – January 2009 – March 2011 – I'm a sucker for purple patterns. This is just such a fun pattern. The background is a deep dark brown, so you could pair it with more than if it was a chocolate brown. Although purple is the primary color, it has a lot of greens and pinks. The design is definitely for a younger crowd.
   
8. Peacock – January 2007 – December 2008 – I'm definitely not alone in putting this in the top 10. I always hear ladies looking for items in this pattern, especially in bedding. I saw the bedding at the Fort Wayne signature store and it was gorgeous.
   
9. Apple Green – January 2004 – July 2006 – Vera please bring back this pattern in the newer styles! Wishful thinking, I know. This is such a happy springy pattern. I've had this pattern in several items but I've always let them go because the style of the bag wasn't useful to me. Now with all the cross bodies Vera has, I can make this work. If I ever get an umbrella in Apple Green I'm going to place it high on the mantle with special lighting. That bad boy would never feel a drop of rain.
   
10. Blue Citrus – January 2006 – July 2007 – This in the interior lining of the Citrus pattern. This pattern is why I fell in love with Vera Bradley in the first place. A beautiful shade of blue with little elephants, so cute. Pink Elephants is really cute with its elephants, but I love that shade of blue.  
    

Top 10 best named Vera Bradley Patterns

1.Frankly Scarlet – July 2008 – May 2009 –

As an avid Gone with the Wind fan, of course this is my favorite pattern name of all time. Although I think of a scarlet as a deeper red, than the bright pinkish red that is actually on the pattern, the name alone made me want to buy a bag in Frankly Scarlet.

2.Loves Me – January 2010 – November 2010 –

Although the pattern made my Top 10 Worst Patterns list, the name itself conjures dreams of my youthful past, plucking flowers, certain they would tell me whoever was my fancy of the month adored me in return.

3.Paprika – September 2009 – September 2010 –

Again, a little biased here. Paprika got me through endless egg breakfasts when I had gestational diabetes with two of my pregnancies. Aside from that, the name Paprika is perfect for the bright orange pattern many women liked to carry in the fall.

4.Havana Rose – Current –

Although I don't own anything in this pattern (yet), when I think of Havana Rose, then I see the pattern, it is exactly what I picture. Spot on Vera, well done.

5.Very Berry Paisley – July 2010 – November 2012 -

Another name that is spot on with the pattern. Berry colors with paislies. This pattern was very popular, as you can see by its duration.

6.Sittin' in a Tree – January 2010 – March 2011 –

Ok, what sits in a tree? Birds. What's in the pattern? Birds, both obvious and hidden. Vera Bradley has had several patterns with birds in them, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard is nicknamed Birdie, but of all of the bird patterns, Sittin' in a Tree, is the most clever named

7.Floral Nightingale – September 2011 – November 2012

– Another bird pattern, obviously, but the play on “Florence Nightingale” is something Vera rarely does. The pattern itself is really cute, but you do have watch for decapitated nightingales. Pattern placement is key!

8.Canterberry Magenta/Canterberry Cobalt - September 2013 – December 2014

– Those that are not familiar with the Fort Wayne area probably don't realize how often Vera Bradley uses local places and locations in their names. I lived in Fort Wayne for several years, so I know when they've done it. These are two classic examples. Canterbury School is one of the most prestigious private schools in Indiana, and it is located in Fort Wayne. Although I don't know for sure, I have a hunch that the founders' children and/or grandchildren have attended there. I know if I had their money, my kids would be going there. Another example is the microfiber edition from several years ago, Wildwood, named after the housing edition where the cofounders lived and met. Even though the company has gone public, I hope they continue the tradition of naming patterns and editions after local places. Three Rivers represent!

9.Imperial Toile – September 2009 – November 2010 –

This pattern has the Chinese palaces throughout the design, hence Imperial. Toile is a play off of “toile de Jouy,” which is a fabric with a landscape or floral design. So Imperial Toile is a fancy way of saying, fabric with a Chinese landscape design. Very clever and fancy! Throw that fact out there whenever you're trying to impress your friends. You're welcome.

10.Hello Dahlia! - July 2010 – September 2011 –

Hopefully you think of the play Hello Dolly! Instead of the Black Dahlia. Yikes! The pattern is smothered with colorful dahlias, so chase those dark thoughts away. Another play on words, something Vera doesn't do that often with pattern names.

Top 10 Worst Vera Bradley Patterns

Not everything for Vera Bradley can be a grand slam, right? A company over 30 years old is bound to have some bummers!
1.Riviera Blue – January 2008 – October 2009 – one of the worst selling patterns for Vera Bradley and I can see why.

The blah circle designs paired with blah yellow and a blah shade of blue. Did I mention that horrible yellow?

2.Loves Me – January 2010 – November 2010 – this pattern had so much going for it! Just the name alone got me excited. Visions of daisies danced in my head.

Then I saw it. I've never had a first reaction at a pattern like I did this one. My friends and I were at the annual Tickled Pink Event hosted at the Vera Bradley warehouse in Fort Wayne. We went into a room to watch a video about Vera Bradley and a bag was sitting on a table just inside in the newest breast cancer pattern. A friendly employee chirped, “How do you like Loves Me?” We were polite and said we liked it and moved on. In reality, I felt like a balloon deflated inside me. They took a great pattern and doused it with Pepto Bismo. Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought this way. Loves Me did not sell well.

3.Puccini – July 2008 – November 2009 –

when this pattern came out, it wouldn't have made my top 10 worst list. I liked it. I bought the Messenger bag in it. Looking back, it surprises me I'd want that pattern. The design is pretty, and apparently Vera really thought so too because they also made it in Mediterranean White and Mediterranean Blue. I don't care for white patterns because they look dingy quickly (especially with kids), but with my love of blue, you'd think I'd prefer Mediterranean Blue. Nope, I went with the dull brown. Big mistake.
4.Zebras – April 2001 – January 2003 –

another blah pattern. Black background, forgetful shade of brown with zebras. Zebras < Elephants. I remember seeing a gently used Small Duffel in this pattern at the Fort Wayne Goodwill for $50. I chuckled and walked on by.
5.Rosewood Chips – October 2015 – May 2015 –

Thankfully this hideous pattern only came in the throw, PJ pants, and umbrella to my knowledge. Otherwise, it would be closer to number one. I get it, Vera Bradley took the Rosewood color scheme and applied a geometric design. Who dropped the ball in telling the designers this was only a good idea in theory?
6.Canyon – August 2012 – May 2013 –

when you look at the color swatch, it's a pretty pattern. However, on bags this pattern fell flat. Many brown-based Vera Bradley patterns do. I do like the shade of blue for the interior and appreciate the attempt at the southwest theme. It's just a dull shade of brown, there's nothing there to draw you to it.

7.Priscilla Pink – March 2012 – February 2013 –

I'm not a big pink fan, but I'm not sure I can immediately pick out exactly why I don't like this pattern. Maybe the light shade of pink? The overtly girlishness of the pattern? Too much white? I don't know.
8.Provencal – August 2012 – May 2013 –

I'm not a yellow fan either. I am very pale and this shade of yellow looks terrible on me. However, I can do this pattern in small doses, the accessories are cute. I also think women with darker skin tones look great with this pattern. However my Casper-like paleness excludes this pattern from me.

9.Portobello Road – August 2013 – May 2013 –

wow another pattern from 2012-2013!!  I just now realized it. Lots of swings and misses these two years. The swatch is deceiving. This pattern has a lot of light gray in it and very little purple and green. Very boring. However, my first throw was in this pattern and I love it. The grays pair well in my household color schemes.
10.Pop Art – Current –

I love the multiple colors and the simple design. But why black?? It's like there are black holes randomly in this pattern just sucking in all the color around it. Take out the black and I think it's a decent pattern. Not great, but decent.