Vera Bradley Iconic Line Review

In the not too distant past, many Vera Bradley fans were upset when Vera Bradley took away the pretty interior patterns of bags and replaced them with solid interiors, myself included. You can find a couple of videos where I’ve jumped on my soap box about this issue. Vera Bradley needed some tough love, bring back the patterned interiors! Yes, the new lining was easier to clean, but it was drab. I expected the solid linings in their MFO (made for outlet) line, but their regular line was also changed.
Happily, Vera Bradley listened and brought back the interior patterns in their new Iconic line. They tout the new line on their website as “classic cotton and microfiber silhouettes you know and love, refreshed for a modern feel.” To me that means they have the classic features, hence the “iconic,” but did make some updates. Ok, I can possibly roll with that. Here’s my take on the updates:
Great Features
Interior patterns – Yey! Now we have our pretty interiors back, and they are easier to clean than the fabric interiors. I can now wipe down the interiors of my bags, essential with crumbs and Lord know what else my kids stick in my bags.

Smaller diamond stitching – I love this update. The diamond stitching is signature Vera Bradley. I think the smaller diamonds give the bags a sleeker look. Plus, I’ve noticed the smaller diamonds line up better than the older larger diamonds. There are fewer overlapping intersections.

Changes to zipper pulls – The faux leather zipper pulls are much easier to keep clean than the old ribbon ones. Those ribbons could get really grungy. Also, the ribbons were easier to take off and come off. I have several bags with missing ribbon zipper pulls. These new zipper pulls are here to stay.

Charger pocket – While I haven’t needed the charger pocket, it is nice to have. You can put your portable cell phone charger in the gusseted charger pocket, feed the cord through the metal grommet, and charge your cell phone in your bag.

Not So Great Features
Quality of lining quilting – While I’m glad the interior patterns are back; the interiors are not quilted and are loose. The pockets in my Vera Tote are really loose. Plus, when the bags are washed, the interior fabric rips easier. I have heard complaints of the larger Iconic bags, like the Vera Tote not keeping its structure and becoming floppy. I wonder if the lack of additional quilting on the inside affects this?

Sharp metal zippers – These new metal zippers are sharp! I’ve scraped my fingers on my bags several times. Perhaps the metal zippers are higher quality that the old ones, but I didn’t really have a problem with them. I hope Vera Bradley finds a way to make these zippers less s No border – How do you have an “iconic” line without the border?? The border is part of Vera Bradley’s history. It represented the wall paper business the co-founders ran and helped inspire them to start Vera Bradley. While I do like the look of the Iconic line, I’m sad to see that feature go.

Higher priced – I don’t know the cause of the higher prices. Did cotton prices increase? The cost of the changes made the increase? I don’t believe this is all about greed, as some have suggested. After all Vera Bradley is a corporation and they have to turn a profit to stay afloat. But it definitely hurts the wallet when there is a $10 increase across the line. All the more reason to wait for sales, pattern retirement, and coupons to make this line more affordable.

It appears that the Iconic line is here to stay. With a few tweaks, I think the line could be great for Vera Bradley. I’m excited to see new materials in the line, like the new powder-touch nylon (helloooo Cardinal Red!!). I know that Vera Bradley listens to their customers, I’ve witnessed it first-hand. You can check out the videos I will be releasing soon about the Iconic Triple Zip Hipster and Vera Tote. Let me know what your thoughts are about the Iconic line.

My Vera Bradley Wishlist for Christmas

Dear Santa,

I have been really good this year! It stands as testament alone that all three of my kids (especially my youngest) are still alive and in good working condition as proof of my infinite patience. I promise to leave you really tasty Tollhouse chocolate chip cookies, and even guard them from my late-night-snack-eating-husband. I may have not mixed the ingredients of said cookies, but I trudged through 4” of snow in 18 degree weather (before windchill) with a two year old all the way to Walmart and back to be able to bake them. That said, I only want a few Vera Bradley items under the tree, please.

1. Cozy Life Throw in Playful Penguins Red – you should really get one of these Santa, the red would go nicely with your Christmas décor and it’s super warm for those chilly North Pole nights with the Sherpa underside.
   

   

2. Mallory RFID Custom Crossbody in Sycamore Silver Galaxy – it’s just so sparkly! Perfect for festive New Year’s parties, but also with an interchangeable black side for those serious occasions. You know, like a mullet, business in the front, party in the back. Not to mention, it will help keep those on your naughty list from stealing my credit card information.
   

   

3. Carson Shoulder Bag in Bittersweet Chocolate – I know what you’re thinking Santa, “Stacy you already have several Carson Shoulder Bags!” But, dear Santa, those are fabric bags. I need one in leather! That warm shade of brown is perfect for me. I know it’s the most expensive item on my list, but once you feel that leather softness, you’ll want to get one for Mrs. Claus, too.

4. Carson Hobo Bag in Chocolate Raisin – Oh dear Santa, this bag is made in soft velvet! I hope you don’t waste too much time petting it before you put it under the tree. You can always come back to visit it on your days off. Like the Carson Shoulder Bag, it can be worn as a crossbody or as a shoulder bag. Surely as someone so well known for carrying heavy bag, you can appreciate the need for wearing it both ways.
   

   

Silly me Santa! I forgot that I took advantage of Vera Bradley’s amazing 30% off your entire order sale, stacked my $30 off $125 coupons, and got free shipping on all of these items already! Well, scratch those four items and I’ll replace them with just one item. I think that’s quite fair. Please send me Bryan Adams wrapped with a bow so he can serenade me to sleep every night.

Yours Truly,

Stacy