When the Vera Bradley obsession began
Updated: Oct 10, 2021
My first introduction into the wonderful world of Vera Bradley happened around 2005. Before that, I had seen many women around the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area sporting colorful, quilted bags. I thought they were pretty, but never inquired about them. Shortly after, my then-manager began toting her work folders and files in a very large and pretty bag. I asked her about it and she told me it was a Vera Bradley and the color was called Pinwheel Pink. She said she'd purchased it at a local Hallmark store. I marveled at its beauty and commented on how lightweight it was, but didn't give it a second thought until I became pregnant with my daughter in the spring of 2009.
At that time, they’d just launched a Vera Bradley store in a shopping center near my house so I decided to check it out. Upon entering the store, I was cheerfully greeted by an associate. She took one look at my swollen belly (I was about 7 months pregnant at the time) and remarked that I’d need a diaper bag. I instantly fell in love with their Winter 2009 color called Imperial Toile and I adored the Baby Bag with it’s organized pockets and wipeable lining. I was also so thankful I wouldn’t have to settle for one of the horrible Winnie the Pooh plastic diaper bags I’d seen a million times at my local Target!
That Christmas (my daughter was born on December 31), my sweet hubby gave me a Vera Bradley gift card which burned a hole in my pocket. I recall having him drive us out in the ice and snow (that year we had a white Christmas in Texas!) to purchase all of the matching accessories the day after Christmas. Every time I walk into that same store, I reflect on the most magical time of my life. That is why I will always have a special place in my heart for Vera Bradley. And so the obsession began!
In the past few years, I've gravitated away from the bright patterns and instead have favored the solid microfiber, leather, and more neutral pattens. The company is always launching new patterns and recently began using more sustainable materials made of recycled cotton and plastic bottles. There's truly something for everyone, so it's easy to see why they are so popular!