From Bags to Beds

Vera Bradley isn’t exactly what I would call a high fashion brand name, but since appearing on the fashion scene some 30 years ago, this designer’s brightly colored prints have become her signature and are highly recognizable. Just about anything with one of these brightly colored prints says without words “by Vera Bradley.” Other brands have mimic this practice, so if you’re a fan, you can make sure it’s the Real McCoy with a simple inspection of the goods. According to the site, all Vera Bradley merchandise has the original logo tag sewn into the inside lining, and other brand names and logos are registered trademarks.

With so many years on the market, I am sure there have always been younger fans of this brand, but I have always thought of this brand to be more of a preppy, more mature fashionista’s favorite. If you want to learn more, there is an interesting bio about the founders and what inspired them on their website.

I personally would not call this brand iconic or a classic, but it’s definitely got a following and items may very well get handed down to generations.

I was a little surprised that lately ads for this brand are showing up in trendier magazines. In fact, the August issue of Seventeen has ads that are geared to suggest this brand would be a perfect choice for fashionistas who are heading back to school and college, too.

If you’re not familiar with this brand, it’s definitely worth checking out either for yourself of someone you may know. As far as bags go, this line has everything you need to carry your stuff in brightly colored style. You can choose from the endless selection of oversized totes to makeup cases to tiny ID tags.

Now that bedding and other home goods are part of the Vera Bradley line, not only can you tote your books in one of her colorful printed bags, you can also decorate your room to match if you’re so inclined.

Bright, eye-catching colors and floral prints are still a major part of fashion, so these colorful prints are perfect for working this trend into both your wardrobe and home. I prefer floral prints that are a little more on the realistic side but I can’t deny something from this designer would be perfect if you’re a fan of floral prints. The prints are perfect for also working another of the hot trends we are still seeing: mixing prints. The variety to choose from may make you a bit dizzy, but with the cute names they all have, like Lime’s Up, Doodle Daisy, and Priscilla Pink, you can easily add pieces to your collection without leaving your dorm or doing it yourself.