Cruisin' with Vera Bradley

We are just back from a one week cruise in the southern Caribbean. My mind swirls with memories, observations, emotions, and to top it off: a stuffed gut.  I thought a series of short posts about our week at sea might capture the flavor of what we experienced.

Let's start with Vera Bradley bags.

Although this company was founded in 1982, I was totally obvious to these great looking brightly printed bags until I saw a few back pack and messenger bag VB styles in the U.T. Austin Bookstore last year. I thought they were cute but price-y for the purpose (practical me). When Laura and Scott introduced me to Quibids penny auction site last month, I mesmerized myself for hours online whilst demonstrating beginner's luck by winning two Vera Bradley products; a make-up bag and a tote purse (see pattern above).

My VB purse arrived just prior to the cruise and I decided to take it along. Turns out I was right in style.  As we waited in line to check in for the cruise I was amazed to see so many women sporting the VB purses, totes, and larger luggage-size pieces in a wonderful array of patterns. I tried to take as many pictures as I could with my I Phone.

I also learned that taking photos on the sly is more challenging than it looks. There were many more great looking bags that I missed capturing. Clearly, VB rocks on cruises. Too bad some of the labels say "made in China". That really disappoints. Why can't we manufacture in America?

Anyway...