It has been a long time since my last post. Since then, I have been doing my best to take things slowly one day at a time for my mental and emotional health. Losing a loved one (especially many at one time) is not something one recovers from over night. I’m showing myself grace and patience. 🙂

I’ve been surrounding myself with things that make me happy. I know happiness is fleeting and the most temporary emotion but I am enjoying it for the time being. I have been taking more time with my doll collection and hobbies as well as with my artwork. I’ve been getting rest when I feel tired, despite obligations or work and when inspiration hits me I try and run with it. That being said, I finally stepped-foot inside my first Vera Bradley outlet store and I have zero regrets!

If you didn’t already know, I am a sorority woman. One infatuation I can attribute to my collegiate sorority girl days is my adoration for fun printed greek letter t-shirts and tote bags. Vera Bradley was a popular brand among the Greek girls on campus and I always wanted to own some! To my dismay, the prices I researched online were far out of my budget. Its only NOW that I am learning the factory outlet store prices are way more affordable than what is offered online (and is probably where all my sisters were buying from all along)! VB offers specially designed seasonal prints and item styles at discounted prices; just for outlet stores. Why had no one told me this?! Needless to say I have been visiting the store all this week making purchases and collecting giveaway prizes for my YouTube channel.

One thing I like about Vera Bradley, is their merchandise holds value and even increases as the prints are limited. Once your favorite print sells out, your only option is second-hand market. People are selling prints from my college days for well over retail value (and it sells if its new condition)! Who knew cotton quilted handbags and accessories would be so popular. If you’re interested in viewing the season’s prints available for in-store only check out the patterns here.

My Current Favorite Vera Bradley Prints

I am doing my best to memorize all the different prints, but I’m still new so there is no way I’d keep up. Nevertheless, here are some of my favorite prints when I first learned of the brand and some of my current faves. I really love their teal/aqua, purple and pink designs!

My First Vera Bradley Haul

Now it’s time for the fun part…sharing with you what I purchased! I have quickly learned my favorite style of items: The On The Go tote bag (large tote bag), The Vera tote bag (my handbag), RFID Smartphone Wristlet, and the Large Cosmetic Bag. When I find a pattern I love, I look for items in these particular styles.

I use this Get Going Tote in Charmont Meadow as a travel bag to carry my reborn dolls in.

So far, I have been greatly enjoying my Vera Bradley items and I look forward to the new prints that will debut this year and growing my collection. I also learned that the store is partnered with Afterpay! So you can shop at the outlet store and utilize the easy payment plans if you need to.