My 5 Vera Bradley Dirty Little Secrets!! 😳😅

[@carnabyy2312]

This was funny! You had me at #5 because I’m a Miller girl and would always pick that over a Vera tote. I still can’t believe they retired this style.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Oh yeah, same! I have no idea why they retired the Miller bag. 🤷‍♀️ My only guess is that the Vera Tote is just more popular. Anywho, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂 Thank you so much for watching and I hope you have a fantastic week! 💙

[@Jenny20824]

hahahahaha 😂 What a fun video Amber. One of my dirty little secrets is I don’t like regular Vera totes or any other tote like it. I have a big Vera collection and I don’t have any regular Vera tote. I have issues with big bags lol. I don’t like carrying big bags and i don’t like how they look on me. I only use big bags when traveling and my husband is the one carrying the heavy bags 😅 What gets more of my attention on any print is the flowers. Another dirty little secret is I don’t like prints with little flowers. I appreciate the beauty on those patterns like French paisley, but they are not for me 😂. Thank you for another awesome video and for sharing your dirty little secrets with us 😍 Have a wonderful week!

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad you liked the video!! 😊 Girl, I used to have SO MANY Vera totes! Like, 20 of them! 😳 Now, I have 4. 😅 I just don't use big tote bags, either, so there was no need in having so many. I used them a lot when my kids were younger as diaper bags, and they were great for that. But now it's rare for me to use a big tote, so I totally get you there!! And I'm all for the hubs carrying the heavy load, too! 😅 But I'm definitely a sucker for the patterns with the smaller flowers. They're always so full and colorful that they get me every time! 😅🤷‍♀️ I can see why they wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, though. They can look busy bc they *are* so full, so I totally get that. 🙂 Thank you so much for watching and chatting with me!! I hope you're having a fantastic start to your week!! 😊💜

[@SweetbearCoyote]

I agree with you Amber about the critters and trim. It’s the overall colors and pattern design that has to appeal to me. Nothing against the critters or trims if I already like the colors and design. Like that French Paisley, I think it’s beautiful before I ever noticed it had the birds. 🤷‍♀️ My dirty little secret is I don’t care about the theme lines like Disney, Harry Potter, Snoopy, Star Wars etc. I think they’re cute but nothing I want to carry on a day to day basis. Maybe I’m just too old 😂😂😂.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Absolutely. If I don't like the pattern overall as a whole, then neither trim nor critter can save it for me. 🤷‍♀️ And I completely agree with you on the theme bags, too! That's an awesome one and it never even crossed my mind! 🤷‍♀️😅 I have one Disney bag, the large OTG that was such a good price during one of the OOSs. I picked it up bc I like the style and colors in the bag. But I would've been fine without mickey and Minnie in it. 😅 Other then that, I don't have any of the other Disney, HP, Star Wars, etc. They don't do it for me, either. 🤷‍♀️ So I'm right there with you! Thank you so much for watching and chatting with me!! I hope you're having a fantastic start to your week! 😊💜

[@Ruby508707]

This was so fun and the moral of the story is that it’s ok to like different things. No way, we’ll never leave you. lol, I’m not huge on critters. I’m curious now to check out the utility line. I used to be an outlet snob but once I took a closer look, tried a few things, adjusted my expectations, I fell in love with some items and patterns. Two of my favorite all time styles are factory styles-The Go Ahead Convertible Crossbody and the Medium Zip Top Tote. Great video and good points and very respectful of all opinions. Here’s one of mine, I don’t obsess over pattern placement. It seems to be all or nothing. If I did, I’d probably find something wrong with everything. So I just grab what looks good overall.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

I'm so glad you liked this video!! And I'm even happier that you aren't gonna leave me now!! 😅 And I totally agree about pattern placement, too! That's a fabulous one and I didn't even think of it! 🙂 The only time placement matters to me is if the pattern is really sparse and I just don't want my items to look really bare. It's not that I really care what part of the pattern is on the bag, I just want a decent bit of it on there so that it doesn't end up looking more like a solid color then a pattern. 😅 But I totally agree that I go for whatever looks good overall. 🙂 Oh and the go ahead and medium zip top are some of my favorite styles, too!! Thanks so much for watching and chatting with me!! I hope you're having a fantastic day!! 💜😊

[@Ruby508707]

@@amberthatgirl2001 had to laugh recently after a convo with my husband of 33 years. I was telling him about how some of the Vera ladies were focused on pattern placement and he said, “oh I’d be all over pattern placement.” He then shared that when his company gave out baseball hats in a camo print, he went through the whole box to get the best pp. lol, I’m married to one. Who knew?

[@amberthatgirl2001]

@@Ruby508707 oh my gosh, that's hilarious!! 😂😂 Thank you so much for sharing that story with me bc I genuinely laughed out loud! That just made my day! 😂💜

[@baglover3942]

Awesome fun video! I don’t care for the trim or critters either. I mean it’s fine and cute but I don’t go crazy for it! I mostly care about the piping over everything. The removal of the piping was a huge mistake imo. The bags just look and feel low quality now. I also love love the utility line too. The colors are much brighter on the utility bags compared to the quilted ones in the same patterns. And since there’s no quilting there’s less loose threads and misaligned stitching which is happening on basically all the newer bags now. TFS! 😁😁

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Oh yeah, totally agree! The trim and critters can be really cute, but they just dont make the bag for me. And you're so right... They've removed so many of the finishing details that made the bags look and feel high quality that it's a shame. Idk what they're thinking. 🤦‍♀️ And I totally agree about the colors in the utility line, too. They really are brighter and more vibrant. Plus those bags just feel so good to me! 😅 So plushy and comfy to wear! And they're super functional for the most part. Yeah, I dig 'em. 😅 Thanks so much for watching and chatting with me! I hope you're having a fantastic day!! 😊💙 PS- I've got your prize all packed up and ready to go! The hubs is going to drop it off at the post office for me in the morning on his way the work! 😊 My apologies on the delay in getting it sent out to you! I got super busy last week and just didn't get a chance to get to the post office. But it should get to you by the end of the week! I hope you love and enjoy everything! 😊💜

[@baglover3942]

@@amberthatgirl2001 thank you so much I’m so excited!

[@honestytoafault]

The Birder (trim) was an homage to the owners wallpaper business. And NOT having it is another sign that the company has gone cheap.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Yes, I know the origins of the trim and how it plays into VBs heritage. 🙂 And like I mentioned in the video, I do think that it can be a beautiful addition to some patterns. It's just not a feature that would make me purchase a pattern if I didn't already like it as a whole. But, I don't necessarily agree that not having it makes them cheap. There are certainly things they've done that have cheapened the bags, without a doubt. I just don't really think lack of trim on everything is one of those things. In my opinion, I think that the trim can actually make some patterns look more dated. And vice versa, lack of trim can make some patterns look more modern. I think that's moreso the reason we don't see it as often now. Just bc VB has been trying to update their look to a more modern silhouette, bc for years and years they were seen as having more "granny" type bags. Not that I agree with that sentiment. It was just common phrasing used around the brand and they probably wanted to get away from that a bit and appeal to a broader audience. Again, that's just my opinion and certainly not based in fact. Just a feeling I get from various articles I've read and interviews I've watched from the brands representatives. Either way, it's all just personal taste and preferences at the end of the day, and there's nothing wrong with that. We all like different things and that's what makes us all fabulous in our own ways. 🙂 Thank you so much for watching and I hope you're having a great start to your week! 😊💜

[@amyl.3114]

I like “selective” trim and critters when done the right way. Some trim is downright ugly and outdated- but used as a smaller accent looks gorgeous and can have the ability to send me over the buy/don’t buy threshold. Critters are a whole other issue for me! If there are supposed to be critters then PLEASE place them all over so that when i blindly order online I can at least get a few of them. Foxwood and hummingbird park are examples of bags I had to see first to make sure I got the actual critters named in the bag.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Oh yeah, I absolutely know what you mean! If the pattern is going to be centered around the critters then there should be enough of them in the pattern that you're guaranteed to get them on your item. Hands down, no doubt about it! Hummingbird park was a beautiful pattern on its own. But naming it HUMMINGBIRD Park, you'd have thought there would be so many dang birds in it that you'd almost get fed up with seeing so many of them. 😅 But nope.. there so far apart that I'd say the majority of items didn't have a single bird! Crazy. 🤦‍♀️ And totally agree with the trim, too. I can be a beautiful addition to a pattern if done right. 🙂 Thank you so much for watching and I hope you're having a fantastic start to your week! 😊💙

[@ruthvanwee794]

@@amberthatgirl2001 well, finally someone who noticed as well that the Hummingbird Park really didn't deserve that name bc it lacked that bird! It was the first VB pattern I got to buy and use just because of that lovely animal, but after I received my order there was just one little hummingbird at the bottom of my LOTG! One! The Lavender Meadow had an enormous amount of lady bugs though... that was so lovely but overall you have to use a magnifying glass to see a critter or animal at all. Although the Hedgehog Wild really was 'wild' and had loads of them on the pattern. Loved your video by the way, sooo funny!! Just a question out of curiosity: That wall behind you in the vid with all those items. Is that really all your VB stuff? I mean: it's not wallpaper is it? It's real bags and things? Is it? I'm watching in awe, everytime I see a video of you... I just had to ask.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

@@ruthvanwee794 I know, Hummingbird Park should've been called "Where's the Hummingbird". 😂 And Hedgehog Wild was absolutely adorable, but I was so frustrated that they didn't release it in anything I really wanted. ☹️ I'm still a little salty over it to be honest. 😅 😂🤣 you cracked me up! Yes, they're all real bags, not wallpaper. I'd imagine to have custom wallpaper made like that would probably cost near as much as I have in those bags. 🤣 I know you didn't mean that seriously, though, it just cracked me up. 😊 But yeah, all real. I've loved and collected handbags for as far back as I can remember. VB in particular I've collected off and on over the last 20 years. And I try to take really good care of my things. Plus, with so many different bags I can rotate through them so no one bag gets overused. That really helps them stick around a long time. 😅 But feel free to ask anything you want, I'm an open book. 😊

[@HowdyHandbags]

I think Vera Bradley tries to make most of their bags appeal to the younger generation or current styles. My 21 year old daughter equates Vera Bradley with high school. I know someone older that thinks their bags are too Grandma looking. It comes down to what’s selling. I bet Vera Bradley has focus groups or studies their sale trends. What’s funny is I like many of the cute outlet patterns but there are a few that in my opinion are just plain ugly. Every time the outlet sale goes online they still pop up. Eventually they will need to donate those or give those away. I like the critters but you are right about having to like the overall look of the pattern. Your video was really a fun one.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that. 😊 VB is an interesting brand, isn't it? Depending on who you ask, people see the brand in all sorts of ways. 🤷‍♀️ But they definitely have at least one focus group that I know of. A few of the other ladies on YT that talk about VB are a part of it. I believe it's called Vera Bradley Insiders. They've talked about receiving tester items and filling out questionnaires about potential patterns, etc. But I'm sure you're right about them really studying their sales trends and all that. Overall, I think they've went downhill a bit to be honest. I know they're trying new things and they jumped on the "save the planet" bandwagon with the Recycled Cotton, but I guess I just don't jive with a lot of it. Don't get me wrong, I clearly still love and buy from the brand, just not near as much as I used to. I'm a lot more selective in what I get now. 🤷‍♀️ And I'm right there with you on the patterns, too! Some of them are so cute to me that I can't resist, and others are so ugly that I think, "seriously.. who thought that was a good idea... nobody is gonna buy that... hopefully." 😅 And you can absolutely tell from month to month what items/patterns have been a flop. Just like you said, they're always there during every single OOS. They really are gonna have to give it up eventually and admit defeat on those items. 😅 Thank you so much for watching! I really enjoyed reading your comment and chatting with you. You always have a fantastic point of view! 😊 Hope all is well your way! 💙

[@janyn.m.9633]

I agree with you on the trim. Im ok without it. I think it makes a print too busy and outdated. Oops.🙊im also more of flowers girl than critters. I got some items in the peacock print for the beautiful mandala looking flowers. My favorite patterns are the medallions.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Oh girl, yes!! I love the Medallion prints, too!! Some of my absolute favorites, for sure! And I agree, the trim on some bags can make them look really busy. For the most part I don't mind trim, though. It just doesn't make me want the bag more, you know what I mean? Like, I couldn't look at a pattern and dislike it, then see it has trim and be like, "oh, well now I have to get it". It just doesn't do it for me. 🤷‍♀️ And I agree, those big mandala flowers and the COLORS in Peacock Garden are 100% what drew me to that pattern. It wasn't the peacocks. 😅 Anywho, I hope you're having a fantastic start to your week!! 💜

[@brittascharmsandbeads9057]

Your Dirty Secret #2 was about TRIM. On the bag you show the trim has the same flowers as in the rest of the pattern, it's just that they are lined up to make a "finish" around the opening of the bag, and that looks nice. Honesty you barely notice that there's trim there... 😉 On other bags, where the trim is different from the pattern in the rest of the bag, and the trim runs across the front of the bag, it CAN make the bags look dated... 🙃 The common opinion is that VB has taken away the trim to save on materials and labour... The "going downhill" argument... But I am wondering if they (also) are doing it to modernize the look of their bags, to appeal to younger people in the 2020ies... 🤔

[@csg954]

Great, fun video Amber!! I MOST join you on your number 1 dirty little secret (shhhhhhh I don’t even LIKE critters or bugs on my purses 🤫) 😂😂😂

[@amberthatgirl2001]

😂 you crack me up!! 😂 I don't mind them, but they definitely don't make the pattern for me. 🤷‍♀️ I hope you're doing well, my friend!! 💜😊

[@csg954]

@@amberthatgirl2001 you crack me up too!! I’m doing fine and hoping you’re doing well and have recovered from your horrible day…I hope your daughter is all recovered and stays that way!! Kids are so germy!! 😂 Btw, I love the stuff you sent me and am using all so THANK YOU!!

[@amberthatgirl2001]

@@csg954 you're so sweet!! 🥰 Thank you so much for always being so kind and thinking of us!! We are all doing much better now, and my Daughter is finally fully over that last bout of illness. Thank goodness!! 💜 And I'm so happy to know that you're using and enjoying the items I sent! 🥰 I know it wasn't anything huge, but I had to send you a thank you gift! And it makes my heart so happy to know that you liked it. 😊💜🥰

[@csg954]

@@amberthatgirl2001 LOVED IT!! ❤️

[@amberthatgirl2001]

@@csg954 that makes me so happy!!! 🥰

[@diaphanouswaffle]

The Tropical Evening Carry On Travel Tote I just got is, I believe, the Factory version of the Miller-same size, shape, features...of course, the fabric is thinner & the lining is bare solid color nylon instead of the nice patterned cotton. Have one Miller (Garden Grove), which I got at OOS at end of last year. Had seen 3 Millers (Holland Garden, Gramercy Paisley, and Bramble) at recent OOS (not the last one, though), but I refrained from buying them bc I already have bags (that I like better, in part bc the ones I own have the trim on them-which I do like a lot) in each of those patterns offered-and also bc the price of the Millers was just too high for me. I try to avoid buying multiple large items in the same pattern-well, I may buy them-but then when I have to cull my collection, I try to pick one larger piece from each pattern to hold onto & let the others go...otherwise, I won't have the space to store the next VB items I'm gonna' buy ;) When assessing "what do I actually use ?", if I have too many styles in the same pattern, I end up not using them all-it's more practical for me to just keep one or two large (as in, purses or travel bags) pieces in that pattern, bc I know I'll end up buying more of those bags in different patterns anyway.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Yeah, I absolutely understand that 100%. 😊 Very rarely do I buy more than one large item (purse or travel bag) in the same pattern. I'm usually content to have one nice piece, be it a handbag or a travel bag, in any given pattern. Of course accessories are different.. I can easily buy multiple accessories in the same pattern. 😅 Anywho, for me personally, I'm generally satisfied with one piece in a pattern. If you see me showing multiple bags/travel bags in the same pattern then it's a given that that's one of the patterns I absolutely love. And even then, it's still fairly rare for me to do bc that one bag usually 'scratches the itch' for me, ykwim? Seawater Blooms and Itsy Ditsy were a couple of the patterns that I got multiple larger items in bc I just went crazy for them. 😅🤦‍♀️ As for the Miller Bag.. it's definitely my favorite larger tote style. I know the Factory does a version of it as well, so that probably is the style you got in TE. I saw the retail Miller Bags a few OOSs ago, too, and I was super tempted to get a couple, but I didn't. I can't really justify more large totes bc I rarely use them these days. So that made it easier for me to pass... even though I was SO tempted. 😅🤦‍♀️

[@gabrielledemoulin5787]

I agree with you on all five issues, especially about outlet patterns. They are nicer, in my opinion!

[@amberthatgirl2001]

I think you're the first person that agreed with me on everything! 😁 I lose most people when I get to "not necessarily caring about the critters". 😄 Those Outlet patterns can definitely be prettier or more fun than the retail patterns sometimes, though! Without a doubt. 😊 Thank you so much for watching! I hope you have a fantastic week! 💜

[@nikkic0509]

My daughter is so sweet to buy and give me Tory Burch, Coach and Kate Spade purses, and I love them. However, I still buy and carry Vera Bradleys. I just love them so much. I really like the sling, but I don’t like the changes they’ve made to the new ones. I also prefer the quilted cotton.

[@Monika-K]

Great video! The critters get me every time. Wish they didn’t.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Thank you so much!! 😊 Those critters can definitely be cute, for sure!! I just have to like the pattern as a whole first, you know what I mean? Those dang little hedgehogs bout got me, though! 😅 Anywho, thank you so much for watching, and I hope you're having a fantastic start to your week!! 💜

[@Monika-K]

@@amberthatgirl2001 So I received my VB convertible backpack in olive leaf and here are my thoughts. I love the color and functionality. The strap only converts it to a shoulder bag, not crossbody. It’s too short and I most likely will not use it. The size is between the regular backpack and the mini. I wish it had a slip pocket inside. It only has a zipper pocket. The pocket on the back is large enough for my iPhone Pro Max, so that’s great. The straps are done in such a way that you don’t have any pieces hanging out. The con is that sometimes they adjust themselves if you brush against them. I might put a stitch in each one to prevent that. Overall I really like it and I’m going to keep it because I loooove the color and size of it. Enjoy the rest of your week.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

@@Monika-K thank you so much for the update! It sounds like it's a good size and has some nice features. I totally agree on the color, it's gorgeous! I'll probably end up giving in and purchasing the Convertible backpack, too. Any time that I end up being so interested in something I always give in eventually. May as well be sooner rather then later! 😅🤷‍♀️ Thank you so much for the update again, I really appreciate it! 😊💜

[@debrahsimmons7544]

😂😂😂 Amber your videos are so much fun and interesting. I buy from the online outlet most of the time . It’s more in my budget lol and the quality is not bad, to me there are more patterns. I do buy from the retail online but only when there is a sale and I can use a code plus the whatever percent off and free shipping. But otherwise I love the outlet I guess that’s my dirty little secret 🤭 I’m not interested in critters either if I should see one good but if not it’s ok. I do like good pattern placement. Anyway thank you so much for showing this video and telling us your dirty little secrets. 😎😆🤗👜

[@amberthatgirl2001]

😅 thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. 😊 I agree, the OOS is by far one of the best places to shop. You can find some awesome deals on there. But I'm the same as you. I typically buy online when there's a sale and I can find additional discount codes. Things are expensive these days and every penny counts in my eyes! Well you know, I've talked about how much of a penny pincher I can be. 😅 And the factory items are fabulous! Plus the fact that they're still in signature cotton makes them even better to me right now. 🙂 Anywho, thank you so much for watching and chatting with me! I hope you're having a fantastic week so far! 💜

[@annettefertitta6868]

Agree with you about the Miller!

[@amberthatgirl2001]

It's a great bag! 😊 Thank you so much for watching and I hope you're having a great week so far. 😊

[@jeannenorsworthy1068]

I agree 100% on the critters.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Thank you so much for watching, and I appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment! 😊 I hope you're having a fantastic start to your week! 💙

[@TheGlamPea27]

Amber! This was so entertaining! I love your topics they’re literally the best 😂. Okay number 5 was scandalous enough! I was not prepared for number 1 😂🤣. I personally have never used the Miller bag so I can’t speak to it. I love the regular tote because it’s just enough for when I need to carry a tote. I’ll occasionally use it for overnight stays but now I’m thinking the miller could come in handy for those overnight type stays. In regards to the recycled cotton I’ve definitely made my peace with it. I feel like the newer stuff feels a lot better than it used to. And I agree - I like the solid recycled material myself. I just don’t care for the utility line with the exception of the Lana backpack. It definitely soft and plush. My primary gripe with Vera now is that they CONTINUE to resort to plastic hardware. Why? Vera isn’t a cheap company but the plastic finishes and seatbelt straps give me the heebie jeebies. They can definitely do better than that. And for God’s sake bring the piping and side trim back. 😂 #3 - YES YES YES!! This year I have learnt more towards the factory patterns than the retail side (with exception of a few things) peacock Garden was gorgeous. Lemon Grove was so cute. I love that they’re still in signature cotton too. There have been so many times when I just can’t jive with the retail patterns but they did have some good ones too (Hedgehog Wild, and HP.) #2 - Okay now this is just scandalous 😂😂. There are definitely certain trims which I have loved but no, it’s not a make or break. Mosaic for example doesn’t have a trim but it’s a gorgeous pattern that doesn’t feel broken up. Foxwood is a pattern that has such a beautiful side trim. Definitely “enhances” the beauty of the bag. Same with Hummingbird park for me. But I totally agree with you in looking at the pattern and bag as a whole. I don’t have to have it but it is a nice touch when done right. It’s always the pattern that makes or breaks a bag for me. The trim is either a welcome or unwelcome addition for me. I liked when Vera would make some bags with trim and some bags without it. But now they don’t do it at all which is a bummer. 1 - OH NOOOOOOOO 😂😂😂😂 I am dead. Done. Finished. 🤣 we cannot be friends!! Lol I’m totally joking. I totally understand though. Critters are not everyone’s thing. Foxwood was definitely one where if I have a bag in it, it has to have the right parts of the pattern in it for me. I cannot stand the gassy flower in that pattern!! 😂. French paisley will forever be my love because the pattern itself is gorgeous. The birds were definitely a nice touch. French paisley was one of the first patterns I bought last year and I had no idea there were birds in it. Omg thank you for this video! I just loved it thoroughly!! 😂❤❤😂

[@amberthatgirl2001]

😂😂 girl you absolutely cracked me up!!! You should do this video!! 😁 I quit doing the tag thing bc it seemed like everybody was just too busy, which I totally get, but you should do this one if you want! 😁 So the totes are generally just larger then I use for everyday. So when I do use them it's for travel and I absolutely love the Miller bag for that purpose. It's got the trolley sleeve, all the same organization as the VT, but just a bit bigger. And I like to pack a lot of (unnecessary) crap. So the more room the better. 😂 It's a fantastic overnight/weekend bag! 😊 I totally get what you're saying about the utility line. I think it's one of those love it or hate it styles. I genuinely started really appreciating it after I carried my Utility Crossbody for the first time. It was just ssoooo insanely comfortable because of all that plushy padding that it won me over. 😅 But I 110% agree with you on the plastic hardware. It's total crap. That's why I keep cutting it off and replacing it where I can. 😅🤷‍♀️ You're absolutely right that it does make the bags look cheap! Idk why in the world they chose plastic fixtures!? 🤦‍♀️ And I agree on the finishing details they've taken away, too. Idk who's making the decisions at VB right now but they need a stern ass ripping for all these dumbass choices they keep making! 😂 Yes girl! There's just no denying that the FO has some of the better patterns sometimes. 🤷‍♀️ But I go back and forth. 😅 Sometimes they release a bunch of patterns on the retail side and I love all of them, and then sometimes I won't care for any of them for months. I guess it's just all about whatever jumps out at us regardless of which side it comes from. 😊 😂😂😂 I know, I know. But yeah, I absolutely agree. Some of the trims are gorgeous! Some.. not so much. 😅 But it's always been a "feature" to me, not the main attraction. So it can make a bag more beautiful, but it's never the reason I go for a pattern. If I don't like the pattern as a whole then it doesn't matter how fabulous that trim is, it'll be a no-go for me. 🤷‍♀️ So I absolutely agree with what you said, "I don't have to have it, but it's a nice touch when it's done right." I couldn't have said it better myself. 😊 Please don't leave me, be my friend! I didn't mean it! 😂😂😅 Girl, I figured #1 would ruffle some feathers!! But I'm so glad everybody just took it in stride and laughed. 🤦‍♀️😅 I genuinely don't mind the critters at all, they're just like trim for me. Not the main draw. Granted, some of them have been so dang cute!! Hedgehogs.. I mean, c'mon.. those were freaking adorable!! I'm still salty that VB didn't release that pattern in any of the items I wanted. 😑 But generally, I don't care either way if there are critters or not. I just have to like the pattern as a whole again. So I guess I'm more of a "big picture" kinda person instead of a detail oriented kinda person. 😊 I'm so glad you liked this video, and I would LOVE for you to do your own version of it!!! Hopefully we can still be friends afterward, but we'll see. 🤣😂 Thank you so much for watching and being your awesome, fantastic self!! I hope your week is going great so far!! 💜😊

[@TheGlamPea27]

@@amberthatgirl2001 thank you so much for taking the time to respond so thoroughly! Lol you crack me up too!! 🤣 this was so much fun though and I do agree with many of your points! I think I might do this as well since you kind of “tagged” me in the comments 😂😂. I will just have to wrack my brain about it for a bit! Thanks again for all your videos!!

[@amberthatgirl2001]

@@TheGlamPea27 do it girl!! I can't wait to see your version!! 😊💜

[@michelemacisaac9185]

Love your videos.. no more secrets lol 😂

[@amberthatgirl2001]

You crack me up!! 😂😂😂 Thank you so much!! I appreciate that more then you know!! 🥰

[@redrockermom0630]

Love this video! I have the same #1! I like critters/animals…. But not as the focus on my bag! The only bag I have with animal is hummingbird park… because I love the PATTERN first! Also, I dont care for the collabs…. Just not my thing… I agree on how some are so focused on placement, etc. Heck I just get what I like! Now I have got to check out that utility bag!

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Thank you so much!! 😊 I totally and completely agree. I just like what I like! 🙂 Above all, I just have to like the pattern as a whole. Not just bits and pieces of it. That would drive me crazy! 😅 I have to say, I'm relieved at how well this video has went over with everybody! I was a little nervous that ppl were going to come for me. 😅 But surprisingly, it seems that a lot of yall tend to agree with some of my "secrets". So I'm happy to know I'm not alone out here! 😅 If you pick up anything in the utility line you have to let me know what you think! 😊 Thank you so much for watching and chatting with me! I hope you're having a fantastic start to your week! 😊💙 Oh, and I almost forgot!.. I don't do the collabs either. They aren't my thing. It's great for everybody that loves them, but it's not for me. 🤷‍♀️ I don't even know the Harry Potter characters, so I'd feel like an idiot carrying around a bag with a bunch of characters I didn't even know the names of. 😅🤷‍♀️

[@marie.s9995]

Miller is the best! ❤ Thanks for another great video.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Totally agree. 😊 And thank you SO much, I really appreciate your kind words!

[@madammarie72]

Amber, I just wanted to say I enjoy your videos so much.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate that more then you know. 🥰 I hope you're having a fantastic day! 😊

[@marybethchristian309]

Lol! I agree

[@amberthatgirl2001]

😅 I'm glad I'm not alone!! 😅

[@lovinglife3954]

#5 Vera tote can pass for a purse but Miller bag cannot. I do love my Miller bag in blue bandana. My dirty secret: I’ve returned every Vera tote I’ve ever purchased. I do love my Mandy as well.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Yeah, you're totally right. The VT can probably pass for a larger purse, but the Miller bag is definitely a tote. But to me they're both just large totes. 🤷‍♀️😅 I used to have a ton of VTs but I'm down to 3 now. I just don't use big tote bags anymore so it didn't make sense for me to keep all of them, you know what I mean? So I can understand why you'd return yours! The Mandy is a fabulous shoulder bag style, too! Super functional with those interior pockets. 🙂 Thank you so much for watching and I hope you're having a great start to your week! 🙂💙

[@diaphanouswaffle]

If I don't like a pattern at all, whether or not it has trim is irrelevant to me...however, if I do like a pattern (a little or a lot), then chances are I would prefer to have trim on it. It's somewhat similar to my relationship with interior patterns-in that, I may be lukewarm about the main exterior pattern (or color), but if I really really like the inside pattern, well you know I'm probably going to get it. So it is with trim panels on bags-there are patterns I'm not enthusiastic about, though certainly don't dislike-and if the trim panel is especially appealing to me (moreso than even the actual pattern), then I'm going to hunt for a style of bag that has it. For example-I was kinda "meh" about Lavender Meadow and didn't have anything in it for the longest time, but then I saw the trim panels on the Tote (in a YT video, of course) so I went searching, and wasn't satisfied with getting an item in the pattern unless it had that feature, bc I like it as much as or more than the pattern itself.

[@amberthatgirl2001]

I can certainly understand that. I feel that way about interiors. I can be lukewarm to a pattern and then see the interior, and if it's fabulous, that can push me over the edge. So I can totally understand where you're coming from there. I just genuinely can't think of a pattern that I was iffy about, and seeing it have trim, and that ultimately being the driving force for me to purchase. But, to me anyway, the trim has always just been a feature that can accent an already beautiful pattern. Otherwise it doesn't really affect my feelings toward a pattern. With the one caveat being that I *do* enjoy how the trim is almost always symmetrical... is that the right word? I think so. 😅🤷‍♀️ It's nearly always even and usually repeating... which is pleasing to my eye. I'm not sure on the right descriptor, but ykwim. 😅🤦‍♀️

[@amc5936]

i sew quilted totes i can throw mine in the wash with the rest of my laundry can you do this with an over priced vera without them being ruined? They are all made in china now

[@diaphanouswaffle]

Don't think I realized you had the PPP Vera Tote. Have watched all your VB videos, and did a search on here-but can't find mention of the PPP one. I did by happenstance find a comment exchange we had some months ago, where you bemoaned FedEx's sluggish shipping speed, bc you were awaiting that patterned bag...though now I've forgotten which video those comments were under LOL Have you shown this bag in a previous video ? Do you feel (guessing about this) reluctant to use it bc of how light the color is, and you're worried it will pick up stains ? I haven't yet had chance to use mine bc it's back home drying out after I rinsed it. Though it was NWT, it had a dryer sheet/Febreeze/perfume odor that is seriously offputting-hope the crumpled paper I stuffed it with does its job in absorbing the smell (if not, I'll keep dousing it with white vinegar until it becomes tolerable).

[@amberthatgirl2001]

I don't think I put the PPP tote in the title of the video it was in. I just uploaded it as something like "2 preloved bags + storytime", or something like that. I'll go back and find it and get you the title for sure. Yes, I'm extremely reluctant to use my PPP VT for a few reasons.. 1. They're so hard to find now, so if I mess this one up (kids, the hubs, messy life in general 😅) it would be a miracle to find another. Especially at a decent price. 2. It's SO gorgeous and SUCH a light cotton color that I dont want to stain it or get marks all over it... which again, messy life. LOL And 3. I still feel a small sense of guilt over the entire ordeal with this bag. I wrote the seller a letter, but never heard back. So I still don't know if she was paid for the bag or not, and it really bothers me. I hope that your bag is odor free when you get back home! 🤞

[@diaphanouswaffle]

@@amberthatgirl2001 Okay-now that you're describing the story that went along with it, that does sound familiar. I feel like I can find the relevant video based on that-appreciate you helping me figure it out.

[@diaphanouswaffle]

@@amberthatgirl2001 Alright-it only appears at the very tail end of the Jan. 24, 2022 video (Radley London & Vera Bradley + Storytime)... I can understand feeling hesitant to use an item when the circumstances around the purchase feel "not right"-through no fault of your own-but still, it's like the bag (for you, your relationship with it) retains a bad aura or emotional atmosphere as a result :(

[@diaphanouswaffle]

I don't have anything in Foxwood...it just doesn't appeal to me. I do have items with Foxwood's interior pattern, but that's incidental-not the reason I bought any of them (Blackberry Wine Velvet: Tote, Clamshell, and Wristlet Pouch).

[@amberthatgirl2001]

I'm not sure if I even have anything with the foxwood interior. 🤔 I'm going to have to think on that now. 😅 But yeah.. I know that velvet gets you every time. 😊

[@melissaandrews1603]

Hey, Amber!!!

[@amberthatgirl2001]

Hey girl!! 😊 Hope you're doing well and having a fantastic start to your week!! 💜

[@PerpetualMommy]

My dirty little VB secret- I don’t mind the metal zippers. 😉

[@amberthatgirl2001]

That's a good one! I don't mind them too much either. I wax 'em and go on about it. 😊 Thank you so much for watching and I hope you're having a great week!

[@tinmanlover1994]

99% of my vera bradley iteams are all 2nd hand I've only bought 2 iteams when they were new released

[@amberthatgirl2001]

I rarely buy brand new releases, either. 🙂 I always wait for some kind of sale or coupon! 😅💜