Vera Bradley

Lately I have become obsessed with Vera Bradley.  

It all began about a year ago. I was shopping at my favorite store for deals (TJ Maxx) and I came across a few Vera Bradley bags in the purse section.  I was thrilled to see the discounted prices, and picked one to try.  I got this Attache in "Folkloric" (the name of the pattern).  

It retails at $88 and I found it for $39.99.  

I began a new job and used this bag exclusively to carry my laptop, power cord paperwork and wallet in it. a few months later, My husband bought me a Vera Bradley carry-it-all wristlet in "Lime's up". (This we did pay full price on, which was steep- $42)

It has been almost a year since these purchases. And I am amazed at the usefulness of these items, as well as how well they have worn.  Both look in great condition. Neither show dirt (despite everyday use), and neither have any wear or tear.  I began to pay more attention to Vera Bradley, and started to find some great deals!  A local shop had a sale on some of their discontinued patterned bags, and the Vera Bradley outlet had 50% off everything!  My mother and sister both had a great time shopping too.  My sister even got all her bridesmaids gifts from Vera!  I love the E-reader sleeve, and the lunch totes!

So, if you are looking for some bags with great style, and are well constructed, check out Vera Bradley.  She's got so many patterns to choose from, you are bound to find one that fits you.  

The Basics

There are a lot of things in my closet that I rely on as my basics. I rely on these things a lot.  Sometimes, I just mix and match those basics to get my look, but other times, these basics can get swapped between outfits to complete the look.  

1.  Camisoles:  This is something that I wear almost every day.  Although most of the time, these things cannot be seen, they can add length to the bottom of tops and they can be a little more modest higher as they cover the cleavage.  My favorite place to buy these are the Gap Outlet.  They have great color options and feel great. Plus they wear well, and after repeated washes still look great.  Most stores will have camisoles of some kind or another- find one that you like and that fits well. Then get white, black, grey, and any color that you will use a lot.  (I have many- including off white, pink, magenta, purple, navy, yellow, and green, teal, brown, and many more. I love to pick these up when they are on sale!)  

2.  Leggings: I live in Michigan, where things are cold for about half of the year.  Leggings are a great way to bring some of your skirts and dresses into those fall and winter months. Adding a pair of leggings and boots keeps you fashion forward and comfortable. My favorite leggings are from Vera Wang (at Khols).  Her leggings are comfortable, long, stretchy and warm.  I have them in Black, Grey and Brown.  PLUS Vera's legging lines expand to Corduroy leggings and others.  I have a few of her other leggings that make great pants underneath longer tops.   

3. Cardigans: This is another favorite of mine.  These in plain colors can be great ways to bring tops into the colder months- or to add to a dress in the summer. Typically I have these in black and white, but lately I have been wearing my grey, navy and beige ones more often!  I love to add these to long sleeves to add warmth, or to tank tops or t-shirts.  

 

4. Plain Tops:  This can be a lot of fun to have-- I have some plain jane t-shirts, as well as different textures, sleeve length and necklines.  If you have a variety of colors you can adding a polka dot or patterned cardigan to your closet because you already have the basics.  This is also a great starter for a fun new scarf.  Find a patterned scarf with lots of color in it, and match one to a top you already have.  A $15 Scarf can give you a totally new look!  

Winter Review: Must Haves

My closet is full, but I am always keeping an eye on Pinterest, and blogs to see what sort of things I can add to my closet, to keep it current. Here are a few things I had to get this winter.

Chevron Prints:

 

Polka Dots:

  

Lace:

Lace Top from Red Dress Boutique

Stripes:

 

Graphic Scarfs:

 

Keep it Fabulous!
Meredith