There are very few things that will interest an 8-year-old girl and an 80-year-old woman at the same time.
It makes perfect sense.
These two drastically different groups would be challenged to find any common ground.
Within the accessories market, there is a company that has found the magic formula for producing products embraced by women from all stages of life.
Well known for excellent quality and exclusive patterned designs, Vera Bradley has solidified its spot as a hit among gals of all ages.
Company founders Patricia Miller and Barbara Bradley Baekgaard were on vacation in March 1982. While waiting for a flight, they didn’t see luggage designed specifically for women.
Upon their return home, they quickly began creating a company (named after Bradley Baekgaard’s mother) that could market and manufacture the types of items they felt the industry was missing.
Twenty-five successful years later, the patterned, quilted bags are in high demand around the world.
By introducing new patterns and styles each season, the people at Vera Bradley keep the interest of their customer base piqued.
Additionally, some patterns are discontinued, thus creating a “club member” mentality for longtime fans.
One particular Vera Bradley retailer is making it even easier for women to come together.
In June, I attended a “Vera Bradley Party” at Payning’s by Caryn in Cold Spring.
Shop owner Caryn Cannova decided to have the party to celebrate the launch of the line within her boutique, which is nestled in the heart of Main Street.
For the past eight years, Cannova has served up specialty gift brands such as Lampe Berger, Kaloo (baby), Cloud B (baby), Webkinz, Penguin books and many other unique and interesting items to her customer base of locals and tourists.
Vera Bradley seemed like a sure fit for this special shop.
It took Cannova nearly 10 months to get approved. Vera Bradley has a very rigorous process for obtaining the right to vend its product, thus enhancing the exclusivity of the brand.
The party was a lovely evening of wine, snacks and bags.
Mothers and daughters, friends and colleagues all came together to check out Cannova’s wide selection of Vera Bradley products.
Cannova showed off the newest styles and prints and highlighted some of the older items nearing the end of their runs.
I purchased the “Miller Bag” in yellow bird, which quickly became one of my favorites.
It is extremely light, with plenty of space and compartments to keep me organized.
Most of all, I love its versatility.
Monday through Friday I can use it for work, as it easily holds my laptop and everything else I have a habit of carting around with me.
It also makes for the perfect weekend bag.
Perhaps the most impressive thing is how well it held up as a beach bag for a recent weekend in Newport, R.I.
Once home I was able to pop out the fabric-covered lining bottom and toss it in the washing machine and - voila! - my bag was more ready than I was to go back to work.
The brand’s ability to appeal to such a wide range of ages is the key to its success and longevity.
Based on the attendees of the party, it was easy to see the product is completely appropriate for a 5-year-old girl as well as her great-grandmother.
The recipe for that type of acceptance is no easy task.
The wide variety of styles (backpacks, lunch bags, computer cases, totes, etc.) appeal to gals with different types of day-to-day activities.
On top of that, the array of colorful prints means there is something for everyone.
Mix and match
The most modern way to wear Vera Bradley is with a matching outfit.
These bags look great when paired with an outfit (in terms of actual clothing and jewelry) that incorporates colors from the print of the bag.
Stray from wearing heavily printed tops or bottoms with your Vera Bradley bag; often, that look can overwhelm.
As if providing the marketplace with functional and stylish bags wasn’t enough, there is also a Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, which is focused on a “revolutionary biomarker technology that reveals crucial genetic information.”
Vera Bradley is a common bond for modern women of all ages. It makes for a lovely gift for yourself or someone else.
You can find nearly every style and print available at Payning’s By Caryn.
It is a great place to head for the afternoon with your family and friends to find a delightful new addition to your accessories collection.
Happy shopping!
Kacey Carano is a freelance writer. She graduated from the Marist College Fashion Program with a degree in merchandising. Reach her at kaceyjrose@yahoo.com.
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