7 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Designer Bag

Check out all the latest Vera Bradley 30% OFF Coupon, Coupons, Promo codes & Discounts for 2016

Even though I always admired the beautiful creations of Prada, Céline, or Louis Vuitton, owning a 3.1 Phillip Lim bag was what I daydreamed about. At first sight, the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Backpack was just perfect. Its structured shape looked so luxe and edgy. I imagined the backpack would be so practical to carry all my day-to-day essentials, especially while commuting to the city. The almost $1,000 price tag certainly didn't feel like pocket change, but I figured I could save up to own it eventually.

Soon I would see the bag everywhere: in the pages of magazines and on the arms of übercool street style stars. Even though I saw many fast-fashion replicas, they didn't compare to the quality and overall look of the original. And I was on a mission to make it mine. Here's everything you need to know to make the dream of owning your favorite designer bag come true.

Internet Sales Tax or Not — 5 Ways to Save Money Shopping Online

In a rare moment of bipartisan collaboration this week, the Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act, a bill that brings us one step closer to paying sales tax for online purchases. If it becomes law, you won’t be able to avoid the bite, so here are some ways you can still save a buck. 

Look for coupon codes. If you’re on a retailer’s mailing list, you probably get coupon codes delivered right to your inbox. But you don’t have to sign up for anything: Websites like Coupon4share.com, Promocode4share.com aggregate codes from online merchants. You might run into some expired duds, but there’s an advantage to the quick turnover: If you don’t need whatever you’re buying right away, try waiting a week and checking again.

Use the right card. Both credit as well as an increasing number of debit cards now offer merchant-funded rewards program. Check whether any of your cards have an online merchant mall (Discover’s ShopDiscover program is one example). Go to the retailer’s website via the card’s online portal and get a discount. Some programs give you a statement credit rather than money back at checkout, but money is money.

(MORE: Online Shoppers: Meh, Same-Day Shipping Isn’t That Big a Deal)

Hit up rebate sites. Websites like Ebates.com and FatWallet.com operate a lot like credit card merchant malls, except you don’t need to have a specific credit card to get discounts.

Abandon your shopping cart. Many web retailers will email you a discount offer if you put items in your shopping cart and just leave them there. You might have to wait a few days, although some sites reportedly will follow up within hours. Retailers use data like your shopping history and where you live to help determine what kind of offer you’ll get, or if you’ll get one at all. They’ve figured out that customers who get that close to placing an order can sometimes be coaxed into completing the transaction with a little extra incentive. Smart online shoppers started picking up on this and spreading the word about this kind of “virtual haggling.”

(MORE: 12 Things You Should Always Haggle Over)

Buy it now. Here’s the deal: You’re supposed to be self-reporting and paying sales tax on your online purchases already, but hardly anyone does. Buying a big-ticket item now to avoid paying sales tax isn’t technically a legitimate discount, but if you do it, you’ll probably have plenty of company. When California passed a law requiring the collection of online sales tax starting last September, state residents rushed to buy stuff before the deadline, according to the Los Angeles Times. That extra 7.25% to 9.75% adds up to a lot on big-ticket items; one shopper interviewed by the Times saved $270 by buying two new computers before the law kicked in.

Best Bag Deals: Lowest Price Ever for a Vera Bradley Bag, Half Off a Heavy Duty Duffel

A new fashion season is nearly upon us, and that means it's time for new accessories! Whether you need a new bag for school, some luggage for your next vacay, or just a new look for everyday, be sure to start here! Check out the week's best clothing and accessories deals to see how to score affordable laptop bags, purses, and more.

Vera Bradley Crossbody Mailbag
Store: Vera Bradley 
Price: $24.99
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $15

If you're in the market for a new crossbody bag, be sure to check out the Vera Bradley Crossbody Mailbag, offered in a variety of colors and patterns. At $25, this Editors' Choice pick is at its lowest price ever. It makes for a great everyday bag, featuring a zip-top closure, two slip pockets, and rear zip pocket.

Sea to Summit Dry Mesh Duffel Bag in Orange
Store: REI Outlet
Price: $57.73
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $62

This Sea to Summit Dry Mesh Medium Duffel Bag is perfect for use on boats. The Editors' Choice bag is $58 and is water-resistant, featuring a 74-liter capacity, mesh area to store wet gear, waterproof area with Hypalon roll closure to store dry gear, 2" webbing handles, and 10mm zippers.

Rampage Pyramid Hardware Satchel Purse
Store: OverHalfSale
Price: $17.99 via code "2-OFF"
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $12
Expires: February 22

This Rampage Pyramid Hardware Satchel Purse in Pink or Yellow is an accessory that fits in at work, or during an evening out. At $18, it isn't an expensive way to make a statement wherever you go. It features two unzipped pockets, one interior zip pocket, and adjustable strap.

SwissGear 15" Laptop Backpack
Store: Amazon
Price: $17.99
Shipping: Free shipping with Prime membership
Lowest By: $22

Great for traveling or daily use, this SwissGear 15" Laptop Backpack is $18, a current low by $22. Choose between Neon Green and Neon Yellow for a distinctive bag that is easy to spot in nearly any crowd. It features a padded laptop sleeve, which accommodates most laptops up to 15", tablet pocket, padded straps, airflow system, audio and media port, organizer pocket, and water bottle pocket.

Traveler's Choice Rio 2-Piece Luggage Set
Store: eBags via eBay
Price: $29.99
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $8

Get ready for your next trip with this Traveler's Choice Rio 2-Piece Luggage Set. For $30, choose from Green, Purple, or Yellow colors, and have your luggage needs covered whether for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. This set includes a 21" x 13.5" x 8.5" expandable upright with retractable handle and 10" x 14" x 6" travel tote.

Your Guide to Buying Vera Bradley Diaper Bags

Your Guide to Buying Vera Bradley Diaper Bags

Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. is famous for its high-end, stylish, quilted bags. Based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, it is an American company that employs 900 people. Patricia R. Miller and Barbara Bradley Baekgaard named the company after Barbara's mother, Vera. The two friends are co-owners and have been operating the company since 1982. Vera Bradley merchandise is found in over 3,500 retail stores, online at the company's website, and on eBay. They produce quality handbags,, wallets, travel and leisure items, duffel bags, garment bags, diaper bags, rolling

luggage, and weekend bags. Their most popular accessories coordinate with their line of handbags and include ID cases, eyewear, travel cosmetic cases, and paper products. Vera Bradley designs has earned their reputation as one of the leading gift industry product designers by producing quilted cotton luggagefeaturing functional product design combined with colorful and distinctive fabrics.

 History of the Vera Bradley Company

Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller were leaving for vacation in March of 1982. While waiting in the Atlanta airport, they noted that most luggage was functional, but not beautiful. In an effort to create more feminine looking luggage, they founded Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. The demand for their beautiful and functional luggage escalated and they enjoyed nearly immediate success in the marketplace. Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. is now nationally and internationally recognized. They have enjoyed a loyal following for more than 20 years and the company continues to grow. Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. is committed to dependable customer service, quality workmanship, durability, and creativity.

 Types of Vera Bradley Diaper Bags

There are many types of Vera Bradley diaper bags available each year. Choosing the one that is right for you and your child is easy when you compare the styles side-by-side. Many Vera Bradley diaper bags are available with longer straps, changing pads, slip pockets, and magnetic closures. The Vera Bradley company has made fun and colorful quilted fabrics an important part of their image. If you are intent on making a quieter statement, many Vera Bradley diaper bags can be purchased in black.

Vera Bradley diaper bags are an investment in style and function. Since this is something that is used on a daily basis, the investment may prove worthwhile. So keep that criteria in mind as you look for a diaper bag that suits your needs.

 Limited Edition Vera Bradley Fabric Patterns

Vera Bradley diaper bags come in a wide variety of fabric patterns. One of the unique features of the constantly updated line of Vera Bradley diaper bags is that each year a new set of fabric patterns are released. One way to find out if the Vera Bradley diaper bag you are interested in purchasing is authentic is to research the different fabric patterns that were made available during the time frame that the diaper bag was produced.

The huge variety of flowery and feminine fabrics make each bag seem unique. There are thousands of designs and patterns to choose from in numerous popular and trendy colors. You can find coordinating accessories to complement or match your Vera Bradley diaper bag. Vera Bradley designs has a reputation for making diaper bags that are undeniably charming. Their diaper bags are prized by parents because of their quality and durability. The beautiful fabrics are a highly sought after bonus.

 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vera Bradley Diaper Bag

Finding a diaper bag that suits the needs of your growing family is important. After all, this is a bag that serves as a changing table, carry-all, medicine cabinet, snack bar, and occasionally, a head-rest. Paying attention to the details now will yield great results later when you are enjoying your Vera Bradley diaper bag.

 Space

Vera Bradley diaper bags are famous for having lots of space. Traveling with your small children in tow is much easier when you can easily reach essentials in a hurry. Most bags have a large main pocket and a few smaller ones. Make sure you know the configuration of the interior pockets before you make a purchase. It is important to consider your kids' individual needs. You may need to store pacifiers, lotion, snacks for yourself, bottles, and various toiletries. Even parents who travel light find that multiple, easily accessible pockets make any trip you take with your small children much easier.

 Style

Although many of Vera Bradley's designs tend to be more feminine, most of the diaper bags are made in black, so if pretty prints are not your style, search for the bag you want in black. The Vera Bradley Company has made a name for itself by offering the latest trends in printed fabric. Finding a print that complements your other accessories should be easy.

 Proper Care

Vera Bradley diaper bags can be machine-washed. They should be air dried. Most designs come with a changing pad and some have a wipeable liner inside the bag. Your Vera Bradley diaper bag should wear well, as the bags are made with quality and durability in mind. Normal wear and tear may show less on a Vera Bradley diaper bag because of the high-end materials used in manufacturing.

 How to Buy a Vera Bradley Diaper Bag on eBay

Once you have found a Vera Bradley diaper bag that you are interested in purchasing on eBay,, take some time to read the item listing carefully. You can click on the name of the item you are interested in to see the complete description. Pay special attention to shipping charges, as they vary from seller to seller. Note the seller's accepted payment methods as well. Reading the listing carefully is an important step when you are trying to decide if you should purchase the item. Reputable sellers will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the item you are interested in purchasing.

Evaluating Sellers

There is a link within each eBay listing that has information specific to the seller. You can see the seller's profile by clicking on their name. The seller's eBay history will give you some idea about how they have conducted themselves in past transactions. Take a moment to comb through their recent feedback ratings and comments to make sure that you feel comfortable doing business with them.

 eBay Stores

If you would like to purchase from a seller that you have bought something from in the past, shop their eBay store.. Many sellers have a wide variety of items for sale at once. You may be able to find the Vera Bradley diaper bag you are looking for and purchase it from a seller who has a store stocked with many items you like. Sellers often offer shipping discounts when you purchase more than one item from them at a time.

 Conclusion

The Vera Bradley company has made a name for themselves by offering high-end, quality items that are designed with function, creativity, and durability in mind. Researching and finding the Vera Bradley diaper bag you are looking for on eBay is an easy and fun process. With five design options and countless vintage versions of the Vera Bradley diaper bag, you are sure to find the exact features you are looking for. The quality, workmanship, durability, and lively limited edition patterns that are unique to the Vera Bradley line are sought after by parents looking for a stylish way to keep all of their baby and toddler essentials close at hand and easily accessible. Buyers should remember to carefully evaluate the eBay listing of the Vera Bradley diaper bag they are interested in. Sellers feedback rating, accepted payment method, and detailed description of the item are worth looking at closely. By considering the different types of Vera Bradley diaper bags available on eBay, buyers will surely find the timeless, well-designed, quality bag for which they are looking.

Vera Bradley Coupon Code Diaper Bag

When choosing a diaper bag, there are a lot of things to consider; space, style and price are some of the most important features.

I’m a huge fan of Vera Bradley, which I know not everybody is. It seems as though most people either love them or hate the brand… there isn’t much middle ground. But when my step-cousin had a baby a few years back and received a Vera Bradley diaper bag at her shower, I was insanely jealous and thought, “Aha! That’s why I should have a baby – to get another Vera bag!”

Just kidding… but it was a beautiful gift that I did end up receiving at my own shower from my aunt and cousin, and they had it stocked with oodles of little goodies that I would use for the Little Man when he was born.

Here’s how it ranks in my opinion:

Space – This diaper bag has plenty of space to fit tons of things that you’ll need when traveling with your little one. The bag is 16 inches long by 12 inches wide and five inches deep. It has a large main pocket that has a zip closure, and inside there are about six smaller pockets on the side perfect for storing things like pacifiers, Tylenol, travel shampoo and other toiletries for baby. I usually keep a travel-sized lotion for myself, a snack and some tissues. On the outside, there is a large pocket on each side, one with a zipper closure and one with a magnetic flap. There are also small pockets on the ends – one on each side. I usually put a sippy cup for him in one of these pockets.

Style – If you’re a fan of Vera Bradley, then this is the bag for you! But as I said above, if you’re not a fan, then you probably wouldn’t want anything to do with this bag. And 99% (okay, 100%) of Vera’s designs are quite feminine and you might have a hard time asking your hubby to tote around your Java Blue or Very Berry Paisley. Luckily, my husband is secure in his manhood and doesn’t mind carrying around our “Twirly Birds Pink” diaper bag.

Price – The Vera Bradley diaper bags are pretty expensive for my taste, but I’m also a money-saving, coupon-clipping mama, so I might be a little out of touch. But the diaper bag will set you back about $100. You can buy them at Vera Bradley stores, online at  http://coupon4share.com/store/verabradley.com, in select Hallmark stores or other retailers that sell Vera Bradley products. Of course, there are many available on Ebay and you could try to find one on Craigslist.

Some other things to note: Vera Bradley bags are washable, which is great. There is no telling how far baby spit up will travel (mams, I know you hear me!) and since it’s made of cotton, it, of course, can stain. You can machine wash and air dry. Also, it comes with a changing pad, as most diaper bags do. Wear and tear is normal, but after using this bag for 18 months, the straps and the bottom are starting to show signs of heavy use. I probably will get another diaper bag when we’re blessed with Baby #2, though I would absolutely keep this bag around for a backup.

Overall Pros: Plenty of space, lots of pockets and a multitude of designs.

Overall Cons: Large size (it can be bulky and a lot to carry around for quick trips), feminine patterns, pricey price tag and heavy signs of wear.

Mama says WOW!

Where I bought my model: I received it as a gift at my baby shower.
What I paid: nothing!
Average price range: about $100
Where it’s available: Verabradley coupon code, www.verabradley.com, select Hallmark stores and other Vera Bradley Coupon4share

Vera Bradley Coupon Code Metropolitan Bag Hack

I don’t know if anyone is interested, but I sucessfully just hacked up a Vera Bradley Coupon Code Metropolitan bag. I apologize for these photos. This fabric is busy and hard to take pictures of, and I did this very quickly. You can enlarge them all for detail if you’d like!

We have a Vera Bradley outlet nearby, and when I match up sales with coupons I can score some amazing deals on VB bags. Sometimes way cheaper than I could spend on fabric, especially for bigger bags. Usually I strike out, not finding the colors I like. But I was there with my mom this week and I found this bag for super cheap.

One problem: There was this GIGANTIC laptop sleeve inside. For like, a 2.5″ thick Dell Desktop Replacement from 1999? I’m not sure who Vera Bradley thinks they are selling these bags to, but I don’t know anyone who has a giant laptop like that. Most of us have 1″ thick, 13″ MacBooks. I realize I’m the oddball with a MacBook Air, but I also question why anyone who travels or commutes would have anything so darn heavy to lug around all day every day. The sleeve takes up way more room in the bag than I need it to, and I’d never be able to secure it tight enough to make using it worthwhile anyway.

Why not just choose another bag? Because I’m me. I wanted this bag for travelling. It’s a completely different type of bag than the Pleated Tote, even though they are similar in size. This one slips over a rolling suitcase and after trying to carry four bags last weekend, I thought that was a cool feature. One that I’m probably never going to sew into a bag I make. At least, not before making the 10 other things on my list! ;)

See, it’s got all these cool pockets:

So, anyway, I hacked it out. Here’s how I did it:

Seriously will you look at that? What a waste of space in this awesome bag. You could put at least two regular MacBooks in there. Probably three! Anyway…

  

I started by cutting here, all the way around, so that I could pull the foam padding out.

Then I ripped open this seam, to finish pulling that foam out.

I was left with about 1″ of nylon. I didn’t think it was going to fray, but it was sewn into the binding and no way was I going to get that massive binding under my machine to re-sew it. I did rip it apart at the corners where it was sewn together to make it easier to sew 3 sides.

Oh, I also took off the velcro tab by carefully picking those stitches out. One corner needed a little fray block but it was fine. Anyone know what kind of stiff interfacing that is? I’d love to get my hands on some. I also want to know where to get that hard cardboard they use for bottoms. I should go ask at the hardware store.

I wasn’t super worried about fraying, but since I couldn’t remove the nylon completely I decided a finished edge would be better than not. So, I took that 1″ of nylon and tried a couple things. On one side I folded both sides to the middle and then folded both of those in half again to one side. On another side I just folded under and then folded under again. As long as there were no edges exposed, and it only stuck out 1/4″ or so, it was fine.

Yeah, I hand sewed that. And I HATE hand sewing. But it was easy, and worth it!

Once I turned it right side out, you can’t even see it because it’s all the way in the corner.

So now I just need to make a new sleeve for my laptop and I’m all good!

Vera Bradley Coupon Code: Choose Your Gift for Mom

Update your Mom’s look with a new bag from Vera Bradley Coupon Code.

From May 2nd to May 11th, enjoy special savings on some of Vera’s most popular styles. Treat Mom to a Weekender Bag Reg. $98 now $78 or a Three-O-Tote Reg. $74 now $54. As a special gift from J. Spencer, receive a market tote Free when you purchase one of these styles.*

All of these bags are available in the season’s newest patterns and colors.

Come in to see the new patterns.

Tutti Frutti is sure to be a favorite with it’s whimsical floral pattern in shades of mint and coral. The colors are perfect for your spring and summer wardrobe and will look great for the summer vacation season.

Marina Paisley is destined to be a spring classic. With it’s iconic color palette of royal blue and red with accents of gold. this pattern is an updated take on the nautical theme. Perfect for a weekend at the beach or the lake, Marina Paisley is a sophisticated print that will pair well with all of your neutrals.

Lilli Bell is a sweet print in shades of coral and pink with accents of light green. This pattern is sure to be a favorite for those who loved Rosie Posies and Priscilla Pink. Make Lilli Bell a part of your Easter plans this year.

Sun Valley is a graphic print in shades of dark navy, tomato red, and green. This pattern is perfect for customers who like a simple Vera pattern. Think Sun Valley for Mother’s Day this year.

Vera Bradley Coupon Code: How to Combine Colors in Clothes

FREE Shipping on Vera Bradley Orders of $75+

Get FREE Shipping on Orders of $75 or more at Vera Bradley.

Combining colours in clothes sounds easy, but we will often find it is a task that can drive us around the bend. By combining our clothes we must take into account many factors such as the colour of our hair, the tone of our skin or if we want to emphasise the colour of our eyes. On the other hand, it also depends on individual style (colour-blocking and neon colours operate differently) and taste. Here we propose some tricks so you know how to combine colors in clothes and you can adapt these to your style.

1

To combine colors in clothes in a flattering way, there are two basic rules that must be taken into account according to the chromatic circle, in which we can distinguish primary colors (blue, yellow and red) and secondary colors (orange, green and violet). The two main rules so you never fail with your look are:

• Cameo: Combining clothes items that are close together in the chromatic circle, such as beige and brown.
• Contrast: Combining clothes items that are completely opposed in the chromatic circle.

2

Moreover, there are other basic tips that will help you combine colors in clothes in a simple way and allowing you to find the perfect outfit for any occasion. Take into account the following tips:

• Black, white, grey and light beige are perfect with nearly all other colours and combine very well with each other.
• Beware of prints. It is not advisable to wear two printed items at the same time. Instead, combine a printed clothes item with a colored items that are also present in the print. If you do want to combine two prints, make it subtle and use it on one accessory.

• Mix cold colours with silver accessories and warm colours with golden accessories.
• Have a good basic wardrobe. There are basic clothes which are useful to combine colours. Keep a white and a black shirt or t-shirt. Keep tights in various tones and and a couple of pairs of jeans.
• Wear your shoes and bag in the same colour. It is not at all compulsory, but if your look is of a single colour, combining the shoes and the bag may give a fun touch to your outfit.
• Avoid combining more than three different colors that don't belong to the same chromatic range, as the effect could not be very flattering.

3

When creating your daily looks it's also useful to have a small guide to what tones combine with each color, this way you won't have as many doubts when it comes to combining the clothes in your closet.

We'll start with black! As it is commonly said, black combines with nearly everything, as it's perfect to look elegant on any occasion and it will boost the intensity of bright colors, but we must avoid other dark colors such as dark blue or brown if we don't want to get an excessively dark look.

4

White goes perfectly with all colours and when combined with black, we can get one of the best possible combinations to sport a sophisticated, elegant and sensual look. Combine your white clothes with the colors you like best, but avoid wearing tones that are too light, for example with a light tone of yellow, as it won't stand out as much, you'll look pale and it won't suit you.

5

Blue is another of the main colors in most wardrobes, and you must know it combines perfectly with white, as it's ideal to create a fashionable navy look, but it also looks good with beige, camel, grey and red, burgundy and burdeaux tones. However, you should take into account the tone of blue you're going to combine, as not all combinations will allow the same tone!

You can also check our articles: what to wear with blue shoes, how to wear electric blue pants or what accessories can I wear with a blue dress if you'd like to see more combinations.

6

Though brown is one of the most difficult colors to combine, a safe option that you'll love to wear is to combine it with other tones i the same chromatic scale such as beige, cream, earth, sand or camel tones. You can also combine it with warmer tones such as orange yellow or mustard.

You can find more detailed combinations on our article How to wear brown boots.

7

Green is not one of the most common colors to wear, but there are certain tones such as olive green aqua green or bottle green that combine with colors such as earth, beige, crude, sand nude, etc. It can also look great in contrast with basic colors such as black and white and with certain tones of grey.

If you want to find out more, you can read our article on What to wear with green trousers.

8

When shopping keep in mind how to combine the item you want to buy with your existing clothes. It is very easy to let yourself go and buy something which does not combine with anything in your wardrobe.

9

If you want to read similar articles to How to Combine Colors in Clothes, we recommend you visit our Fashion trends category.