✨ A Brand Built on Friendship: The History of Vera Bradley

🔗 Visit us at B and B Collectibles on eBay or explore even more treasures at bandbcollectiblesllc.net At B and B Collectibles, we’re passionate about vintage style with a story. Few brands capture the charm, craftsmanship, and color of American fashion quite like Vera Bradley. From quilted totes to floral wallets, Vera Bradley pieces aren’t just accessories—they’re keepsakes. This post is especially personal to me. As someone who has faced breast cancer, I’ve always appreciated Vera Bradley’s long-standing support for women’s health. Their mission to fund breast cancer research through the Vera Bradley Foundation adds even more heart to every pattern, every bag, and every stitch.  

✨ What Made Vera Bradley Bags Stand Out

  • From the beginning, Vera Bradley bags stood out thanks to:  
    • Quilted cotton material – lightweight and practical for everyday use 
    • Vibrant, colorful prints that added a playful, personal touch 
  • Gained popularity through:  
    • Word-of-mouth buzz 
    • Local boutiques 
    • Craft fairs and regional markets 
  • Found a loyal following especially in the Midwest and the South, where shoppers appreciated:  
    • A blend of heritage and color 
    • A style that felt both nostalgic and fresh 

🧳 Expanded Offerings by the Late 1980s

  • Beyond handbags, Vera Bradley introduced:  
    • Tote bags 
    • Cosmetic cases 
    • Accessories 
  • Every piece retained the signature Vera Bradley look—inspired by:  
    • Vintage fabrics 
    • Traditional American quilting 
    • A modern twist designed for the contemporary woman 

📈 Growth & Expansion Highlights

  • By the 1990s and early 2000s, Vera Bradley products were available in major department stores and hundreds of specialty retailers. 
  • The brand expanded beyond handbags to include:  
    • Stationery 
    • Bedding 
    • Backpacks 
    • Tech accessories 
    • Rolling luggage 
  • In 2010, Vera Bradley went public on the NASDAQ, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. 
  • The IPO helped fuel continued growth, visibility, and brand awareness. 

🎗️ A Mission That Matters

In 1993, after a personal connection to breast cancer, Vera Bradley established the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. Since then, the foundation has raised over $40 million to support research and awareness. This mission is deeply meaningful to me. As someone who has faced breast cancer, I admire their commitment to helping others through fashion that gives back. When you carry a Vera Bradley bag, you’re not just showing your style—you’re sharing in a movement of hope and healing.  

🛍️ Collect Vera Bradley With Us

At B and B Collectibles, we’re proud to offer:  

  • Vintage and retired Vera Bradley styles 
  • Gently loved and well-preserved pieces 
  • Hard-to-find patterns 
  • Accessories, totes, and sets that reflect the spirit of the brand 

Whether you’re searching for a nostalgic favorite or discovering Vera Bradley for the first time, you’ll find something special in our collection. Check B and B Collectibles, LLC for current inventory, or visit our eBay store to browse what’s new.  

🧡 What You'll Find in Our Shop

In addition to Vera Bradley, we offer a growing collection of:  

  • Vintage handbags and accessories 
  • Collectible fashion and home pieces from trusted American brands 
  • Retired and rare finds from Fostoria, CorningWare, Gail Pittman, and more 
  • Items that bring nostalgia, charm, and personality to everyday life 

We believe in preserving the beauty of the past and helping you enjoy it in new and meaningful ways.  

📣 Spread the Word

💐 Quilted charm, colorful prints, and a mission that matters. Discover the history of Vera Bradley, from two friends with a sewing machine to a beloved American brand. As someone who has faced breast cancer, I find special meaning in their support for breast cancer research. 👜 Shop Vera Bradley treasures at: 👉 B and B Collectibles 👉 Our eBay Store 

 

Sources

  1. Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. “Our Story.” Accessed July 2025. https://www.verabradley.com/us/content/our-story. 
  2. Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. “About the Foundation.” Accessed July 2025. https://www.verabradley.org/. 
  3. The Wall Street Journal. “Vera Bradley Makes Its Public Debut.” October 21, 2010. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303339504575566470735289738. 
  4. WANE News. “The Women Behind Vera Bradley.” Published October 5, 2022. https://www.wane.com/news/the-women-behind-vera-bradley/. 
  5. Encyclopedia Britannica. “Vera Bradley.” Accessed July 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vera-Bradley.