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My most essential Travel CompanionBy Madelyn Miller, the TravelLadyUntil recently, if you asked me what the most important travel item was, I would say comfortable shoes. But on a recent trip to Italy, I changed my mind. Right before I left, I was given a Vera Bradley purse. Although the popular brand is well-known among cognoscenti,, I was not really familiar with the brand. It was a bright turquoise quilted backpack with a lime green lining. I loved the look and knew it would brighten up my basic black wardrobe planned for five weeks of traveling in Italy. I felt as if my best friend had carefully analyzed everything I needed and used and advised some wizard exactly what a perfect purse needed to have. Or perhaps someone read my mind. I loved the look of it so much, I added a little turquoise and lime (to match the lining) to my wardrobe. The first day of my group tour, I got several comments on how colorfully coordinated I was. What a compliment for someone who considers black not just a basic, but the only color for travel.
I felt I had joined some elite fashion club where the
members recognize each other by their fashionable handbags.
Knowing the bag would get a lot of wear on the trip, I carefully sprayed it with ScotchGuard because the directions said do not wash or dry clean. How can you keep a cloth purse clean? I realized for someone like me who puts their purse down, perhaps there might be a better color than turquoise. But my purse and I had bonded. It was like a child’s teddy bear—it went everywhere with me, even after I returned. Girlfriends tactfully suggested I get it dry-cleaned. But the thought of emptying everything seemed overwhelming. And I knew exactly where everything was.
And start all over again. I can’t tell you how much I love this purse (well, maybe I just have). The only advice I have is pick a more practical color. Try espresso or black. Or both. And they also now offer a larger size backpack. Go to www.verabradley.com to view their other products and find a store near you. Other Great Fashion Travel Gear and ClothesLand’s End Slip On Shoes Most energy efficient vest Best noise and eyeshade blocker Best coordinated wardrobe |
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TM
Everyone else had either a practical brown or black
handbag. Mine was the only fashion statement in a group of ten women. And the
darling young tour mates who had bodies fit enough for Italian fashions soon
asked me if it was a “Vera Bradley.” Somehow, I felt bonded with their fashion
sense even if I could not fit into one Italian designer item.
And I had this
thought in the land of Gucci and Prada.
Help is in sight. I just discovered Vera Bradley has made
the same purse in black and espresso. I will get one and download all my
valuables, notes, phone, cards and etc, into exactly the same place.