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I hope this doesn't sound a bit odd being written by a male, but just because I'm a a man doesn't mean I'm not allowed to recognize good fashion when I see it!

I first learned about Vera Bradley bags from my girlfriend who completely loves all their stuff. The company is cool, however, because each season they come out with new patterns for their products. So, if you don't like anything that is currently out all you have to do is wait a few months and there will be a whole new set of patterns to choose from.

Their canvas bags are nice because they are pretty well made and canvas is a good, durable material. I also like their watches because I kind of have a watch fetish. But to be honest, I think their company purpose is cool, too. The company came into being when its founders were at the airport and noticed that there weren't any feminine-looking bags available for the women. Some people might say "so, who cares what a bag looks like. It's about function!" Well, Vera Bradley and the millions of women who buy their products disagree.

Founded in 1982 in Atlanta, Vera Bradley is known for producing a variety of styles of bags, luggage, handbags, and accessories. In addition, they also produce smaller items such as watches, wallets, napkins, and stationary. The company began when the founders were in an airport and noticed that there wasn't much "feminine" looking luggage available for women.

Each product is available in a variety of sizes, patterns, and colors. Occasionally certain patterns are retired and replaced by new versions. The new patterns for Summer 2009 include:

Calypso - Named after a character in Greek mythology, this pattern is a combination of rich deep blues.

Bali Blue - A light blue color that is mixed with a darker blue and green flowers.

Bali Gold - Pink accents mixed with a deep yellow, with red and pink flower pedals.

The new styles for Fall 2009 are:

Pirouette - Black background with white and red flowers all over.

Carnaby - Big flowers and tiny leaves full of autumn colors with predominately dark red

Blue Rhapsody - Teal and emerald over a dark brown background creating a paisley and floral design.

One of the best things about shopping for Vera Bradley products online is that you can often find patterns online that aren't in stores anymore. This is great if you like an old style, or if you weren't able to find the style you wanted in stores.

But remember that with this company, new styles are always just a season away, so you may end up finding quite a bit of stuff that you like! As a male, I actually think it would be cool if they made dress shirts for guys with some of their patterns, but I guess we'll have to see if they go that route or not!

Learn more about this author, Lawrence Eng.
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