Introducing Rachel

RachelThis smaller, vintage-inspired crossbody (or shoulder bag) is for the junior Vera girl, or the woman on the move. It showcases a minimal amount of hardware, boxy silhouette, flap closure and extra-long, adjustable strap.

But the main draw of this offering is her stylistic nod to the ‘80s. Because of this influence, Rachel is named after our Product Development Assistant, who has a huge love for the decade; the music, the culture. And even though she is one of the youngest members of the department, she always reminds us that she still lived in and relished the era, a point she proves daily through her amazing throwback wardrobe.

For all those children of the ‘80s, and those who just love a good dainty crossbody, we want you to welcome Spring 2011 with a Rachel, in the color of your choosing. Simply comment below and we’ll randomly select a winner. Remember, this and the entire Spring collection arrive online and in stores this Thursday, January 13!

Congratulations to Missy L., the lucky recipient of a brand new Mandy.

*This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for commenting!

This entry was posted in Dose of Inspiration, Pause for Product and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

219 Responses to Introducing Rachel

  1. Jill B says:

    My daughter would LOVE this!

  2. suzi says:

    My daughter would LOVE this one! She’s a budding Vera Bradley fan already at age 7!!! Yikes! 🙂

  3. Stephanie P says:

    Ooh I’d love one! Can’t wait to see it in person! 🙂

  4. Leelee says:

    I love it! It’s so pretty and reminds me of spring. 🙂

  5. Debbie Terry says:

    I used to have a bag similar to that one. I would love to share the style with my granddaughter.

  6. Lorissa says:

    How cute! Sounds like a perfect purse for me!

  7. Katy says:

    This is the bag I am most excited to get!!! Why isn’t it Thursday yet??

  8. Nicole Cornelius says:

    Too cute! I love a good crossbody bag!

  9. Jen J says:

    Can’t wait for the spring line to arrive!

  10. Kaitlyn K says:

    Super cute 🙂

  11. corinne says:

    How adorable!

  12. Sarah says:

    This bag is so cute! Awesome for the gal on the move! Can’t wait for the new collection!

  13. merleskaya says:

    Cute, cute, cute! Love the nod to the 80s!

  14. Ginger Swart says:

    Too cute! I’d love one.

  15. Meg P. says:

    This bag is such a great size since I’m always on the go! Not too bulky, but still holds enough to get me through the day.

  16. julie says:

    I love the 80s!!!!

  17. Becca says:

    I LOVE THIS!!!! As a child of the 80’s, this would be perfect for me!

  18. Mary Redding says:

    Love this! This would be an awesome bag for a girl who was born in the 80’s!! Love it!

  19. megan b. says:

    Love it!!!

  20. Brittany says:

    Too cute! Nice size too.

  21. Amandine says:

    Oh! They are precious! I’d love one!

  22. Rachel says:

    I love that there’s finally a bag with my name!! I have to have this bag! I was a product of the 80s and love this new bag!

  23. Bianca says:

    LOVE! This is a perfect bag for a day out shopping, and when biking (as I often do) around town. Definitely a great overall crossbody.

  24. Melinda says:

    It’s no wonder when I first looked at the Spring 2011 catalog, Rachel is the purse I fell in love with, I’m a child of the 80’s. I can’t wait til the 13th. I’m very excited!

  25. Vanessa Ubaldi says:

    I love this style. I can’t wait to see it in all of the new colors!

  26. Nancy E. Brown says:

    Great going Vera Bradley with the new Rachel. It looks like the perfect bag for Spring!! I could see myself carrying one or any of my daughters or my nearly 10 year-old granddaughter. She just loves Vera Bradley, too!! Put my name in the drawing for this lovely bag!!

  27. Karen says:

    loving the Rachel just as much as the 80’s! Would love one!

  28. Rachel B says:

    My name is Rachel so it’s perfect 🙂

  29. Tamara says:

    Love this! Love the style, the color, love Vera Bradley- this is a company that knows how to make stylish, functional bags, luggage, etc for a woman who wants to be cute, fashionable and get complimented on her accessories!

  30. Kassie says:

    Super cute!

  31. Crista Magnee says:

    I love the new Rachel!! A great bag from a great decade! I was born in the 80’s, but I always wanted to be an 80’s teen on the arm of Jake Ryan in his red Porsche like Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles 🙂

  32. Diane says:

    What a cute style! I love the 80s too!

  33. Shelly says:

    The 80’s were great! Welcome Rachel!

  34. kerry says:

    This bag is adorable… she will definitely come in handy when I need to be hands free with my toddler!!

  35. Erica williams says:

    love this

  36. Lee says:

    i LOVE crossbody bags, especially this one! hands free and totally chic 🙂

  37. Holly says:

    Wanted to buy a littler purse, now I’ll have to decide between Rachel and the Mini Hipster!

  38. Liz H. says:

    Adorable.

  39. Kelly McCall says:

    Love the new colors – especially Folkloric and Blue Lagoon

  40. Kristie says:

    This bag is adorable and the perfect size to bring around campus!

  41. Colleen Inman says:

    I love all your purses and this one would be great to add to my collection

    inman@Mobap.edu

  42. Too cute! I would love to win one. : )

  43. Meg W. says:

    This bag would be way cute in Folkloric. I love cross body bags!

  44. Sarah Elizabeth says:

    This bag is super cute.

    I love that it’s cross body. /Perfect/ for quick trips and going out to catch a movie with the girls.

    LOVE.

    Cannot /wait/ until the 13th!! ❤ ❤

  45. Elise Sorge says:

    I love it for me! I love my hipster, mini-hipster and Frannies so why wouldn’t I love Rachel too? Oh and yes my daughter would borrow it too!

  46. Pam says:

    As a child of the 80s, I love this! Thanks for the contest! 🙂

  47. sara says:

    I was just telling my mother in law how I needed a smaller purse with a long strap for days at the zoo or mall and along comes Rachel. Perfect.

  48. Barbara L. says:

    just my type of bag, compact and to the point. I love it in blue lagoon. Plus it’s named after my best friend from when I was growing up “Rachel” but I called her Sissy. Love it!

  49. Sue in Grapevine says:

    Ooh, the 80s were good to me – got married & had my children. I love a neat little bag like that for travel.

  50. Sandra says:

    I love this new bag. I had one in a fuschia leather and I wore it to death. Had shoes to match, clothes too. Like totally made the outfit. lol. Kidding I do not talk like that anymore. But is a sharp bag to grab n go.

  51. Kelli leach says:

    I’m loving the new new spring colors!

  52. Ashley says:

    This is perfect for me! I love small, cross-body bags!

  53. Jackie Watson says:

    I would love to have this! I prefer a smaller bag.

  54. Sarah says:

    Can’t wait to see all the new styles on Thursday!!

  55. Jill Reeves says:

    Very cute! Just love the simplicity!! Fabulous!

  56. Diana J says:

    I love this bag! And I loved the 80’s! Can’t wait until Thursday!

  57. Cara says:

    Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring! This would be perfect for a spring vacation! The junior Vera fashionista I know would love it!

  58. Katherine T. says:

    I love crossbody purses and Vera Bradley! This looks like the perfect size! I’ve been waiting for one this size to come out! :)))

  59. Hanna says:

    I love it!!!!! Reminds me a lot of the hipster, I love the flap closure!!!!

  60. Kirsten says:

    Thursday can’t come soon enough! My birthday is Monday, I see a lot of shopping in my near future!! My daughter, of course, knows about the 13th and has told my husband I need more Vera! Gotta Feed the Addiction! 🙂

  61. Donna Krauss says:

    This is awesome, I can’t wait. I’m a child of the 80’s!!!

  62. Christi Parker says:

    I too am an 80’s baby! this bag is adorable, would love to win one….thanks for the great giveaway.

  63. Alicia says:

    I love Vera and I love this bag! It would be so perfect to use for everyday use!

  64. Ashley Smith says:

    My child would love this bag!!!

  65. Kamesa says:

    I too was a child of the 80’s! Ahhh, the memories! I would love to have that bag!

  66. jessie says:

    Very cute!

  67. Susan Meek says:

    Wow! What a great blue, like being in the tropics. I’d love to win this; I just had a birthday and this would be the perfect gift 🙂

  68. kate s says:

    Its so pretty! I love the colors!

  69. Deb says:

    What a fun bag!

  70. Laura Rosen says:

    I think its totally awesome that you thought of the 80’s! Its a decade worth remembering and your Rachel sounds like a fun employee! I would be honored to display such an item!

  71. Rachel e. says:

    I’m a Rachel and I’m a product of the 80’s! Love it.

  72. Stephanie says:

    The Rachel RULES!!! 🙂

  73. Sherri Cunningham says:

    80’s inspired! I love it!!! I can’t wait to go and visit Vera on Thursday, YaY!

  74. Rachel says:

    OMG!!!

    Not only is this bag ADORABLE…but, I have to have it just because it’s named Rachel too! lol!

    It would be a great to change between this one and my favorite hipster!

    Thanks for the awesome give away!

  75. Stephanie Bass says:

    I just love any Vera bags and especially free ones! Pick me!

  76. Rachel G says:

    Yes! Love it! And not just because we share the same name!

  77. Brittney says:

    Way cute, I love it! 🙂

  78. Tamarae says:

    This bag would be perfect in the Folkloric print! Absolutely stunnigng!

  79. Rachel Lawing says:

    My name is Rachel! Wouldn’t that be hilarious if someone asked me what bag I have and I said “the Rachel from Vera Bradley!”?! But this bag is so cute and the new patterns are adorable also! I have the Button Up in Buttercup and LOVE it!!! I’m hoping to get a Spring bag very soon! And that would awesome!

  80. Stephanie Minielli says:

    LOVE this bag!!!

  81. amy isley says:

    I love this!

  82. Courtney says:

    I totally love this cross-body! I need it!! 🙂

  83. Audra says:

    Such a beautiful bag! I would love to sport this all spring/summer ! 🙂

  84. Laura Riley says:

    crossbodies are so this season. i want one

  85. Amber Flores says:

    I love it!!! So cute!!!

  86. Tricia says:

    Fabulous! This and the Mandy are my favorite of the new bags!

  87. Heather Gimenez says:

    This bag is adorable! I only use handbags that I can wear across my body. I can’t wait to check this bag out on Thursday!! And to see all the new prints. So excited!

  88. Stacia Momany says:

    Love Love Love 🙂

  89. Cathey bedford says:

    I love all the colors and styles of Vera Bradley they are so cute and fun!!! The Rachel bag is too cute, and I grew up in the 80’s, and miss that era, the music was awesome and the clothes was trippy!!

  90. Kimberly says:

    I love it! So cute and perfect for Mom’s like me who want to carry a bag but not have to worry where to put it!

  91. Annie says:

    i would love to have a Rachel! 🙂

  92. Cindy M says:

    Love the hands-free crossbody!

  93. jessica says:

    !this is amazing. love the eighties and being an eighties baby

  94. Melissa says:

    i love the beautiful design!
    thank you.

  95. Kirsten says:

    Love this bag!

  96. Tina says:

    I AM a child of the 80’s and the Rachel is where it’s at!!!

  97. Lisa Boyle says:

    Love the Rachel purse. I love crossbody hands free purses

  98. Janet says:

    this is so cute!! I would love to win it!!

  99. Janet says:

    i love this bag!!! I would love to win it!!

  100. Pam says:

    I’m a fan of the crossbody bag!

  101. Erica says:

    I like the style of this one! New, different, and very spring =]

  102. Shelby says:

    This bag looks so cute!!

  103. LOVE it! Perfect size for a day of shopping in Chicago!

  104. Deidra Casto says:

    Very cute!

  105. Renee says:

    Oh gosh, this is such a cute purse!! I love being able to change up my purses and this is perfect when I’m on the go! Would love to win this. The hardest part would be deciding which pattern to chose! Love so many of them! I think a nice spring look would be my #1 pick.

  106. Kelly says:

    I love these new colors. So cute!

  107. jessica m says:

    Awesome. I’ve been looking for something like this for days on the go

  108. Amy Crawford says:

    My daughter would love this bag! At almost five years old, she already has several Veras in her collection!

  109. Rebecca R says:

    I love crossbody purses and I love this new design!

  110. Rachel B says:

    I’ve been a devoted Vera Bradley fan for years, so having a bag that not only shares the same name as me, but was also inspired by the decade in which I was born thrills me! Can’t wait for 1/13!

  111. Dominic says:

    Wow that is a fancy little shoulder bag, and I know my girlfriend would love it! Our two year anniversary is coming up and this may be the winner to what she gets. Just another Vera Bradley to add to the numerous ones I have purchased for her already!

  112. Melissa says:

    Love it! I could use it travelling!!

  113. Jill says:

    Super cute! Would love to wear it this spring.

  114. Nancy says:

    This style ROCKS! Love it!

  115. Tracey says:

    Any Vera in any size is perfect…!

  116. Lisa says:

    My daughter would love one of these!!

  117. Alicia says:

    Pick me please! That bag would be perfect for on the go!!

  118. Suzanne says:

    I graduated from high school in 1982. Such great memories of PHS. Now my daughter is graduating from the same high school this year. Love the new Blue Lagoon – it’s our school colors ….. Go Tigers!

  119. Jennifer says:

    I love this! It would be so useful at college!

  120. Hillary says:

    Great to see another new style to choose from! Can’t wait to go see it in person!

  121. Karen Maria says:

    The 80s were awesome: Family Ties, tight-rolled jeans, side ponytails, neon sunglasses, and leggings – who wouldn’t love it! 🙂

  122. Julie says:

    Just love the new spring line . Always excited to see the newst patterns and colors and styles Vera comes up with each new season .

  123. Jillian Shuhart says:

    Oooooh, I love Rachel! She looks like she’d be fabulous to take around on vacation! She’s a little smaller, but when you’re doing touristy things, you don’t need a lot…. Maybe toss the All in One Wristlet in with some important cards tucked inside, and of course your cell phone… a camera… and a few other staples & you’re good to go!

    I won’t be able to take a fun week long vacation this year so if I pick up a Rachel, I hope she won’t mind tagging along for some fun day trips!

  124. katy lantzer says:

    id love to win!

  125. Haley U says:

    this is PERFECT for me!! definitely will be one of my purchases on thursday!

  126. Allison says:

    I would love to have the Rachel bag!!!! Not only do I love Vera Bradley, but Rachel is one of my best friends! “The Rachel” who this bag is named after! And I’m a fan of her throwback wardrobe also, you never know what shes gonna have on 🙂

  127. Adriana says:

    I bet the Gals from the Facts of Life would wear Vera. Can you picture Tootie, or Jo with the Rachel? I wonder which color combo Punky Brewster would wear.

  128. C.C. says:

    Very cute! Would love to win!

  129. Jennifer says:

    Nice!

  130. Katie M. says:

    I am in looooove with Vera Bradley products! I just recieved my new Oliva in Poppy Fields and my Knotty Headband in Twirly Birds Navy the other day!! And I love them!! = )

  131. Jessie Jones says:

    Oh I would just LOVE this! Great design and giveaway!

  132. Christina W. says:

    I think that this bag is very retro chic and feminine! I can’t wait for the new colors and styles!

  133. Fran says:

    Rachel will make you hip in 2011.

  134. Amanda Grimm says:

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Rachel!! I think it is perfect for the busy college student who doesn’t want a bulky purse, but still needs something for her things. 🙂

  135. Mary says:

    Just adorable! For the girl on the go!

  136. Juliana says:

    I love this bag- so cute!!

  137. Elizabeth says:

    This looks like such a cute purse! And it seems like a great size, too. Love Vera Bradley! 🙂

  138. Pam says:

    Very cutesy!!!! Looks like the perfect purse to grab and go with just the essentials. All these colors remind me of spring.

  139. Kristen says:

    How fun! What a cute addition to my collection. Hee hee.

  140. sierra says:

    so adorable 🙂 the stlye, the color, everything is so cute 🙂

  141. Heather says:

    I’m an 80’s gal. . . this is just what I need!

  142. LorieR says:

    That’s me! A high school graduate in the 80’s….still have to be careful not to get my hair too big! 😉 Lol!

  143. Cynthia says:

    Love this! I need a new crossbody bag.

  144. Hallie says:

    This is super cute! I don’t have anything like it right now so would love to add it to my growing collection 😉

  145. Deb S. says:

    I can’t wait to see the new Spring collection in person on Thursday! The Rachel purse is absolutely adorable and I’d love to win it! I’ve been hooked on Vera Bradley bags for years – thanks so much for your wonderful products!

  146. Laura J. says:

    I would love to win the Rachel for my 8 year. It would be a good size. She loves her others and always want to view the vera bradley website.

  147. Katherine says:

    What an adorable bag! My middle name is Rachel so that means I should probably indulge right? 🙂

  148. Ruthie says:

    Let’s go back in time to 1985! My grade school days hold memories of me taking my favorite little purse to recess. It held my collection of fruit-flavored lip balms that I just had to show off!

  149. Christina W says:

    This bag is so cute! Seems super functional, great for hopping around campus!

    Seriously, so excited for the new collections to be available on Thursday, I’ve (not-so-secretly) been counting the days! 😉

    xoxo
    Christina

  150. Kelly B. says:

    So cute! I’m a sucker for cross-body bags. 🙂

  151. Katherine says:

    i love the new design, i’ve been looking for the perfect across the body bag and i believe this is it!

  152. Amie Garcia says:

    Hmm, should I get this one or a mini hipster?!

  153. Kathleen O says:

    Beautiful. An updated Julia??? I love the adjustable strap. With metal instead of plastic as the on the go has….please update the On The Go like you improved the Hipster last season.

  154. Carol says:

    Wow Rachel looks to be a great crossbody bag. Can’t wait to see it!

  155. Cat L says:

    i’m loving the new colors/patterns, and this retro bag is just the cutest! ooooh, i’d LOVE to win it!

  156. Aubrey H. says:

    I love crossbody bags! so awesome

  157. Lisa says:

    I love the 80’s, and this bag of course!!

  158. Janie says:

    I am a child of the 80’s so I was immediately drawn to this bag. I think it’s a little too small for me right now, but my daughter would absolutely love it. All the girls at school have Vera Bradely items (pencil cases, lunch totes, backpacks, etc…) so this would be a very welcome addition.

  159. Christy says:

    Girls of the 80’s: We just wanna have fun with a new Vera bag

  160. Kellie says:

    It’s a great bag!

  161. Lindsey says:

    I love all of Vera’s crossbody purses!!! Thanks for designing all these great bags for spring Vera!

  162. Meagan Vaughn says:

    This is such a cute bag I hope I win 🙂

  163. Michelle says:

    LOVE IT!!! I’m probably gonna have to get myself one of these 🙂

  164. Sarah says:

    this bag is just….perfect!

  165. Shelley says:

    Gorgeous bag! Can’t wait to see it in person!

  166. Blair says:

    I’m a fan.

  167. Yvonne Harvey says:

    My daughter Rachel who was born in 1982 would love this bag!

  168. Susan Petersen says:

    Perfect for a day out at the fair or a walk on the pier.

  169. Amy Stotler says:

    Cant wait to see this in person!!

  170. Logan says:

    This is adorable. I would be proud to carry it.

  171. Pam says:

    Oh I am such the child of the ’80’s & would love to wear this with my shoulder pads!

  172. Tiffany says:

    I would love to have this I have lots of Vera stuff it’s like an obsession and I love the new patterns

  173. Kelley Joe says:

    if only, if only i had one of these 🙂

  174. Shelly Adams says:

    ADORABLE! Looks like a perfect bag for a quick shopping trip or for a day out at the zoo or where you need the basics, but want to show off your amazing Vera Bradley style!

  175. Becky S says:

    I can’t wait to see all of the new styles in person! I just got my Spring 2011 catalog yesterday–lots of ooo-ing and aah-ing!!!

  176. Brittney says:

    Vera Bradley is my new addiction! I have found my true love ❤ I couldn't picture surviving college without Vera!

  177. Kathy T. says:

    This little Rachel bag is absolutely adorable. I love the crossbody bags and would be delighted to own one of this new style! Keep up the beautiful work!

  178. Lydia S. says:

    I would love to get this purse ! Its so cute and it totally reminds me of the Hipster . I love long straps on purses 🙂

  179. Sandy says:

    Rachel is cute, easy to grab on the way out the door………. Let’s go Rachel!

  180. Faith G. says:

    Oh, me please!!! In folkloric!!!!!

  181. Angela Bushatz says:

    Would love to own this!! Love the throwback!!

  182. Jamie Benda says:

    I love this! Is it Thursday yet? Cant wait to get my hands on some new Vera!

  183. Krista C. says:

    This is adorable. I love it in the Blue Lagoon, and I can’t wait to see what it’s like in the other patterns!

  184. Sabrina says:

    Such a pretty bag! The Rachel would be a good bag to take to a football or basketball game. Looking forward to seeing it in person.

  185. Sue says:

    This looks like the perfect small cross body bag!! Very simple, yet very functional! Thanks Vera!

  186. Cindy says:

    I love the pattern, style, and size. These bags are going “in” for the spring season and easy to slip on for on the go! Perfect!

  187. Stephanie says:

    Love this new bag! Just what I have been waiting for since I fell in love with the mailbag, but would prefer a smaller bag.

  188. Kirsten says:

    Cute! I have 4 daughters…they’d be fighting over this one! 🙂

  189. Erin says:

    My daughter would love this little purse!

  190. elisabeth says:

    so cute. love the spring colors. what a nice size purse

  191. Shanna Waters says:

    LOVE LOVE This one. Cant wait to get my first Vera bag. 🙂

  192. Lejuana says:

    i will enjoy this if i can wrangle it away from my daughters

  193. Kristina Buchanan says:

    Considering I grew up in the ’80s as well I can totally see what Rachel was reaching for. It seems absolutely perfect for my needs. Now even I wanted to “Walk Like An Egyptian” I could still do it with this bag! ;o) Rachel – great job!!

  194. Kirsten Fredrickson says:

    This is so cute! PERFECT for my trip to Europe this spring!

  195. Kirsten Fredrickson says:

    This is so cute! Perfect for my trip to Europe this spring!

  196. Janice says:

    I WANT this bag!!! It looks just PERFECT!

  197. susan williams says:

    i think this is gonna be the one. small yet it still looks like it can hold our most important things

  198. Martha says:

    I am so proud of the real Rachel who influenced this bag (she’s my niece). I have several Vera items and love all of them. All of Rachel’s female relatives love Vera Bradley!

  199. Donna says:

    What a cute little bag — perfect for vacations and shopping trips !! Would love to have one…. Fingers crossed !!

  200. Christy Vermillion says:

    Ooooh, I love the Rachel – so prim and proper looking, yet fun!

  201. Laurie says:

    This is the one I have been waiting for. I love the style!!

  202. Christina Wallen says:

    Love it! Can’t wait for tomorrow’s premiere!!!!
    Great bag for a day of shopping.

  203. Karen says:

    Love it

  204. Sam says:

    What a cute bag! Can’t wait to see it in person!

  205. Linda Boltersdorf says:

    Love the color!

  206. Judy says:

    Looks great hope I win

  207. Nancy Crossley says:

    Just bought my first VB at age 78 and cannot wait to get another. Rachael would be a perfect size since I a petite. I guess you are never too old to learn.

  208. Aunt Jane says:

    Riddle: Rachel attended my wedding Oct 25 but wasn’t born until Dec 9, 1986. How did she do that?
    I love the 80’s. Many great things happened to me that decade. Many babies were born that I love dearly.
    Congrats Rachel!!!!!!

  209. Loving this new blue pattern, and loving the Vera is keeping up with the trend of across-the-body bags!

  210. Lori says:

    I really love the cross body style and this is definitely a new classic! I know girls will love it!

  211. Genna says:

    This would be the perfect bag for everything on the go! I love it!

  212. Betti Owens says:

    I’m proud to say that Rachel is my niece. What a great little gal. How delightful to have a purse named after her. I have several Vera purses and accessories; enjoy and use every day.

  213. Ann says:

    My tween daughter would absolutely love this. She has some Vera Bradley items and loves them!

  214. Betsy F says:

    pretty blue!

  215. Aunt Jane says:

    Forgot to say that I love this small but spacious hands-free bag. Great idea for any age. I think my 80-something clients will love it too.

  216. Mallory says:

    This is adorable! (: I plan on adding this to my collection!

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