Vera Bradley Carry All - Short Review with Pics

[mom2lukas]

so i ordered my VB carry all from brownson5th.com at midnight Thursday, and i received it Monday! super fast shipping!

details:
four inside flat pockets
two outside side bottle pockets (fits large avent bottles with ease!)
two outside flat pockets underneath a flap in the front
key fob in one of those outside flat pockets
one outside large zip pocket in the back

overall:
i'm not a VB person, but the more i see it, the more it grows on me. the nantucket navy looks awesome with jeans. (haven't tried it out wearing anything else yet!) it is quite roomy and bigger than i expected, but it is easily maneuverable since it is EXTREMELY lightweight and can be worn purse or messenger style. it definitely feels a lot smaller than the skip hop, but holds just as much, if not more. it is easy to see stuff since i don't have to dig like i do with the skip hop. i did also get the matching small cosmetic case to put my mommy stuff in. (that way i can just pull that case out if i need to switch bags).

let me know if you guys have other questions. i can take more pics if requested. the only pics i didn't take was the ones with stuff in the bag.

HTH,
joey :)

anyways, here are some pictures that i hope will help those on the fence decide whether or not the carry all is right for you.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20944.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20945.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20947.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20948.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20949.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20950.jpg

[audball]

Very cute bag! I have to admit VB is not my style either, but it looks like a very useful bag - perfect for Spring/Summer. I used to think I was only a tailored bag gal, but a lot of these fabric only bags (with a little less structure) have a boxier shape these days. And they can fit a ton of stuff!

Great review! :)

[nd93]

Very nice! There is something about VB that does tend to grow on you, isn't there? Even for a "black bag" gal like me. One picture request - you wearing it? That way I can see how it fits on the body. Thanks!

Nice review!

ps - I remember searching these posts and someone had posted a picture of their child sitting inside the Carry All so you know it holds a lot!

[AbbieF]

I'm not a VB person either, but I do love the shape of this bag. I just wish they did it in one of the microfiber colors. Wouldn't red be great?

Abbie
Mom to Maddie 4/17/04

[bubbaray]

Thanks for the pics!

Can I ask you some questions?

Will the outside rear zip pocket fit a change pad?
Will the bottle pockets hold a sippy cup?
What size cosmetic bag did you get, the large or the small?

Lastly, would you mind taking a photo of it packed?

I really can't decide between the Carry All, the Villager and the Betsy. I have bid on a few on eBay, but always get outbid....


Melissa
Mom to Maya http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/binky.gif & Dog Mom to Bubba http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/dog.gif

http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/11089.birthday.png

[mom2lukas]

ok, took some more pictures.

i wasn't able to take 2 of the requested pics. i can try to take them next go around.
1. one with me wearing it. DH got home late from work today, and is still working from home now, so i don't want to bother him. i tried taking pictures in the mirror, by they didn't really show how the bag wears on the shoulder.
2. forgot to put the sippy cup in the picture

audball: this is my first fabric bag. (i too need structure) but i'm liking it a lot! it's so soft and comfy!

nd93: i am a total "black bag" gal too. so this is way outside my box. somehow, i feel like a "real mom" with the VB! how weird is that?

abbie: black microfiber would be awesome! i love the shape too. it's the "classy" version of the sporty LLBean bag (which i have on order as well!) the zip top and messenger style is great!

questions from melissa:
1. the outside zip pocket will not fit the skip hop changing pad (see pictures 5 and 6)
2. only 1 handle and the cup of the playtex first sipster (http://www.playtexbaby.com/cupsandmealtime/products/stage1.asp) can fit in the bottle holder. it does seem quite secure, but i'm not at the sippy cup stage, so not sure how it is on the move.
3. i have the small cosmetic case. it's a nice size. not too small and not too big.

pictures:
1. the bag packed
2. the bag unpacked
3. the bag showing bottle holders with large avent bottle and water bottle
4. the bag showing the height in relation to large avent bottle and water bottle
5. skip hop changing pad view #1
6. skip hop changing pad view #2

contents inside:
small avent bottle
3 bibs
2 burp cloths
2 size 3 diapers in ziploc
1 onesie (in flat pocket #1)
1 travel size lansinoh wipes (in flat pocket #2)
1 wallet
1 small cosmetic case (a little hard to see, but it's to the right of the bibs and burp cloths)
4 isomil singles (in flat pocket #3)
1 disposable changing pad in ziploc (in flat pocket #4)

contents outside:
cell phone in front flat pocket #1
large avent bottle in side pocket #1
water bottle in side pocket #2

empty pockets:
front flat pocket #2
large zip back pocket

with the stuff packed, there is still plenty of room. i have to say i love all the pockets. there are so many i have no idea what to do with them all! hahaha.

HTH!!!
joey :)


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20991.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20992.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20993.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20994.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20995.jpg


http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/20996.jpg

[bubbaray]

Well, you're review has sealed the deal for me. I have the LL Bean bag on order, and thought this one was too much like the LL Bean bag. But, I think this one will work too.

I looks from the photos as though the LE change pad from the LT would work. It is smaller than the Skip Hop change pad. Or, I could just use a Huggies disposable change pad, that would definitely fit.

I have some of the Playtex first sipsters. DD prefers the Gerber ones, but b/c of the handle design, they don't fit in most bottle pockets like the Playtex ones do.

Also, I was confused on what size cosmetic bag to get, so that info is very helpful. I think I'll go with the small too.

Now, all I have to do is win some auctions on eBay. I'm determined to try to "win" on eBay to get these things. There's a first time for everything! :)

Thanks for the GREAT review -- very helpful!

Melissa
Mom to Maya http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/binky.gif & Dog Mom to Bubba http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/dog.gif

http://www.babysfirstsite.org/newtickers/ticker/11089.birthday.png

[HHCs Mom]

Thanks for this awesome review!! You have pushed me off the fence! I couldn't decide between this bag and the Betsy. (I have been reading your posts about VB bags :) ) I have the VB Baby Bag and am tired of lugging that thing around. I'm the type who packs a bag till it's full. I will use up whatever space is given, so if it's a big bag, I'll fill it up. I've decided I need a somewhat smaller bag to force myself to carry less. Of course, I'll leave the big bag in the car as backup... ;)

Thanks a buch for taking the time to post all of those pictures!

Kim
~ mama to a chunky monkey named Harrison ~ 4.6.04