The Other Vera--Vera Bradley

Any time I have ever said Vera, I meant Neumann, famous for her floral watercolors and silk screened scarves, 1940s-80s. But recently another Vera has come to my attention, Vera Bradley.

I remember Vera Bradley purses well, I just never really noticed them before as they were for the older set, our mother's friends and their sorority sisters. Not really my look.

However, Bradley has been making a comeback, apparently, with a younger, hipper generation and I'm taking notice.

This is my first Vera Bradley purchase. a Bradley "Saddle Up" bag in the Symphony in Hue pattern. I really love it. (I caved. It's Ebay listed here).*

* Holy cow! I posted The Saddle Up bag above on Ebay & it sold in a few hours at $36. Wow. Looking for more Vera Bradleys. :-)

My second Bradley purchase came surprisingly from a family friend cleaning out her closet. She had several Bradley's. This one I can't locate a pattern name but seems to go generally by blue leaf or blue maple leaf. Also, I can't locate the design or the retired year. Do you know? ;-)

This is the Chanticleer Rooster pattern in a small duffel bag. This pattern is retired, although I don't know what year here either.

All three purses are very clean and ready to use. The Roosters and Maple Leaves are featured in the shop now. The cool hip bag is still a possible addition to my own wardrobe. If not, it will be on my Ebay auction, as it's only a 2009. Too bad! It would look fabulous in the shop.

Love these colors! Boho paisley and the interior is playful and fun. Also, I like the large metal fob on the flap. It really gives it a more modern look. Thank you Vera Bradley. Well done.

Enjoy!

d xo

Vera Neumann

Recently I asked a woman if her handmade coasters where made with vintage Vera fabric. She said, "I don't think Vera Wang makes pillow cases...." Where was I to go with that? I gasped, inside, because, really, who was I to judge her having only discovered Vera--Vera Neumann--several years before.

Trust me, this woman will never make that mistake again, as I shared what I knew with her--a pittance of what you know, perhaps. (Why is it that Vera makes us feel like we know her? Like we know her feelings when she painted such bold strokes, those delicate florals, her psychedelic swirls. A woman of many personas, she feels like us, I think, a bit of every woman.

***

Everyone's  favorite store: Anthropologie just came out with an ode to the artist: "Vera: The Art And Life Of An Icon" (but you can buy it through Amazon for nearly half the price. Shh. It's a secret.)

I just finished posting my own Vera scarves in the shop. They look so lovely, posed, draped and  well lit. I'd like to frame them up and keep them forever. Once you've found your very first Vera, there really is no going back. It's nearly an addiction, right up there with shoes and coffee.

So, to help you out with your first Vera acquisition here are some Vera finds from vintage fashionistas all over Etsy. Enjoy!

A gorgeous silk Vera scarf from The Lucky Fish (the largest collection of Vera scarves I've ever seen.)

Darling Vera in green and  lavender florals. Recycled Charm

A bold floral Vera in green and ocean blue. Vintage Society

(Obviously, I like green.) This bursting floral Vera is from Vintage Domicile

 

And from my own collection: neon green and pink Vera;  Dahlila Found

I'm certain you have your own favorites, but these caught my eye today. It must be my yearning for sunny days, spring weather and gardening. I hope you like them. Do share your own favorites. I would love to see them.

dahlila xxoo

Bella Pink

My family dropped by today, unexpectedly. My niece looked so lovely, so fabulous from head to toe I made her pose with a plethora of shop accessories. The pink purse looked especially darling with her pink posie hair band. I was thrilled at how wonderfully navy blue and pink work together--bold and soft--bella signorina.

Pink Psychedelic

I posted these fabulous pieces, before I saw how fabulous they looked together. They might actually need each other. ;-) Maybe, a great fashionista will see this too. I'd love to sell them as a set, then receive a photo of the marvelous results. I love it when customers send me photos. It's the best.

Poppy's Pink Purse, $58.
80's Orange Ade bobble earrings, $7

Psychedelic 70's Polka Dot Blouse, $23.

What an outfit. Hm? I actually have a pair of fuchsia peep toe heels that would fit this outfit perfectly...

dahlila xxoo

Interview on Catwalk Threads

Catwalk Creatives out of Manchester, England writes a vintage blog, Catwalk Threads that is great. This month she is featuring yours truly talking about vintage treasures, the perfect day & hot finds.
I was so pleased to be asked by Louise. She's terribly sweet. So visit Catwalk & DahlilaFound for great vintage finds. :-)
See the interview of DahlilaFound on Catwalk Threads. Thank you Louise!