There is absolutely tons of hype about this purse and luggage designing company.  At first it was just a Fort Wayne, Indiana thing, and then it was just a southern thing, but asfter taking a trip to the New England states I have discovered that it is a national thing.  Vera Bradley purses are sneaking into every little nook and cranny of this country, and for good reason.  When you buy Vera Bradley purses you know you are getting a different kind of purse.  One that is machine washable, has a unique pattern and flare, and one that could even help breast cancer research.  There are so many reasons to love what Vera Bradley has done with the company.  And with the new deisgns for Spring of 2009, I think many more people will be drawn to stocking up their closets with the latest and greatest from Vera Bradley.