My Purse Makes Me Sick

We carry them around filled with important stuff. Big ones, small ones, over the shoulder and perched on our arms. All the essentials are “neatly” packed inside. My favorite is Vera. I love my Vera because it was a birthday gift from my wonderful daughter. Vera never gets placed anywhere but in my lap when I’m not carrying her around. She never gets carelessly tossed or put down on the floor. When I went to rainy football games, Vera was the one who was covered with my raincoat and umbrella, even when it meant I would end up getting wet instead. But, there are times when Vera stays home. I refuse to take her to work and shove her inside a crowded, smelly locker that I’m forced to share with some unknown co-worker. In that case, I opt for one of my other, cheaper purses. That’s when my purse can end up making me sick.

When we go into public restrooms, many times there are no hooks in the stalls to hang our purses. So, aside from balancing your purse on your lap while hovering over the toilet seat (for fear of catching something) we end up placing our purse on the floor beside us. As disgusting as it sounds, fecal matter does exist on public restroom floors, so it stands to reason you’re transferring this bacteria-infested poop onto the bottom of your purse. Ewww. Viruses that cause the common cold, diarrhea and other contagious germs are rampant in any public area. Even when you eat in a restaurant or fast food place you better think twice before placing your purse on the table. Germs, bacteria and viruses thrive there as well.

So, you’re out for a day of shopping and you need your purse so what do you do? Stuff everything in your pockets instead? Cover your purse in plastic? Carry it and expect that as long as you don’t chew on your purse you’re safe? Unfortunately, we touch our purses often and, chances are you’ll also end up touching your face at some point. The best defense is the same as avoiding any other virus, bacteria or germ. Wash your hands often. Use antibacterial soap or lotion. If your purse is washable then wash it on a regular basis. If it’s leather or suede use a good, safe cleaner. As long as it’s safe for the purse, spray it with an anti-bacterial spray. We spend alot of money on our purses and we love to show them off. But don’t let them be the cause of your next cold or stomach bug.

Who Is This Vera And Why Does Everyone Love Her?

On my daughter’s first day at college, I went along to help her move in. There was alot of commotion and activity. Envision a thousand teenaged girls all lugging their belongings into the dorms. As I looked around I noticed one common accessory held in just about every girl’s hand or slung over a shoulder. There were large duffel bags, book bags, handbags, tote bags and more. All were made from colorful quilted fabric and all were beautiful. I had to have one, but first I had to know exactly what they were. My daughter informed me they were “Veras” and she wanted one for her birthday. Who was this Vera, why was she so popular and why did every young girl have to have one?

I’ve since discovered that Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. is a company started by two friends and neighbors, Barbara Baekgaard and Patricia Miller over 20 years ago. They both had a passion for fashion and decided to go into business together. With just $500.00 and using Barbara’s mother’s name they started Vera Bradley Designs. Their product was so successful that the company earned 1 million dollars in just 3 years. In 1987, these 2 talented ladies earned the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. carries 800 products each produced in their Fort Wayne, Indiana plant. The company is also a constant supporter in the fight against breast cancer with funding contributions and fund raising efforts totaling in the millions. 

Why have Vera’s become so popular? They’ve become a sort of “status symbol” and a “must have” accessory, with many styles each having its own name. Styles are eventually “retired” making way for a new line of purses and other products. Spring and Fall designs are typically released in January and July.

Needless to say, I bought my daughter a Vera for her birthday and she uses it constantly. And, just a few days ago, she surprised me with a Vera of my own. I love it, not only because my daughter gave it to me or because it’s beautifully made, but it’s also nice to know that I own a well-made, American-made product that also supports an important women’s cause.