This bag is beautifully made of a lovely, tightish-weave mesh fabric. The seams are well done, and all are bound with seam tape. The zipper as well. The handle is made of good quality 3/8” webbing, with a charming repeat flower pattern on both sides. All components of this bag—fabric, bindings, hardware, and the fabric zipper pull—either match, or faultlessly complement each other. This is a five-star bag, without doubt. When you go to the beach with this bag, you need not worry that it will fall apart, or otherwise demonstrate any sort of tackiness. The reason I have given this bag four stars is because, along with all its superlative aspects, this bag also came with a Spot. A Smudge. It’s very small, and dark brown, and on the zipper tape. Amidst all the perfection, it really stands out, and dismays me. I will attempt to eradicate it, but can’t guess whether I will have success, or make it worse. Sigh. Note: this bag has a serial number. I don’t know if this should be taken as a symbol of authenticity, or a red flag warning of counterfeiting. But I went to the (authenticated) Vera Bradley website, and found this bag, listed as a new arrival, and costing the same amount as mine. I take that as about 90% surety that it is real. I feel less uneasy. Granted, this case isn’t in the thousands-of-dollars category, but the counterfeiting of high-end goods is an ugly business, linked as it is to crimes, from human trafficking to child labor; and I will not knowingly do anything, even in a small way, that supports it.
