Preliminary identification

Vera Bradley Quilted Cotton Tote in 'Night and Day' Pattern

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a classic quilted cotton handbag featuring the iconic 'Night and Day' pattern, a sophisticated black-and-white floral and scrollwork design. It represents the height of the quilted bag craze that redefined American casual fashion in the early 2000s.

Story

Two friends, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller, founded this empire in 1982 after noticing a lack of feminine luggage at an airport. This specific pattern, released in 2007, became a cult favorite for its rare monochromatic elegance.

Maker / Origin

Vera Bradley was named after Barbara's mother, a former Elizabeth Arden model. The company transformed from a $500 basement startup into a global lifestyle brand by focusing on colorful, lightweight alternatives to heavy leather bags.

Condition & Value

The bag appears to be in good structural shape with no visible staining. Slight softening of the handles suggests light use. Excellent condition with no fading maintains the higher end of the value range. Value is driven by the popularity of the retired 'Night and Day' pattern.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.