As Vera Bradley has grown in popularity over recent years, I have seen more and more counterfeit bags. With a few helpful hints, most of the fakes can be avoided (especially the really obvious, bad ones!)

Here are a few things to remember:

1- ALL designs are conveniently located on the Vera Bradley website (http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/Retired.aspx)
---I've seen several vendors claiming that their pattern is legit Vera, but I had not ever seen it before...A quick consultation of the website will help you figure it out!

2- ALL the new bags have Vera Bradley written on the zipper pull tabs. (EVEN with it it could be fake, but w/out- its DEFINITELY fake, unless it came out)
---Bags that came out before recent years do not have the Vera Bradley zipper pull tabs. This is perfectly normal. If you see a bag claiming to be one of those older models WITH a new zipper pull tab, I would suspect it is a fake. I have a Bees bag (retired in July 05) so I would say that anything before that can have the older style zipper pull and be alright.

3- If it is a new pattern, (I mean from the last few years) it will have a green Vera Bradley price tag on it. (i.e. most are green, but for example the Hopetoil and the new summer colors aren't; any special edition runs will have differently colored price tags)

4- Know where the pockets are and the designs on the bag.
---Most fake totes have a distinct sort of pocket on the bag's side that is not normally found on Vera toes...

5-Know approximate prices.

Hope this helped :D

If anyone has questions or things they want me to add, feel free to ask/comment! Just drop me a line and I'll get back to you.