Using my favorite purse (the Villager) day after day, it starts to get dingy on the straps and at one of the top corners that I tend to grab it by first. So I will occasionally switch it out for another Vera bag when it comes time to put it in the wash.

Vera bags come with a tag on the inside, much like clothing, that includes cleaning instructions. It is the 100% cotton quilted fabric that I am talking about cleaning in this post and not the microfiber or any other material.

First thing to do is to empty the bag of course, making sure that any zippered compartments or deep interior pockets are completely empty. Next, remove the stiff piece of cardboard inside the bottom lining – this is easy to do, because the ends are not sewn and the cardboard should slide out easily.

If you have not already turned the bag inside-out when removing the cardboard, you should in order to brush or shake out any crumbs, lint, etc. Then go ahead and turn it back right-side out, zipping up main compartment and outside zipper.

Wash the bag in your washing machine using a mild detergent on gentle cycle and only cold water. I use one made specifically for cold water washes and generally I do nothing extra for the dingy areas because they have always washed out fine. If it did not come clean, or if there was a stain that I felt would not come out in the regular wash, then I would probably just pre-treat it with a little of the detergent directly on the area before washing. I also add a ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle, which acts as a fabric softener and helps to keep the bright colors looking their best.

Never put the purse in the dryer! The best way to dry a Vera Bradley handbag is to re-shape the bag (if necessary) and hang it over a clothes hanger out of direct sunlight. Once it is completely dry, you can then replace the cardboard bottom.

Holiday Promotion – take 25% off by using Code BB25 when ordering

My new favorite is the Medium Tote, which is just a bit smaller (16" x 9" x 5" – handle drop 9.5") than the Hybrid and has two exterior zippered pockets. It is also made of the Napa leather, but it has gold hardware and zippered closure, and you also have three colors to choose from, Espresso, Black or Camel.

Now if you are looking for something a little more slender that still has the compartmentalized interior, take a look at the new Day Swagger bags! These are man made leather beauties that have the benefits of an oversized bag, but lay closer to the body because of the trim design. They are available in four colors, Kale (green), Eggplant (a deep blue/purple), Burgundy and Black. They measure 13" x 10" x 4" – with a handle drop of 10', have two exterior pockets, zippered closure and silver hardware.

A little Night Swagger is great for those who prefer a smaller bag that easily transitions from work to a night out on the town without having to go through the ordeal of mid-day bag switch. These bags come in the same colors as the Day Swagger and measure 13" x 7.5" x 4.5" with a handle drop of 10".

Of course, you can still get the Convertible Clutch, Nylon Satchel and popular Nylon Tote in all of the original colors.

All great gift ideas for the holidays and take 25% off by using Promo Code BB25 when ordering.

Butler Bag's Summer Sample Sale "Pricing" Event is on for the next 48 hours (if they last that long). So, when you order use promo code:

SAMPLEPRICE

to get 40% off of the current inventory of the world's most organized handbags!

Click here to shop the Butler Bag Sale!

is sold as an In-Flight Organizer/Travel Tote because it mounts directly on to the seat back tray table and locks right into place. Everything is at your fingertips through your trip – no more bending and reaching under the seat in front of you. It even has a cup holder!

Whether you are traveling for business, or pleasure, this organizer is the most handy bag I have found yet. It is great for men and women, appealing to everyone from business persons, to techies and moms. Once you get one, you will find a reason to buy another!

Father's Day is just a few weeks away, so here is a great gift idea for Dad that he can use everyday. The is the perfect leather bag for keeping all of Dad's stuff together, neatly, in one place.

Men just love this type of soft leather bag, because as it ages and gets "broken in" it takes on the character of it's owner, scuffs and all. A professional look without being stuffy.

It has a place for everything, papers, laptop, pda, cell, pens, etc. Our Dad just loves the one we got him last year! He can fit his laptop in the bag even in its sleeve-style case, which is nice for added protection (tends to be a little rough on things).

The flap opening is secured by dual clasps which reveal two large pockets and a long zippered pocket. The large main compartment has an organizer and there is also a back zippered pocket. He can carry it using the top handle, or over the shoulder with the adjustable (and detachable) shoulder straps.