JUST AS VERA BRADLEY WAS FOUNDED BY TWO LONG TIME FRIENDS, so too The Cottage Collection came into being because of a friendship that started over forty years ago. Caryl Donnellan and Kathryn Bradley Wilson met in the mid sixties in South Florida where they grew up. Kathryn moved to Tallahassee in 1973, and Caryl and her husband moved to the same town in 1979. In 1982 Kathryn's sister Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, along with her friend Pat Miller, came up with the brilliant idea to design luggage and handbags especially for women. Back in those days luggage was not very attractive, just durable and functional. The two women wanted to change all that. They had a great idea, and wasted no time in putting their plan into motion. The company was named after Barbara and Kathryn's mother. Vera Bradley Designs came into being. At first there were only a few items in the line, but each year more were added. The Cottage Collection also began carrying Pandora in 2007 and since has aspired to one of the largest Pandora retailers in Tallahassee. Our store carries several lines including Liquid Silver and LovePods. Each piece is hand crafted and keeps to a signature look. Our staff is knowledgeable and equipped to assist customers with any questions they may have. With over 800 pieces to choose from, Pandora’s designs make for a great gift for any occasion.
Kathryn & Caryl started out selling Vera Bradley handbags at "Trunk Shows" at the Donnellan's house. Vera Bradley herself came to a few of these shows, and it was always special having her there. When the shows' popularity grew in size, Kathryn decided to move them to Goodwood Museum & Gardens, in one of the little cottages there. That plan started The Cottage Shows at Goodwood in the mid-nineties, and that is when the name The Cottage Collection came into being. In the summer of 2005, a retail space became available at a wonderful location on the corner of Monroe Street and 6th Avenue. The Cottage Collection set up a small display in the store. Soon afterwards, the whole store became available and that is when The Grey Fox came to be a reality. Vera Bradley’s maiden name was Fox, and Kathryn chose to incorporate that name into a store name. Teaming up with her son Dillon, the two took on the venture of opening a store like no other in Tallahassee. The idea was to have a store that had a wonderful home-like setting where customers could enjoy spending time in a comfortable, pleasant atmosphere. They wanted to have a wide selection of items for their shoppers so that folks could find something for everyone. The Cottage Collection’s area comprises the main show room. There is a complete line of purses, soft luggage and accessories. In the stationery line, there is everything from small note pads in decorative binders to journals, gift cards, notebooks, clipboards and much more. The Cottage Collection, being at one of the top levels of sales for their store, receives priority shipping of new items and has the largest inventory in Tallahassee. Customers enjoy coming from other towns to see the lovely showroom and enjoy a true Vera Bradley experience. Many customers sign up to receive e-mails of new arrivals, specials and sales. The Cottage Collection invites customers to take advantage of their Bridle Registry. Vera Bradley luggage and rugs make perfect gifts for newlyweds!
*Located on the corner of 6th Ave and Monroe St. map
*Please contact our store for any questions during our business hours. Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm (850) 894 - vera (8372)
*Please contact our store for any questions during our business hours. Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm (850) 894 - vera (8372)
Cottage Collection
