Should I use this purse? - YouLookFab Forum

My handbag situation is terrible. I don't have the cash to invest in a nice one and my lifestyle means I am rough on bags and need hands free pretty much all the time. I really see how nice bags and shoes elevate an outfit but I am just not there yet. I think I may just put a hold on all shopping and think about saving for a good purse around Christmas.

This is the *nicest* purse in my collection. It was gifted to me by my last boss maybe 8 years ago. By nicest I mean it is the best brand and cost the most money. But I know Dooney & Bourke isn't really cool anymore....would you carry this? It doesn't look like it holds much value so I don't think it's worth selling right? thanks for your feedback!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dooney.....1e8e53d86f

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10 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I would carry it if a pop of color was needed. I'm not familiar with the brand.

marianna

I remember when those bags were the hottest thing! Sure it may not be the latest and greatest, but it looks classic to me. I like the color. I think you should wear it!

Janet

(website)

It's not my style (not into logos or pink), but the shape is classic and it appears to be in good condition. If it works for you function-wise and it goes with your outfits, and you like it more than any of your other options, then you should use it while you figure out what you want to get next. But if you're saving up for a new bag at Christmas time, now is a great time to start researching and window-shopping to figure out what you want to get then.

kkards

does it hold everything you need it to hold? will it stay on your shoulder, even when wearing a coat? if it passes both tests, then yes, i'd use it.

JAileen

I agree with Janet completely. Not my style (signature) or color, but nothing wrong with the bag.

Have you checked out thrift stores? I buy a lot of my bags, usually vintage Coach, at Goodwill. They are often in the $25 range (or less) for leather bags in good condition. Sometimes they need TLC, but it's actually easy to clean them up.

rabbit

I think it depends how it goes with your style. Also it may have some resale value depending on the material - but this is hit or miss in my experience.

I agree with JAileen that it is possible to get fun bags at Goodwill if you look carefully. Ross, Marshalls, and T J Maxx often have leather bags marked down quite a bit, on clearance in the 60$ range for example (brands like Fossil, Tignanello, Anne Klein, Micheal Kors, CK) with non-leather bags for less.

goldenpig

Are you using it? Do you like it? I agree that you should decide based on functionality (whether it holds what you need and works for your lifestyle and clothing style) and whether you like how it looks, rather than how much it cost or what brand. And I have a D&B bag too...I don't think the brand is "uncool"! I splurged on an expensive Chanel purse for my 40th, but I don't use it any more or less than my cheaper bags like my Jason Wu for Target straw purse that I wore just a couple days ago. They all have to earn a place in my closet. I would look at places like TJ Maxx or DSW for nice purses at a discount. I've gotten some great deals there. Good luck, hope you find something you love!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

I think that it is a beautiful bag, in excellent shape. If it is a matter of badly wanting or needing something else..

Goodwill. GW GW GW. I have bought some really nice bags at my local GW this summer, including a flawless embellished Coach bag for $13 that is reminiscent of a Dior saddle bag, and a small, soft black leather DKNY that I have carried as a clutch every weekend since Labor Day.

Thistle

If it fits your needs, I would carry it.

As others have said, check your local goodwill. My sister snagged a saddlebag coach purse there, black, for $15. She spent another $20 at the cobblers to buff it out and protect it, and the purse looks amazing.

rachylou

Hmm. It doesn't seem hands-free to me.

CocoLion

I don't think DB is uncool. It's just that this bag is not a current style, although not glaringly dated either. If it works for your needs, use it. It would work best with very classic clothing I think. If not -- if you're a cross body bag girl -- get something else. I got a small leather cross body bag, one I'm using right now, for just $29 at Marshalls. It's from a brand called Latico and can convert into a clutch as well.

Jaime

I am just going to follow Denise around and say ditto!

fathenry

Have you tried Amazon? I just ordered a 9 West bag online yesterday.Perhaps you should get an inexpensive one like that, that you love for fall, while you save up for your investment piece.

K. Period.

High Five Cocolion! I'm with you. I think Dooney makes beautiful bags and even though some styles they make become less popular, the line itself isn't out of style. Actually, I think the fact that the bags are still kicking around out there is a good indication of their quality--they don't wear out easily.

You said this is the nicest one on your collection...so that means you have ones that you could make due with for a while. I would do that, wearing what feels like you and is in decent shape for now. Then, I would put the word out to all my friends that I was looking for a good purse and willing to spend $X and ask them to keep their eyes open at Goodwill and at yard sales. My mom has scored several Coach bags over the years at yard sales. I would also start really thinking about what you want in your ideal purse and start saving money for it.

BethL

All kinds of good advice, Melaine. I would just add that I have all kinds of bags at all kinds of price points. I often get more compliments on the ones that are "faux". They're always the ones that are cheaper, so I take more risks with them in terms of color and shape, so people notice them more. So by all means save up for a really special bag that you love, but you don't have to have a high end bag for it to make an outfit. Don't be too hard on yourself. Another thing I've noticed is that because I now have a wardrobe of bags, they last a long time - even the cheaper ones - because I'm always swapping them out. It does take some time, but maybe you can still have some fun along the way. I can see your DB bag as a great accent to summer oufits - whites, faded blues, definitely with BF jeans, especially destructed ones.

Deb

I think it is fine and very usable with the right colours for now. It looks summery and would carry you in to fall. It is worth making it work for the next few months and then saving up for a classic, modern style. By keeping an eye on what appeals to you, you may well pick up what you fancy at the end of year sales. Don't waste your money on a cheap bag in the meantime. Wait, think carefully, save and buy a lovely, good quality new bag that you love when you can afford it.

Ledonna N.

To me it does not matter the cost. If it does not fit into your lifestyle then sell it donate it. I second the GW or any thrift altogether. The right one will come along.

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