HANDBAGS, TOTES, SATCHELS= STYLISH VALUES
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Dooney & Burke Spring 2010 (ships December – February for those counting the days) ---is a sophisticated collection of beautiful bags at terrific price points (most under $300/accessories <$150). Smartly, there are haulers of all sizes, for all occasions, and for gals of all ages too...the sub collections
are numerous.
Numero Uno for Spring, we think, is the oversized croc embossed, nicely textured AMAZON collection…”that’s classic and interesting.” ($300-$700) and comes in a Tassel Bags (hand and shoulder straps), handy Shoppers and Clutches.
The popular Valerie Bag ($265) comes in a soft pebble grain (PEBBLE GRAIN Collection), with a contrasting trim and recessed zipper that secures while it “disappears.” Color options, eight in all- include aegean blue, bone and red.
The Valerie Bag also comes in a subtly imprinted BLENDED SHADOW Collection…in summery shades like hot pink and sunflower.
For everyday, the CANVAS Collection with leather trims comes in three sizes (mini Juliette Satchel, Satchel, and larger Juliette). We love the contrast canvas webbed straps. Plus the haulers come in 15 colors…
A new Dooney & Bourke series is the HERRINGBONE Collection…in the handy Juliette shapes…including a Travel version…and a hobo. We saw the plum at the preview…but it comes in black, taupe, and brown too.
For a younger market, there are eye-catching graphics in easy carry shapes, including clutches and hobos, and more subtle graphics that are fun. What’s nice is that these bags can really bump up a day or night ensemble of black attire, the uniform for many.
Included in this grouping are the all under $200---SPORT bunch---like the denim based velvet SPORT FLOCK Collection, a coated canvas SPORT DOODLE in pastels…
The swirly Keith Haring-like SPORT FLOCK Collection (black background)…and POP Collection that has travelers in mind with cosmetic cases, a pochette and duffle configurations...and sized for our gear hold it all bags.
The good for all seasons (read: versatile) NYLON Collection comes in every shape anyone could need. Totes are expected to continue to do well, as are the Medium Pocket Sac and Valerie Bag that fit just so on ones shoulders. What really sets D&B’s nylons apart from other brands…is the durability, courtesy of fab construction…and the little details like contrast stitching and handsome leather trims,
And that duck hangtag.
The small giftables match up their big sibling…and include wallets, a bargain $25 card case, and hefty key fobs that are amusing plays on the duck logo.
Classics that will appeal to women are the CI LEATHER COLLECTION in various shapes like a small coin case, wristlet, and a large tote…come in pretty tones…including a hot pink and lavender.
The DILLEN COLLECTION, with the signature brown leather trim (in yellow, sky blue, fuschsia, hot pink, lavender)
he CALF COLLECTION in seven shades…is upscale, made from top quality leathers and solid hardware…and are priced much less than some similar European brands that come to mind. A real value IMHO.
BOTTOM LINE: Dooney & Bourke doesn’t reinvent the wheel with every collection. It doesn’t have to. Their bags never go out of style...and never fall apart.
But there's just enough textural variations, new fun imprints and COLORS, and refreshing updates of the chic classics, always, that gets us in the we want it now mood. And it's not even winter yet.
INFO INCLUDING SHIP DATES and E-Commerce/Store Locator DOONEY & BOURKE
