Dooney & Bourke

As often as we try and scour the internet and department store universe to find the best and most unique handbags out there, I really like when I come across a bag that is simple, streamlined and well executed. I know there will be plenty of you who think this bag is far too boring, but sometimes it is nice to have a bag that does its job, looks great and doesn’t send your bank account into a downward spiral.

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Even though the rain in these parts has ended for now, bags to carry during bad weather are still on my mind. I usually avoid going out as much as I can in the rain (I have weather-sensitive hair), but sometimes it’s unavoidable, particularly for those that live in urban areas and can’t get everywhere from the climate-controlled comfort of their cars.

As far as finding a bag that’s pretty straightforward and water-friendly, I think that the Dooney & Bourke Nylon Erica Sac is a strong contender. The color is bright and cheery to add a pop of color on a grey, rainy day and the nylon material is likely to survive inclement conditions better than a similarly colored leather would. It’s not a breakthrough as far as design goes, but it’s functional and would save your bags from bad-weather ruin and everyone needs something like that in their closet. Buy through Nordstrom for $130.

I the Dooney and Bourke Large Zip Pocket Hobo everywhere I go. Literally, everywhere. Even in the shopping anti-Mecca that is Athens, Georgia, this bag is still on the racks in our department stores. In a variety of colors, no less. And they’re strapped down like we’re a town full of thieves, and we probably are, but I digress. The reason that Dooney & Bourke are distributing these bags so far and wide, I suspect, is that they’re simple, serviceable, inexpensive bags that a huge number of women could be tempted to incorporate into their lives as a bit of luxury in a crappy economic period. At $265, they’re still a splurge for the scads of women that carry your average department store handbag, but they’re not a splurge that’s going to cause those ladies to miss a house payment (or, at least, we hope not. But I guess you never know). From what I’ve seen in person, the leather tends toward stiffness and isn’t super thick, but I imagine it’d loosen up nicely with wear and slouch more naturally. And for less than $300, I would be opposed to wearing something in a bit. Buy through Nordstrom for $265.

I’ve never been a big Dooney & Bourke fan, but if they keep making bags as chic and well-edited as the Dooney & Bourke Santa Croce Short Handle Leather Shopper, I’m going to have to seriously reconsider my stance on the brand. This bag’s smooth, even, dark chocolate brown leather is absolutely stunning and the lines of the bag are more befitting of (dare I say it?) Hermes. I love the bag’s contrast stitching and extremely limited hardware, and I can’t help but thinking how great this would look with dark jeans and a white button-down (with some great, chunky jewelry, of course). And I don’t even like brown. In fact, my unending hatred of brown bags has been well-documented across this site. In spite of that hatred, this bag speaks to me, and what it’s saying is “buy me!” At less than $400, I’m not sure I’ll be able to ignore the voices. Buy through Nordstrom for $375.

Just yesterday I talked about exotics. Now today, I came across an exotic look I definitely don’t see very often. The Dooney & Bourke Giraffe Checkbook Clutch offers a unique pattern on a traditional shape. Correct me if I am wrong, but it isn’t very often that you see a giraffe inspired pattern on a handbag, is it? At first glance I couldn’t decide if I liked it or if I didn’t, but now the more I look at it, I think I find part of me liking it. This is the kind of clutch that can add a splash of fun to an outfit. No, I wouldn’t wear it with a fancy outfit, but for a night out with the girls, it could totally work. And more than anything else, the price is right. I wouldn’t spend my hard earned pennies on an expensive version of this clutch, but if the price is right, it might just be worth it. Buy through Zappos for $185.

We can’t all carry an exotic handbag everyday. I know there are some of you out there who have loads of exotic handbags – lucky – but the good thing is that you can get a similar look, for less. Of course a croc embossed handbag doesn’t come close to the real thing, but there certainly are a few out there I wouldn’t mind toting around. The Dooney and Bourke Croco Large Hobo could be an option. The hobo style shoulder bad is made of crocodile-embossed leather and comes in a variety of colors. Here, the red looks absolutely stunning. Yet, if you aren’t a red handbag kind of person, pick up the bag in black, brown or honey. The hobo shape is classic and clearly you have plenty of room for just about anything you might carry around during the day. If you were in the market for an exotic handbag, would you hold out for the real deal or buy something like this instead? Buy through Zappos for $285.

As much as I love writing about clutches and handbags that I think would be perfect for the holiday season, I also love bringing you clutches that can without a doubt be carried any time of the year. This Dooney and Bourke Patent Foldover Clutch looks like it will transcend seasons. There isn’t anything too flashy or over the top. The clutch is simple, sleek and has a nice hint of sophistication. I am not usually the kind of person who carries clutches during the day. But if you are, this is one can go with a casual daytime outfit just about as easily as with an outfit you might wear out on the town or to catch a show. The purple patent leather looks great on this clutch. If you want a different look, just put the detachable shoulder strap to use and there you go. Buy through Zappos for $155.

It is no surprise. Celebrities team up with designers all the time to create a special line of handbags. This time, Hayden Panettiere teamed up with Dooney & Bourke. First off, I like Hayden Panettiere. I think she is classy, sophisticated and has stayed out of unnecessary trouble (so far). Then, once I got a chance to see some of the handbags, I was nothing less than impressed. I absolutely love the Dooney & Bourke Hayden Clutch. Just like Hayden, the clutch emulates class. The clutch has soft Italian calfskin and is trimmed with gold leather piping. There is no way you missed the lion head closure. This isn’t just there for fun, it was inspired by Hayden’s astrological sign, Leo. I don’t know about you, but I love when a part of a handbag has a significant inspirational component – just like this. If you aren’t a fan of the blue clutch pictured here, fear not there are several other colors to choose from: black, fuchsia, ivory, purple and red. Buy through Dooney & Bourke for $295.