Mabey: welcome to the Dooney forum. I'm gong to agree with the other ladies here.
For carefree, everyday use, a pebbled leather Dooney is my first choice and you will have
lots of styles to choose from.
Florentine leather is beautiful and high quality. If you want a Florentine handbag for everyday
use, without concern about weather, etc.... then go for a dark color. I've used black and navy
Florentine handbags in all kinds of weather and have had no problems. Lighter colors need more
care in terms of spotting and color transfer. Think of Florentine leather like a fine saddle.... it is
made for years of wear, but will look different based on it's life experience.
Some Florentine leather will arrive soft and without any pebbling or grain visible. Other
handbags will have thicker and firmer leather. Some will have visible leather grain
or pebbling. Dooney collectors have their preferences. The thicker and firmer the leather,
and the more graining or pebbling, the less the leather will show wear. It's not as elegant
and refined looking (my opinion) but it will stand up to more of what life throws at it.
Until you get a handbag, you don't know what the exact piece of leather will look like, since Florentine
leather is full grain (that's the top quality of leather) and has a natural surface that is not buffed or coated (which can hide flaws and create a consistent finish).
Overall Dooney quality is excellent. And for the money, I think it ranks with the top brands,
better than most. And don't forget sales at department stores. There is also Dooney.com
and ILOVEDOONEY.com (the online Dooney outlet), as well as some Dooney outlets scattered
about the country. Just be sure you understand the return policy and stick to the rules.
In my opinion, if you are not familiar with the brand or style, you are much better off buying in
person, if you can. Dooney and ILOVEDOONEY are very reputable and have a 30 day return
policy. But their customer service is limited and I don't think they are the best
places for a try and see if I like it approach. With very few exceptions, if you use a bag or remove the
tags, you can't return it anywhere. QVC may be one of the few companies that is more flexible on that.
As for pebbled leather, Dooney has many pebbled leather collections with lots of styles.
The All Weather Pebbled leather is the thickest and heaviest. Some of the newer pebbled leathers
are much more light weight. Pros and cons.
I own both Florentine and Pebbled leather. I reach for my pebbled leather most of the time....
regardless of weather or color or what I'm planning to do that day. Pebbled leather cleans up
nicely with a damp cloth (or a little soap, if needed) and doesn't show stains or scratch from normal
wear. I've had a pebbled leather Dooney slide across a dirty Gas station floor and look perfect
after a quick wipe down. (My knees did not look as good).
If you have any questions about specific Dooney bags, leathers, collections, just ask.
The ladies here are very helpful. We will try to give you information to make the best decision
for yourself (your needs, your budget, etc.). The 'perfect' handbag does not exist in the
abstract. We all need and want different things. What's right for you might not work for
someone else, and vise-versa.... hand carry, shoulder carry, cross body; zip top, open top;
big or small; the list goes on.
I hope you find the perfect Dooney. But beware.... they are addictive.... like potato chips.
It's hard to stop at only one. Not because you need another one, but because you want another
color or style.
Please feel free to post this beauty as often as you like here and in the "Which Dooney Are You Carrying Today" thread. We love looking at it! 
) (It's showing it should be delivered tomorrow!) I'll post pics in the New Dooney thread when I have a chance.