Special colors, patterns, and sales

[LifeIsDucky]

I purchased and received the Penrose 30 on Dooney.com at $238 and the next day it was on sale for $198. Grrrr. But not enough difference to return. There has to be a $50 difference before I will go through the hassle and expense of returning. But then I found the same Bordeaux color Penrose satchel on ILD for $141 and 3 inches longer. So for a $100 savings, yes I will take the larger bag, please and thank you! I ordered Sunday and am waiting for shipment. And since it was such an incredible price, I also ordered the Royal Blue because I have always wanted a smooth leather bright deep blue bag. Yea!

I also liked the aqua and fuchsia colors and have them in my cart even though they are “no longer available”. I have a difficult time believing all those colors (I believe it was 11) have completely sold out. I am sure they will reappear but at what price? Needless to say I will be stalking the site.

 

[lavenderjunkie]

I purchased and received the Penrose 30 on Dooney.com at $238 and the next day it was on sale for $198. Grrrr. But not enough difference to return. There has to be a $50 difference before I will go through the hassle and expense of returning. But then I found the same Bordeaux color Penrose satchel on ILD for $141 and 3 inches longer. So for a $100 savings, yes I will take the larger bag, please and thank you! I ordered Sunday and am waiting for shipment. And since it was such an incredible price, I also ordered the Royal Blue because I have always wanted a smooth leather bright deep blue bag. Yea!

I also liked the aqua and fuchsia colors and have them in my cart even though they are “no longer available”. I have a difficult time believing all those colors (I believe it was 11) have completely sold out. I am sure they will reappear but at what price? Needless to say I will be stalking the site.

I ordered the Royal blue Penrose 2 from ILD. It hasn't shipped yet.
I think that many of the color swatches were off, for both on ILD and the main Dooney site for the Penrose bags. there were so many colors that I wanted from both versions
of the bag. But, I finally decided that the larger one (13") on ILD was a better
design for my needs. I know the features are different (Dooney main site version
has outside pockets, no whip stitiching on handles, but it does have an inner leather
collar below the zipper). The ILD version, less expensive at $141 when i ordered it,
has the whip stitching on the handles, but fabric below the zipper on the inside, and
no outside pockets. But the functionality of the 13" size was the deciding factor for me.
I didn't like the fact that the bottom of both versions, at least from the photo,
didn't have leather reinforcing under the feet.

Since you had the Dooney.com version in your hands, please let us know what you
thought about the leather, the construction, the feet, the color, and your other
impressions. Is the leather a matte finish? Is there a pebble grain and is it
larger or smaller?

It was amazing to see so many colors and very tempting. The aqua (from old
Florentine days) was a cult favorite.... assuming it's the same pale aqua color.
I have to start keeping a better list of what colors I have in this style satchel,
in different sizes, different leathers, different collections. Mmmm.... do I have
a wine or bordeaux or burgundy from years gone by? 🙄🙄🙄
If not, I may have to try to get it too.

I was looking at the Sorrento satchel on ILD with the 2 front zips. I have that style
from years ago from the Dillen collection. But the grain on the pebble on the
Sorrento version looked very tiny, very artificial, from the picture. And there
were only 2 colors available, neither of which I wanted. I'm cautious about
white bags... over time the color can yellow and of course there is the risk
of color transfer. We have very little info about the Sorrento, and Penrose leathers,
so as striking as the white Sorrento bag was, I passed. But while I was on ILD
I did find 2 other bags to buy. 😁

 

[G.Allyn]

I ordered the Royal blue Penrose 2 from ILD. It hasn't shipped yet.
I think that many of the color swatches were off, for both on ILD and the main Dooney site for the Penrose bags. there were so many colors that I wanted from both versions
of the bag. But, I finally decided that the larger one (13") on ILD was a better
design for my needs. I know the features are different (Dooney main site version
has outside pockets, no whip stitiching on handles, but it does have an inner leather
collar below the zipper). The ILD version, less expensive at $141 when i ordered it,
has the whip stitching on the handles, but fabric below the zipper on the inside, and
no outside pockets. But the functionality of the 13" size was the deciding factor for me.
I didn't like the fact that the bottom of both versions, at least from the photo,
didn't have leather reinforcing under the feet.

Since you had the Dooney.com version in your hands, please let us know what you
thought about the leather, the construction, the feet, the color, and your other
impressions. Is the leather a matte finish? Is there a pebble grain and is it
larger or smaller?

It was amazing to see so many colors and very tempting. The aqua (from old
Florentine days) was a cult favorite.... assuming it's the same pale aqua color.
I have to start keeping a better list of what colors I have in this style satchel,
in different sizes, different leathers, different collections. Mmmm.... do I have
a wine or bordeaux or burgundy from years gone by? 🙄🙄🙄
If not, I may have to try to get it too.

I was looking at the Sorrento satchel on ILD with the 2 front zips. I have that style
from years ago from the Dillen collection. But the grain on the pebble on the
Sorrento version looked very tiny, very artificial, from the picture. And there
were only 2 colors available, neither of which I wanted. I'm cautious about
white bags... over time the color can yellow and of course there is the risk
of color transfer. We have very little info about the Sorrento, and Penrose leathers,
so as striking as the white Sorrento bag was, I passed. But while I was on ILD
I did find 2 other bags to buy. 😁

It seems kind of strange, but I have seen a few great white satchels over the years carried by fasionable women like Amal Clooney. The problem is the thousands of dollar price tag that is not in my budget.

I keep hoping to find an pale ivory/white/pale ecru sachel from Dooney. I don't want a bag yellowing or the dreaded color transfer.

For the past hour I was all over ILD and D&B looking for a satchel in a high end looking leather, the right size, the perfect handle drop, not too grey or yellow, at a fab sale price... and I came up empty. You would think I was asking for too much.

 

[lavenderjunkie]

It seems kind of strange, but I have seen a few great white satchels over the years carried by fasionable women like Amal Clooney. The problem is the thousands of dollar price tag that is not in my budget.

I keep hoping to find an pale ivory/white/pale ecru sachel from Dooney. I don't want a bag yellowing or the dreaded color transfer.

For the past hour I was all over ILD and D&B looking for a satchel in a high end looking leather, the right size, the perfect handle drop, not too grey or yellow, at a fab sale price... and I came up empty. You would think I was asking for too much.

Years ago, a sales associate told me that the process used to dye leather white
(and other light colors) was different than what was used for darker colors.
We were talking about collections that were supposed to have drum dyed leather...
like Florentine and original pebbled leather collections.

Now, I'm sure a lot
has changed in 20 years.... but... the more we understand about leather, the
more this makes some sense. If Florentine Natural is not dyed, and this is the
color of the leather 'naturally' then you can see that making that leather white,
or bone, or a light pastel would be a different process than just letting it soak
in a drum of dye. The question is how deep the coloring goes into the leather
and also will it oxidize over time, causing it to turn yellowish.

In my experience bone and pastel Dooney handbags don't turn yellow.
But I don't know about white ones. I have had some Dooney's with a white
background (like a zebra leather bag) oxidize and the white part is now more
beige or light yellow. But this was not an all white bag and clearly the design was
painted onto the surface. Also coated canvas with a white background can
develop a yellow hue over time.

My white Florentine is more of a creamy white and I haven't noticed any changes
over time. My white Alto embossed ostrich is stark white, but it's too new
to see how it ages. Fingers crossed.

If you are concerned about the color over time, consider a warmer light neutral...
like a bone or cream or even the light taupe (which is beautiful). Any light color
will have color transfer risk, but hopefully these colors will be stable and not
show a yellow cast over time. But remember, manufactures talk about leather
oxidizing over time with use and light exposure. The more natural the leather is,
the more it will change with age.

A coated leather like Saffiano is mor likely to maintain it's color.... maybe even the
white. But... you have to like the texture. It is durable, but doesn't have the
feel of beautiful leather, to me.

 

[G.Allyn]

Years ago, a sales associate told me that the process used to dye leather white
(and other light colors) was different than what was used for darker colors.
We were talking about collections that were supposed to have drum dyed leather...
like Florentine and original pebbled leather collections.

Now, I'm sure a lot
has changed in 20 years.... but... the more we understand about leather, the
more this makes some sense. If Florentine Natural is not dyed, and this is the
color of the leather 'naturally' then you can see that making that leather white,
or bone, or a light pastel would be a different process than just letting it soak
in a drum of dye. The question is how deep the coloring goes into the leather
and also will it oxidize over time, causing it to turn yellowish.

In my experience bone and pastel Dooney handbags don't turn yellow.
But I don't know about white ones. I have had some Dooney's with a white
background (like a zebra leather bag) oxidize and the white part is now more
beige or light yellow. But this was not an all white bag and clearly the design was
painted onto the surface. Also coated canvas with a white background can
develop a yellow hue over time.

My white Florentine is more of a creamy white and I haven't noticed any changes
over time. My white Alto embossed ostrich is stark white, but it's too new
to see how it ages. Fingers crossed.

If you are concerned about the color over time, consider a warmer light neutral...
like a bone or cream or even the light taupe (which is beautiful). Any light color
will have color transfer risk, but hopefully these colors will be stable and not
show a yellow cast over time. But remember, manufactures talk about leather
oxidizing over time with use and light exposure. The more natural the leather is,
the more it will change with age.

A coated leather like Saffiano is mor likely to maintain it's color.... maybe even the
white. But... you have to like the texture. It is durable, but doesn't have the
feel of beautiful leather, to me.

Thanks for all the info. It makes me think I need to stick with a satchel in Alto or Florentine in a neutral light taupe or oyster.

I'm keeping a daily watch on ILD and D&B hoping something works at the right price.

I'm being cheap because I have my two Dooney bags I purchased arriving on Thursday, I bought a LLL cross chill jacket, a L/S swiftly and new Hoka's for the gym, and a Khaite trench coat. This dug into my Dooney handbag money, but I think I should buy close to what I have in mind.

Also, who knows what the bags and colors will look like in 2025. What if the perfect bag is soon to be released by D&B.

 

[lavenderjunkie]

You are right... there is always another bag we haven't seen yet!

 

[Berengeria]

Thanks for all the info. It makes me think I need to stick with a satchel in Alto or Florentine in a neutral light taupe or oyster.

I'm keeping a daily watch on ILD and D&B hoping something works at the right price.

I'm being cheap because I have my two Dooney bags I purchased arriving on Thursday, I bought a LLL cross chill jacket, a L/S swiftly and new Hoka's for the gym, and a Khaite trench coat. This dug into my Dooney handbag money, but I think I should buy close to what I have in mind.

Also, who knows what the bags and colors will look like in 2025. What if the perfect bag is soon to be released by D&B.

I agree with holding out for what you really want. Every time I settle for "good enough" I regret it.

 

[G.Allyn]

I agree with holding out for what you really want. Every time I settle for "good enough" I regret it.

Guess what? I just purchased a "good enough" bag.

My two Alto bags arrived today. The Rayna in persian blue and the Alto Callista in marine blue. Because I ordered two blue bags, I got rid of a dark blue navy floentine and realized I didn't have anything to carry in the rain.

I went to ILD and ordered an inexpensive florentine baguette in chestnut for my "junky bad weather" days. It isn't my style, but I wanted something simple, works in bad weather and something I can grab for a quick run to the grocery store. Bag was $338.00 and on sale for $85.00 (-74.9% off).

Yes, I just made a purchase for only practical reasons. Fingers crossed it's decent.

 

[Berengeria]

Guess what? I just purchased a "good enough" bag.

My two Alto bags arrived today. The Rayna in persian blue and the Alto Callista in marine blue. Because I ordered two blue bags, I got rid of a dark blue navy floentine and realized I didn't have anything to carry in the rain.

I went to ILD and ordered an inexpensive florentine baguette in chestnut for my "junky bad weather" days. It isn't my style, but I wanted something simple, works in bad weather and something I can grab for a quick run to the grocery store. Bag was $338.00 and on sale for $85.00 (-74.9% off).

Yes, I just made a purchase for only practical reasons. Fingers crossed it's decent.

Wow! With a discount like that, it would have been nearly impossible to resist! Especially because it really is a cute little bag.

 

[lavenderjunkie]

Guess what? I just purchased a "good enough" bag.

My two Alto bags arrived today. The Rayna in persian blue and the Alto Callista in marine blue. Because I ordered two blue bags, I got rid of a dark blue navy floentine and realized I didn't have anything to carry in the rain.

I went to ILD and ordered an inexpensive florentine baguette in chestnut for my "junky bad weather" days. It isn't my style, but I wanted something simple, works in bad weather and something I can grab for a quick run to the grocery store. Bag was $338.00 and on sale for $85.00 (-74.9% off).

Yes, I just made a purchase for only practical reasons. Fingers crossed it's decent.

I've used dark color Florentine in the rain... usually black, without issue.
Midtone and lighter colors always water spot if I get them near a drop of water.

Enjoy your new handbags.

 

[LifeIsDucky]

The holiday sales have tempted me to buy some interesting colors. I broke and purchased the pebble satchel in Air Force Blue. Of course, the color I received did not look anything like the online picture. Online it appeared to be a bright ocean blue but it was actually a dark blue, lighter than pebble Midnight Blue but only slightly. It has a touch of gray tone to it. Beautiful actually. But I am torn. Keep because it is an unusual color, does not have the typical saddle tan trim, has whip stitched handles and feet, is the regular lovely Dooney pebble leather, is #14 of #18, was $140. Return because it has the red “plastic”-feeling lining which cheapens the bag and sounds like you are digging in a diaper every time you go inside the bag. Why the awful lining, Dooney?!?! What have you done! What should I do? I keep asking myself if I would buy this off the rack at $140 with the stupid lining. Sometimes I answer yes. Other times no. I think this trick only works if you ask yourself once.

 

[swags]

I just went to check my new satchel’s lining and it too has the noisier lining. I am not sure I would have noticed it. When I got my Gracie in September, the new lining was being discussed here and sure enough when I compared it to an older bag, it had the new nosier lining. It doesn’t bother me as long as it holds up. I haven’t moved into either new bag, the Gracie or the pebbled satchel that I received last week but I plan to this week.
Is the new lining an ILoveDooney thing or does regular Dooney have it too?

 

[G.Allyn]

I just went to check my new satchel’s lining and it too has the noisier lining. I am not sure I would have noticed it. When I got my Gracie in September, the new lining was being discussed here and sure enough when I compared it to an older bag, it had the new nosier lining. It doesn’t bother me as long as it holds up. I haven’t moved into either new bag, the Gracie or the pebbled satchel that I received last week but I plan to this week.
Is the new lining an ILoveDooney thing or does regular Dooney have it too?

I checked my recent purchases, but they all seem to have the same old red lining.

I had a zip-around wallet in the Tessuda multi, that I returned many years ago because the red lining was different. I wonder if they are using that fabric for handbag interiors because it is sturdy (or cheaper).

 

[lavenderjunkie]

LID: Air Force Blue is a vintage Dooney color, And yes, the color you
received and described, sounds like Air Force Blue. Think of it as a neutral blue
that will go with most other colors. It might be easier to coordinate than a navy
or ocean or royal which can look like it never matches a dark blue or black.
With Air Force Blue you probably won't have to worry about undertones
clashing with your clothing.

The price you paid sounds like a very good price for a mid-large Dooney satchel.
Yes, there were some really low prices if we caught them over the past few weeks.
But I bought many pebbled leather bags for $139-149 and I considered them
to be good enough prices to pick up additional colors.

I would make my decision based on whether you like the color and think you
will enjoy using it. I know that's hard because in your mind it looked like
a totally different color based on the web site pictures.

It doesn't matter if I think it's a great color. It's what you think. I was
'convinced' that the elephant color was a wonderful neutral by all the hype
online and in QVC Dooney presentations. So I bought several elephant color
handbags. I never enjoyed using them. I am happier now that they are no
longer in my collection. Bottom line, the color did not bring me any joy.
Regardless of how well it worked with an outfit, looking at those elephant color
bags diminished my feeling about how well pulled together my outfit was.
I gave away 2 Florentine elephant bags and 1 pebbled leather.

As for the lining, I've gotten some Dooney handbags with the noisier red lining
recently. But I've also gotten bags with the original version of the red lining.
I don't know if it's something being used for certain styles or in certain manufacturing
locations. I don't particularly like the newer noisier lining.... but.... if I like the
handbag, I just overlook the lining. If I'm uncertain about the handbag, then the
lining becomes one more thing pushing me to return the handbag.

Good luck with your decision. Packing a bag up to return it often helps me
make a final decision. If I feel relief that I have started the return process, then
I know I made the right decision. If I'm still torturing myself, I unpack the bag
and keep it. But the physical process works better for me than making trade-offs in my mind
and rethinking the decision over and over.

 

[LifeIsDucky]

Thank you for all the helpful advice. I do like the color so I am 60% sure I will keep it. There are no flaws but it is the lining holding me back. Until I remind myself of the price. I will try packing it for return and see what happens. Does the Blair have a normal lining? I am contemplating that one as a replacement or last bag of the year.