Your New Dooney: A mini reveal thread!

[lavenderjunkie]

ThanksLJ. My left arm is dislocated and has been fo awhile. Since I’m using y right hand for my cane I’m finding that I really needed a hands free option thst ni swinging and getting in the way of my cane. I’ve definitely ordered my reward. A rollator. That had a seat to rest when I get tired of walking. Should be here tomorrow fingers crossed and boy was it expensive…… but well worth it as it’s super light and folds flat to fi in back seat of my truck. Oh lLJ I need to get my stamina up and I’m still learning to use my new leg brace. I’m no used to putting weight on my left leg so I’m leaning heavily on my good right side still. The therapists are working with me to correct me . I’m gonna try an upload a short video of me walking at therapy and u can see what I mean
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/a6/06/C591AE1B-F696-484F-B2CD-66B98ACB359A/IMG_9388.MOVmy left arm is dislocated and still not responding well… it not too bad only a little out of socket. I have a shoulder sling that supports it but I can’t really wear a bag on mt left side right now. Until my shoulder muscles are strong enough to keep it in socket. This is what I’m dealing with on my left.

Lot's of little roadblocks.... but you will find solutions. I can understand the challenges
and frustrations. I know what I'm dealing with is 'just arthritis' and your issues are
far more challenging. I use a cane, so I only have 1 hand for my handbags, etc.
But I also have arthritis in my neck, shoulders (etc.) so shoulder bags and
crossbody bags cause pain. As a result I hand carry or arm carry all my bags.
And if the strap on the bag is too long, and the bag swings, it makes it heavier
to carry (physics, I think). If I sling a bag across my back, it throws off my balance
and the strap chokes me.

But I still find a way to carry my handbags and I'm still buying more.... because I
love them (or I'm a little nuts). We can't let our 'challenges' diminish the joy we get from our handbags. We need our handbags for mental health. You will find solutions that work for you. And if they change overtime, you will adapt. That's one of the reasons I don't
get rid of older bags that I like.... you never know when I will need just that style.
But I try not to buy new bags that don't work for me now. And bag weight is an
issue no matter the style.

Regarding the new Pebble Short Handle Tote... it didn't seem too heavy, empty.
But even a plastic bag seems heavy once I put all the junk I think I need to cart
around inside. The keys, cell phone, and empty SLGs are heavy enough, and then
I fill those pouches up with things I might need. Being organized and prepared
has it's downsides.

 

[RuedeNesle]

My Dooney Pebbled Leather Short Handle Tote in Forest has
arrived and it's a keeper. The bag is perfect for my needs....
a larger satchel which can accommodate some extra things inside
when needed. The Forest Green is a lovely deep true green, not too
dark. It's a shade lighter than the Alto Fir color, but very similar.
The trim is a standard Dooney saddle brown (British Tan) color.
The base of the bag is 6.5".

The handbag is very structured, has a detachable 3 part crossbody/
shoulder strap, a zip closure, and medium size outside pockets.
A cell phone won't fit into the outside pockets unless you stand it up
or it's a smaller flip phone. But the outside pockets will hold keys,
hand sanitizer, tissues, and other misc. They are decent size.
The snap closures on the outside pockets are strong.... and the tab needs
to be lined up properly... with my arthritis this requires some effort
(not the handbags fault).

The D rings for the strap are on the inside,
at each side of the handbag. The handles stand up and don't fold down...
but if the zipper is open all the way, it's not difficult to access the interior.
But this is not an open top, stuff things inside, kind of tote.

I can see this bag carried on the shoulder or by hand, but I think it's
structure and depth of the base would make it awkward as a crossbody bag
unless positioned across your back. The cross-body strap is about 1/2 inch wide,
so for a bag this big (and with this much leather/content weight), I don't see it
as a very comfortable way to carry.

Beautiful! Thanks for the detailed review. I was wondering how the snaps on the outside pockets work. It's good to know they're strong, even if they need to be lined up.

Enjoy your new beauty!

 

[mushroomNgrass]

ThanksLJ. My left arm is dislocated and has been fo awhile. Since I’m using y right hand for my cane I’m finding that I really needed a hands free option thst ni swinging and getting in the way of my cane. I’ve definitely ordered my reward. A rollator. That had a seat to rest when I get tired of walking. Should be here tomorrow fingers crossed and boy was it expensive…… but well worth it as it’s super light and folds flat to fi in back seat of my truck. Oh lLJ I need to get my stamina up and I’m still learning to use my new leg brace. I’m no used to putting weight on my left leg so I’m leaning heavily on my good right side still. The therapists are working with me to correct me . I’m gonna try an upload a short video of me walking at therapy and u can see what I mean
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/a6/06/C591AE1B-F696-484F-B2CD-66B98ACB359A/IMG_9388.MOVmy left arm is dislocated and still not responding well… it not too bad only a little out of socket. I have a shoulder sling that supports it but I can’t really wear a bag on mt left side right now. Until my shoulder muscles are strong enough to keep it in socket. This is what I’m dealing with on my left.

My walker came. It’s so pretty. I’ll be taking it to therapy Monday for instruction. It comes from Denmark.its so pretty.

 

[mushroomNgrass]

Lot's of little roadblocks.... but you will find solutions. I can understand the challenges
and frustrations. I know what I'm dealing with is 'just arthritis' and your issues are
far more challenging. I use a cane, so I only have 1 hand for my handbags, etc.
But I also have arthritis in my neck, shoulders (etc.) so shoulder bags and
crossbody bags cause pain. As a result I hand carry or arm carry all my bags.
And if the strap on the bag is too long, and the bag swings, it makes it heavier
to carry (physics, I think). If I sling a bag across my back, it throws off my balance
and the strap chokes me.

But I still find a way to carry my handbags and I'm still buying more.... because I
love them (or I'm a little nuts). We can't let our 'challenges' diminish the joy we get from our handbags. We need our handbags for mental health. You will find solutions that work for you. And if they change overtime, you will adapt. That's one of the reasons I don't
get rid of older bags that I like.... you never know when I will need just that style.
But I try not to buy new bags that don't work for me now. And bag weight is an
issue no matter the style.

Regarding the new Pebble Short Handle Tote... it didn't seem too heavy, empty.
But even a plastic bag seems heavy once I put all the junk I think I need to cart
around inside. The keys, cell phone, and empty SLGs are heavy enough, and then
I fill those pouches up with things I might need. Being organized and prepared
has it's downsides.

Definitely need my handbags or my mental well being

 

[lavenderjunkie]

My walker came. It’s so pretty. I’ll be taking it to therapy Monday for instruction. It comes from Denmark.its so pretty.

Looks very high tech. No speeding!

 

[mushroomNgrass]

It’s crazy to me that I find joy in a new leg brace and walker. Lol somebody throw me a couple tennis balls for my walker lol. I’m in little old lady mode now lol.😝 I have to say I’m finding THST I am enjoying finding new things that work for me now. I will get to the dooney store soon.My rollator walker came with a bag that fits under the seat imagine that. I can put my junk in itand not have to carry anything else if I don’t want too.
I’m loving this recovering period .hope you all are safe and well.

 

[lavenderjunkie]

It’s crazy to me that I find joy in a new leg brace and walker. Lol somebody throw me a couple tennis balls for my walker lol. I’m in little old lady mode now lol.😝 I have to say I’m finding THST I am enjoying finding new things that work for me now. I will get to the dooney store soon.My rollator walker came with a bag that fits under the seat imagine that. I can put my junk in itand not have to carry anything else if I don’t want too.
I’m loving this recovering period .hope you all are safe and well.

Sounds like you have a really good perspective on things. And having someplace to stow
your stuff while shopping can make the process much more productive. Think of how
many more bags you can 'consider' as you wander about the outlet if you don't have to
hassle with them strung across your arm or dangling from your shoulder!

 

[mushroomNgrass]

Looks very high tech. No speeding!

I can’t see speeding yet until I get my balance. After that all bets are off! I am finally moving around. Hubby is gonna be like where is she now?! Lol

weight is an
issue no matter the style.

 

[mushroomNgrass]

LJ please advise me how to hand carry while using a cane. I love the idea but I’m scared as my right hand is supporting a lot of my weight with the hemi cane . my cane is also a walker. It’s holding a lo of my weight.your advice here is a great help to me. Thank you in advance. When I was able to get upstairs I tried a few bags an I was surprised at how many weighed too much empty. Bags that I love. I’m determined to see what works.my Florentines Large Murphy backpack was the perfect companion while I was in the hospital and it fits perfectly on my wheelchair, however it is extremely fweighty empty an it hold a lot. So I know I will tip over or have real back issues with carrying it right now. But at $50 NEWT, it was a real steal of a deal I do not regret. Every thing in that epic Florentine haul was great and I’m so glad I was abl to get them at that wonderful price. I would buy that lot of 7 Florentine items again in a heartbeat!I won’t always be weak. Everyday I’m getting stronger hopefully my knee will regain its strength and it will hold my weight and I can walk with no leg brace. Or hemi cane.this is myhemi cane walker. Holds my weight and super light to swing.

 

[mushroomNgrass]

 

[lavenderjunkie]

View attachment 6061993

You bought some amazing handbags and got terrific prices. Your handbag carrying needs/comfort level will change.... it does for everyone....so just deal with what is now
and keep the bags tucked away for later.

I usually carry a satchel or short handle bag (or a longer strap doubled up or folded over)
in my hand, at my side.... so the bag is between my hip and my knee. (I'm short) If I get tired of that, I'll move the bag to the crock of my arm and carry my arm close to my body. Both seem to work for me, with the weight of the bag close to my center of gravity.

If I didn't have shoulder and neck issues, I could carry a bag crossbody or even on my
shoulder (swung slightly toward my back), but the weight of the bag is too painful on
my shoulder or neck. But a bag carried on your back is a good way to balance your
weight unless the bag is super heavy. And the close the bag is to the body, the
easier the carry is. If the bag is moving around, it will affect balance.

I think the key is to balance the weight against the center of your body and not let
the bag swing.

I can't wear a bag/sling/bum bag across my chest because the strap would hurt my
shoulder, but you might be able to do it. Just position the weight of the bag
on the side opposite where you lean on the cane/hemi. Luckily the sling is in fashion...
or was recently.

I've also found a fanny pack🙄🙄 or waist bag to be a great carry. My only issue
with them is that I cart around too much stuff for it to be practical except for
selected occasions. No, the fanny pack and waist bag don't look especially good
on my body type..... but sometimes, function is more important.

I also find that smaller handbags feel heavier than medium/larger size bags.
I think it's because all the weight of the contents in concentrated in a small
area. There is some science to it.... I'm not sure what, but a brick that weighs
a pound feels heavier than a pound of feather because the feather take up more
space so the weight per square inch is lighter.... or something like that.

 

[mushroomNgrass]

So far the sling I have around m chest is working out sell to me. It’s perfect for right now. I’ve sent other crossbodies back upstsirs. My nano is great I just wanted a little more room.my min satchel was hanging too long and gettin in the way. I can’t safely hold a bag I. My hand plus my hemi cane, the mzw xl metro sling is it fr now. It’s really awesome and I will organize what I have upstairs and evaluate.

 

[GulfHills]

LJ please advise me how to hand carry while using a cane. I love the idea but I’m scared as my right hand is supporting a lot of my weight with the hemi cane . my cane is also a walker. It’s holding a lo of my weight.your advice here is a great help to me. Thank you in advance. When I was able to get upstairs I tried a few bags an I was surprised at how many weighed too much empty. Bags that I love. I’m determined to see what works.my Florentines Large Murphy backpack was the perfect companion while I was in the hospital and it fits perfectly on my wheelchair, however it is extremely fweighty empty an it hold a lot. So I know I will tip over or have real back issues with carrying it right now. But at $50 NEWT, it was a real steal of a deal I do not regret. Every thing in that epic Florentine haul was great and I’m so glad I was abl to get them at that wonderful price. I would buy that lot of 7 Florentine items again in a heartbeat!I won’t always be weak. Everyday I’m getting stronger hopefully my knee will regain its strength and it will hold my weight and I can walk with no leg brace. Or hemi cane.this is myhemi cane walker. Holds my weight and super light to swing.

I walk with a cane. Have been for 3 years (have a torn hip muscle which can't be fixed, and had several back surgeries). A shoulder bag works best for me. Once in a while if I take my rollater walker I'll carry a crossbody. If we go to a restaurant I might take a large bag, since it's just in and out. lol.

 

[Deneuveness]

I just ordered this suede satchel with a Florentine leather trim, as I've really been wanting a suede bag for autumn! I was really struck by how gorgeous this is...

 

[mushroomNgrass]

I walk with a cane. Have been for 3 years (have a torn hip muscle which can't be fixed, and had several back surgeries). A shoulder bag works best for me. Once in a while if I take my rollater walker I'll carry a crossbody. If we go to a restaurant I might take a large bag, since it's just in and out. lol.

I got a new rollator. I’m in love with it!