Dooney & Bourke
Recommended 56× on r/BuyItForLife
Shop Dooney & Bourke
Women's Belmar Woven Leather Shoulder Bag
Bold & Beautiful An eye-catching look with personality to spare. This woven drawstring, crafted from gorgeous limited-edition Italian leather, is complete with gold-plated and a co...
Women's Lucca Leather Drawstring Bag
Take note: the Lucca large drawstring lets you try fashion's hot modern prep aesthetic while relishing in timeless Dooney & Bourke craftsmanship. Grab the attractive pebble leather...
Women's Canvas Drawstring 25 Shoulder Bag
Everyday Essentials This lightweight look is carefully crafted from 100% Egyptian cotton. It's simple silhouette is versatile enough for everyday, and oh-so chic! Four outside pock...
Women's Heritage Leather Drawstring 20
The Duck Drawstring Our classic drawstring silhouette gets a true heritage moment with the return of the iconic duck logo. Crafted from textured Italian pebble leather with smooth...
Women's Pebble Grain Leather Shoulder Bag with Drawstring
Everyday Luxury Two classic colors combine to create one unique look. This shopper is crafted from pebble grain leather with a natural grain that hides signs of daily wear. Two ins...
Women's Sorrento Barrel Satchel Bag
Retro Chic This retro-inspired look, crafted from textured Italian pebble grain leather, is perfect for work with just enough room for those essentials and some extras. One inside...
Women's Bags Dooney & Bourke Pebble Grain Hobo Shoulder Bag Nwt
Hello, hobo. Classic buckled hardware and handsome trimming offer up everyday styling on this perfectly-sized pebbled leather purse. By Dooney & Bourke. FeaturesHello, hobo. Classi...
Women's Florentine Small Satchel
Dooney & Bourke's Florentine Collection features luxurious quality leather in a sophisticated design and durable quality. Fun tassel detail and classic goldtone hardware gives this...
Women's Bags Dooney & Bourke Gretta Brenna Satchel Purse Handbag
Designer Notes This spacious satchel, made using coated cotton with our petite logo print, organizes your belongings thanks to an impressive amount of storage from deep side pocket...
Women's Florentine Mini Satchel Bag
Make It Mini This scaled-down version of our iconic satchel, made from Italian Vacchetta leather that grows softer with age, offers a chic style that elevates your everyday life. O...
Women's Penrose Leather Hobo 25 Bag
Limited Edition Luxury Slouchy chic style meets iconic Italian leather luxury. The Penrose Hobo is one for the books. One inside zip pocket. One inside pocket. Inside key hook. Str...
Women's Penrose North South Leather Crossbody Bag
Effortlessly Cool Crafted from a limited run of Italian leather from the finest tanneries, this elongated style is utter perfection. One inside zip pocket. One inside slip pocket....
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Dooney & Bourke
56 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 30, 2025
A few brands I'll probably stick with for life
Tumi for backpacks. Bought mine 5 yrs ago it feels brand new even after daily use bringing to work every day and on every travel trip I've done Messermeister for knives Eddie Bauer for parkas. Going 10 yrs strong. Dooney and burke for purses/bags. Shockingly well constructed, my cross body small bag looks new and I've had it 6 years and throw it on my car floor Tempurpedic mattresses (obviiuouslyyyyy don't keep the same mattress for life lol but ours is 12 yrs old and feels new. Only buying a new one next year to size up from a queen to a king) Chaigoo twist red lace interchangeable knitting needles set My husbands American fender bass guitar Bio-ionic ceramic hair straightener
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 27, 2025
Looking for purse recommendations!
I have a Dooney & Bourke that's about 8 years old and still looks good! I haven't had it that whole time, I've had it and used it daily since 2023 and it still looks brand new. A little bit of mostly decorative stitching in the strap is loose, but its the end of the string and in a spot that sees a lot of movement
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 27, 2025
Looking for purse recommendations!
Dooney, they’re a little more pricey up front but do have good sales especially if you are near an outlet. I have some I’ve been using for decades that still look great
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Dec 27, 2025
Looking for purse recommendations!
90's Coach & Dooney&Burke (especially the all weather leather) are my go-to. They are just workhorses!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Nov 8, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney and Burke. Yes it's kind of "luxury". But excellent quality all leather, extremely well made, mine has lasted like forever. And yes it cost about $300.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Nov 7, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
I feel like dooney and Burke is so slept on. Some of their designs are awful, but the vast majority are classic. I’ve carried mine for every day for over a year. I load this girly pop to the brim every day and I was literally admiring today how it is still in mint condition. I love it.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Nov 6, 2025
What’s a BIFL thing you bought and now swear by?
Dooney & Bourke Leather Handbag. The coated canvas ones can last 15ish years but if you want something that lasts a lifetime, it's better to pay more for real leather.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Nov 6, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Coach. Dooney & Bourke. Kate Spade.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
And Dooney. I’ve have multiple dooney purses from the early 2000s that I have used and abused and they’ve held up so well. My Kate spade purses that I spent much more money on both lasted a year before the straps ripped out and now I have to pay more money to get them repaired.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney & Bourke?
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
A vintage (pre 1994) Coach bag will last forever. I have one made in the 1970s I thrifted and have used it every day for 5 years and it looks the same. Coach’s newer full leather bags are also decent. Look for styles like the Madison and Court and Brooklyn that have been around a long time. Dooney & Bourke leather bags are also extremely well made. They can be found at thrifts for under $10 and I bet they’ll be cool again soon. For a newer entrant, consider Polene.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Coach or Dooney & Bourke
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Recently went through this with my wife, she ended up buying a Dooney & Bourke. That was also heavily influenced by what fit her and was comfortable to her. We did end up buying her a used one, not for cost, but because the one she wanted was no longer available in the color she wanted.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney & Bourke leather is some of the best out there. I’m not a huge fan of the pebbled leather but their florentine leather is outstanding.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15Nov 5, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney & Bourke all leather- excellent quality & made better than Coach. Portland leather has some nice stuff & Brighton, pricier-but very well made.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
I have some Dooney & Bourke bags that I love. Understated, classic designs. I also have some in nylon that are super lightweight.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
If she likes color, I'd recommend Dooney & Bourke, they have a ton of different styles of purse in different types of leathers, and I have purses that at this point are 8 plus years old and look brand new. They also have a lot of different colors.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
I got my wife a Dooney & Burke purse and wallet after researching nicer leather bags on this sub. They've held up very well, especially when our two year old gets his hands on them. Good variety of styles and colours too.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #19Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
My D&B was thrifted, no idea how old it is, I’ve dragged it everywhere and it still looks brand new.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #20Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney and Burke, hands down
View on Redditopen_in_new - #21Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Yes! I've had so many luxury ish purses and my favourite ones are still Dooney & Bourke. They stand the test of time and are VERY VERY practically made as well. The quality is far better than Coach in my opinion.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #22Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney and Bourke makes bags that can withstand an atomic blast.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #23Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
I have several D&B bags, wallets, and clutches that are 20 years old at this point. My only suggestion is to not get anything that is printed with the pale background because whatever they finish with tends to yellow so it looks like those bags spent their lives hanging out with an old lady who chain smoked right next to them. I cant recommend the solid color pieces enough though.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #24Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Perhaps [Dooney and Bourke](https://www.dooney.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_content=searchad&tw_source=google&tw_adid=601453433715&tw_campaign=17374448604&tw_kwdid=kwd-143649578&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17374448604&gbraid=0AAAAAD64WOccOIvEZQEfV3WKwGrSSqvNB)? American made. Logo on a small square but doesn’t scream “Famous Logo here!” The leather is thick and very good quality. Lots of choice in style and color. Will most certainly last a lifetime or two. Within your budget. Check out to reviews on r/handbags. People like them.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #25Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Have a look at the pebbled leather bags from Dooney & Bourke. I find that leather to be of better quality than that used in contemporary Coach bags.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #26Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Coach, Mulberry, Dooney and Burke, Strathberry Polene is nice but I heard they've had some quality issues lately. Also I think this highly depends on her style and how she likes to use her bag... there are a lot of quality leather goods but it's more natural and rugged looking and not what I would consider cute or pretty. AND they tend to be very heavy if it's full leather. If a bag is already heavy when it's empty, there's no way I'm going to use it everyday no matter how great the quality is.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #27Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney & Bourke, they have incredible quality leather pieces. There is a reason these old southern ladies will be buried with them.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #28Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Sure thing! You could probably check out Dooney & Bourke in that price range, too—they’re not a trendy brand right now (Coach fell out of brand fashion for a while and is having a renaissance; D&B isn’t, at least not yet), but all the vintage leather D&B I’ve come across were high-quality bags. I haven’t bought or handled any new ones recently but the people over in the handbags subreddit probably have and could give their two cents re: whether they’re still worth the price. I’d recommend avoiding bags on brands’ dedicated “outlet” websites—the listed prices are slashed down from a questionable “MSRP” that’s in the range of their regular bags, but are often made specifically FOR the outlets with lower-quality materials and construction. Coach “outlet” =\= regular-quality Coach bags on sale/clearance. (Same for Kate Spade, etc.)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #29Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Fossil and Dooney and Bourke make really nice leather bags.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #30Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Coach or Dooney and Bourke
View on Redditopen_in_new - #31Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and Kate Spade are always solid options.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #32Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney & Bourke - the water resistant leather (pebble finish). I and my mother-in-law have both had our bags for 20 years and they’re holding up great! They have smart features like key leashes and you can send them to D&B if they need repair.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #33Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney and Bourke or Coach
View on Redditopen_in_new - #34Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
My wife has a couple of Dooney & Burke purses. They seem very high quality and have held up well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #35Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Agree about Dooney & Burke
View on Redditopen_in_new - #36Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
I like my Portland Leather bags a lot. I also recently got a pre-loved Dooney & Bourke from Poshmark and I really love it. The pebbled leather is thicker and squishier than my PLGs and I love the fabric lining and added hardware details. I’d recommend both brands depending on your price point. I got my EUC Dooney for $120 shipped so not much more than some of my brand new PLG bags.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #37Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney & Burke (full-grain leather with feet) if she likes a classic; more structured style. Not from an outlet or sales site; shop their store or website. In Portland leather if she likes more casual, slouchy, unlined bags that may change shape over time.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #38Nov 4, 2025
Wife wants a high quality leather purse for Christmas (NOT “luxury” brands)
Dooney & Burke (full-grain leather with feet) if she likes a classic; more structured style. Not from an outlet or sales site; shop their store or website. In Portland leather if she likes more casual, slouchy, unlined bags that may change shape over time.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #39Jul 5, 2025
A durable wallet for a woman?
My Dooney & Burke is over 20 years old and still going strong. They also have a repair service.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #40Jun 7, 2025
What is your most unintentional BIFL item?
I do this with SO many things 🤣 I have a Dooney & Bourke purse from 1992, Doc Martens from 1993, and a flat hairbrush I bought at a salon in 1995. A cheap chef’s knife from 1999 is my go-to. I also still have a pillow insert from 1983 and I can’t sleep without it 🤣 (yes I know, the pillow desperately needs to go)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #41Jun 3, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
High quality handbags, a category which sometimes, but definitely not always, overlaps with designer and expensive handbags. A great value-for-price is vintage Dooney and Burke, or Coach, on Poshmark and Mercari. Those bags last forever, and there are a lot of classic styles and colors that still look great today. My favorite brand, though, is Rough and Tumble. They’re a small business in Maine that makes custom bags in several styles and sizes, using a rotating selection of leathers and textiles they curate. The styles are mostly unstructured, and several convert from backpack to handbag in seconds. They’re expensive (for most people—trivial price for serious handbag enthusiasts, but I’m not a serious enthusiast), about $500, and made exactly how you want with leathers and lining you pick. People sell them used for less, but of course then it’s not custom, and you rarely find 100% exactly what you want. I’ve owned and sold a variety of them over the years, but these days I have one perfect custom R&T I carry every single day, work or vacation, rain or shine. Obviously R&T is not a status symbol brand, more geared for functionality—you’re not going to look as casually cool as someone carrying a LV Neverfull—and labels are a valid reason some people invest in a handbag. For some people it feels like a marker of success, a sign they’ve “made it,” as well as being a good product that’ll last for ages. But if, like me, your reasons for buying have more to do with needing pockets and functionality and loving handmade leather goods, R&T is definitely worth considering.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #42Mar 5, 2025
Portland Leather purses: Do they lose their shape over time? I’m between a Dooney and a Portland leather and can’t decide. But I hate when a purse doesn’t have good internal structure and loses its lines over time.
I've had and love both, but Dooney looks better over time.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #43Mar 4, 2025
Portland Leather purses: Do they lose their shape over time? I’m between a Dooney and a Portland leather and can’t decide. But I hate when a purse doesn’t have good internal structure and loses its lines over time.
Dooney is the better option. Quality construction. Feet on handbags, inside is lined. Pockets with zippers. I have a zipper tote bag from Portland leather and beautiful but lost its shape (I have an insert) to keep the shape. Although I will still use it to tote things around, I find my small dooney bucket bag that I’ve had for 2 years looks amazing compared to the PL.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #44Mar 4, 2025
Portland Leather purses: Do they lose their shape over time? I’m between a Dooney and a Portland leather and can’t decide. But I hate when a purse doesn’t have good internal structure and loses its lines over time.
I agree. I have a D&B briefcase that has maintained its shape for 20 years.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #45Mar 3, 2025
Portland Leather purses: Do they lose their shape over time? I’m between a Dooney and a Portland leather and can’t decide. But I hate when a purse doesn’t have good internal structure and loses its lines over time.
Dooney will take your bag back at any time and fix it. No questions asked. that kind of makes it a lifelong purchase. Not sure what Portland Leather's policy is
View on Redditopen_in_new - #46Mar 3, 2025
Portland Leather purses: Do they lose their shape over time? I’m between a Dooney and a Portland leather and can’t decide. But I hate when a purse doesn’t have good internal structure and loses its lines over time.
I’m a PLG lover and can confirm that with use the leather will soften and it will lose its shape. My mom has a very used D&B handbag that looks worn but is still holding its shape.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #47Mar 3, 2025
Portland Leather purses: Do they lose their shape over time? I’m between a Dooney and a Portland leather and can’t decide. But I hate when a purse doesn’t have good internal structure and loses its lines over time.
I’ve had a Dooney bag for over ten years. It looks like new.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #48Mar 3, 2025
Portland Leather purses: Do they lose their shape over time? I’m between a Dooney and a Portland leather and can’t decide. But I hate when a purse doesn’t have good internal structure and loses its lines over time.
I have both and love both. Many of my dooney and bourke bags are from my mother so at least the vintage ones stand the test of time.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #49Mar 3, 2025
Portland Leather purses: Do they lose their shape over time? I’m between a Dooney and a Portland leather and can’t decide. But I hate when a purse doesn’t have good internal structure and loses its lines over time.
Dooney and Bourke all the way. I have some purses that are over 10 years old and the leather/shape of the bag are still like they were brand new
View on Redditopen_in_new - #50Feb 9, 2025
Would this be a good BIFL purse? Leather description on on the 2nd pic concerns me and I’d like your opinion.
I just bought a Florentine satchel in that red and I am impressed with how well made it is. I can see having this bag for decades if I care for it. I would also check Postmark or other resale websites to see if there are any available.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #51Feb 8, 2025
Would this be a good BIFL purse? Leather description on on the 2nd pic concerns me and I’d like your opinion.
Seriously. My mom had a D&B purse from the early 80’s that was still near perfect (with near 0 leather care) in 2004. It would probably still be around if we hadn’t had a house fire in 2004.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #52Feb 8, 2025
Would this be a good BIFL purse? Leather description on on the 2nd pic concerns me and I’d like your opinion.
Is this the $538 bag on sale for $319 on the DB website? The shopgoodwill website has the same, or very similar, bag at $52 right now with 9 hours left in the auction. Best case with an auction site, you get a great bag at a good price, sometimes brand new. Worst case, you look at the pictures to see how a bag has stood up to time and use.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #53Feb 8, 2025
Would this be a good BIFL purse? Leather description on on the 2nd pic concerns me and I’d like your opinion.
My wife has 6 different florentine bags from D&B 4 purses a briefcase and an overnight bag. The quality is untouchable. Id recommend the natural leather color it seems to go with everything she wears.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #54Feb 8, 2025
Would this be a good BIFL purse? Leather description on on the 2nd pic concerns me and I’d like your opinion.
I have a couple D&Bs for a while now, and they last forever. Very sturdy purses. One of them is a tote bag. It's heavy empty--about 2.5 pounds. I will use those bags until I die.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #55Feb 8, 2025
Would this be a good BIFL purse? Leather description on on the 2nd pic concerns me and I’d like your opinion.
It is florentine. These patina really well over time.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #56Feb 8, 2025
Would this be a good BIFL purse? Leather description on on the 2nd pic concerns me and I’d like your opinion.
I have this exact bag. I really like it. Only issue I have with it is the top part is pretty stiff yet so it kind of sticks up and when I have my arm through the handles it can rub on the zipper. It’s a sturdy bag and I feel like the leather will last a long time. It isn’t very supple, hence the top part not easily flapping over.
View on Redditopen_in_new