I have been buying and selling handbags for several years and thought that it would be a good idea to pass on some general care tips regarding all weather leather(AWL) Dooney and Bourke handbags.  I respect the beauty and durability that goes into making a finely crafted Dooney handbag.  Leather Dooney handbags stand out from others due to their size, weight, and craftsmanship.  My three favorite styles to use daily are the white Dooney barrel It bag, black bucket small to Teton style, and the Norfolk design. If you purchase your Dooney new it is very important to submit the mail in registration card to be formally added to Dooney & Bourkes database.  Dooney & Bourke provide excellent customer service if you have become registered with them.  Next thing is to use your dust bag, or what is also called a sleeper bag when not using the handbag to protect it from wear and spills.  When purchasing older Dooneys, you will run into different leather wearing patterns due to the treatment and climate in which the bag was used.  I feel like a restoration artist when cleaning my older Dooney bags.  It is amazing how quickly that the handbag comes back to life after a general cleaning with a leather treatment polish.  The areas which particlularly come back to life and add a fresh new look are the signature brass pieces.  The Dooney classic bags come with a brass (fob) and brass feet.  Be careful when using a brass cleaner to only get it on the brass because you will need to have a leather cleaner to wipe off any excess that gets on the bag.  Don't let it dry into the bag because it may not come out completely if left for a long period of time.  Also when cleaning the fob on an old bag be very careful not to pull to hard on the leather strap that connects the fob to the bag.  It will break easily and you will need to find a replacement for your bag.  You can carefully take the fob off the bag by untieing the leather strap and clean the fob separately.  Again, BE VERY CAREFUL when attaching the fob back onto the strap to not snug it down hard or you will break the strap.  The interior of the Dooney bag is very forgiving for the most part and is easily cleaning with gentle scrubbing.  When it comes to dirt in an old bag it can accumulate under the bottom leather flap and will take sometime to clean unless you use a small vacume cleaner attachment.  I recocmmend regluing the edges of the bottom flap if this is a problem in your Dooney.  A nice craft glue from Walmarts craft section will give it a like new finish so you can use it for your next outing.  Remember, I love Dooneys and don't believe you can have enough of the varieties, that is why I sell them!  If you ever have any questions, just drop me a line and I will see if I can help.
Best Regards,
Elizabeth                     ITFASHIONBARGAINS