The Fall 2008 Preview of Dooney & Bourke and GUESS
Written by Yvette N. Coleman

I had the chance to preview the collection of one of my favorite handbag collections, Dooney & Bourke, for fall 2008. As I toured the showroom, I couldn’t imagine my life without every single thing I saw! Each group I viewed had its own theme song and matching shoes! I was in a daze and my current Dooney Giraffe tote looked worried as it felt its impending retirement because of my newfound affection for the CAVALLINO Collection.

The Cavallino collection was undoubtedly the most eye catching I’ve seen in a while (and naturally the most expensive, I tend to gravitate towards the most expensive thing in a room!). The shapes are perfect for the traveling head honcho diva. The collection meets all of today’s luxe demands with swanky inner compartments to match!

My next fave collection from the fall lineup was the ALTO Collection, yes the second most expensive bag collection in the room! The classic dark brown colored leather will dress up casual and suit up for business - - this collection has the ultimate power bag to add to your wardrobe. Prices for the Alto Collection: $250-$525. The Large zip satchel: $495.

THE CROCO Collection is classic and contemporary with bags in various shapes to meet any fashionista’s needs. The price point is $165-$425. In the PATENT Collection I fell in love with the Plum and Cherry Red colored looks, which sent my eyes into fashion heaven overload.

The collection has some of my favorite shapes including the Hayden (Panetierre of hit tv show Heroes) bag that will come back this season and sleek silhouettes. I adore the large duffles - - for the complete look top it off with your matching rolling tote.

For more info, visit: www.dooney.com

Guess Fall 2008 handbag lineup is full of color, textures, and classic "G" hardware that fits right into classic and trendy lifestyles.  The line has a retro glamour feel throughout their categories.  The Valley of the Dolls: is a fun retro spin on the classic novel.  The collection has a broad scope of shapes with “larger than life” jacquard charms and a new sparkling palette of colors (bright red, pink, earth tones, deep purple, and green).

New Frontier: Shiny snake patent meets suede snake in this luxury retro inspired realm of fashion. Military influence takes over her soul – and it’s victory day when she rocks this mixed media of new textures and materials. Natural tones of taupe and cognac, mixed in with a dose of red, scream metamorphoses of color, texture, and form.

Modern Biker: Modern rock n’ roll mixed with futuristic glam queen of the galaxy. The Modern Biker girl is multi-dimensional – a little bit punk, a little bit dolly. New clean logos of chrome and brushed gunmetal and large zipper hardware channel the biker girl at her finest.

Car-spray look metallic signature and metallic suedes give her the bad-girl look, while high-shine crocodile belly gives her that dolly aura. For the best of both worlds, we have added quilted vintage-wash pebble, and a dose of ruched patent. Mini-Belle signature jacquard trimmed in shiny lizard and large pyramid stones completes the Fall look.

Studio 54: Precious and pretty – glamorous and dangerous. This evening diva parties the night away at Studio 54. Cut-out handheld clutches and tiny frames for the sexy-romantic girl, and oversized clutches for the girl who wants to make a statement.

Remember the 80’s with these rigid styles and their precious chain handles. Satin geometric prints, metallic lurex logo, and glossy color-blocked crocs adorned with giant studs make this evening story a lavish fantasy dream. The Studio 54 girl is a decadent diva - sophisticated and chic rock n’ roll.

For more information including pricing please visit www.guess.com