https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/design/2010-06-15/free-dooney/

Free Dooney!

By Meghan Ruth Speakerman, June 15, 2010, 12:03pm, Chronique

It pays to be a loyal customer, especially in communities like Austin where the small town vibe is part of the allure. It also definitely pays to be fearless enough to bargain.

At my favorite out-o-town thrift store, Village Thrift in Wimberley, (300 River Road, 512/847-5400; check it out!), I found this gorgeous old Dooney & Bourke handbag for a $10 asking price. Inside a pocket was some damage and glue, so I asked the familiar manager, (I've been shopping there for years), if he was willing to bargain and showed him the minor and hidden damage. He looked at the purse and then at his staff, said they couldn't sell it, and handed it to me. Talk about a happy girl! I would have paid the $10 but FREE?!?!?! The older "all weather leather" styles are way sexier than some of the tacky, kaleidoscope-looking 'tween bullshit handbags they make these days. I've been staring at my new sexy little jewel ever since. *gloat*