I’m suffering from a major case of handbag lust today. If you’re not sure what in the world I’m talking about, handbag lust is that feeling that comes over me quite suddenly when I see a bag that I just MUST have or else. I try talking myself out of it, telling myself that buying the bag wouldn’t be healthy for me, that I don’t know enough about this bag (for all I know, it could have really shoddy craftsmanship underneath that purty exterior), that really, truly, how do I know if this is the bag I want to commit to in the long run? At the very least, shouldn’t I go home first and take some space to think and reflect — perhaps even google this bag to glean a bit more information about it?

But at that moment, it doesn’t matter. None of it does. All I know is that I NEED that bag. So far today, I’ve had several of those lustful moments. The upside to the whole thing is that I won’t have to pay designer prices to get them if I go through Avelle (formerly Bag Borrow Or Steal). As a matter of fact, Avelle is the perfect thing to soothe my handbag lust, because if I decide I’m tired of this new bag after a month, or even a week, I can just send it back with no regrets. Of course, I’ll have to pay for the time I used, but I knew that upfront. If I decide in the end that this actually IS the bag for me, well then my rental fees have allowed me to invest some equity in the bag, which allows me to buy it at an even better rate.

So, you wanna see the bags I’m currently in lust with? I’ve been looking for a new handbag for spring that is bold and bright. I’m also looking for an elegant evening bag/clutch that can fit in nicely with almost any outfit and place, depending on my mood. So what does that mean? Versatile is key.

THE “EVERYDAY” BAG

It’s Spring, and color is in, so I immediately found myself drawn to this purple “Natasha” Tote by Kooba. It has side straps that allow you to adjust the shape of the bag, and I love how whimsical it feels.

I am in love with the Gucci “Hysteria” Embroidered Leather Handbag because they are different, fun, and yet still rather classic. No doubt you will be the only woman in the room carrying this.

I’m noticing that I have a “thing” for bows this season, so I’m loving the look of this Gustto Oreillo “Cokera” Handbag. Yes, I know it’s black, I’m drawn to black bags, but I’m trying to branch out. I’m so predictable, right?

THE CLUTCH/EVENING BAG

I love this Leather Bow Clutch from BCBGMAXAZRIA and I think I would go for the basic black, mainly because it’s an evening bag, and most of my evening wear will include some black. This clutch is girly, classic, and SO me.

I’m also loving the BCBGMAXAZRIA “Cassidy” Evening Handbag in Bronze, and am so tempted to buy a new outfit just to carry this bag. However, the practical side of me will probably just take over, and borrow the Cassidy bag in black instead.

I swooned over this unique “Baroque a Go Go” bag by Isabella Fiore. Elegant and sophisticated, I think it would be a great fit for my personality because of how expressive it is.

Lastly, on the Recessionista end of things, there is the “Megan” Metallic Clutch by Franchi which is understated and classy. It retails for $90, but you can borrow it as a member for $9/week, non-members for $21/week.

Be sure to let me know what bags you’re lusting over in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!