Some people love shoes, but I must confess I’m a handbag fiend.

A nice handbag and pair of shoes can really set off an outfit.

They don’t have to be expensive. One of my most prized possessions, is a brown leather handbag with cowhide trim that I snagged for $3 at an estate sale. A friend and I were discussing purses this weekend. I showed her a firery red Michael Kors bag I got at a good price at Ditto Boutique (I’m a big bargain hunter. I can’t spend more for a purse than I can put in it.) She countered with a black patent Gucci handbag that she got at a good price as well. Nice.

Now, to feed my addiction there’s an exhibit on the design of handbags – “In The Bag” – that runs through May 2 at the Museum of Design Atlanta. Here’s a gallery of some of the handbags on display.

Are you a handbag person? What’s your favorite or unusual find? Where do you find good deals on handbags? (And does anyone know where I can take my leather/cowhide pursue for conditioning and a minor repair?)

(author: Shelia Poole)