Fashion + Beauty

Friday, November 20, 2009

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Faking your wardrobe: Online handbag, jewelry and clothing rentals on the rise

DVF dress on RenttheRunway.com

DVF dress on RenttheRunway.com

You've probably heard about online handbag rental Bag Borrow or Steal. The site caused a frenzy several years ago with the new concept of paying to borrow a designer handbag and returning it a month later for a small fee. While the service could be great--and cost effective--for a trendy fashionista who always desires to have the new "It" bag on her arm, we always wondered if it would feel a little weird having no bag of your own. Well, in this recession renting luxury items has proven successful, and more of these sites are launching every day.

From Bags to Riches touts designer bag rentals from big names like Coach, Dior, Chanel and Marc Jacobs for $34.95 an up. Seeking a Rolex or David Yurman jewels? Bling Yourself offers watches, rings, necklaces, sunglasses and other expensive baubles by the week. If your family is wedding bound, head to iRent2u for affordable rentals on children's formal wear.

The brand new site we're most excited about: Rent the Runway, a fashion haven where coveted items by designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Proenza Schouler goods go for $50. They send a second size option in case your item doesn't fit, and you just drop them in the mail when you're done--they handle the dry cleaning. If you have a fancy event to go to, this could be a great option if you wanted to get something really elegant and know you won't be wearing it again in the near future.

Need another reason to rent your wardrobe? How about reduced closet clutter and cutting carbon emissions? According to a new study, if you rent (rather than buy) one-fifth of your household purchases each year, emissions drop 2%, or 13 million tonnes of CO2 a year, since it decreases manufacturing and the consumption of raw materials. We never thought renting a designer dress could be viewed as environmentally responsible, but hey, whatever rationale it takes. [FashionWeekDaily]
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 17
  • Dreamer's Avatar
    Posted by Dreamer Wed Nov 4, 2009 11:34am PST

    Cool. I like this idea, especially renting evening wear. I would do it.

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  • opiniononly's Avatar
    Posted by opiniononly Wed Nov 4, 2009 5:30pm PST

    Men have been renting tuxedoes for years. About time women have an alternative to buying.

    Report Abuse
  • binnphoenix's Avatar
    Posted by binnphoenix Thu Nov 5, 2009 4:50am PST

    I agree, about time. If only I could have rented a dress for prom or as a bridesmaid. These are great ideas. I hate buying a dress that I can only wear once. I'd rather rent and wear something "new to me" at the next nice event I have to go to. I will definitely have to check out these sites.

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  • cindy's Avatar
    Posted by cindy Thu Nov 5, 2009 6:49am PST

    I looked at Bag, borrow, or steal. I thought it was pretty expensive "rent".

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  • Maria's Avatar
    Posted by Maria Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:30am PST

    I wouldnt be able to borrow a bag. I would want my own. The good thing is that I only like Dooney & Bourke and Coach so they are in reasonable price.

    Report Abuse
  • Erica's Avatar
    Posted by Erica Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:56am PST

    Renting? I disagree, to me it feels like its used and I hate anything that's used. I want my OWN.

    Report Abuse
  • MrsKlingonPasadena's Avatar
    Posted by MrsKlingonPasadena Thu Nov 5, 2009 12:31pm PST

    Not into renting intimate things. Clothes, handbags, jewelry or anything that will be next to my skin.

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  • SakeJuice's Avatar
    Posted by SakeJuice Thu Nov 5, 2009 5:12pm PST

    i love bag borrow or steal. i have an account, but havent used the service yet..... i plan on it though! haha i plan on checking out the clothes rental site. i have an office christmas party to go to, and its a formal event. i dont want to have to spend money on something i wont wear more than once. granted i have a beautiful black pencil skirt i can wear with my peep toe patent leather pump, but i want something else to wear. its my last christmas party with this company! haha i want to go out with a classy bang!

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  • Anita Setyorini's Avatar
    Posted by Anita Setyorini Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:37pm PST

    I love the idea that renting reduces carbon emission, if it is viewed from the manufacture and consumption of raw materials aspects. However, it does require big numbers of transportation (delivering rented items; from renters to rentees and vice versa), which means increase of gasoline usage. Rented items packaging would also require use of plastic and papers, which means increase of its usage (and of course, production).

    Well, it's like coins, always two-sided.

    But the rented-stuffs should be popularised, though. It encourages women to shop and use their stuffs in more efficient manners.

    Thanks for the article! :-)

    Report Abuse
  • Sandra's Avatar
    Posted by Sandra Fri Nov 6, 2009 2:29am PST

    i am in need to change my look. any one with ideas help

    Report Abuse
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