| In case you haven't noticed, designer handbags have | | | | Despite a bad investment and the stress related to |
| made headlines lately because of the rising costs, | | | | worrying about lost or theft of the rented designer |
| increased demand and crazed enthusiasm surrounding | | | | accessory, one of the biggest concerns I have with |
| the latest "it" bags. As a self-professed designer | | | | renting a handbag is "germs." When your rental arrives, |
| handbag connoisseur, I am constantly on the look out | | | | you have no idea who rented it beforehand. You have |
| for the latest handbag trends. There's one trend that | | | | no idea what was carried inside a bag or where the |
| irks me more than a row of fake Goyard and Chanel | | | | bag had been prior to it arriving at your doorstep. |
| purses on display on 5th Avenue - handbag rentals. | | | | Throughout the year there had been studies released |
| The Media is hyped with coercing people into joining a | | | | about the many germs and insects that thrive inside a |
| handbag rental service to carry a designer handbag in | | | | handbag, including e-coli, salmonella, bacillus, superbugs |
| lieu of actually purchasing one. Although renting can be | | | | and many more viruses. But what's even worse than |
| a smart alternative in many situations (car rentals, | | | | the fact that it is hard to have a germ-free bag, is that |
| apartment rentals, cabana rentals, etc.), purse rentals | | | | purses pick up these germs from normal use (using |
| are not exactly your best investment. | | | | public restrooms, dirty make-up bags, etc.). Now think |
| Like with living accommodations, financial advisors | | | | about all the places rented handbags may have been |
| most often say buying makes for a sound investment | | | | -- you get the picture. |
| because your money goes toward something that can | | | | There are many other options to renting a designer |
| one day recant its value or even make you money. | | | | handbag which entail owning: |
| Renting neither makes you more nor does it provide | | | | - Shop around: There are a lot of web sites that offer |
| you with something to sell, so why would anyone "rent" | | | | today's hottest names in designer handbags at |
| an expensive bag? A lot of people like the idea of | | | | discounted prices, like eFashionHouse and Overstock |
| renting their favorite handbags because it minimizes | | | | to name a few. |
| the high expense associated with purchasing one or | | | | - Take advantage of sales: most big name retailers |
| they like the idea of carrying a new handbag every | | | | have great sales throughout the year, and although the |
| month. But wouldn't you rather put the hundreds of | | | | bags aren't as discounted as the online stores, you can |
| dollars it costs to rent a bag (rental, membership and | | | | still find a deal. |
| shipping fees) toward saving for the new purse of | | | | - Layaway: Some web sites, like BrandsBoutique, offer |
| your dreams, rather than put a lot of money (at least | | | | layaway plans so you can pay over time but still grab |
| $200/month) toward something that you don't even | | | | a new purse when you see it. |
| own? Personally, I like to look around for the best deal | | | | - Go Vintage: Vintage handbags are back in a big way. |
| and use my money to add to my growing fashion | | | | In fact some websites are now offering vintage bags |
| accessory collection. And for the fashionistas who | | | | and even consider them premium inventory. So don't |
| want to carry a new handbag every week or month | | | | waste money renting a pre-owned bag when you can |
| to maintain status, your friends and co-workers will | | | | purchase one for the same price as a rental! Visit |
| know you don't actually "own" the bags you're | | | | online shops like luxuryvintage and jillsconsignment. |
| carrying; you are merely throwing your money away. | | | | - Save: One of the smartest options to owning a |
| In addition to throwing your money down the drain, | | | | must-have designer it-bag is putting your money in a |
| people who rent designer luxury take the risk of | | | | savings account until you have enough money to buy |
| ultimately paying for the item they rent at above-retail | | | | the item you want. Plus, once you are able to afford |
| costs. For instance, if your rented luxury item is lost or | | | | the designer bag, your investment item can be resold |
| stolen (which happens often), the renter has to pay for | | | | (today's goods are tomorrow's vintage). Some of the |
| the replacement cost which could be in the thousands | | | | designer handbags resell at a higher cost than your |
| of dollars. And don't even get me started on damage | | | | investment. |
| fees when renting a fancy fashion item. How many | | | | If there is a designer handbag you are considering to |
| times have you been out to a bar and spilled on your | | | | get, but don't have the money to spend to get it, think |
| brand new designer handbag or dropped it on the | | | | twice before using a rental service. You might think |
| ground. Rental services charge you for damage (other | | | | you're saving money, but in reality your investment |
| than normal wear and tear) to the handbag, too. | | | | actually has no pay off at all! |