If you have watched award shows, you know it is no secret that celebrities borrow dresses, tuxedos, and jewelry.
They do this for a number of reasons: to be seen in the latest fashion, to support a particular designer, or to avoid being photographed in the same outfit multiple times. There is one accessory that celebrities almost always wear their own: handbags.
While you may not be able to afford to buy a new designer handbag every time you go out, that doesn’t mean you have to carry the same old thing around all the time.
There are now a number of companies that allow you to rent designer handbags for a fraction of the price.
Companies That Allow You To Borrow Designer Handbags
Bagbirdy
Bagbirdy is one such company. They offer a wide variety of designer handbags, from brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, that you can borrow for a week, a month, or longer.
The process is simple: sign up for an account on their website, select the handbag you want to borrow, and choose how long you want to keep it. They will then ship the bag to you and you can start using it right away.
When you’re done, simply ship the bag back to them and they will clean it and make it available for the next person to borrow.
Handbags by Designers
Another option is Handbags by Designers. They offer a smaller selection of handbags, but they are all from high-end designers like Hermes, Prada, and Givenchy.
Like Bagbirdy, you can sign up for an account on their website and select the handbag you want to borrow. Choose when you want to return it.
You can choose to return the handbag after 3 days, 7 days, or 14 days. They will then ship the bag to you and you can start using it right away. Ship it back when you are done.
RentTheRunWay.com
In 2009, this fashionable site was created to let customers rent designer dresses.
It has since added handbags and other accessories to the rental list. Typical rental periods last 4 to 8 days.
Vivrelle
Vivrelle is another option for renting designer handbags. They offer a wide variety of handbags from luxury brands. You can also borrow jewelry.
Membership level determines how many items you can borrow at one time. This club allows you to do monthly swap outs so you can have a nice rotation of handbags and/ or jewelry.
If you rent a handbag that you can’t live without, you have the option to buy it.
Why Borrow Designer Handbags
There are a number of reasons you might want to borrow a designer handbag instead of buying one.
Try It Out
Handbag rental allows you to try out a bag before you commit to buying it. If you’re not sure if you will use a particular handbag enough to justify the price, borrowing it for a week or two will help you decide.
Save Money
Bag rental can save you money. If you only need a particular handbag for a special occasion, there is no need to buy it when you can rent it for a fraction of the price.
So if you are about to go to a fancy ball, wedding, or black-tie event, and you need a designer handbag to complete your outfit, consider renting one instead of buying it.
You’ll save money and you’ll have the perfect bag for your event. Never be seen with the same bag more than once while still remaining on a budget.
Go Green
Renting handbags is more environmentally friendly than buying them. When you’re done with the bag, someone else can use it. There is no need to keep it in your closet collecting dust.
If more women decide to rent more tha buying bags, it may slightly decrease the demand for new handbags. That less material that has to be utilized.
Many handbags use leather which comes from animals such as cows and crocodiles. If we can reduce the demand for leather, then that’s great news for animals.
Lend a helping hand
When you rent from some of these companies, a portion of your rental fee goes to help women in need.
So not only are you getting a great deal on a designer handbag, you are also helping someone in need.
Support Local Businesses
Using a handbag rental service allows you to support local businesses. These businesses are typically run by women who are trying to make a difference.
Drawbacks of Handbag Rental
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to handbag rental.
Your Preference May Not Be Available
The first is that you may not be able to find the exact bag you want to borrow.
There are a limited number of bags available for rental and they are often in high demand.
The Bag May Not Be In Perfect Condition
Another drawback is that the bag you receive may not be in perfect condition.
Remember, these bags have been used by other people before you. So it is possible that the bag may have some wear and tear.
However, most companies do a good job of inspecting the bags and making sure they are in good condition before sending them out to customers.
You May Fall in Love With the Bag
One of the biggest drawbacks to handbag rental is that you may fall in love with the bag and then have to give it back.
It can be hard to part with a bag that you have come to love, especially if you have to give it back to the rental company.
However, some companies do allow you to purchase the bag if you decide you want to keep it.
You Won’t Have An Investment
Another drawback is that you won’t have an investment.
When you buy a designer handbag, it can be considered an investment because it will hold its value over time.
However, when you rent a handbag, you are only using it for a short period of time and then giving it back.
