So what was the most important thing we learned from the new Sex and the City movie? It wasn’t that marriage can change a relationship. (We already knew that!) Perhaps the most shocking lesson was one of lesser substance: the existence of rent-a-bag websites. At first, this excited me. Renting designer bags! What could be better? But once the idea sunk in, I found it slightly unsettling. Why do we need a new bag every 2 weeks? Although I see the appeal of this new phenomenon, I can’t help but wonder if it’s just a new way to perpetuate the pressures women so often face to own impressive, high-status items. It’s almost humorous that such services exist, as the “need” for designer items has stooped to a system of check-outs and returns. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the latest fashions and keeping up with new trends. But I’m also an advocate of individuality and uniqueness at a reasonable cost. Which is why I’d rather have 3 or 4 “OMG, where did you find that?” bags than 1 designer bag I’ve seen on women everywhere across America.
Sites that provide rental services can be deceiving. To rent bags from one of these rental sites, you usually must become a member. The level of membership you join also dictates which bags you are allowed to rent. A basic membership only gives you access to low name designers. (Sorry Versace and Chanel lovers!) If you’re not ready to commit, you can still rent bags without a membership for a steep price. Even though these borrowed bags are less expensive than the real deal, they are still considerably costly. To rent a decent sized bag for a short 7 days can cost over $150 – plus shipping and insurance costs. And what about the must-have shoes and outfit to match that new bag every few weeks? Maybe rental services should stick to cars and DVDs for the sake of our wallets.
I’m not trying to diminish the prestige of top designer items. If you have the lifestyle to support it, why not buy yourself an exquisite bag? But for the rest of us, renting these second-hand bags is just unnecessary. You can find classic, stylish bags for half the cost and without a due date. Why not search for celebrity inspired bags instead? Celebs these days carry some hot bags in bold prints and pretty patterns that are easily mimicked for a fourth of the cost. I’d recommend HandbagHeaven.com for celebrity inspired looks. Or check out PurseBlog.com to see what styles, shapes and colors the stars are crazy about. Then hit the mall in search of your own bag with these ideas in mind!