Does the thought of a Versace hanging in your closet simply make you swoon? Are you obsessed with getting a Gucci to carry everywhere you go?
For those of us fashionistas with a macaroni and cheese budget but designer tastes, it can be a hard decision to make — pay the rent or get a new outfit! Fear not savvy gals, here is a way to let your inner diva out and still be able to afford those monthly bills!
Designer Handbags
When Kara Richter and her partner Sam Mangiere began looking into starting an e-commerce business, they weren’t quite sure what direction to go in. Richter said she “wanted a more personalized service” to offer customers.
Her inspiration came when she realized something she had a love for could actually become a business. Richter, the CEO of From Bags to Riches, states on their Web site: “From the first time I was exposed to Gucci handbags, I became a bag maven. (An honest to goodness bag-lady) … desiring to wear the most luxurious brands of designer handbags.
“As my lifestyle became more diverse so did my need for handbag diversity. More bags, more colors, more styles, and yes more money. But to invest in handbags with the underlying thought of having to carry the same bag for years was not inspiring. Wouldn’t it be great to fill my closet with a huge variety of handbags that I could carry at any time? Change color or style on a whim? I have more than 20 pairs of shoes, why not handbags? Thus … From Bags To riches was born.”
The concept is like a library book or Netflix, where you “check-out” designer handbags for a set amount of time. The bags range in rental fees from $34.95 for a Dooney & Bourke Barrel Satchell purse to $299.00 for Fendi Leather Spy Bag.
There are also plenty of monthly specials on bags and there is a Diva membership program giving members special discounts and a points reward system. This membership can be shared and up to three purses can be rented for a month. The bags are well taken care of and Richter explains, “All bags are professionally refurbished when they are returned.”
The handbags are placed in “collections” such as the Beverly Hills, the Madison Avenue, the Monaco Runway and more. Each collection features top quality designer bags from top names, such as Coach, BabyPhat, Juicy, Kate Spade, Prada, Chanel, Chloe and even Louis Vuittan. Customers can view each purse on-line, which allows shoppers to get an up-close look at the products offered.
In addition to renting handbags, From Bags to Riches also has a consignment store and they even offer a clearance sale on bags providing the consumer anywhere from 10 to 80 percent off the bags during January and August.
Another company, created by Lloyd Lapidus and Greg Pippo who also had the same vision, Bag, Borrow or Steal, offers the same idea. The Web site states: “It all started years ago when our co-founders started asking some honest questions: Why should women have to endure the emotional and financial sacrifices that accompany the endless search for the “right” accessory for every event, wedding, and dinner party? Why should celebrities, fashion editors, and socialites be the only ones allowed to borrow fashion accessories? Why not give everyone access to the perfect accoutrement for every occasion?”
Bag, Borrow or Steal also offer customers a selection of accessories including jewelry and belts, that can be rented and in addition, they have a consignment store.
Dress for Less
Now that the perfect purse has been selected, it’s time to find an exclusive outfit. Everyone knows about e-bay and the possibilities awaiting there, but there are on-line consignment stores offering a variety of designer clothes at a great deal!
Check out Vicki’s Secret; this San Francisco-based boutique offers an array of designers clothing and even some handbags from which to choose. They have been in business for twelve years and offer a “wish-list” service where a customer can put in a request for a specific designer or outfit and they will try and locate that special purchase.
Another site to see is Jill’s Consignment. This Florida-based company originally started its life as a consignment store, and then jumped onto the Web. Their mission is “to satisfy both our consignors and or customers by selling top designer labels at fair prices. This means great deals for our customers on the labels they want most, and fast turnaround for our consignors.”
They offer many great designers and even have shoes, jewelry, accessories and men’s clothing.
And, don’t forget to search your own area for great deals on quality designer outfits, there are many upscale consignment stores carrying top designers at a fraction of the cost. Also, when looking for unique clothing check into small boutiques in your area. Often these small stores will offer an elegant line of clothing you won’t find elsewhere, and you won’t see your dress on someone else!
With a little shopping, you can show the world what a true Diva you really are — and still manage to have some money left over!