How many times have you bought a dress for a wedding, charity event or other special occasion, only to wear it once and never again?
High-fashion rental websites are for those of us who like sporting something new for each event, but don’t want to break the bank. All of these sites offer free return shipping with pre-printed return labels.
For the Fashion Week Diva
Rent The Runway
A Hervé Leger dress (like the Black Abyss Gown above) will set you back $1,500 or more, but with this website, you can rent a designer piece for a nominal fee (between $40-$300) and return it, even if you accidentally spill your Cosmo on it. Rent the Runway also rents bridesmaid dresses and various accessories.
The deal: No membership fees. Just pick your dress, list the date you need it by and return it within four days. The company will even send a backup size in case your first choice doesn’t fit.
For the It Bag Girl
Bag Borrow or Steal
Remember when Jennifer Hudson’s character name-dropped this website in the Sex and the City movie? Since then, Bag Borrow or Steal has become the go-to website to rent 100% authentic designer purses by the likes of Chanel, Hermes and Gucci, as well as designer sunglasses and jewelry. Rent a gorgeous handbag and return it whenever you want. If you decide to eventually purchase the bag, pay for it minus the rental fees.
The deal: Become a member starting at $9.95 for one month, or rent as a guest.
Pictured: Fendi Medium Baguette Handbag
For the Jewelry Junkie
Borrowed Bling
Rival a red carpet actress in bling you can borrow or buy. Choose a stunning piece of jewelry and rent for as long as you like. This site is great for a bride who wants to add some extra oomph on her special day.
The deal: Choose between three levels of membership ranging from $30 to $100. Upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time.
Pictured: Clever Canary Cushion
For the Shoe Queen
Shoe Dazzle
We all have our addictions, and for some women, it’s shoes. Rather than renting out merchandise, this site gives you monthly shoe options that you can purchase for a low price. Fill out a questionnaire about your shoe preferences, and on the first of the month you’ll receive an email from Shoe Dazzle’s “stylists” recommending a pair of shoes they think you’ll swoon for. If you like their pick, it’s yours; if not, you can always skip the month and not be charged.
The deal: For $39.95 a month, receive a pair of shoes, handbag, or jewelry. Free exchanges if you want to swap out the pair you received.
Pictured: Shoe Dazzle Peeptoe
Other rental sites:
