TODAY'S WOMAN: The borrowers
FASHION editors and stylists are often pictured tottering around in Christian Louboutin heels, toting the latest Alexander Wang It bag on their shoulder, but the likelihood is they don't own them outright. Just like Amanda in Ugly Betty, the style set borrow their designer booty from the hallowed fashion cupboards, which are perpetually crammed with next season's hot property.
They select an item from the goodies designers have sent on loan for photo shots, flaunt it once or twice, then swap it for the next big statement must-have to arrive in the cupboard.
Celebrities also have the borrowing option at their beck-and-call. Designers and jewellery houses fall over themselves to loan out their dresses, diamonds and accessories in exchange for the ultimate in free publicity – an appearance on the red carpet.
Actress Keira Knightley admits she's managed to kick her shoe-buying habit via the rental route: "I haven't bought any (shoes) in quite a while. Now I just rent them for the day. They give them to me for the day and I give them back in the evening."
Joanna Doniger, of eveningwear rental company One Night Stand, says: "Stars have always relied on borrowed frocks to give them the edge on the red carpet.
"Now a new breed of high-end rental companies is making it easier for the rest of us to dress up in style without making a long-term commitment to a gown or shelling out for a bag that's out of fashion by its second outing."
The concept of designer rentals well and truly hit fashionistas' radars when bag borrowing was featured in the Sex And The City movie.
Jennifer Hudson, who played the handbag-addicted assistant to Carrie Bradshaw, swapped her designer purses via www.bagborroworsteal.com to stay on trend and save cash.
Whether you're craving designer labels against the bank manager's advice, or you're a fashion fiend who can't face stepping out in the same outfit twice, renting your wardrobe could be your style saviour.
Check out our fashion loan library to get designer looks for less...
Dress deluxe
With the return of X Factor on our screens, Cheryl Cole style frock fever beckons.
But forget the get-the-look-for-less designer copies, you can rent the real togs as worn by Cheryl and other paparazzi-snapped stars at My Celebrity Dress.com
HOT PROPERTY: 3.1 Phillip Lim playsuit as worn by Cheryl in the X Factor campaigns (from 94.99 for three days); Herve Leger teal beaded dress as worn by Cheryl Cole (from 145 for three days) and Preen Power bandage dress as worn by Gwyneth Paltrow (from 95 for three days).
WHAT'S THE CATCH? No membership or deposits required but there's a non-refundable 15 per cent charge on the dress hire cost to reserve your favourite frock in advance.
ALSO TRY: Girl Meets Dress (www.girlmeetsdress.com) or One Night Stand (www.onenightstand.co.uk).
Bag booty
Shoulder candy obsession?
If you like changing your bag as often as your socks, hire a different handbag for every month of the year from.fashionhire.co.uk
From clutches through to giant totes, Fashion Hire has every It bag imaginable. They are listed by designer, colour or bag type. Plan ahead if you have a show-off occasion in the calendar, though – the lust-have classics have lengthy waiting lists.
HOT PROPERTY: Chanel Classic Quilted handbag (70 per month); Zagliani Python bag, (150 per month); Mulberry Bayswater (65 per month); Chloe Classic Paddington (110 per month).
WHAT'S THE CATCH? Membership is required with a minimum initial commitment of three months, from 9.95 per month 'pay-as-you-go.' Some of the pricier bags also require a deposit, which is refundable when the bag is returned.
ALSO TRY: Designer Handbag Hire (www.designerhandbaghire.com), or Handbag Hire HQ (www.handbaghirehq.co.uk).
Jewellery gems
If costume jewellery doesn't quite satisfy your magpie urges, take your bling cravings to Rent Your Rocks.
The fine jewellery company at www.rentyourrocks.com offers the real deal in gemstone jewellery, minus the eye-watering price tags.
Diamond and other precious pieces worth thousands cost you hundreds instead. Rent matching items and the cheapest piece is discounted by 50 per cent.
HOT PROPERTY: Kaleidoscope gemstone cocktail ring (145 per week); Loveheart freshwater pearl earrings (50 per week); Infinity diamond pendant (200 per week).
WHAT'S THE CATCH? The scary prospect of accepting liability for the replacement value if loss, theft or damage occurs.
ALSO TRY: Hot Rocks Hire (www.hotrockshire.co.uk), or Blu Bangle (www.blubangle.com).
shoe swag
Step up your shoe cupboard credentials by hot-footing it to the fairy godmother of she-aholics, Cinderella Me.
From classic Mary Jane Christian Louboutins to sparkling crystal Jimmy Choos, it's every shoe aficionado's idea of heaven, although size availability is limited in certain pairs.
If you fall head over heels for a pair, fear not – after eight rentals, shoes are offered for sale to members at substantially discounted prices.
HOT PROPERTY: Christian Louboutin Very Prive Glittart peep-toes (70 per week); Jimmy Choo Etta sandals (60 per week); Giuseppe Zanotti Stingray courts (50 per week); Chanel Raffia sandals (45 per week).
WHAT'S THE CATCH? Cinderella Me members pay a monthly subscription of 9.95 per month.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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