Frugal designer bags?

2moretrees · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 07:47 AM

OK, I'd love to hear your opinion on this site:

http://www.bagborroworsteal.com/index.cfm

Basically, it's a site that lets you rent designer hand bags for a monthly fee:

"Join our family and access the Trendsetter "Closet" at Bag Borrow or Steal™ for $19.95 per month. The Princess "Closet" can be accessed for $49.95 per month and the Diva "Closet" can be accessed for $99.95 per month. A fraction of what you would pay for any one of our single handbags. We also offer 3 deluxe levels of membership (Trendsetter Deluxe for $34.95, Princess Deluxe for $87.95 and Diva Deluxe for $174.95) which allow you to "borrow" up to 2 bags at a time instead of just one."

What do you think?

meaghanchan · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 09:02 AM

If you typically spend hundreds or thousands a year on designer bags, and you always need the latest styles, I think it can be a good idea, and could save you money. If you spend less than $240 a year on bags- no way. And what if a $500 bag you rented got stolen or ruined? That's a lot of money you're suddenly out. I think for the average person this isn't a very frugal option, but there are certainly some people who could save money with this.

PrincessPerky · #3 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 04:58 AM

Err, I guess if you HAVE to have THE bag of the season it would cut down on splurging, not to mention clutter, but I wouldn't spend 50 on a bag to own much less rent!

Tree0164 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 11:19 AM

I don't think I have spent $240 on pocket books in my lifetime. I don't need a fancy handbag.

CRFSaver · #5 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 12:34 PM

My sister found a place in Chicago that makes custom handbags/purses. You pick out the design and fabric and they make it and you pck it up. I think for 150 bucks my mother got a real big bag and a small formal purse. Rather have something custom anyday (if i used a purse).

shengmei · #6 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 02:25 PM

I think somebody could do it for just one month, during December (for Christmas celebrations).

marglo · #7 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 03:58 PM

hmmm....interesting, kind of like Netflix but purses! :-) Not for me but I could see some women might go for it. I'm more into one very organized leather bag in a basic color...brown or black usually that I can keep going as long as possible. Have been known to take them to the shoe shop to get them repaired.

mom-from-missouri · #8 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 04:20 PM

I think it is a waste, for people who have too much money. If someone is in that situation, I'll gladly let you send me those extra bucks

cercis · #9 (**permalink**) 09-08-2005, 08:48 PM

I have been carrying the same jansport backpack purse for 10 years. It barely shows any wear (the fabric on the bottom has the faintest of "fraying" right at the seams).

I'm waiting for it to crap out before I buy a new one. There was a period of a couple of years where I carried a "wallet on a string" purse about half the time, but the rest of the time I just stuffed it in my backpack.

shengmei · #10 (**permalink**) 09-11-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom-from-missouri

I think it is a waste, for people who have too much money. If someone is in that situation, I'll gladly let you send me those extra bucks

I am getting married soon. I think renting purses for a month for something truly special like weddings and honeymoons would be a good idea.

I would love to carry a Gucci purse at my wedding.

akaivyleaf · #11 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 01:53 PM

humm.... I need to get in this business. I have some designer purses I can rent out. Never thought about it before. Wonder if there really is a market for it.

acezz4e_tish · #12 (**permalink**) 01-13-2006, 02:58 PM

i guess im lucky there, we have a mj;s they always have something going onto thier five dollar shelf which is the shelf i shop off of.lol. i also bought a black aligator looking pocket book today for 3.75 from the consignment shop here called new image. discounts or used is all i do. id rather my kids get a new pair of tommys from stage and catos each month and i do with buying new stuff or renting for myself, i guess its a gr8 idea for those that like that, but if i find a purse i like, i wouldnt want to give it back.lol

funnyvalentine · #13 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 11:38 AM

I have to say that I just don't get the purse fixation. To pay upwards of 300.00 on a purse just seems like a supreme waste of money, especially when it's gonna be the 2d coolest thing as soon as you pay the charge bill. Most of those bags aren't even pretty.....

just my 2 cents....

Ima saver · #14 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 01:58 PM

I am sure not into designer anything!! I like a purse that is functional, where I can find everything. When i find one, I use it til it looks awful. I have a few small purses for when I don't want to carry a heavy purse, just keys, cash and glasses!

contrary1 · #15 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 02:29 PM

I saw this site featured on a local news channel here in the Seattle area. Apparently, there are people who NEED this service. I can't imagine being frustrated at which bag to take to which event.......gads. Not me.
I don't go many places that the money, phone & keys in the jeans pocket doesn't cut it.

Even when I was working, I didn't collect bags. I had one that fit everything and that was pretty much my collection.

Thrifty Ray · #16 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 03:16 PM

gads....Do you think the higher power ever shakes his head in wonder at this world and the folks on it??? People making $5.15 an hour, and others buying $300 handbags....sigh....baffles the mind, doesn't it?

I simply do not understand the mindset.

I have a basic black purse/backpack (under $15) that Ive had for a couple of years...when it wears out, I will probably get something similar. Carries everything, is comfy and goes with anything Id ever wear. (Not that Id notice if it didn't)

I guess Im just in a mood today...the irony of it all....

Fern · #17 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 07:14 AM

The words "frugal" and "designer handbag" seem like oxymorons. I mean, if you feel a need to use a designer handbag, that's not frugal thinking to begin with and your mindset seems consumer-oriented. You have to change your mindset first, then this sort of thing would mean nothing.

Ima saver · #18 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 08:22 AM

I have to agree with Fern. Why would anyone blow over a hundred dollars for a purse. I would rather have an old purse, with a hundred dollars in it!!

funnyvalentine · #19 (**permalink**) 04-19-2006, 10:42 AM

sigh...after writing what i did, i had the occasion to be in Macy's in NY this weekend, and darn, did I fall for one; a big brown leather number with leather thongs, amber and turquoise; not hippy looking but so sophisticated and plain gorgeous. It wasn't really even a designer thing, but just flat out gorgeous. It was also 295., so it's still living at Macy's.....

veronak · #20 (**permalink**) 04-19-2006, 03:49 PM

I think this is crazy, why not just save the money and treat yourself rather than paying to borrow a bag. No one will never say that the bag was not theirs but because we want it and want it now we are will to do things like this. You can even rent custom rims for your car