To make the choice between investing in a designer purse or some of those skyrocketing natural resource stocks, some web sites offer ways for fashionistas to get their hands on luxury handbags without it costing growth in their retirement portfolio. This is a great way for those that want to have something special once in a while or like changing bags and jewelry with the seasons.

Designer Handbag Rental Websites Have The Answer

How it works at BagBorrowOrSteal.Com — Called the “Netflix of bags” by The New York Times. A site that has offered bag rentals since 2004. It carries more than 3,000 styles and more than 250,000 members, that pay a monthly fee of $5-$10.

Purses and handbags are grouped in four categories: Couture, the highest-end styles (Gucci, Chanel,Louis Vuitton), with monthly rents starting at $175; Diva (Coach, Dooney and Bourke, Carlos Falchi), $90 and up; Princess (BCBG Max Azria, Burberry, Betsey Johnson), $40 and up; and Trendsetter (Maxx New York, The SAK, Calvin Klein), $20 and up. Non-members can also rent items, at slightly higher rate.

Renters have to pay a $9.95 shipping-and-handling fee, which includes insurance. There is no time limit on how long the bags can be kept. If you have been a member for at least three months you can rent as many as five items at a time.If you must have a bag you rented it can be yours for a “steal.” The company evaluates the accessory’s age, condition and replacement value to determine a purchase price. Also, bags can be purchased at discount in the site’s outlet at 20-60 percent off retail. Jewelry can be rented and purchased at the site, offering names like David Yurmam and Cartier.

 FromBagstoRiches.com

Company founder Kara Richter purchased her first Fendi handbag with her high-school graduation money.She said “It was to be my ‘good purse’ for the next eight years,” she said in a statement, “arriving with me with at each important interview, presentation and social event I attended.” Similar to Bag Borrow or Steal, it, too, rents upscale handbags. Rates are $22.95 to $299.95, depending on the designer and craftsmanship.

Feeling a woman’s need for a choice of bags, Richter started her business in 2004. Labels include Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Fendi,Dior, Balenciaga,  and others. The most that can be borrowed at one time is 3 designer bags.The bags are in new or like-new condition. They are hand-inspected and must pass approval by management before shipment. The items are purchased from authorized distributors, and never from third-party sellers.Designer inspired mirror image or Replica pieces are not allowed. Rented designer handbags can be bought at a steal, with part of the borrowing charge applied to the purchase.

If you can't stand the thought of a handbag that has been used and all that includes, there are luxury and high end online discounters like eDesignerShop.net.  Huge selection of authentic designer handbags and wallets. Shop Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Tod's & Balenciaga at discount. Free UPS shipping.

eDesignerShop.net carries Gucci,Fendi, Prada,Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta can be had for 20-40 percent off retail. The bad news: These bags can be in the $2,500-$3,000 range at regular price although often there are fantastic steals!. So we’re still talking a major investment here. However, there are some less-expensive items by Hype and Furla. Then again renting designer purses might just be worth giving a try.