With the spring fast approaching, many people are searching for new outfits to wear to parties, church or dinner at their mother-in-law's house — and it had better not be same outfit from last year (you know your mother-in-law will notice).
But with a new outfit comes a new handbag, shoes and accessories to match, which can send credit card bills soaring for something that may only be worn once.
That's why more shoppers are turning to renting, so they look sharp and save money at the same time.
New outfits each month
Lindsay Patterson is a TV sports reporter and says fans notice what she wears.
"I thought, 'How am I going to save money doing this job?'" she said. "Because I am team cheap, and I'm always looking for ways to save money, and I have to change my outfit out."
So she signed up for Rent the Runway, the most popular wardrobe rental service in the country.
Rent the Runway customers pay $30 for a rental of a complete outfit or $89 a monthly subscription four complete rental outfits. Patterson says she can often find a promo code that brings the subscription down to $69 a month.
"What I love about it is the quality is amazing," she said. "You can actually go through there and say what colors you like, size, quality, and you can click online and get it."
Rent the Runway's selection includes pants, jumpsuits, dresses and accessories — and if something is not right, Patterson says they fix it right away.
"If one of my dresses doesn't fit, they give you another size, say a 4 or a 6," she said. "And if there is something that didn't fit right, they will overnight you one."
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Other companies like Le Tote, Armoire, and Gwynnie Bee similar services to Rent the Runway
Rent a handbag for every season
Some people are fine with their clothing. What they need is a new handbag for each season.
Megan Fenno, a fashion blogger who also owns a mobile accessory boutique, says handbag rentals are the perfect solution.
"If you are going to a holiday party and you want a sequined bag, instead of spending a lot of money on it, you can just rent it," Fenno said. "Because how often would you use that again?"
Fenno suggests checking out the most popular handbag rental site, Bag Borrow or Steal, where designer handbags that cost hundreds of dollars rent for as little as $40 for a weekend.
Rent the Runway and Bag Romance also rent designer handbags at a fraction of the cost of buying them.
Clothing and accessory rental services aren't for everyone — especially frugal shoppers who prefer hitting consignment shops and thrift shops for used designer goods. But that takes a lot of time and a real eye for finding items that match.
So if time is tight, you might want to give renting a try, and that way you don't waste your money.
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