Fashion for Hire

Designer handbags make a statement, but no self-respecting fashionista wants to keep repeating herself. Help is here from Handbag Hire HQ www.handbaghirehq.co.uk, which rents luxury bags to customers in the U.K. and Ireland. For $15 a month, clients gain access to the latest must-have accessories at a fraction of their retail value: the $990 Mulberry Bayswater, the $1,200 Louis Vuitton Hampstead and the $2,500 Chloé Paddington are available for $50, $60 and $70 per week, respectively. Customers receive their orders by post within two days.

Customer motivations vary as much as the bags themselves. "Some clients want to look like footballers' wives, but others are smart businesswomen who want to carry something special into the boardroom," says Jo Trafford, who founded the service with her policeman husband in July. Since then, Trafford has bought nearly $200,000 worth of bags, sourced directly from fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan and New York City. The ever-expanding collection reflects client requests and takes inspiration from Hollywood. Recent additions include the Gucci Indy, which Mischa Barton made last summer's It bag, and five Bow Bags by Los Angeles designer Adonia — a favorite of Jennifer Aniston.

Trends may come and go, but the woman who falls in love with her rental can make it hers forever. Customers have the option of purchasing the bags at a discounted rate, which varies by age and condition. A $1,500 Balenciaga Giant can sell for just $750 — a small price to make a big impression.