I'm thinking brilliant. A bagaholic's savior, even.
"It all started years ago when our co-founders started asking some honest questions: Why should women have to endure the emotional and financial sacrifices that accompany the endless search for the 'right' accessory for every event, wedding, and dinner party? Why should celebrities, fashion editors, and socialites be the only ones allowed to borrow fashion accessories? Why not give everyone access to the perfect accoutrement for every occasion?" says the website like a girlfriend utterly concerned for her readers' well-being.
And thus, Bag Borrow or Steal (BBS) was created. All for the convenience and joy of the everyday woman.
Each purse, either new or like new and 100% original, goes through "an elaborate process of quality control before [the company] allow[s] it to be 'borrowed' by one of [their] members." The site also adds bags as fast as fashions come and go. If you can't find the purse you love today, check back tomorrow.
Here are four easy paths to discovering and borrowing your "It" purse.
1. Decide How Much You Want to Spend.
BBS conveniently sorts bags according to price:
- Couture ("runway worthy handbags and jewelry from top designers such as Gucci and Rosiblu stating at $175 a month").
- Diva ("luxurious, dream bags and jewelry from designers such as Louis Vuitton and Charriol stating at $90 a month").
- Princess ("confidently versatile accessories from designers such as Betsey Johnson and Pianegonda starting at $40 a month").
- Trendsetter ("fresh, trend-forward accessories from designers such as Dooney & Bourke and Lori Bonn starting at only $20 a month").
BBS has several categories to make it easier for you to sort through your purses, including the Patent shop, Metallic Shop, Exotics Shop, Framed Shop, Denim Shop, Cross Body Shop, Favorite Finds Shop, Celebrity Style, and the Wedding Shop.
Or scroll through the extensive list of designers in BBS' designer index, which includes BCBGMAXAZRIA, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Felix Rey, Gucci, Isabella Fiore, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and more.
3. Select a Bag.
Remember, there is no time limit to how long you borrow your bag — "keep your item for six months or keep it for a year!" Once you've been a member for three months, you can borrow as many as five items at a time.
4. Receive Your Item.
Yes, you do have to pay shipping, but the $9.95 fee includes insurance on the item. By the time you're opening up your mail package and swinging your new purse on your wrist, the shipping cost will be long forgotten.
And if you decide your bag was meant for your closet, you have the option to "steal" it.
"If you'd like to purchase the accessory you've borrowed, you can request to purchase or 'Steal It'. We will evaluate the accessory's age, condition, and how easy it will be to replace — then let you know if the item is available for purchase and, if appropriate, a price. If you decide to make a purchase, we'll bill the credit card we have on file and the accessory is yours to keep," says the website.
So go ahead. Peruse the site, select your chic yet affordable bag, and carry that purse "like it's going out of style"; after all, when it does, you can just swap it for the next hottest purse on the style charts.
