The life of a fashionista - yours to rent

WALKING down the street with the latest Gucci handbag is no longer a luxury reserved for celebrities or mega-rich. Designer outfits worth more than $3000 can now be worn by normal women for a fraction of the cost. Renting high-end clothing and accessories is the latest fad for those who want to look a million dollars without spending it. Rather than splurging $1450 on a Dolce & Gabbana dress, fashion lovers can now wear the same item for $119.95 and return it the next week. "Handbags are most popular items but dresses are becoming more popular, especially around racing season and Christmas time," Love Me and Leave Me director Simmone Santana said. Renting starts from about $44.95 a week for jewellery, with the latest Louis Vuitton handbag available to grace your arm for $149.95 a week. General wear and tear is allowed for at most companies. Some, like Indian Giver, offer a $10 insurance option. "If the dress is completely ruined the $10 means clients only have to pay $100, if you don't take out the insurance the damage is the cost of the dress," Indian Giver director Sally Eagle said. Items are sent by courier to their new temporary home and can be returned straight after wearing. "We do the dry cleaning and any repairs that are needed," Dressed Up director Serena Ross said. Sacha Cradock, 24, plans to rent a dress, shoes and handbag for next week's Spring Racing Carnival and received her first rental bag this week. "Not only can I not afford a bag like this, I will get sick of it quickly," she said. "I like the idea of being able to wear and show off a different bag each month."