I’m sure you’ve already heard of the term Recessionista. All of us love to look good, but we may not be able to afford some of those luxury items that we are drooling over.  While reading a magazine I came across a little piece on renting designer goods. I had heard about renting designer bags, through websites like BagBorroworSteal.com where you pay a fee and a designer bag gets shipped to you for a week or so and then you can ship it out and get a new one but never about renting designer clothing!

Now, I must admit that renting designer bags never really interested me. But then again I never did visit the website until now and seeing that gorgeous bright red  Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Summit Drive Handbag did make me reconsider. The website offers you so much more than I had thought, with the option to purchase items like the designer bags, jewelry, and some other accessories all at discounted prices.

However, it was Wear Today Gone Tomorrow’s concept that really drew me in.  You can register with them for free and then browse all their designer clothing which you can rent just as you would a designer handbag.  You pay a shipping fee that includes packaging, shipping label, and return postage. All of the items are cleaned and pressed so there is a fee for that, as well as the renting and shipping, but overall I think this is a great idea for any special events. My prom dress for example? I literally wore it once. And for the amount of money that I spent on it I could’ve rented a gorgeous Philip Lim, Elizabeth and James or Herve Leger dress and really felt like a star for a night. I wish I would’ve thought of this!

So what’s your verdict? Would you rent?

I just happened to watch 27 Dresses for the first time last week and since I have a friend who is getting married soon, I’ve tagged along on trips to see bridesmaid dresses.  The combination of bridal shops and Katherine Hiegel’s character in 27 dresses really got me wondering why there are so many HORRIBLE dresses?! Do brides really purposefully choose something hideous to make sure they stand out? Or are designers behind this scheme?

The signature collection at Butter by Nadia is the perfect solution. There is enough versatility to truly make your bridesmaids feel one of a kind, AND they don’t have to try and cut the dress in order to wear it again or simply hide it away.

The real key? Keep it classic, with simple colors and lines and your dress will shine. I also personally think they should be kept short but that’s my preference.

Alfred Angelo has some great examples of classic styles and here are some of my favorites:

Best of all, if any of you readers are getting married, Alfred Angelo is celebrating 75 years by giving away dresses! And after 75 years, I guess they’re doing something right!

Fashion Week Tampa Bay will epitomize the fashion scene in the Bay area with an annual event that celebrates the style that’s uniquely Tampa Bay’s very own. This event brings talented fashion and accessories designers to the Bay area to showcase their work for local and national retail buyers, boutique owners and consumers.

In addition, local business partners, aspiring models and community members will have an opportunity to experience quality style and trendsetters in their own city, while providing all lovers of creativity a week of positive, high-fashion and artistic energy!