In honor of Bag, Borrow or Steal's (now Avelle) 5th anniversary celebration we were asked to sponsor a post about bags...and we were all too happy to oblige. As you all know, we LOVE bags!
Hey, times are tough and we get that not everyone can afford an entire closet of designer bags right now, and you know how we feel about fakes...seriously, don't get us started. Therefore, we are of the opinion, if you are going to rent your bags, go big or go home! Personally, I was absolutely stunned by the sheer numbers of bags Avelle has to offer. Mind you, I mainly stayed in the couture section. Anyone who knows me by now knows I adore a good Yves Saint Laurent or Miu Miu bag. However, I decided to branch out a bit too. I have been coveting the two Be & D bags above. I'm a sucker for ruffles.
Rent the bags pictured above:
1. BE & D 'Cosette' Hobo Handbag
2. Miu Miu Small Matelasse Top Handle Tote
3. Gucci 'Hysteria' Large Top Handle Tote
6. Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Large Tote
7. Gucci Patent 'Hysteria' Medium Top Handle Handbag
What totally floored me (in a good way) was the amazing selection of vintage bags for rent. Who knew? I mean, why not rent a $20,000 Birkin? Who can afford one otherwise (OK. Jill Zarin, but who else?)? Frankly, I think vintage Chanel can not be beat. And for evening, nothing says glamor better than a Judith Leiber bag. If you have a sense of humor the Dallas vintage telephone bag is a sure conversation starter...pun intended.
Rent the bags pictured above:
1. Chanel Vintage Classic 2.55 Quilted Bag
2. Leiber Vintage Oversized Python Clutch
3. Lana Marks Vintage Crocodile Handbag
4. Moschino Vintage 'Maison' Handbag
5. Hermes Vintage Lizard Constance Handbag
6. Dallas Vintage Telephone Shoulder Bag
7. Andrea Pfister Vintage Piano Bag
8. Hermes Vintage Crocodile Kelly Handbag
As part of the Avelle Anniversary Event is which runs from April 22 - May 13, Avelle is offering members special anniversary pricing and announcing some great new designer items. Over 300 items will be released during the three weeks as well as excellent prices (30-35% off regular rental prices) on over 800 existing classic products. Rumor has it they include some pretty major designer names, but if you are a member you will receive email updates as they launch.
Leave a comment to this post about the bag you would be most inclined to rent from Avelle if you win and why and you could be the lucky winner of a $250 Avelle gift certificate! How cool is that? Be creative. The winner will be announced May 13th. Good luck!
Avelle here! We are soooo excited to hear from everyone! Lots of bags to choose from, so have fun and good luck!
Posted by: Karen T | April 22, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I live in Chicago and I'm looking for a new job, so I would have to pick number eight, the Hermes Vintage Crocodile Kelly Handbag. Its the perfect size to hold samples of my work, extra resumes, business cards...Not to mention its timeless professional beauty.
In a perfect world, not only will they love my work, but they will adore my sense of style, wonder how on earth I can afford such a work of wearable art, and I will be hired on the spot. (Hey, a girl can fantasize!)
Posted by: Lauren Kleiman | April 22, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I would rent the classic looking Chanel shopping tote! It goes with everything and will with stand any trend. LOVE it!!!
Posted by: JAsmine (fashiongrail) | April 22, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Ring my beeel, ring my bell... I hear #6 the telephone bag calling me.
Avelle taps into the real fashion dame inside me -- not like that other bag site (yawn). Not only do they carry the yummy YSLs and Chanel but they actually cater to people who know high-end bags don't mean Coach. They know their vintage baby.
OK. I think I might actually take this call ;)
Posted by: Mojo Writer | April 22, 2009 at 10:26 AM
That's easy! Hands down the Yves Saint Laurent Silver Stamp Tote...I'd rent for two months!! I've been eying it for about a year while eying my bank account and the two have never gotten along very well. I adore the Parisian address on it and can pretend the Chicago River is the Seine (right? Ha!) And it's perfect for carrying everything I inevitably "need" when I'm trucking back and forth between my hometown of NY and my new town of Chicago.
Posted by: kimberlynyc120 | April 22, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I would go for the Hermes Vintage Crocodile Kelly handbag. It's classic, and classic never goes out of style!
Posted by: Jennifer | April 22, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I went right for the "Number 1" bag The BE & D 'Cosette' Hobo Handbag. And much to my sadness, but not surprise... it is not available...someone must be borrowing the bag right now! This bag is in high demand, which shows I have excellent taste! As long as it is back for me when I win...
Posted by: Carol | April 22, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I'm looking for a couture Summer bag! I never have a great Summer bag that works well & looks HOT! I'm thrilled at the idea of NOT spending $2000 bucks for one. Great post.
Posted by: Jean V Pratt | April 22, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Yeah! These are some great answers! Keep them coming!
Lauren - Second City Style
Posted by: Lauren - Second City Style | April 22, 2009 at 11:40 AM
The Hermes Crocodile Kelly bag is beautiful and in the words of Rachel Zoe; "I die, I die".
@Mojo Writer Luv it! Lol! Call me!
Posted by: Karen T | April 22, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Becky from Avelle here. I personally love love the Hermes Vintage Croc Kelly handbag. And had in my hands only days ago. Couldn't put it down! It is so amazing. Wasn't sure if I felt like movie star or royalty. Kind of both. Lucky Grace K to have a lux bag like this named for her.
Posted by: Becky - Avelle | April 22, 2009 at 12:08 PM
#6 Yves Saint Laurent downtown large tote because bronze is ALWAYS beautiful and I'm a downtown girl in need of a good, strong, downtown tote to tote around all my crap! ;-)
Posted by: Alexandria | April 22, 2009 at 12:23 PM
THe vintage Hermes is to !@#$ing die for! UHHHH, I need it I need it! Its so beautiful AND has a great professional look to it. I'd rent that baby for a nice long time!
Posted by: Isabella Lindsey | April 22, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Forget the American Express. I would never leave home without my 'Moschino Vintage Masion Handbag'.
It's completely unique, looking like nothing produced from today. Plus, it reminds me of the mod house in Tati's 'My Uncle', one of my favorite films. (FIngers crossed that I win!!!)
Posted by: Chicago Chic | April 22, 2009 at 12:28 PM
I prefer Chanel Vintage Classic 2.55 Quilted Bag as it goes with everything; But the #5 BE & D Kan Kan Tote calls to my sprit
Posted by: Raha | April 22, 2009 at 02:31 PM
@Raha I rented the BE & D Kan Kan tote two weeks ago and I kept getting compliments left and right! It was divine and had a hard time parting with it.
Posted by: Karen T | April 22, 2009 at 03:05 PM
Isn't that Kelly bag amazing? I know, I die too. It's bananas. Mind you, once I had my hands on it, I'm not sure I would give it back and death would ensue for having a $20,000 charge on my AMEX.
I recently saw, held, coveted both BE & D bags pictured in the first grouping and I want both...like for keeps. Not sure I could give those back either! The 'Cosette' bag is surprisingly light...even with the chain, it's not Marc Jacobs heavy. I have to say it looked like kit belonged on my shoulder :)
Posted by: Lauren - Second City Style | April 22, 2009 at 05:27 PM
I'm thinking snakeskin, and in particular, python! The Gucci Pop Bamboo Tote, the Lambertson Truex Geneveive Satchel, and even the Judith Leiber Python Clutch have slithered into my consciousness. They are hissing at me, begging to be borrowed.
Posted by: SusaninWP | April 22, 2009 at 06:10 PM
I have a definite weakness for Prada and the #8 Prada Nappa Ruffled Tote is AMAZING! I love neutral bags with a flash of character. Already dreaming of which outfits it would complement most...
Posted by: Rachel | April 22, 2009 at 06:11 PM
The ruffled details on the BE & D Kan Kan tote (number 5) would be my pick - it's fun yet the color adds a touch of simplicity that adds a zing to every outfit - perfect for those girls who prefers to go with classic outfits - but with a modern twist! Ahh its so cute! ;)
Posted by: icecreamgirlmz | April 22, 2009 at 08:27 PM
These are some great answers. You all can/should go through the Avelle site and share your favorite bags with us. Don't just agree with my picks! Feel free to disagree as a matter of fact! We WANT to know what bags float YOUR boat.
Posted by: Lauren - Second City Style | April 23, 2009 at 01:52 PM
The Chanel Large Shopping Tote would satisfy the bag diva in me.
Posted by: Naomi P | April 23, 2009 at 04:40 PM
I just read your challenge to all of us to find other fabulous favorites. And thought a pop of color would be fun to add to this list...BUT since your obviously a vintage lover how about the Hermes Red Leather Birkin. I absolutely love Vintage too and this is another favorite of mine.
http://twurl.nl/tp5vyr
Posted by: Becky - Avelle | April 23, 2009 at 10:32 PM
I like number 5, the BE & D Kan Kan Tote! It's so fun, feminine, and attention-getting, but still really classy. Beautiful :)
Posted by: MA | April 24, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Tylie Malibu Sahara Hobo Handbag in grey- it is a cross body style- Perfect size, color goes with everything & grey is my fave. Such an interesting company!
mineolas@gmail.com
Posted by: HollyC | April 24, 2009 at 03:56 PM