Shop This: Rent the Runway

I'm not a big proponent of the bag rental services that have popped up in recent years, the Avelles and Bag, Borrow & Steals of the world. As far as I'm concerned, if you're going to spend up to $200 a month for a bag rental, you may as well save your money for a while and invest in a bag that you own and can love for years to come. That said, there's a new fashion rental service in town and this one, I must admit, has some merit.

Meet Rent the Runway. This clever new site specializes in gorgeous special occasion dress rentals, from designers like Diane von Furstenberg (above), Robert Rodriguez, Christian Siriano, Proenza Schouler and so many more.

Unlike a designer bag that you can carry everyday, a cocktail dress might hang in your closet for months without being worn. So for me, it makes sense to rent a dress for that special occasion - especially when Rent the Runway makes it so easy.  Prices are affordable (rentals start at $50) and you can shop by occasion - think Girls' Night Out, New Year's Eve, or Birthday.

Best of all, you're shipped an alternate size dress at no cost, along with a clever Fit Kit that includes double sided tape, braza (changes your bra to a racer back), deodorant, stain removal sponges and breath mints.  Shipments arrive within 3-4 days throughout most of the US, while same day delivery is available in Manhattan.

Once you've knocked them dead, returns are just as simple. Simply pop the dresses in the prepaid envelope included in your package, no dry cleaning required. Easy-peasy!

If you'd like an invitation to join Rent the Runway, visit www.renttherunway.com/bh.

Happy renting!