Champagne wardrobe on a beer budget

THE most ill-fitting accessory in a fashionista's wardrobe is a tight budget but online services make it possible to look the part without the price tag.

THE most ill-fitting accessory in a fashionista's wardrobe is a tight budget but, thanks to several online services, it is now possible to look the part without the exorbitant price tag.

Simone Marshall's job with Tony Bianco shoes takes her to social soirees in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as dealing with fashion editors daily, so she can't be seen in the same dress twice - tough when you're on an average wage with a mortgage.

"I always have to be in the latest look, but my bank balance doesn't afford me the luxury of buying new dresses,'' she said.

Instead, she is a regular customer of indiangiver .com.au, an online store that allows you to hire the latest look from designers like Willow, Kirrily Johnston and Camilla and Marc at a fraction of the price.

"Last week, at our function in Sydney, I wore a fabulous new purple Willow dress that retails for around $800 _ and I hired it for $120,'' Ms Marshall, 34, said.

"If I buy a dress for $600 to $700, I know I'm only going to wear it a few times, so I can hire six new dresses for the same money.''

She uses the service monthly: dresses are booked and couriered to her for the big occasion and picked up on the next business day.

Vivienne Cheng, 30, is an admitted fashion addict.

"It's a big part of my spending life,'' she said.

But, thanks to theward robestore.com, she has an enviable handbag collection - Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior - for which she paid a fraction of the retail price.

"I bought a Gucci bag for $800 and I just love it - it retails for $2000,'' she said.

Last year, Ms Cheng paid $700 for a limited-edition Louis Vuitton bag, only seen on the arms of celebrities, then on-sold it to an envious friend for $1000.

"I don't know why it was so cheap in the first place,'' she said. The store buys and sells barely worn designer clothes, bags and shoes.

Imagine a pair of Prada shell shoes for just $190, or a pair of pink suede Manolo Blahnik heels for $200, and you're in the picture.

The site also has aCBD boutique in York St.

Working mother-of-three Libby Hayes was thrilled to spend $300 on three tops and a skirt there.

"I got a yellow skirt I had admired in the shops months ago, but it cost too much - and I just bought it for $60,'' she said.

"I've never bought second-hand clothes before, but I have bought products I never would have gone near before because of the cost - I'm loving it!''

If designer bags are your weakness, you can borrow the latest Chloe or Gucci bag from milaandeddie.com.au, a subscription-based business that lets you to keep the bags or swap them as long as you are a member.