There seems to be quite a bit of controversy generating around the bagborroworsteal.com Web site. It is a place for accessory hounds to “borrow” handbags, shades and jewelry. I personally think it is a good idea if you want to try out a bag but you can just as easily go to the store and ogle it as long as you’d like. When did renting and leasing move from houses and cars to designer goods? I love owning my accessories and this takes the thrill out of saving up for an item you desire. This also takes away the shopping aspect and being able to actually touch the product.

They require an expensive membership fee but if you want to have the latest trends ASAP, then this is for you. Shipping and sending the accessories back and forth might be a pain because the items are so delicate and high-priced. Rental prices are high but their selection is growing very quickly and they have every high-end designer your little heart desires. If you are going to spend $500 monthly on a rental bag, why not buy it? Overall I think the best reason to use this site is for trying out bags for a short period of time to get a feel for them before deciding which pricy one to actually purchase. Also, jewelry rental for special occassions could come in handy - like a black tie event, wedding, etc. It’s not for everyone but test drive some of their products and decide for yourself. Here are some samples of their available accessories:

LV clutch:

Jimmy Choo sunglasses:

Chanel bangle:

Betsey Johnson necklace:

New satirical and befuddling jewelry, from UK-based Your Eyes Lie and 100% Ms. Nickels approved:

cow ring:

grill earrings:

children necklace:

bird pendant:

unicorn pendant:

guns pendant:

What does Amy Winehouse do to ensure she doesn’t humiliate herself? She wears diapers. Yep, Lord forbid someone get a snapshot of her wetting her pants or something. Much better to save yourself the embarrassment and put on some pull-ups. Then give the paparazzi a good eyeful. Winner.

pic src: inf daily.

The Bay Area’s own Hieroglyphics are known as being underground hip-hop legends but are now being recognized for more than just their music: fashion. Hieroglyphics designer, Casual, has had positive responses from consumers on the high quality designer jeans for men. All jean styles are limited edition vintage washes. Some styles include organic jeans and black jean material for more formal events. I especially like the personalized touches - which include lyrics printed on the inside of the jeans and their “face” logo engraved on the button closures. Also available are destroyed vintage t-shirts, long and short sleeved. Boys, make sure you get a proper fit before you hit the town. The ladies will appreciate your style. Who would’ve thought Hiero would be recognized in the fashion world? Here is the cream of the crop.

www.hierojeans.com

GarBelle Clothing just got started this year and while they still have a lot of work to do in terms of marketing, their dresses hold a lot of potential. I haven’t had to chance to personally touch and feel the craftsmanship of the garments, but looking through their pics, they seem to be doing everything right stylistically. Pockets and hoods on classic cuts paired with shorter, fuller skirts - pretty fresh stuff. The only problem is they have got to get a better design on their MySpace page and they need a real website too, if they are going to take and be taken seriously. And while they’re at it, they should send Synthesis one in a size 2 so I can model  it and put it in our upcoming digital magazine, and then maybe I can has new pretty sundress for summer??? Ya? iLove…

This weekend I had the chance to spend some time in Portland, OR’s wonderful Hawthorne District, which is like a cleaner, better, all-around more awesome version of San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury. After grabbing some pizza at Vincente’s, which besides just having badass pie also serves Pabst 40s (FUCK YES), I cruised into a little boutique called Local35, which looked like it was going to be overpriced as f. The Portlandite accompanying me even warned me that the place was out of my rather meager price range, but maybe it was my lucky day: not only was there the sale of all sales happening at Local35, but the staff people were anything but the pretentious uber-hipsters I’d come to expect at similar stores in SF and elsewhere. They were totally down to earth, rad people, willing to chop it up even with a dude in scuffed Adidas and cheap denim. I had my eye on a pair of Celtic green Paul Cousy PF Flyers I had seen in the window, and lo and behold: the floor model, one of only a couple pairs left, was actually in my size (which seriously never happens) and the shoes were 35% off to boot (no pun intended). I walked out of Local35 with some new kicks, as well as a Cheap Monday shirt and a Gentle Fawn sweater for my lady, all for well under $100. Next time you’re bored in the PDX, definitely check out Local35. You’ll be glad you did.