We rent apartments, cars, and DVDs, but as pop culture continues to influence our lifestyle, even couture is now available to rent. Sure we can't all afford the designer duds cropping up on couture runways from here to Paris, but as the New York Times reports, the recessionistas among us have found another way to get their hands on the coveted — and pricey — merchandise.

Modeled after the "rent-by-web" model, the new site, Rent the Runway, offers clothes from design houses like DvF, Heve Leger, and Catherine Malandrino, to name a few, for anywhere from $50 to $200 dollars for a four-night stay in your very own closet — even dry-cleaning's included in the cost of rental.The only downside, of course, is that fact, that after a couple nights of dancing in your designer number, you'll be forced to pack it up and send it right back.

It's a pretty innovative way to give us the chance — or at least, the illusion — of having it all. Still, I'm wondering does it make a difference to you if you know you don't own the item? Does renting the couture make it feel any less special or is the concept a smart way to give women a luxurious experience without the luxury price tag?