If TI (aka The King of the South's) recent hit single Whatever You Like is any indicator of how the rap star demographic was affected by the economic failings of October, it's pretty clear that they're in for higher taxes once Obama takes office. In fact, for most of us, the high flying, big spending lifestyle of rap superstars was out of our reach even before the economy took a detour; but that doesn't mean all entertainers have forgotten Joe Six Pack!

Weird Al, the master of parodies, took it upon himself to create a version of TI's Whatever You Like which focuses on how he will still treat his sweetie right even though, "our economy's in the toilet ." Weird Al humorously trades in handbags and jets for goodwill underwear and bus tokens as he attempts to impress his "shorty" and still come in under budget.



Whatever You Like was just the relief I needed from the reports of factory closings and unemployment that cover my hometown newspaper. Don't get me wrong, the current state of the economy is no laughing matter; but I still got a chuckle knowing Weird Al was helping me learn how to sweet talk my wife without breaking the bank. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go make some Top Ramen and Tater Tots!

Addictions come in all forms; drugs, recreations, stimulations. One of the most expensive I've been aware of is fashion addiction, and one of the cleverest enablers on the market is the web business BagBorroworSteal.com.

Bag, Borrow or Steal works like Netflix for the fashionista. Customers can choose designer handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and more from its extensive collection to rent for a day, week, month or more. The item is then shipped to them. When the customer is ready to trade in the cool jewel or Prada purse, she sends it back to BBS. If she's fallen in love with the item, she also has the option to buy it outright.

The site offers several ancillary services, including a fashion consultant, a rewards program, and rentals grouped by trend, such as fashions popularized by Sex in the City. A member program also offers discounts off of the rental rate.

As you might expect, the rental, while paling in comparison with the purchase price, is still significant. A Prada Mirtillo Tote will set you back $100 a week, a Valentino Histore Patent Tote $137 a week. A Tiffany Eternal Link necklace runs $78 a week, a Vera Wang aquamarine ring $150 a week, and a Kara Ross Lizard and Ostrich Clutch as seen in Sex in the City $78 a week.

For special occasions or a celebratory splurge, Borrowdesignerbags.com could be a very reasonably priced option to experience the high life, a week at a time.

Other fashion tips:

Upcoming Henri Bendel sale

If luxury car dealers check out your watch and shoes to determine if you're a serious buyer or not, it stands to reason that they'd check out your bag, too. Bags, after all, have become the signature accessory for the well-dressed gal who wants to show off the thickness of her wallet.

Or the thickness of her head: It's possible to spend six-digits for certain designer bags. We know they're cute and all, but spending the equivalent of a year's salary for a purse strikes us as, well, profligate. But then we suppose that's the point.

We here at WalletPop prefer to find our "signature" accessories on the cheap. And nobody has to know you've bagged a Fendi bag for more than 1/2 off, do they? We promise we won't tell.

Here's a sweet deal: This lovely leather hobo bag in camel is normally nearly $900 - selling here today for the affordable (for designer bags that is) $375. Not only does it come to you via free shipping, you get the dust bag, too. Check it out at SnazzyBuys.com.