Enter Rent the Runway:
What, you can't tell what that means? It's basically like a Netflix for dresses and accessories:
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Perfect for someone who, perhaps, isn't buying anything new for a year.
The cool thing about RTR is they appreciate how difficult it can be to find something that fits correctly and accommodate their customers accordingly. When you rent from them, you get the option to add a second size in the same dress for free. On top of that, you can add one more dress in a different style for $25.
After browsing through all of the floor-length dresses, I narrowed it down to these two:
On the right: David Meister Night in Barcelona Gown; retail $595, rents for $100.
I hemmed and hawed over what dress/size combinations to get. I was certain the Blue Taffeta dress would be perfect, emphasizing and covering just the right areas. And since it was $25 more than the Barcelona, I was debating whether or not I even needed to get a second dress.
In the end, I ordered the Blue Taffeta in two sizes, and the Barcelona in one. What I didn't know before ordering was, there is a mandatory $5 insurance fee per dress. It makes sense, and I'd rather pay $5 than $895 to replace a dress I ruined, but couldn't they just include that in the price?
So with the $10 insurance fee, shipping, and a 15% off coupon code, the grand total was $147.45
Not too shabby, considering these were designer dresses. That, and the fact that I won't have to feel guilty about a fancy dress hanging in my closet forever and having nowhere to wear it (come on, I can't wear it to the same event again next year).
So the Thursday before the event, this showed up:
Huzzah!
I tried all three on, wore one around the house while I talked to Sameer on the phone, and decided that was probably the one I should wear.
My tips for renting:
1. Know your body type.
Most of the rentals will claim they look good on all or most body types, but some will be more specific. This is at least a good starting place for finding the right dress. In case you were wondering, I am a pear.
2. Know what looks good on you.
Probably a more accurate gauge is to actually have an idea of what sort of styles or features look good on your body. For instance, after trying to wear them for years and never being happy, I finally figured out that empire waists are generally unflattering on me. Something that emphasizes the natural waistline is much better on me. Go to the store and try on different kinds of dresses, you may be surprised with what you find makes you look and feel good. Luckily you'll only have to do it once, because no matter what size you are, the same general styles will always look good on you. The same thing goes for colors.
3. Know what doesn't look good on you.
Empire waists, for example. I don't like clingy fabrics. If you can rule anything out ahead of time, do it - there is a lot to sift through on the site! The same thing again goes for colors.
4. Take accurate measurements.
If you need someone to help you, ask. Don't just guess.
5. Pay attention to any fit details and read the reviews.
Lots of other people have tried the dress before you, listen to what they have to say.
Oh, which one did I wear?
6. Always spring for the backup. I was so, so sure the blue dress would be perfect, but when I tried it on it was all wrong. It probably looked fine, but the waist hit me in the wrong place, the zipper bunched up in the back, and the off-the-shoulder arm thing wouldn't stay in place, whatever "in place" was supposed to be. I knew I would be uncomfortable in it, and the best thing to do was let it go and wear the backup. Luckily it was a good fit, and I felt comfortable and secure in it!
Stay tuned for more about my Nothing New ensemble...
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