I am not an outfit repeater (unlike Lizzie McGuire). If I’ve worn an outfit to an event, the chances that I’ll wear it out again are slim. Maybe if I didn’t post on Instagram in said ‘fit, I’d consider. Or if the invite list is totally different and it’s been at least two years.
It sounds obscene, I know. However, I don’t do this because I’m scared people will judge me or even notice, I just love clothes. Each new event is a new reason for me to shop. That’s why Rent the Runway is perfect for me.
RTR is a virtual, national clothing rental service. Each item available to rent is really from the “runway.” Bringing high-end designer brands to your home, RTR allows users to rent an individual item for a set price for a limited period of time. If you’ve received a wedding invite or have a black tie event to attend, you could rent that $700 LoveShackFancy dress you’ve had your eye on for $50.
There are also subscription options ranging by price, item number and how often your new looks are shipped: four items for $89 a month with one shipment over the time period, eight items a month for $135 with two shipments or 16 items a month for $199 with 4 shipments. However, each subscription offers a discount for the first month: $69, $99 and $149, respectively.
I chose the first subscription option. After paying, I was given access to RTR’s enormous closet and spent about a day deciding which items would be temporary members of my wardrobe. With an upcoming mother-daughter trip to Miami and an Eric Church concert to attend, I was on a mission for specific-style items to fill up my four slots. It was easy to interchange the items if I changed my mind too.
Two days later, my new little gems were on my doorstep.
The first item I chose was a pink patterned lace-up top by BARDOT, originally retailing for $99. This top ended up being my least favorite of the four, only because I felt it wasn’t extremely flattering. It certainly brought out the red in my newly sunkissed skin. While in Miami, I wore it with a pair of white jeans and pink sneakers to shop and eat in. I surely felt luxurious wearing it, as most of the tops I own are $50 or below.
I decided the second and third items would go together in an outfit. By Great Jones, I chose a pair of silky yellow pants, detailed with flowers and birds originally selling for $280 — they immediately screamed “Miami!” — this one was easy for me. I paired them with a simple, yet elegant, one shoulder top by Just BEE Queen, originally $235. I could dress it up with a skirt and heels, or down with a pair of jeans and some sneakers. I got plenty of use out of it in the month before I had to send it back.
I actually had a friend approach me, scolding me for purchasing a $250 top, “I saw that on Revolve, it’s so expensive!”
They’ll never know if you don’t tell them….
Not to mention, I got compliments from strangers while hitting the streets of Miami. The nearly $500 outfit certainly made me feel glamorous. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about getting the pieces dirty because each item is dry cleaned as soon as it returns to the RTR warehouse. However, if you do completely trash a piece (tears or stains) there is a fee to pay, depending on the item’s original price.
The fourth and final item I received was a frilly, blue, yellow and pink dress by the brand MISA Los Angeles originally on sale for a whopping $374. My intention is to wear it to the Eric Church concert tonight, paired with white cowgirl boots and a hat. However, I dressed it down with sneakers and a cardigan and wore it on a sunny Sunday morning to brunch. The second I tried the dress on for the first time, I absolutely felt like America’s sweetheart.
This dress was the one I was most excited to wear and ended up being my favorite of the four. It was so flattering, and had elastic at the waist, allowing me to customize how long or short it was. And even if the dress was too big or too small, RTR gives the option to exchange the items for a different size if needed.
The one obvious down-side of RTR is having to return the items you’ve so newly fallen in love with. Lucky for us, you can just rent the items again another month, or buy the items at a discounted price. My once-$280 pants were offered to me for $196, and I can’t say the thought of splurging on them didn’t cross my mind for a split second.
After one month of subscribing to RTR’s service, I’m sold. I had so much fun picking out items I wouldn’t normally be able to afford, and at the end of the day, the items I got were everything I needed them to be. And even if I can’t find clothing suited for what I need in the future, RTR’s collection of bags, shoes and accessories is endless and above all chic.
The subscription would be great for grad-party season and greek life rush for incoming college freshmen. The singular rental options that RTR has to offer are also great — I’ve found a few of the higher-end prom dresses I’ve taken interest in are available to rent off the site for between $50-80.
I’ve renewed my subscription and am already looking for spring break ‘fits. Rent The Runway is the most stress-free, luxurious shopping spree ever.
Related
Leave a Reply