It’s time for some real talk if you’re not already employing the utterly ingenious benefits of Rent The Runway [RTR].  The New York Times called Rent the Runway, “A Netflix Model for Haute Couture”.  The dresses, apparel and accessories to choose from are plentiful.   From packaging and delivery to care and return instructions, the overall experience is seamless and stress-free.   Just like Cinderella – the dress is yours til the clock strikes 12 [noon that is], the rest [dry-cleaning, repairs, stain removals, etc] is taken care of by Rent the Runway fairies.

My Experience with Rent The Runway

Though I have been familiar with RTR for years, I never actually rented until 2015.  We were invited to a wedding on my 30th birthday and the hunt for a spectacular one-time wear dress was on.   At last, I bit the bullet and splurged on this Parker rental.

Dress: Parker // Shoes: BCBG // Coat: Jennifer Lopez [yes, really – similar]

As luck would have it, I was so sick and it was so cold so no one ever really saw my dress.

The best part of RTR is that if you are unhappy with your selection, your account will be credited.   I already know what you’re thinking: “but then I won’t have a dress for my event.”  While that’s definitely the gamble, in my experience, I’ve only nixed two dresses [one rental].  Before renting, I take inventory of my closet in case that scenario were to arise again.  Always. Have. Back Up. aka Old Faithful.

Dress: Nicole Miller //  Shoes: Candies

I loved this dress, but unfortunately it felt too racy for the event I had rented it for.

Dress: Monique Lhuillier // Shoes: Candies

This was the backup rental for the same event and the fit was too large and matronly.

Dress: BCBG // Shoes: Kelly & Katie // Necklace: BaubleBar [Similar]

Wearing a size 2, a little snug, but the 4 was too loose.  Mom’s dress is White House Black Market [similar].  Y’all, I can only pray to look this good at my mama’s age.

Dress: Trina Turk // Shoes: Kelly & Katie

Wearing a size 2 – the fit was odd for my waistline, but the dress was comfortable and has pockets – so basically a win.  STC looks so handsome in that Bar III skinny tie [similar] – a struggle to get him on board.

Last Minute + Backup Dress #FTW

While in the throes of the flu and pneumonia, we attended a gala for STC’s high school alma mater this spring.  The mere thought of physically shopping for a dress was exhausting, and frankly impossible given my health.  Rent the Runway saved the day.  I picked [my quickest ever], they shipped, and it arrived in the nick of time [1 day before my event].

Dress: Likely // Shoes: Candies // Accessories: TJ Maxx

Suit: Alfani [Similar] // Tie: Bar III // Shirt: Michael Kors [Similar]

The size 2 fit like a glove until I went to put on my shoes and the middle slit ripped all the way up.  I was so grateful to pull out the size 4 and still feel like a million bucks.  Little did I know this would be the first of wardrobe malfunctions for me that night. My $15 Candies shoes from 3 years ago literally broke halfway through the night.  Sometimes you get what you pay for…

My Top Picks for this Summer

If your summer is a season of weddings or you are looking to try out some new styles in an affordable way, Rent the Runway is the answer.  It couldn’t be easier and I guarantee you will feel amazing.  See my picks [all under $100 rental fee] for 2018 summer dresses below.

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I hope your dress rental experience is as fantastic as mine have been.  The RTR customer service is nothing short of outstanding so do not hesitate to call/email them.  Happy renting, partying and returning friends!