A New Look - For Less!

If you're like me, the last few years have offered many events where "business casual" is not appropriate.  Between holiday parties, weddings, and the occasional girls night out it seems that I am always looking for a new fresh, flirty, and fun dress.  However, it has become more and more difficult to find something unique, age appropriate, and the big kicker - at the right price.

Well, I may have the solution for you.  It's called renttherunway.com - and it's just as it sounds.  A website that offers dresses from some of the most popular brands at a fraction of the price for you to rent for an upcoming event.  It's an idea that friends and I have joked about for years...but never thought would happen.

Here's how it works.  Say you have an upcoming event that you need something a little nicer for but don't have a lot of extra cash.  Go to the site, enter your dress size, style, occasion, and your body type.  The site then generates a list of available dresses for you to peruse through.  Choose the dress you want (the site recommends choosing a date 1-2 days prior to your event), then mail it back the day after the event in the return packaging provided.  The best part?  If you are unsure of what size you are order the dress in the two sizes you think will be most appropriate - for no additional charge!  Rentals start at $50 (for dresses around $350 retail) to $350 (for dresses and gowns up to $4000).  This is a great way for you to find the dress that Mila Kunis wore on the cover of Cosmo, or Blake Lively wore in an episode of Gossip Girl - for a fraction of the price!

When the site first came out, I was a little hesitant.  For one thing, the selection was dismal and the sizes were far from my size 10-12 figure.  However, like any site, it was a starting point and the selection and variety of sizes has now quadrupled!  Many people I know are taking advantage of this site - and for good reason.  A friend of mine has her wedding coming up, and would like to have a few options for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners.  Last year when I got married, I probably spent over $1000 on dresses and outfits for these events.  Admittedly, I didn't have to have a new outfit for every occasion, but when photos are being taken most women prefer to look fabulous and feel the best in something personally selected for an event.  Any who, back to my friend.  After e-mailing back and forth possible options for this event, she started sending me options on possible dresses for her upcoming occasions - from renttherunway.  In the running?  This Herve Leger Off Shoulder Hombre Dress.

Retail: $1590. Rental: $150.  Looking like a Celebrity on your special occasion: Priceless.

So check this site out when you have something coming up.  They have everything from fashion forward trendy pieces to more classic looks.  Need accessories like a beautiful clutch or a funky necklace?  They've got you covered.  Get your whole look without the hassle of making that dreaded trip to the mall and running around trying to find the perfect combination of clothes and accessories.

Hopefully the next time I see you at a wedding you are looking effortlessly chic - for less.  And don't worry, I won't tell a soul.  After all, I will be probably be in the same boat.  Let's just hope we didn't choose the same dress :).

XOXO,

Allison