It's Rented: A Rent the Runway Review

(Photo courtesy of Rent the Runway)

Galas, company holiday parties, cocktail parties ... It's that time of the year and how many ball gowns do you have in your closet?

Since Darling Husband and I moved to the West Side of Washington State, we find ourselves attending more formal events. Sure I have cute dresses I have worn to weddings and (eep) in college... But sometimes I need a dress that is more formal. I also have that silly desire to not wear the same dress to every event.

I had a vision of what I wanted to wear to my company’s holiday party in December, but I couldn't find anything that made my dreams come true in my city. I wanted a jewel toned, satin party dress with great shape and quality fabric. Olympia had nothing like that.

I went on Kate Spade's website, but I just couldn’t whip out my American Express and spend $400+ on a dress. That's a plane ticket and I would rather go somewhere fabulous.

Desperately searching online, I found Rent the Runway had Kate spade dresses to rent from $30 to $100. This was much better. They had exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately they didn't have a free backup size for me to add to my order - so make sure to rent early for more options! 

I ordered my size 2 Kate Spade Molly Dress and the necklace pictured with it (after reading all of the reviews on the site). I chose to rent for four days, rather than 8. I really like how you could keep it longer.

The dress arrived on my porch in a plastic bag to keep the luxe garment bag dry from the rain. Wow. The dress was clean and pressed. The necklace was in a good sturdy box.

The dress fit was spot on. I slept so well that night knowing my dress was perfect.

My co-workers loved the dress. One told me I looked like Audrey Hepburn. I loved that I could put my hands in the pockets and I may have twirled. Maybe.

After the party, the dress and necklace went back in the bag and Darling Husband dropped it in a UPS drop box the next morning. Easy! 

Verdict: In terms of travel, I could totally see myself renting again for formal nights on a cruise, at a destination wedding or on a girls weekend to Palm Springs. This was so fun when I needed something special. It would also be great to rent a wedding dress (you only wear it once, ladies) or Homecoming and Prom dresses.I have a Fireman's Ball and Gala coming up in the next couple of months and I will definitely be renting again!

Myself and my favorite gals I work with.

Note: Rent the Runway in no way paid or reimbursed me for this review. But, the site did give me 20 percent off my first rental as a first-timer.