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Rent the Runway in Real Life

I put it to a vote here on which dress I should order for the wedding I attended this past weekend. Well, here's the winner in action!











 
dress-Elie Tahari via Rent the Runway, belt-Asos, heels-Forever 21(similar here), necklace/sunnies-Banana Republic(similar here and here), clutch-H&M(similar here), rings/bracelet-Jewel Mint

How fabulous am I in this dress?!!! I loved it and loved myself in it and brought the chic with a capital CH to the event. The pattern is flat in the fabric, that's not actual lace, which is fine. I wanted to push the textural element in the pattern and give it some edge so, I cinched it in with a metal-plated/spike belt.  These heels were chosen partially for comfort, and partially for height.

I didn't upstage the bride though, who was beyond gorge in a very tasteful strapless gown with the most delicate layers of chiffon. Congrats to Steph and Erik! You may recall Steph from this closet visit post.

Now let's talk about designer garments versus fast fashion retailers.... Remember this dress:

 
This is a very similar silhouette and cut to the rented Elie Tahari dress:
 
 
If you click on the images to expand you'll see how DIFFERENT the fit is with each dress. That's what makes a designer garment (somewhat)worth the higher price.  Fit, fabric, construction, are what (should) elevate a typical straight-shift dress from being tight in the armpits to fitted and stunning.  Of course, some designer-ware is astronomically expensive and you CAN find quality garments at your average retailer, but if you have the opportunity, go out and try on a few designer dresses. Get an idea of what a proper fit feels like. You'll have a better frame of reference when deciding whether or not to buy a cheaper/fast-fashion version.  Regardless of what you could save, if it doesn't fit best to leave it on the rack or send it back. Yeah, I think I made a mistake with the Dorothy Perkins dress above, I should have returned it.

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