Thursday, February 3, 2011

Renting A... Dress?

Would you rent a dress?

I didn't even know it was possible, but there are several companies that rent expensive designer dresses for about 10% of their sale-price.  One company, profiled in The New York Times here, was started by the two women on the left after they graduated from Harvard Business School.

Their business is called Rent The Runway and lets you have a dress for four days.

What do you think?  A good idea or a dumb one?
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23 comments:

  1. ToadMamaFebruary 3, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Fabulous! Men rent suits and tuxes all the time. Why shouldn't women have a rental option? Especially when there are dresses we'll never wear again that we have to buy. Like dresses for weddings.

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  2. freedaFebruary 3, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    I love it. I used to go to formal events each year - military functions - and I could never afford the type of dress that I would like!

    On the other hand, I'm not whatcha wanna call a sample size, so fit issues would worry me.

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  3. 20 YORK STREETFebruary 4, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    Yes and I heard (admittedly, from Sex and the City) that you can rent designer purses too! I know stores that rent prom dresses so I think this is a great idea!

    p.s. I can't wait to see the new stylin' soon!

    Stay Happy and Positive! (that's prob more for me these days..)

    besos,

    ML


    20 YORK STREET

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  4. UnknownFebruary 4, 2011 at 12:59 AM

    Absolutely I would and think it's a marvellous idea.

    Thanks for your comment on my post ... you're just the sweetest and always so encouraging.

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  5. EmmaFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    I would be scared that I would spill something on the dress lol. I would probably just stick to the dresses in my closet.

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  6. TanviFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    I have rented a dress form them once! :) I think its a fab idea!!!

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  7. BriannaFebruary 4, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    I think it's a great idea. I still wouldn't have the money for it but in theory, for me, it's great. When I have to dress up for something I usually end up turning to black because I can wear it again easier than, say, a hot pink dress. Which is sad. Because as much as I love black, it's fun to wear bright colors out!

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  8. neshaFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    I've never rented a dress but it is a great idea, especially if you need a dress for a prom- for example- and you know you're not going to wear it again.

    nesha xx

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  9. LaToyaFebruary 4, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    I joined the site to see what it was all about, but never used it. I already have a ton of dresses and I

    1) have something for every occasion already

    2) couldn't imagine spending money on something I couldn't keep.

    I get attached to my dresses, lol. For some people though it makes sense to rent.

    Hugs,
    http://achameleonscloset.blogspot.com/

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  10. Twenty.SomethingFebruary 4, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    I've actually rented a dress before! It was awesome because I was able to wear a gorgeous Halston Heritage gown to an event. I got to 'rent' the dress for 3 days, and then all I had to do was have it dry-cleaned and returned. It was definitely worth it! Although the entire night I was terrified of spilling wine on it or tearing it... that's the only downside.

    http://artfashiontwentysomething.blogspot.com

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  11. BonnieFebruary 4, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    I just heard about this a couple of days ago. I think it is a good idea, but I don't think I could ever do it. I don't like wearing used items, which is why I have never stepped foot in a Goodwill, flea market, or other used clothing shop. It creeps me out. I am also a strange size since I am so small, so I would need to get it far enough in advance to try it on. There are too many factors against it for me, but for less paranoid people, this is great.

    http://glamkittenslitterbox.blogspot.com/

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  12. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    I know that! And I get lots of great outfit ideas from their website. I'm signed to their newsletter too, I recommend it for you too :) Thank you so much for the compliment you left on my blog, I love reading your blog too as well as your lovely comments! You are such an inspiration! Thank you!!!
    XOXO Lidia
    thegirlbehindthefashionmask.blogspot.com

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  13. CherryColorsFebruary 4, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    It's a great idea! I wouldn't want to spend a fortune for a dress, I could only wear once (lets be realistic.. if someone sees you in the same dress two years in a row it is't good) xD.

    Anyway... I totally dig the idea.

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  14. RMbFebruary 4, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    that's a really good idea. like the above comment: why spend a ton for a one time thing?

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  15. The Closet ShopperFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    If I could afford to buy a super fancy designer dress, I'm sure I would only wear it once or twice so I think this is great. I didn't check out how much it was to rent them. But if it's reasonable, why not? bagborroworsteal.com has been doing this with designer purses for awhile and doing great.

    have a great weekend, darlin'.

    xo,
    tracy

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  16. LorenaFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    I actually subscribe to BBOS - Bag Borrow or Steal, there you can rent handbags and accessories... I've never rented from them though- actually I have never rented a dress.
    There is a place here that besides renting tuxedos they also rent formal gowns for women but I think their going price is 40 to 70 USD .... I don't think they are designer though.
    I would not rent. I rather buy it and then lend them for free to friends.
    That is what I do, whenever a friend has a wedding or an event to go to I offer the clothes I have at home... that way they get more wear...

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  17. nooneFebruary 4, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    yeah I've heard that before, also bag borrow or steal for renting purses... honestly I'd rather spend the money buying a nice as nice dress than spend $80 renting a $600 dress, but that's just me and I don't have that many $600 dress fancy parties to go to!

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  18. AshleyFebruary 4, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Good idea, although, at the same time, I don't think I'd ever do it. For one thing, I have yet to attend an event where a runway dress is necessary. Also, I think it's just some sort of value my mom instilled in me...own, don't rent. Have something to show for your money. Yeah!

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  19. Jenarcissist @ the closet narcissistFebruary 4, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    Hmm, I had never thought about it! The idea is intriguing because, like Closet Shopper said, how often would you really end up wearing it if you owned it? (We "closet" people are smart!! lol)

    At the same time, I also identify with Ashley because I like things to be MINE MINE MINE. ;) I'd hate to give it up after it was over. I think it would depend on the event and the dress...if I could spend the rental fee and get something else I really loved and would be able to keep, that would make my decision.

    Even though I've never been into designer labels, wearing something really expensive just for a night definitely has its allure!

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  20. Emily, Ruby Slipper JourneysFebruary 4, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    I would consider it if I had to be somewhere exceptionally fancy. Not having to attend these events regularly, I can't say I have a backlog of evening gowns. ; ) I'm not sure I would do it with more normal clothing however. It's nice to feel you own the pieces you're wearing.

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  21. SheilaFebruary 4, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    That would be awesome if I regularly had to go to special or formal events. Unlike a man, who can buy or rent a basic tux for events, a woman is expected to wear something different every time. That can be expensive!

    For my life now, however, when I only have maybe one formal event a year, I'll make do with what's in my closet (I have a couple of basic long gowns) or maybe go buy a beautiful new dress in a consignment shop.

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  22. oomph.February 7, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    i've never rented, but it's a fabulous idea. you can wear a great dress for the occassion, but you're not stuck with it after that.

    rockoomph.blogspot.com

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  23. Dear Girl WallflowerFebruary 7, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    I Once rented a dress...but it was for a wedding. I have thought many a time to have this kind of business that people can rent dress from me...=)

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