I love the feeling of getting new clothes but it's impossible to find the time to shop. Not to mention the cost of buying new clothes all the time can really add up. I used to spend my free time window shopping and browsing at a bunch of different stores, but now between my demanding work schedule and trying to keep up with my social life, shopping isn't the luxury it once was. Instead, it's become a thing I do when I absolutely need a new top because my other ones have had one too many trips to the dry cleaners and are faded and tattered.
I have a coworker who always looks put together and stylish and never fails to have something new to wear. When I asked her how she finds the time to shop, she told me she doesn't...she rents. It's called Rent the Runway and she uses it as a way to save time while still having access to an endless closet. She rents with the Unlimited plan, which means she gets to try new styles as often as she likes. I was a bit skeptical at first. Could I really find new clothes I liked this way? And could a rental service really satisfy my love for shopping? She said she swears by it, so I decided to check them out.
On Rent the Runway's Unlimited plan, you pick 4 items of clothing at a time--keep them as long as you want and return them when you're ready for something new. And if there's something you can't live without, you can buy it at a discounted members-only price. They have over 450 brands to choose from with everything from dresses, tops, skirts, and outerwear to handbags and jewelry. It's always easy to choose my new pieces because each one has extensive, detailed reviews with pictures.
For my first order, I picked a sleeveless, Elizabeth and James knee-length gray dress, a pair of Rebecca Taylor tapered navy slacks, a Joie loose-fitting silk blouse, and a pair of Kate Spade earrings. When my first shipment arrived, I was happy to find out that the reviews had been spot on. The clothes fit well and looked amazing. I finally had that stylish, professional look I'd been going for and my friend noticed! I sent back everything after a couple of days then chose my next shipment. I've been using the service for a few months now, and I've even kept a couple of items with my members-only discount, like my new Rachel Zoe blazer because it goes with everything. I usually get six to seven shipments a month and am constantly rotating out my pieces for something new.
The best part is how easy it is. Whenever I'm done, I just drop off everything at UPS and Rent the Runway covers the rest. Then, I can pick out something new and wait for my next shipment to arrive...it's that simple. My favorite perk? I don't have to waste money on dry cleaning--it's included!
Shopping with Rent the Runway is the ideal way for me to access an endless closet of new styles for $159/month. I can indulge my love of shopping and constantly find new looks to compliment my style. Now, every time I wear something from Rent the Runway, people ask me where I got it, I tell them my secret, I rent!
