Fashion Firsts: A Styling Appointment at Rent the Runway Georgetown

We have all come to know and love Rent the Runway online. Now a few very lucky cities, Washington DC included, have been graced with the presence of a Rent the Runway storefront.

The brand's new Georgetown store gives us DC Fashiontonians a veritable playground of luxurious textiles and sparkling accessories to choose from.

I went for my first shopping experience yesterday morning, here is my Rent the Runway story.

P.S. Make sure to read my most important shopping tip at the end. It will make your RTR shopping experience near perfection!

10am - Arrive for my Styling Appointment, Check In, Peruse Store

10:15am - Meet with my Stylist, Dasia, and am Escorted to the Dressing Room

Insider Info: You can change the lighting in your dressing room by using the glowing panel on the side of your mirror. Choose from either evening, office, or outdoor to see your options in the perfect light.

10:20am - The Selection Begins

I loved the simplicity of shape and richness of color in this Roul gown, but it felt a bit 'safe' for New Years Eve. Dasia saved it to my Que so the next time I need a gown, I already know which one I love and what size fit. Guess work for future events - eliminated!

Georgina Gown by Raoul

This Badgley Mischka sequin gown is classic New Years Eve. It has a beautiful swooping back, which you can't see in the picture. The problem is this dress is too NYE, I bet at least ten other women would have the exact same dress, which is no fun at all.

Night at the Oscars Gown by Badgley Mischka

Now, this dress. Wow - what a dress! I never would have picked this out for myself but I'm so glad Dasia did. It was incredible, unlike anything I have ever worn before. This would have been THE dress had it not been so uber sexy with the cutouts on the side and back. This is DC, not Manhattan, and we're going to the Kennedy Center, not Lincoln Center. In a somewhat fashion conservative town, I felt this would be too much for the attire level of our New Years event. But this dress is definitely in the Que for a future night out!

Cage Lock Gown by BCBG Max Azria

10:45am: Dress is Selected, Rented, Other Gowns I Love Are Added to My Profile

And no, I'm not posting a picture of the final selection. We'll just have to wait until New Years Eve!

11am: Leave RTR with Swag Bag in Hand

Swag Bag complete with Perfume, Jewelry, Lotion, and More. Loved!

If you take nothing else from this Blog post about Rent the Runway, know this: save yourself some shoppping sanity, book a styling appointment in advance.

You have the option as a Rent the Runway shopper to schedule a Styling Appointment with one of their staff. The rates are very reasonable, $25 for a 45 minute session (single event) or $40 for a 90 minute session (multiple events). I was on the hunt for a single event dress, so I chose the $25 session.

Take my advice, pay the few extra dollars and book the appointment. My stylist, Ridasian (Dasia, for short) was incredible. By filling out my online profile she knew in advance what I was looking for, my size, and event date. When I arrived for my appointment she had a dressing room completely set up for me with heels and accessories to pair with the gowns. Dasia stood outside the dressing room the entire time to help with zipping/unzipping, adding/removing gowns, etc. While other girls were waiting in line for dressing rooms and running around the store, I was peacefully trying on each of my gowns with someone their to assist at a moments notice.

Also, the gowns Dasia pulled for me, I most likely would have never selected on my own. Working with a Stylist pushes you outside your fashion comfort zone, giving you a fresh perspective on your own look.

If you are shopping at RTR Georgetown, I highly recommend Dasia.

Until Next Time, Rent the Runway!

Happy Styling!
S.