NYE ReCap - Who, What, and Where

After being totally sick with the flu last year, I am so glad to report that my NYE 2015 was a blast! Here is a very brief recap of the evening - what we did and who were the services that made it all happen.

Club Blowdry 

This was the first time I used Club Blowdry, and I was thrilled. My stylist showed up right on time, we set up a mini salon in my kitchen and 45 minutes later I had great NYE ready curls. The service was $60, tip is included and paid through the website (no money exchanges hands between you and the stylist). I loved Club Blowdry because I was able to get my hair done in my own home, run up stairs to dress, and was out the door in a snap. Would definitely recommend and will book again (and fyi, those curls last 48 hours - it was incredible!)

Rent the Runway

I wrote rave reviews about my experience at the RTR Georgetown store back in November (click here for earlier post) but the dress I chose was damaged, so they sent me an alternate. The alternate was too small and too long. I ran to the Georgetown store in a frantic at 6pm the day before New Years. The store was madness but I was able to find a replacement gown and was given it at an even exchange. A bit more drama than I was hoping for, but it all worked out! I received so many compliments on my BCBG Max Azria dress at the Kennedy Center, I will most certainly continue to rent from RTR.

My husband and I in the Grand Foyer, Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center

My husband and two of our awesome friends had an AMAZING time at the Kennedy Center for NYE. We saw Ozomalti (a latin, hip hop fusion band out of LA) perform with the NSO. They literally turned the concert hall into a dance party - I don't think the Kennedy Center has ever seen anything like it! After the show, we drank and danced in the Grand Foyer until the balloon drop at midnight. The Kennedy Center provided the perfect mix of an elegant, but rocking time, on New Years Eve. Bravo!

Ozomalti rocking it in the aisle

Ceiling of the concert hall, Kennedy Center

Toasting to the New Year with friends in the Grand Foyer, Kennedy Center

Cheers to a Happy New Year!
S.

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.