Shameless Social Climbing & Second-hand Choos

When I made this discovery, I swear I had a fashion orgasm. Rent the Runway is the latest in sites that allow you to rent couture gowns. There are also a few others, such as Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow, but RTR has the BEST selection.

Recently, I was invited to a black tie event on very short notice and I had 3 options: 1) old bridesmaids dress, 2) old prom dress (which was tight), or 3) castoffs from very generous, very tall and thin, friends (I’m practically a midget and a bit chesty- not pretty in these gowns!). Any of these options left me feeling not quite right, and certainly not ready should there be a stop and repeat- since the party was sponsored by Cadillac and Ultimat Vodka, I knew that was a likely possibility!

Now, the site is by invitation only, so I had to wrangle an invite from another girlfriend that was a member, plus hang out on the wait list for a few days, but once you’re “in”….wow. Let me just say…

We’re talking Robert Rodriguez, Just Cavalli, Proenza Schouler, Catherine Malandrino, even Christian Siriano (fierce!!). The site is broken out by occasions (‘Help! I have a hot date and nothing to wear!’) or trends (resort wear, ladylike, rocker chic, etc.) depending on where you are going and what look you are going for. You can also chat live with a stylist who can help you pick a dress, and even give you styling tips.

After I had a hot Badgley Mischka silk purple number in my hot little hand, I hightailed it right on over to www.avelle.com, the new Bag, Borrow or Steal website, which now features jewelry, in addition to amazing bags for rent. Per my stylist’s suggestion, I snapped up some fabulous Kenneth Jay Lane drop earrings and a Judith Leiber clutch ( I always wanted one of her bags!). OK, btw, did you know that “couture” earrings equals clip-on? That kinda hurt as the night wore on, but oh well- you don’t wear a skintight silk gown, 5 inch heels and earrings the size of dinner plates to be comfortable, right? Just a quick word on Judith’s bags- very beautiful, very sparkly, very SMALL. My iphone did not fit- all I had room for was ID, credit card, business cards and lipstick. I agonized on sending it back, and even took photos so I could reference for any future ensemble-planning. (*ahem, Valentine’s Day, sweetheart!).

The result? See my pic at right- we had a wonderful evening and I felt like I was at some super ritzy Golden Globes after-party. Yes, that is me with Delonte West, my favorite Cleveland Cavalier. Shaq and Lebron were also in attendance- see girls, shameless social-climbing DOES pay off!

The best part of all this? I got to keep my garmet bag and little baggie of safety pins, double-sided tape, etc. The whole process was completely easy- they sent a backup size just in case my first option didn’t work, and also sent a pre-printed label, so all I had to do was drop it off at the post office. I also rented the dress for 8 days vs. 4 (which was more expensive by approx. $30), because I was nervous about the dress not coming in time, however, it came just as they said it would. Next time I’ll rent for 4 days vs. 8 and save the cash!

I was a little paranoid about people spilling drinks on me, but that’s what the $5 insurance fee is for. Imagine my horror when my sweetie-pie suggested IHOP at 2 a.m. I had to patiently explain to him that IHOP + Badgely Mischka simply don’t mix- I'm not sure he got it; but we didn't go. Little victories.

Now the question is- who is going to start renting hot shoes to go with these outfits? A little birdie told me that there is a site in the works. What do you guys think- is it gross to rent shoes, or would you get down with a second-hand Choo?