This week our style awards winner Vanessa struck a perfect pose and ran away with the votes. Vanessa looked gorgeous in Badgley Mischka's Miss Mysterious Gown - it's no wonder she got tons of compliments. Congrats!

Malin first caught our attention playing supporting roles in some of our favorite romantic comedies (27 Dresses, The Proposal) and we can tell that it’s only a matter of time before she’s a bona fide leading lady.  She has a Cameron Diaz-esque penchant for short dresses, and inspired sartorial choices.  With her flaxen hair and piercing blue eyes, she’s a stunning beauty that's patiently waiting to step into the Style Spotlight.

Looking fresh in orange, Malin lets her neutral (yet sassy- check out the python clutch) accessories complement the bold color of her dress.  Steal her style for a cocktail party.

Malin flaunts her figure in a one-shoulder bandage dress, and you can do the same in this showstopping number by Hervé Léger.  With a fun cuff, you’re ready for a night on the town.

Vamping it up, Malin is a vixen in a ladylike red dress.  A big cocktail ring goes great with this look for a hot date night.

1 New Hervé Léger

Just when you thought it couldn't get any hotter, 7 new styles to heat it up even further.

2 Highline Roller Rink

Jeannice, our office roller derby racer, is ready for the highline rink opening this Thursday under the Highline.  It’s only open for a limited time, so check out details here.

3 Sleep No More

Chondita says this epic experiential theater production cannot be missed.  Part Macbeth, part Eyes Wide Shut, a little Twin Peaks... it must be seen to be believed.

4 Gorgeous Fall Gowns

In the midst of this sweltering heat, doesn’t a cool fall evening wearing one of these gorgeous gowns sound nice?

5 The Fat Radish

Ashley loves this Lower East spot with a farm-to-table menu and garden ambiance. 

6 16 Handles

The last thing we need is another reason to crave frozen yogurt, but this self-serve spot with 16 rotating flavors and do-it-yourself toppings is definitely crave-worthy.  Now if we could just figure out how to not overload the cup with too many toppings...

7 Entourage

Vince and the gang are back for their last season, and while it's certainly not as exciting as it used to be, it'll do the trick during the slow summer TV season.

8 Big Spender

With this Essie polish, Ashley cannot stop looking at her pretty purple toes.

9 Left Bank

This brand new West Village restaurant just opened, and even week one the food was on point. Recommended: the delicious pork chop with sauerkraut (trust us, it's lighter than it sounds!).

10 Extreme Couponing

Alissa, Rachel, and Stephanie are all obsessed with the TLC show Extreme Couponing.  It’s hard not to be amazed by someone who can walk out of the grocery store paying nothing for $500 worth of food.

Prabal Gurung and Joseph Altuzarra designed collections for Swarovski sparkle, Christian Siriano has an enviable apartment, and lipstick is the new thing for Rachel Zoe and Kate Spade.  Here’s our round-up of what’s going in fashion right now.

Prabal Gurung and Joseph Altuzarra for Atelier Swarovski

Prabal Gurung and Joseph Altuzarra have designed limited edition jewelry collections for Atelier Swarovski, and the collections will be sold exclusively at the Swarovski Crystallized shop in Manhattan.  Gurung’s pieces are fierce and ‘80s inspired while Altuzarra’s are variations on the resin cuff.  It’s hard to choose what we like better!  [Racked]

Christian Siriano shows off his NYC digs

Recently, Christian Siriano opened the doors to his fantastic New York apartment for an exclusive interview with Refinery 29.  Check out the pics of his abode here.  [Refinery 29]

Rachel Zoe and Kate Spade to launch lipstick

Is lipstick the new perfume?  It seems like everyone wanted to get in on the fragrance industry, but Rachel Zoe and Kate Spade are now both launching lipstick collections.  Rachel’s line is named Exude, while Kate’s is called Supercalifragilipstick (so cute!).  We can’t wait to try them out.  [Sassybella]

It might be impossible to contain summer in a bottle, but these sunny lemon, lime, and orange hues are the next best thing.  We love that these happy colors can’t help but brighten up our mood and bring good summer vibes.   On the set of Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester is looking citrusy fresh in a citrus-print Stella McCartney skirt. 

Take note from Leighton (or Blair Waldorf?) and don’t shy away from the head-turning brights. She goes for the full head-to-toe look with orangey-red lipstick, accessorizing with a punchy orange bag and pumps. With a print, we prefer to keep accessories simple, but with a solid, colorful jewelry is encouraged!   

Show any guy a picture of Brooklyn Decker and they'll probably recognize her immediately. Best known for her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover, we'd originally written her off as a guy’s girl. Then, she chopped off her hair, got a part in a movie, and suddenly she was spending less time in a bikini and more time showing of her killer style. We love her edgy yet conservative choices, so we wanted to give Brooklyn time to shine in this week’s Style Spotlight.

Brooklyn looks sizzling in a red mini and Dannijo bracelets at the ESPYs.  Steal her style for your own red carpet look.

Add some sass to sunny yellow with a bold black necklace for a night on the town.

Even in a ruffled sweetheart neckline, Brooklyn’s poise gives her an edge.  This stunning red gown will be sure to stand out at your next black tie event.

If you’re anything like us, half of your summer weekends been filled with weddings, and the other half have been filled with wondering what to wear to those weddings.  Stress no more because we’ve chosen uncomplicated looks that will take can help you look effortless all weekend long.  Stick with versatile accessories and packable fabrics that won’t look rumpled when you get there. With these tips, you’ll be free to worry about more important things like say, flirting with that adorable groomsman.

Rehearsal Dinner

A comfortable jersey dress with elegant draping or a dress with subtle embellishment is an excellent option for the first event of the weekend.  Simple jewelry will make the look more polished.

Wedding

Go dressier for the main event with pretty ruffles and floaty fabrics that are perfect for dancing.

Brunch

Look fresh on Sunday morning in a playful pattern or color and wear the same simple jewelry that you wore for the rehearsal.

Accessories

Versatile accessories are the way to go when you’re packing for a weekend away.  Any of these will work for any event throughout the weekend and look great with virtually every outfit they’re paired with.

1 Carmen Marc Valvo

The red carpet fave has hit Rent the Runway with his showstopping fashions.

2 Geek Chic Art

Lara loves this creative interpretation of I Love You - it's written in binary code.  With this on your wall, you can let your inner computer nerd out in style.

3 Pinkberry Salted Caramel Cones

Creamy, sweet, salty, crunchy... need we say more??  Chondita and the rest of the office have a thing for one-handed pinkberry.

4 $500 Rent the Runway Style Upgrade

Enter to win now on our Facebook page by telling us your favorite summer style.

5 iTunes Festival: London 2011

Megan is LOVING the iTunes Festival: London 2011, specifically last week’s Adele performance.  If you're like her and couldn't make the trek to London for the performance, you can relive it through the live tracks now available on iTunes.  She especially loves her cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me.”

6 Surf Lodge

We know the word is already out on Surf Lodge given the 1000 or so pretty young things all dressed up waiting on line Saturday night, but Jenn did enjoy some afternoon drinks there with the incredible live music and the laid back summery vibe. It closes at the end of September so get there quick.

7 September Issue of Tattoo Magazine

Check out this page from Tattoo Magazine.  That's Alex from our very own Operations team on the top right. We're eagerly awaiting the first Rent the Runway tattoo...

8 PS1 Warm Up Parties

Warm Up 2011, presented by MoMA PS1, takes place every Saturday this summer through September 3.  Erica loves the museum's outdoor series that introduces audiences to the best in experimental live music, sound, performance, and DJs.

9 Newport, RI

After a weekend trip, Cathy fell in love with the charming Rhode Island town of Newport.  Cute shops, seaside dining, boat rides around Narragansett Bay, and the beautiful Bellevue mansions are an adorable respite from the fast pace in Manhattan.

10 Nitehawk Cinema

Table-side service is the kind of movie theater experience that Erica likes.  At this new theater in Williamsburg, you’ll find a street-level café serving gourmet concessions and cocktails along with service during the movies.

Lucky girls get the chance to eat ice cream and hang with Matthew Williamson, rumors swirl that Kanye is designing womenswear, and Thakoon launches e-commerce.  Here's what's interesting in the wild world of fashion this week. 

Matthew Williamson’s Sweet Collaboration with Cat Deeley

Cat Deeley has teamed up with Haagen Dazs to design their new boudoir located in London’s Covent Garden, and she asked her good friend Matthew Williamson to help out.  Until the end of the month, girls can come in for cocktails, dressing up, make-overs, and DJ lessons along with a scoop of ice cream.  The most exciting part is the chance to spend a Girls’ Night In with Williamson.  The fashion designer will act as a stylist for 8 lucky friends. [Harper’s Bazaar UK]

Kanye West at Fashion Week?

'Ye has yet to say a word, but rumor has it that he will be showing a womenswear collection at New York Fashion Week.  Apparently he has studios in London and New York and has been spending months working on the collection with help from some players in the fashion design world.  [Fashionista]

Thakoon Launches E-commerce

Thakoon tweeted Wednesday that the label will be launching its first e-commerce site.  Starting July 22^nd,   www.thakoon.com will be open for shopping.  They're already giving away $1,000 prize that you can enter to win by registering on their site here.  [Racked]

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s North American tour might as well have been called the Kate Middleton Style Tour of America.  The world waited for the next photo of the next outfit, not to see a misstep but to see her knock it out of the park time and again with her chic choices.  We love the accessibility of her style -she undoubtedly relies on help to assemble her wardrobe and re-wears her favorite pieces from the past.  Using Kate as our inspiration, we’ve compiled some princess-worthy looks just for you.

Ladylike Class

No one can wear a slim sheath quite as well as Kate, but you can get the look with these options from RTR.

Brand Loyal

Kate is nothing if not devoted to her go-to labels.  One favorite designer is Alice Temperley, and she has publicly sported multiple pieces from her.  You can share in her devotion through our Temperley London collection.

Sleeves

Unlike Mrs. O who likes to show off her toned arms, Kate likes a good sleeve.  While these may not be practical for the current summer heat, a three-quarter sleeve will be perfect for any event come fall.

Diane von Furstenberg

During her time stateside, Kate wore one lucky American designer, Diane von Furstenberg. Note the fabulous DVF clutch paired with the bright green dress.

Check out more Kate-inspired styles here.

Looking hot when it’s hot outside isn’t always easy: we all know that summer humidity can melt a picture-perfect makeup application in five minutes flat.  To keep your face looking fresh even as the temperature soars, the general rule is less is more.  Follow these easy tips for makeup that withstands the warm weather at your weddings.
 

Use products with staying power
Liquid liner is notoriously smudge-proof, which makes it perfect for an outdoor or all-day affair.  To ensure a crisp line, apply eyeshadow first.  Then, line your top lashes starting near your nose and thickening as you move outwards, which will create an eye-opening effect.  Try the Lancôme Artliner in Black, whose felt-tip applicator draws a perfect line every time.

Lighten up on lids and lips
If you know you’re going to be standing in direct sun or anywhere near an ocean, forego the sultry smoky eye makeup and red lipstick in favor of a lighter, breezier look. Do a sheer wash of shadow on lids and give lips pop of red color with gloss.  We like Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Berry Bold.

Embrace your warm weather glow
Powder foundation and perspiration simply do not play well together. To get more natural coverage this season, try a tinted moisturizer. For a perfectly pre-mixed version that boasts SPF 30 to boot, try Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinté.

1 New Homepage!

Our homepage just got a facelift!  We’re making it easier (and prettier) for you to find that perfect dress for any occasion. Do you love it?

2 Kubb

Jenn's in London this week and enjoyed playing this Swedish lawn game with friends on Primrose Hill.

3 Baraza Resort in Tanzania

New PR Manager Ashley S. recently got married, and she honeymooned with her new husband at the Baraza Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.  So exotic!

4 US Women's Soccer

We’re totally into girl power after the US women’s soccer team beat Brazil in an intense game to make the World Cup Semifinals.  U-S-A!

5 Teal for Fall

This gorgeous, wearable color was popping up all over fall collections, so the combination of the summer heat and the idea of renting one of these dresses has us wishing it was fall already.

6 Aritzia

Stephanie is totally obsessed with this trendy boutique at Broadway and Spring in SoHo.  Like her, we love the cool, exclusive lines you can’t find anywhere else.

7 Mumford & Sons

It’s hard not to love the soothing sounds of Mumford & Sons, and our intern Megan loves this new song.  She says just listening isn’t enough, since the cinematography in the video of their performance is so cool.

8 Summer Picnics

The design team had a potluck picnic at a park by the water near Westside Highway.  Their spread included wasabi guacamole, asparagus pizza, pesto pasta, mandarin orange salad with fresh candied almonds, fudge brownie bites, and apple pie.  Yum!

9  Whipped Lightning 

For Anushka’s birthday celebration, her friends brought over some Whipped Lightning aka alcohol-infused whipped cream!

10 Reduxx Trim Suit

Ashley F. is a big fan of the Reduxx Trim Suit, a weighted suit proven to enhance weight loss and overall health and well-being.  Forget going to the gym, just wear it underneath everyday clothes!

This week’s Style Award competition was tough, but Kerry was the clear fan favorite.  Our winner looked gorgeous in the BCBGMAXAZRIA Tea Room Tapestry dress and accessorized with a great statement necklace.  Looks like Kerry and her date had a fun night, and she certainly had winning style!

A celeb-favorite, New-York based designer Jay Godfrey creates pieces that epitomize everything sleek, sexy, and sophisticated. He knows how to accentuate the female figure, and we're thrilled to add his contemporary pieces to our Rent the Runway collection. Take a peek behind the seams to learn what inspired his Fall 2011 line, why he doesn't like trends, and more.

Tell us the story behind your latest line.

Fall 2011 is inspired by the personal style of former French Vogue editor-in-chief, Carine Roitfield.  I had such a good time going through hundreds and hundreds of images of her.  I love her disheveled elegance, unadulterated sex appeal and her love affair with animal prints and lace.  These images inspired the fall 2011 collection through and through.

What is something you dream of achieving but haven’t yet?

It's always fun to dream.  In particular, I have always wanted to design a menswear line.  My idol, Tom Ford, has mastered both men’s and women’s, and one day, I hope to have a successful men’s collection that is part Keith Richards and part Charlie Watts.

How would you describe your own style?

My personal style is a little uptown (read: tailored) and a little downtown (read: messy).  I love mixing it up by wearing a quirky tux jacket with a t-shirt, jeans, and a scarf (always).

What is your favorite fashion trend right now?

I don’t really like trends, to be honest :) I like eternal style.

What was your proudest moment as a designer?

My proudest moment as a designer was the first time I went out and saw someone wearing one of my dresses.  It was a regular human being (i.e. not a celebrity) and I really was tickled by the fact that this person paid money for something I created!  To this day, I still get excited by that.

If you could give advice to aspiring designers, what would it be?

Start out doing what you do best!  Master it, and THEN spread your wings into other categories/areas.  This is what all successful designers like Ralph, Donna, and Calvin have done!

We all have days where we're running non-stop from one thing to the next without time to stop and think about what to wear next. If you're a girl-on-the-go with who's too busy for wardrobe changes, here are some great ways to get more out of your look by wearing it to the office and on into the night.

This Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress is great for happy hour and dinner out with friends.  Cover your shoulders at work with a white blazer then transition to night by switching into silver strappy heels and adding a statement necklace.

Start your day in this Mark & James by Badgley Mischka dress paired with flat gold sandals and simple jewelry.  Take it up a notch for an evening wedding by adding gorgeous gold earrings and strappy gold heels.

Knock ‘em dead in your business meeting during the day with this form-fitting Catherine Malandrino and a pair of black pumps.  Take the look on to a cocktail party by adding a bold lip color and switching the pumps for something a little more jazzy and strappy.

1 Fireworks on the Hudson

The sparklers reminded us of the Dannijo Cecile earrings. 

2 J.T.'s Seafood Shack

Jenn and Peter became regulars at the Cape Cod institution in Brewster this weekend.  They loved the perfect lobster rolls, fried seafood, and ice cream sundaes.

3 J. Crew's Ikat Shorts

The perfect weekend wear- Brooke, Lara, and Erica all bought and wore them last week.

4 Ridethecity.com

Lauren loves finding out the fastest and safest way to navigate NYC by bicycle.  Added bonus- you'll also find out how many calories you'll burn

5 Giambattista Valli in Paris Couture Week

Derek, our head merchant, is loving Giambattista Valli's debut at Paris Couture Week, and the critics seem to agree.  The collection is getting rave reviews!

6 +Pool

Those of us who don’t have access to a rooftop pool in the city are supporting the creative initiative to build a floating pool in the rivers of NYC.

7 Strooples

Our stylists are addicted to these wafers from American Pressed Bakery that melt in your mouth with a hot coffee.

8 The Cross-town Baseball Series

The heated hometown rivalries got Megan in the competitive spirit this weekend. She saw Cubs v. White Sox while were all glued to Yankees v. Mets.

9 Bracedlets

Props to Jenny’s orthodontist for turning typically torturous materials into something fun!

10 The BBC (not British Broadcasting)

Cyril’s Fish House in Montauk makes their signature cocktail with Bailey's, banana creme liquor and pina colada...Delish!