Kari's Reviews
All reviews by Kari
TOP CONTRIBUTORTOP CONTRIBUTOR
9 reviews
Lovely color but odd straps
When the original dress and backup dress I ordered didn't fit, I searched the RTR store for anything close to my size (16/16W) that would work for a wedding. This was one of the only items close to my size, though it was one or two full sizes too big. (I'd probably give it five stars if the fit had been better.) I took safety pins to close up the gaping neckline and to pull in the waist more. I actually got a few compliments from people, which surprised me because I felt so baggy. My one actual comment on the shape of the dress, not related to size, is the stupid fluttery ruffles on the top of each shoulder: one flap laid flat and looked great, while the other refused to lie flat no matter how much steam, pressure, and wrinkle-release spray I used. I even safety pinned it, and still looked weird and bunchy. It was just the way the ruffle was sewn on, going against the seam rather than with it. Would recommended the dress on the color and the light, flowy material.
Member Fit Notes
Polka Dot Full Skirt Dress
Christian Siriano
Size Worn: 20
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 40D
Pretty but unflattering
This dress is gorgeous in color. When I tried it on, two major complaints were that the mesh area dips LOW in the back and sides where I could not even wear a strapless bra, and the combo of pockets and crinoline underskirt made my hips look twice their size. I was surprised at the former, since my torso is average-to-long in length, where shirts are often short on me. The latter - if you're looking to create some hips or totally flaunt what you've got, then the pockets and crinoline may add flare in the right spot for you. Worth trying on, but had to return it.
Member Fit Notes
Burning Red Florals Dress
Carmen Marc Valvo
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 40D
Tight, hot, and unflattering
I wish I could have worn this dress. I am usually a 16 or a 16W, and this dress at 18 was unbearably tight in the waist and chest. The cinched belt area was too high to be flattering but too low to hit my natural waist; if you have less curves or a square torso, it may work for you. It made me appear to have pooched out stomach. It was also unbearably hot and thick. Within seconds of having it on, I started sweating terribly. The fabric is heavier than my blackout curtains on the window. It also made my chest area feel very constricted at 40D. The color is lovely and a brilliant blue, the one positive. Had to return it.
Member Fit Notes
Cobalt High Low Gown
LM Collection
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 40D
Perfect for curvy bodies
Rented this dress for a wedding reception at a museum of art. Skirt was full without being bulky -- and has pockets deep enough for my cellphone. Draped well over my hips and booty, and hid my "problem areas" up front. Top is a plain black jersey-like material, but with a statement necklace it looks polished. Actually liked the jersey material because it had some give and plenty of room to fit the 38D+ girls. Back was low cut but my regular bra did not show at all. Received compliments all night.
Member Fit Notes
Green Floral High Low Dress
Hutch
Size Worn: 14WR
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 40D
Gorgeous dress with a weird fit
The color and fabric of this dress is amazing. It's a much richer, brighter blue than the photograph suggests, and I received quite a few compliments on it. The fabric flowed with a shimmer, and the high-low hemline made for a great silhouette. I wore it with a black cardigan and 2" black peep-toes; I'm 5'10" and the back was just skimming the ground. My only complaint for this dress was from the waistband and up. The waist has no give, and I went a size up from what I normally wear just so I could feel comfortable dancing it in (it was for a wedding!) However, the bust area was WAY too large on me, even though I'm fairly big up top to begin with (38DD.) The sides gapped, and the shoulder straps hung loose; I used a handful of pins and fabric tape to try and keep everything covered. Finale note: I was actually able to wear a regular bra without it showing through the cutout back, but had to add fabric tape to keep the bra straps hidden under the dress straps.
Member Fit Notes
Midnight Moon Gown
allison parris
Size Worn: 18WL
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 40D
TINY waist and too short
I ordered this as a backup dress for a wedding. Thank goodness my other dress fit, because this one was a hot mess! I've worn other "scuba" fabric dresses before and loved them, and thought this one would be similar. The print was okay, but not as pretty as the pictures -- more muddy browns than blues. The waist was TINY, with absolutely no give. I normally wear a 14/16 because of big hips and big chest, but had to hike this 16W up around my natural high waist to even attempt to have it fit. Then the chest fabric ballooned out in the front and the back, and the skirt only came down to mid quad. Looked awful. Would not rent this particular dress again.
Member Fit Notes
Spin in Scuba Dress
Carmen Marc Valvo
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 40D
Fitted but Flowy for Outdoor July 4th Wedding
I rented this dress for a Fourth of July wedding -- where the ceremony was in a Catholic church (formal) but the reception was in a field at a lakeside tent (more casual, hotter, and buggy!) This dress worked in both locations. The skirt of this dress is outstanding (think twirling,) and the print pattern is VERY pretty and I got quite a few compliments. FYI though, the neckline plunges quite a bit, and even with safety pins and some fashion tape I found myself having to keep pulling up the front to keep the "girls" covered. There is no stretch to this fabric, but I thought it fit true to size. I'm giving it only 4 of 5 stars for two reasons: 1.) I had to rent the Regular length (because the Long was not available) and at 5'10" this dress didn't even reach my ankles, so the length looked odd; and 2.) there is extra fabric on the back based on the cut of the dress, so it doesn't lie flat and the stiff zipper actually pushed up the collar area off my shoulders and up my neck. I would rent again, but definitely in the long length.
Member Fit Notes
Soft Petal Maxi
Badgley Mischka
Size Worn: 16WR
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 40D
Perfect for a spring daytime wedding.
This dress looked SO much better on me than it did on the hanger. I was worried it would be too simple and dowdy, but I felt like it hugged all my curves and hid the problem areas wonderfully. The fabric was thick and slippery, and hung very nicely. The pattern of flowers was wonderful, and a lot prettier in person than in pictures.
Member Fit Notes
Electric Floral Dress
ELOQUII
Size Worn: 16W
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 38D+
Too gaudy for a Sunday wedding
Rented them to dress up an outfit for my cousin's Sunday wedding. Beautiful resort, elegant ballroom, and the earrings still felt like wayyy too much to be appropriate. Tried them on in the room with my RTR dress, and took them right back off and left them in the box. Pretty, but maybe for New Years Eve parties, or other very upscale events. I will say that the clip is nicely padded and comfortable, and I really wanted to like them.
Member Fit Notes
Elise Earrings
Ben-Amun
Usual Size: 16
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 215lbs
Bust: 38D