Joanna's Reviews
All reviews by Joanna
TOP CONTRIBUTORTOP CONTRIBUTOR
20 reviews
Not exactly MY style
This was my backup dress for my baby shower. My 7-month bump and my 35 pounds of pregnancy weight (so currently I am 5’4” and 180) technically FIT in it, but it just didn’t fit my style. I thought it might have throwback Audrey Hepburn maternity vibes but according to my husband (who burst out laughing when he saw it on me), it was more Handmaid’s Tale. But hey if that’s what you like, go for it!
Member Fit Notes
Pink Ilana Gown
Staud
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 180lbs
Bust: 36DD
Too yellowed to be bridal
Maybe it was just the one I was sent, but this was very much on the dark ivory end of things, which is not what I expected. To me, it looked (and felt) like an old, yellowed pillowcase (including the lack of stretch). It’s also incredibly unforgiving in the tummy area. REALLY GLAD I had other options.
Member Fit Notes
Olivia Off the Shoulder Dress
elle zeitoune
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 150lbs
Bust: 34DD
Beautiful but kind of basic
The color is gorgeous (deeper and more vibrant than the pics suggest). The shape is very basic and straightforward so it’s easy to wear, even with a totally normal bra, but I think that makes it look and feel very bridesmaid-y, so it’s great if you want that but that wasn’t what I sought.
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Clara Organza Gown
ML Monique Lhuillier
Size Worn: 10
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 150lbs
Bust: 34DD
Meh
It’s exactly like the blue sheets on my bed. It’s fine but whatever (and I recommend against packing it in a suitcase, etc. because it wrinkles very easily). I’m glad this was just my backup.
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Landry Dress
Staud
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 34DD
Unfortunately the other dress was somehow better
I’m so sad I didn’t get to wear this because it was just my backup, but it is great! I’m definitely going to try to rent it again! It’s exactly as pictured, very floaty. It would probably be a great maternity (well, first or second trimester) dress for an event. Big-chested girls should beware it’s not exactly big enough on the top for everything to fit in the top area (but we’re used to that and it still looks fine).
Member Fit Notes
Honeycomb Gown
Obando x RTR
Size Worn: 8R
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 34DD
So comfy and easy
I wore this for a “something blue” bachelorette event and it was just cozy and easy, with a pretty casual vibe. It is super stretchy. The fabric is definitely not the LIGHTEST weight (so I wouldn’t wear it in extremely hot place) but it was nice when the weather ended up being slightly chillier than planned.
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Blue Asymmetrical Hem Dress
Slate & Willow
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 34DD
Amazing for “tequila sunrise” bachelorette
I loved it and I felt so floaty! It is really important to note, though, that there is a pretty serious side-boob situation. When I first tried it on, I ordered a replacement in a bigger size because I thought it was just too small for my boobs. After the replacement arrived, I realized that this one was the right size but that I definitely needed the help of a sticky bra to pull them together somewhat. As you can see, it still had some, so maybe don’t wear this to a wedding or more formal event (or anywhere more conservative).
Member Fit Notes
Eira Dress
Fame & Partners
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 34DD
Best bridal shower dress ever
I was comfortable all day but most importantly, my dad AND my fiancé both complimented me on it! Truly magical.
Member Fit Notes
Lace Midi Dress
Aidan AIDAN MATTOX
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 34DD
LOVED
My only regret is that I didn’t think to get a picture until we got back to the hotel after a party! So fun for a tropical destination and my fiancé LOVED it on me
Member Fit Notes
Halter Cutout Dress
Esteban Cortazar x RTR
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 34DD
A tropical princess gown
I had been concerned that this dress might look like a cheap peasant-style maxi because of the ruched top. But not at all! This dress was absolutely magical. A woman I didn’t know GASPED when I walked into a restaurant and gushed about it! I wore this with wedges so it did not drag on the ground, it was just right (got regular length and I am 5’4 1/2”). Get this dress now!!
Member Fit Notes
Camille Gown
Sau Lee
Size Worn: 8R
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 34DD
Summer color but winter weight
Heed the warnings in other reviews - it’s long. The adjustable straps are helpful in that regard but my large chest looked weird if the (average-sized, not for DD me) cups were too high on the chest. Also, the dress has a full slip/under layer. Thus, from a distance it looked great at this Hawaii wedding but I was melting. I only learned to love it when I started pretending I was a lady in Bridgerton and also when I used the skirt(s) in a flamenco-esque way during the dancing. Also, the black stripes seem to be an intentional part of the design, because they appeared on the backup size too. But they sure looked like smears.
Member Fit Notes
Mali Gown
Hutch
Size Worn: 6R
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 140lbs
Bust: 34DD
Worst fit ever
I have been an RTR customer for almost 10 years and this is the first dress that ever made me angry. I saw the bad reviews before I ordered, but they mostly mentioned the dress not working for small chests. I thought it was a worth a shot for me because I am rather busty. It was just as bad on me, if not worse. The problem seems to be that this dress was made for the world record setter for longest torso. That is why I am angry - this designer does not know (or perhaps care) how women’s bodies work. There was plenty of extra fabric in the bodice that would have allowed me to pull the whole thing up to cover the vast amount of side boob that was exposed on both sides and then pin it… IF it was a functional halter, which it is not. So there’s just like four inches of wasted fabric. It is also not velvet, as it was described. Still, it would be such a lovely dress… if it could actually work on most humans.
Member Fit Notes
Jayee Dress
elle zeitoune
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145lbs
Bust: 34DD
Such a fun color to wear!
I got so many compliments on the color and I felt like it was a perfect option for a celebration (my SIL's wedding). I was also a little concerned about my curvy tummy in a sheath but because this dress is lined, I felt tucked in enough. This is, I think, my FOURTH Black Halo dress from RTR, and I am going to keep going!
Member Fit Notes
Zana Sheath
Black Halo
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145lbs
Bust: 34DD
Subtly sexy and so comfy
I wore this to a wedding on New Year's Eve and I am obsessed! My boyfriend thought it was sexy but it was still classy for an all-ages event. It was seriously the most comfortable dress I have ever worn, and it was great in the cold weather. I particularly loved how it was on the longer side so I felt at ease dancing up a storm in it.
Member Fit Notes
Jaguar Printed Harland Dress
Rachel Rachel Roy
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145lbs
Bust: 34DD
Compliments from people I didn't know!
The second I stepped out of the elevator into the hotel lobby, a woman I didn't know told me she loved the dress - and that kept happening all night! The material of this dress is so sturdy that even though I normally wear Spanx for my tummy, I actually felt supported enough not to. My only regret is that I had to wear this to the rehearsal dinner and not the wedding itself only because I loved the other dress I rented even MORE!
Member Fit Notes
Lace Puff Sleeve Dress
ML Monique Lhuillier
Size Worn: 8R
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145lbs
Bust: 34DD
Not flattering for my chest
I am quite busty and I'm not shy about highlighting it. However, this dress somehow flattened my chest and made it look awkward and lumpy (the lumpiness was because of the folded-up padding inside that I just could not fix). I did not end up wearing this because it was by far the least flattering of all my dress options.
Member Fit Notes
Scarlet Candlelight Dress
ML Monique Lhuillier
Size Worn: NONE
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145lbs
Bust: 32DD
Classy
This is a little more conservative than I usually dress, but it worked out okay (this was a mailed replacement after my original choice popped a seam). It was also one size larger than I usually wear, because that was all that was available, which is why it looks a bit too loose. However, in my true size, I would rent it again for something like a family party.
Member Fit Notes
Garnet Illusion Lace Sheath
Shoshanna
Size Worn: 10
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145lbs
Bust: 34DD
Backup dress became the star!
This was the backup dress in my order but after I tried both dresses on for my boyfriend, I knew this was the one to wear for our friends' wedding because he LOVED it. I loved how light and flowy it was, particularly when the ceremony turned out to be outside, which I wasn't expecting! I also liked how it was sexy but not obviously so.
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Green Audrey Dress
Black Halo
Size Worn: 4R
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 135lbs
Bust: 32DD
Impressed people in the fashion industry!
I went to a posh wedding that I knew would have a lot of well-dressed guests because the bride works in fashion. I was a little nervous because I felt out of my depth, but I got a bunch of compliments on this dress! I liked how it's tight but doesn't highlight any, well, lumps. It's also sexy but not inappropriate to wear around my old, conservative relatives! Just perfect.
Member Fit Notes
Lisse Garden Daria Sheath
Black Halo
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 135lbs
Bust: 32DD
I felt confident and beautiful!
The dress was snug (I honestly probably could have worn a medium) but it was comfortable regardless and I got tons of compliments!!
Member Fit Notes
Vita Dress
Parker
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 8
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 180lbs
Bust: 36DD