Penny's Reviews
All reviews by Penny
TOP CONTRIBUTORTOP CONTRIBUTOR
33 reviews
Wore to a wedding
This is a great dress - however there is no zipper and you have to pull it over your head. It's very snug, the fabric is stretchy but very sturdy and it was difficult to put on. You must put on your makeup after the dress is on - otherwise makeup would get all over the dress. Strapless bra needed. I wore Spanx. I ordered a 4 and 6 and the 6 was the one.
Member Fit Notes

Navy Kate Sheath
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe
Size Worn: 42
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
It was a wedding rehearsal dinner.
It took a minute to figure out that it was really a one-shouldered dress. It was quite comfortable, color very rich. Spanx was appreciated by me.
Member Fit Notes

Turn Over Sheath
Badgley Mischka
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
A wonderful wedding between two long time loves.
This dress was a winner. Complements galore. Very nice movement with the skirt. Love the high/low thing. Would rent again but...what's the point of renting the same thing twice? :)
Member Fit Notes

Blue Printed Flounce Halter Dress
Theia
Size Worn: 6R
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Political Roast
I usually wear a 6 but gambled on an 8 and it worked. Extremely snug in the rib cage and at first I thought it would be uncomfortable. So snug I couldn't lift my arms overhead. But that didn't matter as I wore it to a business affair. The fabric is "uncivil giving". Or was that "unforgiving"? The hip area flared out a bit, not hugging the body. But it was plenty flattering anyway.

Prairie Floral Fitted Dress
Cynthia Rowley
Size Worn: 8
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Compliments, I suppose
I usually wear size 4-6 and consider myself a small. I didn't attempt to squeeze into the small, it was teeny. Wore a strapless bra and Spanx high rise hose. Unless you have a perfectly smooth form- and few of us do- some kind of shaper is advised. Sequins made the armholes a bit itchy but not bad. Enjoyed the dress.

Black Sequin Susie Dress
Slate & Willow
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
NYE weekend
I loved this dress but alas, though I knew it ran small because I tried a size on in a RTR store, I underestimated just how small. I usually wear a 4 / 6. Rented an 8 and couldn't get into it. Next time I'll rent a 10 and 12 backup. So take that into account. It is an adorable dress.
Member Fit Notes

Gold Dot Off Shoulder Sheath
Nicole Miller
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
NYE
Wonderful to rent a clutch like this that I would most likely never purchase. I mean, that's the point, right? It was perfect for my phone, lipstick, ID, credit card.
Member Fit Notes

Gold Mesh Glam Clutch
Whiting & Davis
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
NYE
Nice, sparkly earrings. Not too heavy.
Member Fit Notes

Gold Infinite Earrings
Lulu Frost
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
NYE on Catalina Island at the historic Wrigley casino.
Love a dress that's BRA FRIENDLY! Also a fan of the high/low hemline as you never have to worry about tripping over your gown. Good for dancing. Very comfortable and while low key, the fabric has some nice texture and sparkle to make it pop a bit.
Member Fit Notes

Black Sparkle Dot Dress
Hunter Bell
Size Worn: 6R
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Lots of compliments!
I think I have to acknowledge that I'm no longer a size 4 as the last four rentals I've needed the upsize! Ah well. Anyway the fabric was lush and a bit stretchy, making it very comfortable. For the first time in eons I went without a bra and got away with it! I was not looking forward to using those stick on things. I wore Spanx hose, FYI .

Platinum Sheath
Theia
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
The company
Nice, blingy earrings. A bit heavy but not bothersome as the evening wore on.
Member Fit Notes

Crystal Link Drop Earrings
Ciner
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32D
Lots of compliments
I wore the size 4 and the 6 probably would have been better but it was unavailable. I did squeeze into it - had to have an assist to zip. Incredibly tight around my rib cage and waist. I wore high rise Spanx which made it possible. The fabric doesn't have any give. Beautiful colors, quality heavy weight material. I love the high / low style which makes tripping less likely. There was a rip in the train - in the shape of an L and I used some two sided tape to keep it from flapping open. No one noticed it because it was near the bottom and dark. It's a bra friendly dress which I like.
Member Fit Notes

Block Party Gown
Theia
Size Worn: 4R
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Not an event, the service
I love this service. I rent fairly often so the savings are great.

RTR PRO
Rent the Runway PRO
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32D
Seeing and hearing the great Tierney Sutton and her band.
I think of myself as a 4 but needed the 6 in this dress. The 4 was impossible to zip up. It seemed that my rib cage was the problem. I wore a strapless bra of course and the dress was form fitting but pretty stretchy as well. I said it ran small but maybe the truth is that I'm running bigger! :)
Member Fit Notes

Living A Dream Gown
Nicole Miller
Size Worn: 4R
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32D
It was the premiere of my new documentary, "Stillpoint", at the Dances With Films festival!
Overall the dress was a very nice fit. Snug but not at all uncomfortable. The peep hole provides a modest cleavage opportunity. :) And the length was perfect, just above the knee. The shoulders had some gap in the back but it didn't detract. I got lots of compliments, especially from my husband.
Member Fit Notes

Guava Sheath
Theia
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32D
Meeting Richard Linklater who was being honored at the CAS Awards in LA.
Loved the dress. The size 4, my usual size, was quite snug, needed help zipping it up. I finally decided the armholes were just too tight so I went with the size 6. From the other reviews I wondered if the R length would be long enough but it was perfect. I don't wear heels higher than 21/2 inches and last night wore kitten heels. Anyway, I felt very glamorous and got plenty of compliments. What I love about RTR is wearing fashion that is out if my price range to purchase. That's what we all like, I know!'
Member Fit Notes

Falling Roses Gown
Marchesa Notte
Size Worn: 6R
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32D
This accessory was selected by RTR to go with my dress.
As the dress wasn't as dressy looking as I'd hoped, this necklace helped send it up a notch. I wasn't wild about it when I first saw it - but it was a good pairing with my dress. RTR does have good taste.
Member Fit Notes

Opening Night Necklace
kate spade new york accessories
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Very comfortable and bra friendly. Liked the fullness of the skirt.
This dress was comfortable overall - except there was something kind of sharp on the stitching in the back that was irritating. My husband commented that this dress would have been more suited to an afternoon wedding rather than an evening one. The necklace I wore helped dress it up. It occurred to me that the fabric reminded me of a bedspread which isn't the greatest thought to have - but none the less I did feel attractive in it. The waist is high - which I knew when I rented it - and it suited me fine. You just shouldn't expect that it'll be sitting right on your natural waist. My "usual" size did fit.
Member Fit Notes

Honey Jacquard Dress
Tracy Reese
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Couldn't wear the dress - no second size available and my usual size couldn't be zipped up.
I wanted this dress to work - when I was told my second size wasn't available I ordered a backup dress which is what I ended up wearing. I liked the style and fabric - but it should be noted that the slit in the dress goes way up - and I imagine that my Spanx would have been showing had I worn it. Nice style but they should reconsider the slit.
Member Fit Notes

Italian Sun Sheath
DSQUARED2
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Ended up not wearing, but liked it.
The size 6R fit best. It requires NuBra, as described. I only didn't wear it because the other dress I'd ordered was better. The little flaps or cut neckline was flopped over on one side a bit. May have been something I could have ironed out but didn't have that option. The fabric is wonderful as is the color. Having trouble entering the overall rating but I'd give it 3 1/2 stars. Would recommend wearing Spanx unless you have a completely flat tummy. ( which I don't.)
Member Fit Notes

Wine and Dine Gown
David Meister
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
The event was an awards ceremony for the Cinema Audio Society - fab folks! 4 STARS.
I received many, many compliments on the dress, even the next day when i wasn't wearing it. I had to wear the size up that I'd ordered. Since this is the third time I'm considering that the "up" size is now my true size. Haven't gained weight but...who knows. Anyway, the 6R was quite comfortable. I'm 5'6" but chose the R size because I don't wear heels higher than 2/1/2 inches. My feet definitely showed but I prefer that to concerns about tripping. The fabric is delicate - in fact there was a small hole on the right shoulder but wasn't very noticeable. The back hem became slightly torn when my heel caught it. Hopefully those things can be repaired - because it is a wonderful dress. I wore Spanx but the shirring probably makes it possible not to. Anyway, wear this and you'll get compliments.
Member Fit Notes

Gold Idol Gown
Carmen Marc Valvo
Size Worn: 6R
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
This was a charity event for The American Heart Association, all gals wore red!
Well either I'm hitting dresses that run small or I've gone up a size. Second dress in a week that I needed the size up. Wore the 6. I loved the look of the dress but the hooks and eyes in the back required assistance to do and they came undone once. A kind soul in the ladies' room helped me. The lace around the neckline was a tad itchy. I wore a NuBra with it. Not sure a strapless would have worked with it because of the low back. I did get compliments on the dress.
Member Fit Notes

Sweet Candy Apple Sheath
ML Monique Lhuillier
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
A lovely birthday party with family.
I was so happy I ordered a size up. Could not begin to get into the 4 which is my usual size. The 6 was snug but comfortable. I did wear Spanx hose with it, fyi. I did like the dress and would recommend but with the size caveat.
Member Fit Notes

Eye Gazer Sheath
Rachel Roy
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
It's a dress that provokes comments like, "Look at you!"
Of course the sparkle is the thing that gets noticed on this dress. The fit was snug but not uncomfortable. I wish it had been a couple of inches longer. I'm 5'6" and it was shorter than shown on the model by a couple of inches. The color is nice - you can't tell from my photo at all. It is a loud dress and was flattering enough but not the best for my figure. The shirring is very helpful.
Member Fit Notes

Sequin Shamrock Dress
Badgley Mischka
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
I wore this at my Christmas party and got a lot of compliments.
Pros: The length is great for someone my age. I wish there were more dresses this length as mid-thigh is really a bit too "young" for my taste. Fabric was comfortable. Great color, of course. Cons: It really did not drape as shown in the picture on the model and it's not as fitted as pictured. It really is more "columny", which isn't a bad thing - but the folds of the fabric kind of wandered all over the place and I found myself adjusting it.
Member Fit Notes

London Tower Dress
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Got oohs and ahs from certain family members. Wore it for Thanksgiving.
This dress was selected for me by RTR because my original dress was damaged and couldn't be sent out. It was a wonderful selection and I felt like the sylists had taken a look at my previous rentals to pick something for me. In fact they sent another selection as well. The dress is very fitted, at first I thought it would be to tight for Thanksgiving dinner but all was well. I especially appreciate the hemline length on Lela Rose. I didn't have a solo photo so you'll have to deal with other family members in it!
Member Fit Notes

Look and Lace Dress
Lela Rose
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
I'm writing this review unfortunately almost a year after I wore it. Had a great time, compliments!
This dress was very comfortable, I wore my usual size, I felt very snazzy in it and danced the night away very easily in it. It was form fitting but not restrictive and bra friendly.
Member Fit Notes

Charcoal Cocktail Sequin Dress
David Meister
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Well - I was at the Tony's in NYC and that was what made it a great experience.
I marked this as fitting true to size - but having a short waist and largish ribcage - it was quite tight around the middle. Spanx helped. I did get a lot of compliments on the dress. The off shoulder straps weren't quite the same as in the picture.
Member Fit Notes

Chantico Aztec Maxi
BCBGMAXAZRIA
Size Worn: 4R
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
Can't say wearing Spanx is memorable - but these are comfortable
I bought these (obviously) and they work pretty well, easier to get on that the other Spanx material. Wish they had a higher waste band but overall, they're alright. Give them a B.

Nude Simplicity Girl Short
Spanx
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
I went to a theater opening, tons of complements on my dress.
This is a snug fit. I usually wear a 4 and got a 6 for backup. I didn't realize there was a hidden side zipper (duh) at first and found the 4 almost impossible to get into, so wore the 6. Then, the next evening, had another event to go to and wore the 4. As with any lace dress, you have to be careful about snagging the material on your jewelry, which I was. I found Spanx were a must. Once you're in it, very comfortable. Like the length very much.
Member Fit Notes

Sass Meets Class Dress
David Meister
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
I rented two dresses and did not select this one.
I found this garment to be "limp" and much in need of steaming or ironing and I had no access to either. It just didn't have the "body" of the picture. Kind of hung there on me.
Member Fit Notes

Nicoletta Dress
Diane von Furstenberg
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
I traveled to NY for Christmas and had the dress mailed to my destination. Saved luggage space!
I loved the material and the rich colors. I usually wear a size 4, got a 6 for backup, wore the 4 which was perfect. A very flattering and comfortable dress. Wore it for Christmas - very Christmas tree-like in a way. Was great not to have to pack this dress but rather have it waiting for me when I arrived.
Member Fit Notes

Pom Pom Peplum Sheath
Carmen Marc Valvo
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D
The color of the dress was a bit hit. And I didn't see anyone at this rather large event wearing this shade of green.
I loved the color and style of this dress. I usually wear a 4 but literally couldn't zip it up. The 6 was a tight fit but thanx to Spanx it worked. I might have been able to wear an 8 but of course that's not what I ordered. So word to the wise.
Member Fit Notes

First Class Sheath
Peter Som
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 6
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 32D