Jennifer's Reviews
All reviews by Jennifer
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14 reviews
Cute, not too formfitting, good for a wedding-related brunch
This dress was exactly what I was expecting: not too formal; A-line, flouncy skirt; interesting and complementary patterns; slightly above the knee but full enough not to be too short. I also was anticipating that the cut of the armholes might be a little prone to showing bra strap and/or armpit fat, as I am far from having stick-skinny arms, and I was right about that too--it's certainly not the worst offender of armpit-fat-emphasizing, and there was plenty of room for D-cup breasts in the top, but if you don't want to smush your boobs away from the armholes every now and then, maybe not for the well endowed of upper arm. I didn't notice this in the pictures, but there's a zipper at the front chest area of the dress too--fun!
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Reality Versus Dream Dress
Tibi
Size Worn: 10
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Beautiful, form-fitting, low-cut dress
It is definitely worth noting that this dress a) is very low-cut (although without showing my bra) and b) has a little stretch to it (especially up top). The bottom half of the dress was tight in a flattering, pencil skirt type of way, and I had no problems zipping up the top, although I'd been worried about only ordering a 10 when the 12 was unavailable. The lace was beautiful; the sleeves were flattering for arms that range from pudgy to muscley (but never thin!); and I felt great all night at the rehearsal dinner. Would rent it again in a heartbeat!
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Laina Dress
Reem Acra
Size Worn: 10
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Only for straight and narrow body types.
The 12 had a gaping amount of fabric at my waist but barely fit over my hips; the 10 I couldn't zip, although the waist was more appropriate. I think it would be a cute dress (and the background is off-white) on a straight-and-narrow body type, though, and it is worth noting that there is no stretch in the material.
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Poppy Fields Sheath
Milly
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Cute, but the zipper is a dealbreaker
This was very appropriate for a bridal shower, and the stretchy fabric accommodated my chest while emphasizing the waist. I loved the fabric, and the print was cute without being precious. I was overall very pleased with the dress--and if anyone else has lifelong big-ish upper arms, the cap sleeves were the flattering kind, not the kind that arbitrarily displays an unnecessary corner of skin. However, something about the zipper on both the 12 and 14 (and maybe just in general) was just impossible to work with. The 14 was too big to lie against my body and I couldn't zip it. There are pockets, which were nice, if a minor struggle for the zipper--but even after getting past the pockets, neither size's zipper would budge. I have a blister on my finger and probably spent about half an hour on them both over 2 days. Finally, right before the shower, I removed my arm from the armhole, twisted the dress around in front of me, worked 5 minutes to get the zipper up as if it were a bib hanging down from my neck, and finally managed to close it. I worked my arm through the hole and wedged my chest up so that the dress lay normally. At that point, again, I was pleased with the dress, but I will be staying far away from this designer from now on, for good measure. I had 3 other people try to zip it, even while holding both pieces of fabric side by side on my body, and neither the 12 nor 14 would shut. I did feel the dress was flattering to the chest, once on. However, maybe this dress isn't optimal for anyone larger than a C. I will try to find some pictures when they come out.
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Mariella Dress
kate spade new york
Size Worn: 12
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Loved it, but tight up top for those of us busty women
If I'd rented it a few weeks from now for the bachelorette versus for the bridal shower, it would've been perfect! It was a bit tight on the bust for C+, which I should've suspected (I just thought the V might not be quite that deep...), but once I got it on, it was every bit as beautiful as I'd been hoping it would be (I've been eyeing it for years!). The fabric, as others have said, was not shiny as pictured, but it's a bit different in a distinctive way without being itchy at all--and the color cannot be beaten. Gorgeous, gorgeous slightly purple deep blue.
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Python Matelasse Dress
Lela Rose
Size Worn: 12
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Pretty...and I never wear earrings!
I have never worn clip-on earrings before and I ordered these as a last-minute replacement for an unavailable item, but I actually did wear these for most of the wedding (up until the dancing!). They are a deep red color and go great with a number of different looks. I rarely wear earrings (and don't have pierced ears), but I'd rent these again!
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Garnet Pave Bouquet Earring
Oscar de la Renta
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Wonderful
Not just your basic black bag--but the details add to it, rather than detract from it. The clasp is lovely; the shiny dots are on one side; and it was big enough to hold everything I needed, even my cell phone. Classy without being kitschy. Would definitely rent again.
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Gatsby Glimmer Tonda Clutch
Diane von Furstenberg Handbags
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Definitely runs small--maybe even smaller for my body type
I was extremely worried about fitting into a Lela Rose 10 (as many other renters said her dresses ran small) and was glad I could rent this one in a 12 (I'm between 10-12 at the moment). However, maybe because of my chest size or just my ribcage, I couldn't get the 12 zipped on this dress. I had other dresses to wear, so it didn't end up being a problem, but I was surprised by this. Be aware! Beyond the fit--it is important to note that the material is crinkly/crunchy and very shiny. Even if it had fit, I would think twice before wearing this to a wedding. In a different size, I would wear this more for a New Year's excursion or a night out before a semi-formal or cocktail event.
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Sagar Island Dress
Bibhu Mohapatra
Size Worn: None
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Dress prints vary by size!
I think another review mentioned this, or maybe I got it from a photo--but the 10 is MUCH less appealing than the 8. The top is mostly the white background with a few vertical purple/black/yellow splotches...it would've been fine, if I hadn't been expecting as vivid and distinct of colors as are in the model's picture, and if I hadn't also gotten an 8 for the backup size, which had blues and reds at the top as well and was a much more attractive garment. I was worried about the fit of this dress, as other reviewers mentioned that it was small and I'm probably between a 10-12 right now, but I was able to get into the 10 (no prayer on the 8...oh well). I have hips, boobs, and ribcage, but somehow the 10 was fine. For my build, the top cut wasn't the most attractive--rather than slimming the arms, it just kind of cut them off, and the V was both oddly modest and oddly low. I would really suggest that the staff provide snapshots of each of the dresses so that you know what you're renting. I just need to trim off some weight and rent the 8!
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Splish Splash Dress
Lela Rose
Size Worn: 10
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Great color, stays closed (without clasp)
Solid bag choice. I think the middle is getting a bit more frayed than intended with wear, and it's not the most expensive-looking bag in the world, but it worked great as an alternative to gold/silver. Large enough for all of my needs, with a nice zippered part in the back for a little cash. No clasp, but closes well. Would definitely rent again.
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Bronze Bombshell Clutch
Carlos Falchi
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
I joined this site for Herve Legers...wasn't sure I could pull one off for a wedding, but--
This one definitely fit the bill. The length was my primary concern--often, if the Herves don't look pretty short, they can end up being oddly long, especially after a number of wears (this was my experience with a previous backup rental that fit great in the Herve store). However, the length on this was suitable. I still wish I'd gone with the Medium (as I've rented before), despite definitely falling into the Large purvey at the moment--as the night went on, the fabric molded to my body as expected, except the top of the dress got a bit saggy and created an unsupported look. I wore it with a shawl, as the arm holes aren't friendly to that bit of upper arm chub. Still. I love Herves. Always feel great in them. Next time probably won't try to fudge one at a more conservative event!
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Deep Passion Fruit Dress
Hervé Léger
Size Worn: L
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Fantastic date dress
I rented this dress for a date (birthday dinner!), and I was extremely pleased with it. It is very form-fitting and flattering, although the lace's pattern was a little bit more broadening around the hips than I had anticipated. My boyfriend, however, loved it! It is also a bit bluer than I'd thought--but I loved both iterations of the color. Overall, highly recommended, and the back is fab.
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A Fair Lady Dress
Nicole Miller
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
Cute branching bracelet
I never wear bracelets, but I loved this piece--it's unusual without being over the top, and while it's clearly not fine jewelry, I was very satisfied with the fit and the overall look...I kept wearing it the whole time I wore it, even after the date!
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Sculpted Branch Cuff
Kenneth Jay Lane
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D
LOVED this dress. Rented it as a back-up for the blue herve, but ended up wearing it to the premiere. Short but not TOO short, not TOO busty, super flattering. It was extremely comfortable all night, although I did have to pull it up as it stretched out a bit towards the end. (When I first put it on, a friend had to do up the top latches, so definitely rent a size down if you need a backup--they will mold to you!) All in all, a night I'll never forget, and a dress that exceeded my wildest expectations. I'll definitely be back. Also--if you have a wide-strapped bra, it is very possible that the bra can fit under the dress, regardless of how low the back looked. Very helpful!
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Spicy Square Neck Dress
Hervé Léger
Usual Size: 10
Height: 5' 7"
Bust: 36D