I'm heading to a wedding next week and figured it was the perfect time to test out Rent the Runway! If you haven't heard of it, you can rent designer dresses for a fraction of the price for 4-8 days. This makes it fantastic for trying out luxe dresses you couldn't otherwise afford or getting just the right gown (the kind you wouldn't wear more than once) for an affair. If this goes well, I may use it for a black tie wedding. I can also see this service being awesome for prom.

If you sign up for their emails or "like" them on Facebook, you'll often get coupon codes. I was able to snag a $15 off code for my order!

So here's the deal - rent one dress, get two sizes (your regular size and a back-up size), and rent a second dress for $25. Each dress style incurs a $5 insurance fee, though, which is kind of a bummer because it isn't included in the price. There's also a fairly hefty shipping fee, although orders over $125 ship free. You can also rent accessories! On the day of the return, just drop the dresses in a pre-paid envelope and pop 'em in a mailbox. My rentals are due back on Sunday, but according to their (extremely nice and helpful) customer service, I can just put the dresses in a mailbox, even though there's no mail pick-up on Sundays.

I rented two cocktail dresses for the wedding. My only issue is, now I have to pack all the accessories I might use for either dress - oh, and I'm packing one of my own dresses as a "just in case" back-up. I think that no matter what, I'm going to need two sets of pumps - black and nude. I'm also bringing some simple, thick gold bangles. I love 'em - they dress up any outfit, go with everything, and are super versatile. I wish I had more stud earrings; I don't have much in the way of gold. Both of these dresses require overstated necklaces, in my opinion, but to me, that means toning down the rest of the accessories.

Oh, and I scored a beaded foldover clutch from Banana Republic in a neutral, beige color that will go with either dress - from $100 down to $23. Woo!

Here are the two dresses with possible accessories. We might need to check luggage for this vacay!

Rent-a-Dress by JanAlyssa featuring engraved bracelets

Steve Madden leather pumps
110 CAD - gravitypope.com

Mulberry engraved bracelet
$300 - mulberry.com

Earrings
$11 - kohls.com

Women's - sweaters - Legère Cardigan - Madewell 1937
$75 - madewell.com

I'll let you know about my experiences with Rent the Runway when all is said and done!

Soapdish

Hello out there!

Long time no blog - I've been mired in a sea of work, even after I quit my day job (YAY) to be a full-time writer. Things are still so awesome in the world, though, that I thought I'd better start updating The Awesome Meter. Who knows how many awesome things I've missed out on blogging in the past few months??

As I was getting ready to work out this morning, I noticed how many soaps I have. I am a pretty loyal gal, but I like to flit around between different face washes so I have a bit of a choice. For reference, I have sensitive skin - I had some issues in my teenage years, but mercifully, my breakouts cleared up during college. I still get the occasional blemish, and I tend to get a lot of redness/dryness in my cheeks. Here's what's in my rotation right now:

Cetaphil



I've been using this gentle stuff since high school. It cleanses nicely, has a very, very light fragrance, and is generally good for days when my skin feels extra-sensitive. This is my "base" product; I'll always come back to it. It may not be glamorous - even the name sounds medicinal - but it works nicely and consistently.

AM Rating (scale of 1-10): 7

Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

I generally like to use this stuff in to shower, or on days when I'm feeling particularly oily. It's a great scrub that isn't too rough; the exfoliating microbeads are smooth, so you don't feel like you're exfoliating with sand paper, and the creamy base is moisturizing.


AM Rating: 7

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

This was a Birchbox find. I love anything citrus scented, and this sugary scrub smells like a freshly squeezed lemon. It's a bit rougher than the Aveeno scrub, so I use it less frequently, but when you add water, it develops into a really nice foam. It's all natural and actually even tastes good, like sugared lemons, so you can use it to (gently) exfoliate your lips without worrying about a bitter, soapy taste.



AM Rating: 8

Dr. Bronner 18 in 1 Pure Castile Soap - Peppermint

This is my dad's favorite stuff, so we always had a big bottle of it at home. He also likes the lavender. The deal is, Dr. Bronner was a little nutty, and the labels on this soap reflect that - each label is crammed full of ways to use the soap as well as Dr. Bronner's insights on life, love, cleanliness, and religion. It's all very interesting to read. There are tons of ways to use the soap, although, as the label says, the key is to dilute it. I use it as a face and body wash - the peppermint variety leaves a great, fresh, tingly sensation. I particularly like using it on mornings when I have to wake up extra early to work out, as it really wakes me up and refreshes me. However, it's a bit drying, so I wouldn't use it as an everyday wash. They say you can use it to do everything from clean your floors to wash off your fruit, though I haven't tried that! A bottle lasts a VERY long time, and it also comes in bar form.


AM Rating: 6

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

This is another recent find from Birchbox. I've wanted to try Philosophy for ages but never got around to it. This stuff leaves your face feeling fresh and moisturized; it's extremely gentle, smells nice, and removes make-up, too. I'm a new fan!


AM Rating: 8

What's your go-to facial cleanser? Do you jump around, or are you loyal to one kind?