Positive things are flowing into my life right now and I’m going back and forth between being grateful, humbled and just a teensy-bit proud.
*This is not sponsored content- just my own thoughts*
I love Spring racing Fashion but it can get expensive to put a fresh look together season after season.
Won't ever be able to fit into this pre-baby dress again..but thats AOK!
Money is tight in our family because we are doing a massive extension on our home (totally worth it). Pulling the purse strings has pushed my creativity to a new limit. First, it started with meal planning and trotted right over into smarter fashion.
I’m by no means a label hound (no disrespect if you are, actually I'm just jealous) and I think hunting for bargains is what makes shopping fun. While at University I started shopping at thrift stores and still integrate vintage and pre-loved pieces into my wardrobe. Makes me feel like a treasure-hunting pirate (Plus it's kind of a necessity with Australia's high cost of living) Arrrr!
The Melbourne Cup Carnival starts soon and fashion is the main reason I get involved..well, that and the champagne.
New dresses are out of the question this year so I planned on recycling what I already have but #justincase I turned to Google for a cheeky look at dress rentals. I remember looking a few years ago and was unimpressed with the selection available. But like all online shopping in Australia- it’s boomed in the last five years. Yus!
After scoping out a few sites I settled on Glam Corner for their prices, dress selection and because the website is user-friendly. I also like the fact that you can try on dresses in advance.
Save Money: Rent A Dress
For 30.00 they will ship you three dresses (UPDATE: it's currently two dresses but you can order a backup dress for your event for 15.00) of your choice to try on and keep for 24 hours. Glam Corner makes it really simple to return by providing a pre-paid envelope that you just chuck in the mail. You do need to book these try-on dresses a few weeks earlier than your event so-be organized! Or maybe just wing it- up to you. On the site, each dress has a description of how it fits.
I had to drag my daughter to the post office to pick up the package because I missed the delivery guy. You can tell she was really excited because she refused to let me carry the box (I have no idea where her stubbornness comes from #guilty).
Once we got home it was like Christmas morning for Mummy. To increase the probability of success I threw on a pair of heels and some Spanx .
One of the dresses was actually too big- which didn’t hurt my self-esteem.
No winners in this group
I think with the first three I chose wrong- I went a little too ‘cocktail’ and not enough ‘race-day.’ No worries, I quickly jumped online, ordered another try-on and had three more dresses in just a couple days.
Photo finish- the winners are #2 and #3
Round II. This time I think I chose better. I reserved two of the dresses in this lot, the middle one for Stakes Day (but in Navy) and the one on the right for Derby. Glam Corner even sent me a thank you email with a discount code to use with dress rentals. Score.
With the discount, both rentals cost a total of 136.00 (not including the 60.00 spent on try-ons). Here in Australia, you’re lucky to buy a decent dress for under 200 so methinks this is a reasonable investment. And did I mention all the dresses are designer! So fancy.
Glam Corner recommends that you book your dress a day or two earlier than you need it so you can put your look together. Mine will be arriving on a Thursday for a Saturday event- then I need to place them in a post box (without cleaning) by Sunday. Easy-peasy.
In the meantime, fingers crossed for warm weather because both these frocks are fashioned for heat. Let's hope my luck holds out.
Update: In case you were wondering how I went here is a photo of both dresses! They arrived in perfect condition and on time and returning them was not a hassle. Logistics aside- you can't pay for the confidence I had because of these fantastic frocks.
What are your best trips for dressing-up on a budget?
UPDATE: In 2017 I rented dresses for four events and every time the dress arrived earlier than scheduled (with the same return date) score! I no longer do 'try-ons' because I'm comfortable with the fit and ordering now. These days I order a rental dress and add a backup dress for 15.00- saves more $$ The backups are totally worth it!
Oh my gosh, you're such a babe! I loved that white lace dress in you that you sent back. You look bangin! The other two white lace options you chose were beautiful on you too. I try and buy my dresses every June from Review when their dresses go 60% off. They also go cheaper after xmas. Have you tried their dresses? Totally your style. I love the idea of renting but I'm not sure I'd be game enough to try. Maybe now that I've seen you do it ... They should pay you to do a post for them!
Thanks Mumma! I haven't tried Review but will definitely take a look fo sho. I love sales and bargains. I'm really hoping everything goes to plan and that it all comes together in the end. I so look forward to dressing up. Will totes keep you posted on how it all goes. xoxo
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Dawn exhibits artwork independently and with groups; Thou Art Mum and Melbourne and Victorian Artists (MAVA). In her online store, you can find original pieces, wall art prints, and other home decor. A few times per year she accepted personalised and sentimental art commissions for clients.
Dawn creates out of her home studio in Wurundjeri country, the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne.
Oh my gosh, you're such a babe! I loved that white lace dress in you that you sent back. You look bangin! The other two white lace options you chose were beautiful on you too. I try and buy my dresses every June from Review when their dresses go 60% off. They also go cheaper after xmas. Have you tried their dresses? Totally your style. I love the idea of renting but I'm not sure I'd be game enough to try. Maybe now that I've seen you do it ... They should pay you to do a post for them!
*on you NOT in you
You look gorgeous, and that is definitely a great option to try, I think I'll look into it before all the Christmas events start rolling in.
Thanks Mumma! I haven't tried Review but will definitely take a look fo sho. I love sales and bargains. I'm really hoping everything goes to plan and that it all comes together in the end. I so look forward to dressing up. Will totes keep you posted on how it all goes. xoxo
Such a fun idea to wear something and give it back rather than investing in something that sits in the closet...and shows up on social media. Ha!