Why You Should Try Clothes Renting Part 1

Lia’s Closet is STILL a mesh right now. But a recovering fashion addict has helped us clear some of the fairy dust off of our weekly wardrobes. Autumn is going strong! So if you’re looking for more clothes to make your autumn wardrobe a BEAT, then you should try clothes-renting.

Clothes renting is a new way to save space in your closet while getting the most out of your wardrobe. We’re here to tell you about the latest clothes-renting services, what they are like, and how you can subscribe.

1st up, Gwynnie Bee.

Gwynnie Bee is a plus-size clothing subscription. Their clothes-renting services are possibly the best because they offer new designer brands we all know and love as well as some you may have never known existed. However, this subscription and styling service isn’t cheap. At a whopping $75 per month, you can get as many styles as you can as long as it comes in 2 items per box (or 3 for $159) and you return them.

My experience: I did a 30-day free trial which gave me numerous boxes, each with 2 items that I tried on, took photos in, wore out, and then quickly returned. To my surprise, as long as you have added at least 6 items to your online cart, they stylists will send you new styles that you have selected. So I received 7 great pieces that I was able to save photos of and show off to friends. Some of which I’ll show below: The only caveat besides the price – which is actually very reasonable if you think about it- the website does not have a “Cancel” button. You have to cancel it yourself over the phone with a representative. IF you find you can’t let go of your last pieces yet, but need to Pause the subscription, the cost to keep those last garments until you’re ready to send them back is $10 per month. Great, right!? I know! Right now I’m on pause and plan to send back a few neat looks. All in all, I purchased two AMAZEBALLS floral dresses as a result of a job well done! Thanks, Gwynnie Bee aka CaAstle!

*UPDATE: While attempting to Cancel my prescription I was told I had racked up a total of 4,450 points or so, which made it possible to get a discounted promotion for 50% the normal cost of the clothing subscription AND an upgrade from 2 items per box to 3 WHOLE ITEMS. That would mean instead of $75 for 2 items with unlimited swaps per month, it would only be $37.50 for 3 items with unlimited swaps per month.

So that means you should definitely try clothes-renting and look out for their promotions.

2nd to none, it’s Dia & Co. Dia & Co is also a new clothes-renting service that caters to plus-sized women. For the record, I knew I would have a tough time letting go of this service, because they provide TWO different subscription options. You can choose to rent a Dia Activewear Box or the normal Dia Style Box. And yes, I received a group of 5 amazing items in a free ONE WEEK trial of the Dia Activewear Box. My experience: The trick with Dia is how short their trial is. You get this one great week, but you still have way less time. Because I LOVE comfy outfits, nice textiles and cool strappy bras, this was a nice choice… and hard to pass on. But pass I did…I am very particular about what types of clothes I wear, and I do LOVE patterned textiles with cute designs. I got a little snippet of that but not much. I also have an apple-shaped body so I wear darker colored tops. Technically I received an AMAZING Serena Williams bra in coral with midnight blue strappiness in the back. But I tried it on an it didn’t fit. Plus it made my boobs stand out against the dark colored leggings and Livi Active tennis skort that were also in the box. Lastly, there was a loose-shaped top that I wasn’t too impressed by. Unlike Gwynnie Bee, you don’t have control over what items end up in your box. It’s a surprise! I have to give my Dia stylist credit though, the Serena Williams bra would make perfect sense under a darker, low-cut/low-armpit racerback tee- which I have a lot of- to provide a peak of the pop of color. That and the skort were my favorites because I actually love tennis. Anywho, I returned everything, some things I tried on, some I didn’t and went on about my life.

Nola leggings, Serena Williams Sports Bra top, and Livi Activ skort.

Also shown: Impact Fashion purple-denim grocery totebag.

3. Thred Up In this clothes-renting subscription you get $10 for 10 items. The large number is due to the thrifty nature of Thred Up. This clothes-renting subscription is all thrifted attire. Thred Up provides closet clean-out services by taking gently used clothing from users. What’s great about them is they also have shoes and accessories which others rental services don’t have. The caveat to this box is some people – not me- are unsure about thrift clothes. Well rest assured! All items are EITHER post-consumer or perhaps post-manufacturer (with the tags still on). And while they have been worn/used, they are in great condition!

If you would like to try ThredUp, you can get $25 free and support my blog using this Link .

*SNEAK PEAK into “Why You Should Try Clothes-Renting – Part 2” “Check out this beautiful tie-dye asymmetrical wrap skirt from FTFCloset. A beloved unreturned rental-turned-purchase. This skirt speaks volumes. Going on a hot date, or to an art exhibit? This is the skirt for it. My plan is to wear this skirt to an art exhibit for Galentine’s Day.”

This has been an Impact Fashion Exclusive, Lia

My experience: I found a lot of great pieces, some of which didn’t fit true to size, some of which were very expensive including the Ferragamo silk skirt. Here are 3 of the pieces I received: