Sparrow Soirées is an affiliate of Rent the Runway. I receive a small commission for sales made through the links provided. All opinions are my own.

Before I dive in, I promise I’ll follow-up on everything that’s happened over the past six or so weeks. It’s been a roller-coaster to say the least. More importantly though, thank you for being patient.

Top Row, L-R: Dynasty Red Dress, Kate Spade ($95) // Faye Chiffon Gown, Badgley Mischka ($80) // Mabrey Maxi Dress, Shoshanna ($125) // Orchid Sunrise Maxi, Halston Heritage ($100) // Middle Row, L-R: Give Me A Smooch Gown, ML Monique Lhuillier ($80) // Berkshires Dress, Halston Heritage ($65) // Coconut Rum Maxi, ERIN Erin Fetherston ($65) // Sun Block Maxi, Tibi ($70) // Last Row, L-R: Argentina Sun Gown, Halston Hertiage ($70) // Sun Goddess Sheath, Vera Wang ($40) // Sunshine Day Gown, ML Monique Lhuillier ($85) // Lemon Fade Gown, Halston Heritage ($100)

A little background: before joining a brand’s affiliate program – or writing a sponsored post – I always ask, “Is it something I would use? Is it easy to use? Is it something I can stand by? Is it reasonably affordable?” I ask these questions because each “yes” allows me to mesh easier with the brand while creating authentic content. (FYI: being an affiliate is not a get-rich-quick thing so being able to answer “yes” is really important since writing a post can take a few hours). Anyhoo…

Enter Rent the Runway – and my own $150 Challenge. Simply put: Rent the Runway banishes the $500+-dress-for-one-event idea once and for all.

Top Row, L to R: Shoreline Gown, Badgley Mischka ($100) // Glisten in Blue Dress, Calvin Klein ($40) // Double Time Dress, ML Monique Lhuillier ($95) // Sharpen the Edge Dress, Monique Lhuillier ($40) // Middle Row, L to R: Corundum Sapphire Gown, Badgley Mischka ($80) // On My Mind Maxi, Halston Heritage ($70) // Island Breeze Shift, Lilly Pulitzer ($40) // Greek Islands Gown, Badgley Mischka ($115) // Last Row, L to R: Danielle Maxi Dress, BCBGMAXAZRIA ($85) // Blue Sky Gown, Jill Jill Stuart ($95) // Lace League Top ($60) & Baroque Skirt ($75), Badgley Mischka // Clear Day Maxi Dress, Hunter Bell ($85)

For special occasions, I often find the desire to look and feel amazing sometimes relies on the clothes. It’s a hard admission since I’m a big believer in the importance of feeling comfortable in my own skin. It’s taken me y-e-a-r-s to get to this point of battling my own insecurities. I believe in the Dove Beauty campaigns. I believe in the beauty of self-confidence and self-awareness. I know it’s important to be comfortable to appear comfortable, but showing up to a black tie event in my uniform of jeans and a white v-neck tee isn’t the best move.

It could be a wedding, class reunion, or fancy fundraiser and my Sunday best is required, but sometimes I feel like my closet falls a tad short. On the flip side, when looking for a new dress, I don’t want something that will end up hanging in my closet afterwards, never seeing the light of day again (cough – bridesmaids dresses – cough).

Top Row, L to R: Front & Center Gown Badgley Micshka ($120) // Green For You Dress, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania // Fallen For Him Sheath, Adrianna Papell ($30) // Flora Chiffon Dress, Badgley Mischka ($50) // Middle Row, L to R: Ibera Wetlands, BCBGMAXAZRIA ($70) // Tropical Mint Leaf Gown, Tibi ($100) // Minty Fresh Gown, Raoul ($150) // Deep Dive Sheath, Hunter Bell ($50) // Last Row, L to R: Rita Gown, Catherine Deane ($80) // Rogers Gown, Jill Jill Stuart ($75) // Catherine Gown, Carolina Herrera ($70) // Screen Siren Gown, Badgley Micshka ($100)

So why $150? Everyone has a price point on what we’re willing to spend. It can vary from occasion to occasion or, let’s be real, for very personal reasons between one and her mirror. Sometimes we need a little boost – and that’s perfectly alright. We all deserve to feel like a million bucks.

So to sum up: yes, it’s something I would use; yes, it’s easy to use; yes, I can stand by it; and yes, it’s very affordable.

Any favorite above? Wish to try it out? Get $25 off your first rental of $75+ with the following code: FIRSTRTR25X75X.

Come hang out with this lil’ bird!
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