Gwynnie Bee
Have you heard of Gwynnie Bee - the clothing rental company that carries sizes 10-32 and lets you select garments to try for as long as you like?
Gwynnie Bee has been on my radar for a while now. The concept of renting clothing for a monthly fee through the mail and then having the opportunity to buy pieces you love would be ideal for me and any woman who has time or transportation constraints. Last month I finally signed up for a 30-day free trial. Here are some of the highlights.
My final assessment of Gwynnie Bee is somewhat mixed. After looking over their extensive list of clothing lines, which included Petite sizes I chose to try their most expensive plan; an $89.99 a month rental which allows you to try three garments at a time. I selected about 25 pieces that I liked from their vast selection that I wanted to wear and they began sending items immediately.
The first problem I encountered was a lack of availability of the pieces I chose in my size. Once I was in the system as a member there was no clear Petites section, so I had to guess and take my chances fitwise. To make up for this my trial period was extended one week and I was given a free consultation with one of Gwynnie Bee's stylists. She did a very good job of rounding out my profile and suggesting additional garments that might work on me. However, I still encountered size issues. Most of the clothes I received were were just too big.
But most of them were really lovely. These pics represent the best of the outfits. The top IGIGI dress is from last week's Fall Fashion Bash post. It's my favorite of the lot, but it was very heavy, too big, and way too long for me to keep. Likewise, the pink and black graphic dress, although lighter in weight, was still too big and far too long - especially from a seated perspective. Nevertheless, it was a great excuse for a late-afternoon photo shoot at Centennial Park.
The SimplyBe polka dot peplum top is the only item I kept. It fit well and was a bargain at just over $9. I'm posing with Rhoda, who is almost finished with her heartworm treatment. She is learning how to interact with people and other dogs., but all of that time living alone in the woods has left her somewhat immature for her age. Next month she'll get spayed and then be free to act just like a normal dog.
But I digress.
Even though it didn't work for me overall I think that Gwynnie Bee is a great service. With plans starting at $35 a month it's a great way for "plus-sized" women of limited means or mobility to add variety to their wardrobe without breaking the bank. If they ever add a dedicated Petites section include more items in smaller sizes I will very likely rejoin.
Linking up this week with Share in Style: Favorite Print, Creative Mondays, Style to Inspire and Monday Mingle