Back in May, Nick told me that we were invited to one of his friend’s wedding in August. I thought, “Ok, that’s like 3 more months to go. I’ll think about what to wear some time in June”.

June came and went in a flurry, I had totally forgotten about it.

Until the invitation card arrived in our mailbox. Even before opening the envelope, I knew what it was and thought, “I’ll wear the same cocktail dress I wore to Gerald’s (Nick’s cousin) wedding last year. That will do.”

Then, there it was. At the bottom of the card.

It read: ATTIRE: GLAMOROUS (BLACK TIE)

Eeek… that I did not expect.

I had to find a long black-tie appropriate dress within a week and a half. Hopefully the dress won’t break the bank.

As I was imagining pretty flowy gowns, I had an aha moment and decided, why not rent? Besides, it is not like I have many events to attend that I get to wear a formal gown. So that was when I went down the rent-a-gown journey to find my dress for the wedding last weekend.

Through my extensive research or more commonly known as Google, I found out there is a place called Dolce2Dolce that rents evening dresses near where I live. They have plenty of blogger reviews. Awesome.

I went in on a Monday to see if I can find a dress there. The staff were very helpful but to my dismay, after trying dresses after dresses, I couldn’t find anything I like. I was looking for something simple but yet different. I want to make an entrance or at the very least, get a wow from the husband, without going over-the-top. In this case, there were simply too much ruffles, diamonte, lace, and bling blings.

I walked out of there disheartened.

Then I saw it. I mean I can’t really miss this signboard right?

Jaw dropped. Rent A Gown is located right next to Dolce2Dolce.

As I stepped into the shop, there were so many pretty dress I didn’t know where to start. But I didn’t have to worry for long. Their in-house designers Kenny Tan And Sia LC were more than helpful. They asked for what I had in mind and recommended 3 dresses that would be suitable for me and the occasion. And I love all 3 of the dresses. It sure helps to have the opinion of 2 veteran designers in the industry to pick a dress for me.

Before I show you the beautiful dresses they have in store and the ONE that I picked for my event, here is Rent A Gown’s story that I learnt recently.

Rent A Gown is a new brainchild and venture of top Singapore designer, Ada Goh. She has over 17 years experience in the bridal and evening gown industry, from manufacturing and supplying to many local and international bridal houses to retail and custom make Haute Couture bridal wear at Martini G.

How lucky am I to come across the boutique?

All bridal gowns and evening dresses at Rent A Gown are one off designs that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. I mean, really, they only make one piece per design. Don’t worry about sizing though. Alteration is offered. The dress I chose was a little tight around the waist. It took Sia less than half an hour to mend it to fit me perfectly.

As my gratitude to them for agreeing to sponsor the dress, I decided to share some of their latest designs that are available in-store now.

michelle hon

the chill mom
the chill mom

thechillmom
the chill mom
And finally, this is the dress I chose for the wedding I attended a few weekends ago.
thechillmom
I like how it is simple and elegant, with a twist. The light and flowy full skirt has 2 layers. The top layer is sheer while underneath is made of silk with colourful flowery print. As we all know, flower power is all the rage on the runway at the moment… or so I was told.
The top part of the dress has built-in bones. I think that’s what they are called.. like those in a corset, which makes the dress so flattering as it could hold in all the flabbiness and gives an illusion of a waist which I clearly lack, after becoming a mom.
I can’t express how much I love the dress. I have not felt so beautiful since…. maybe my own wedding.

nicholas gan

The mister was wowed by the dress too. Mission accomplished 😉

An easy to carry bag to bring the dress home 🙂

By the way, in case you are interested, you can check out their Facebook page or visit their website, www.rent-a-gown.sg. I do think you should definitely visit the boutique because there are many more dresses in store.

Rent A Gown
Address: 7500A ParkRoyal The Plaza, #02-343, Beach Road Singapore 199591
Telephone: +65 6392 3495
Opening hours: 12:30pm to 9pm

The only trouble with renting a dress is… once you rent, it is hard to explain to the husband why you need to buy a gown in the future. Nick absolutely love it when he found out I can now rent a gown at a fraction of the price.

I’m so looking forward to another event, just so I can wear the pretty gowns again. Invites, please?