I’m now entering my third trimester, and the last thing I want to invest in right now is maternity clothes. But trying to get by on the few items I have can be quite challenging too, not to mention boring. When I heard that there was a company out there that offers maternity clothes for rent, I was beyond excited. The concept genius.
Here’s a great way to expand your wardrobe without feeling like the money is going to waste, especially if you only have a few months left to your pregnancy or if your taste in clothing is more expensive than your budget allows. This is also perfect for the clothes horse – the gal who always wants to wear the latest and greatest in fashion.
I had a budget allowance for a one month rental of two regular items or one special occasion. I don’t have any fancy events to attend and Easter is over a month away, so I went with the Windsor Wrap sweater by Ripe Maternity and a pair of designer jeans from James Jeans.
Shopping
The site selection is sorted by garment type and then you can filter by brand if you like. Or you can just browse the entire category. It took me awhile to decide on the items. It was a bit frustrating when I found something I liked but there was only one size available, or it was out of stock. The sizes tend to run pretty small for the most part, at least in the categories I was browsing. It would be nice if you could filter by size. Overall I would like to see more selection in both styles and sizes, and larger photographs, as some images are too tiny to see.
Ease of Ordering and Delivery
I placed the order over the weekend and the items arrived on the following Thursday – a few days before the shipping estimate window. The jeans did not fit as I feared, even though going by the size chart they should have in theory. Thankfully, Fashion Forward understands this can happen, and they offer a free replacement as well as free shipping back and forth. The cardigan is lovely; it’s a bit shorter than I thought it would be but it works as long as I layer it over another top which I would do anyway.
Quality
Both items were professionally cleaned before shipping and in very good condition. I noticed a few pulls in the sweater but nothing too noticeable or distracting. I am a little more nervous when wearing the Fashion Forward clothing and concerned about stains and tears, because you can get charged a fee for cleaning or replacement if you return an item damaged.
Convenience
I like the complimentary two-way shipping. It is nice not having to leave the house, and the fit guarantee is excellent. There wasn’t a return date for the items listed on the return label or packing list, so I am going to have to inquire about what date to go by, order date, or delivery etc., for the return.
Overall Experience
I’m happy with the experience, but I’d like to see a better selection to choose from as I mentioned above. Fashion Forward Maternity is a great idea and a helpful resource for expectant moms on a budget.
How much? There are a number of subscription options and packages. You can choose to become a subscriber for a minimum of $125 per month and pay as little as $12.50 per item for that month. You can also skip the subscription route and pay about $24.50 each for a month rental on most items. Special occasion clothing costs more. Save $25 when you sign up for the newsletter.
GIVEAWAY (ends 2/27)
One lucky reader will win a month’s rental of two regular items or one special occasion item.
Disclosure of material connection: http://cmp.ly/2
CITY BUTTON FRONT JACKET
This is cute but it would be for my daughter – Inez Tunic by Annee Matthew. I just found this past weekend I’m going to be a grandmother for the first time. Happy! :)
Id love the GRECIAN DRESS by Crave