A Night Out in DC

by Rachel McCarthy
rent the runway formal dress review
Almost to the weekend, friends! Last Saturday, my husband and I attended the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Ball downtown D.C. It was our first black tie event here in D.C., so needless to say it was a fun excuse to dress up…and for a wonderful cause. Incredibly, that evening, LLS raised over $4 million — talk about impressive! 

Sharing a different kind of post today: a super dressy look and more about my hair and makeup for the evening.

navy and black black tie dress

what to wear to black tie event

black tassel statement earrings

black tie event outfit ideas

twisted curl updo hairstyle

nude lipstick for formal event

high low ball gown dress

long curly hair side pony style

formal black and navy dress rent the runway

Dress: Pamella by Pamella Rolland via Rent the Runway | Shoes: Nordstrom {under $60!} | Clutch: old {similar HERE} | Earrings: Panacea  | Bracelet: similar HERE | Ring: David Yurman | Lipstick: 

Boldly Bare lip liner, mixed #47 with Kim KW, finished with #200

When we found out that we were attending the Ball, my first reaction was what will I wear! Rent the Runway has become a favorite of mine in the past year — this is in no way sponsored by RTR, I just have had really good luck with them! — so needless to say that’s where I started looking first. I love that you can narrow your search results down to style, color and even size. The color is so important to me because with my fair skin tone, I can only wear a few colors this time of the year! When I saw this one shoulder navy and black number, I just knew it was perfect. I loved the ball gown style, but it was a little more modern with the shorter front, which made walking a lot easier!

I’m normally not one to take a chance on a dress fitting without trying it on, but for the past few dresses I have ordered from RTR, I read the reviews to get a sizing idea. I have to say {knock on wood} each time the sizing and reviews have been spot on! This particular one shoulder beauty was true to size and I went with the long instead of the regular. I’m 5’8 and the length was perfect! As for accessories, I thankfully didn’t have to buy anything to go with the dress {don’t you love it when that happens!} and my husband was able to rent a navy and black tux.

Since it is starting to get close to wedding and bridal shower season, I thought a dressier post was fitting. My cousin is getting married this summer and I know that I will be renting from RTR again, the process is so easy and so much more cost effective. 

Just a quick note about my hair and makeup: I decided since it was a formal event, I would add my Irresistible Me hair extensions {original post HERE} for a fun hairstyle. For those interested, my extensions are the Royal Remy in Royal Honey Blonde, 18 inch extensions and 140 grams for thickness. As for the makeup, I went with a blush/pink palette for a fresh look.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! You can find me in the kitchen all weekend working on upcoming food post and food prep for next week. My no carb diet ends Saturday morning and I could not be more excited! I’ll be sharing the results and a few of my favorite recipes in the coming weeks. Thanks for stopping by!
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23 thoughts on “A Night Out in DC”

  7. I'm obsessed with you in this dress!!! It's GORGEOUS!! I love your whole look!!! I love the concept of Rent the Runway, and I've ordered from them once… I always worry about the size issue though!!

  8. STUNNING. GORGEOUS.AMAZING!! You look incredible, Rachel!! The dress is beyond fab, and your hair and makeup are so pretty! Hope you guys had the most amazing time, and I can't wait to hear what you eat first after your diet is over this weekend! XO

    Shauna

    http://www.lipglossandlace.net

  15. Wow, Rachel, you look absolutely GORGEOUS in this blue gown! The color pops so beautifully against your skin; I love jewel and rich saturated colors against fair skin, SO beautiful! I've never tried ordering from RTR before, but it's so good to know that you've only had positive experiences; I'll most certainly be keeping them in mind when attending formal occasions! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a great weekend ahead!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

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