Rent the Runway Showroom at Henri Bendel (CLOSED)

This popular e-tailer debuts a brick-and-mortar shop inside Henri Bendel. The 1,400-square-foot store allows customers to try on designer threads ($50–$450) and accessories ($15–$225) before they rent them for four or eight days. A four-day rental goes for 10 percent of the item’s retail price, while an eight-day rental costs 15 percent. As with the online service, you can mail your garment back in the pre-paid envelope without worrying about dry cleaning beforehand—it’s included in your rental. The rotating collections are organized thematically: Search the racks to find black-tie-worthy gowns and cocktail party frocks. Noteworthy items include Shoshanna floral minidresses (four days $65, eight days $104), Plein Sud metallic sheaths (four days $150, eight days $240) and Nicole Miller lace styles (four days $65, eight days $104). Complete your style with jewelry such as Kate Spade New York embellished cuff bracelets (four days $25, eight days $40) and Ben-Amun emerald earrings (four days $35, eight days $40). Be sure to take advantage of the in-house iPad to scan looks directly to your own online Virtual Closet on the company’s website. Create a look book and add notes to photos, making future rentals even easier.