Random thought! What if you all picked my outfits? Each week I give you a bunch of options and you choose the winners, and then the next time I write up that brand, I will wear your picks. Right now I have so many items to choose from, I don't even know where to begin... and this way you can help out and dress me! Take a look at some of my options for RTR (I get 4 items every 2 weeks), pick your 4 faves, and let me know which items I should choose next in the comments. Just keep in mind that the availability changes with the weather.
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Before we dive into Rent the Runway, let's discuss Sex and the City! As you know, the series — based on a 1997 book by Candace Bushnell — has been revived again on HBO Max with the reboot, And Just Like That... This time the ladies have replaced their Cosmos with Boost and they're all about to get bunion surgery from decades of Manolo Blahniks and stilettos. Kidding.
Bet you didn't know there's a Sex and the City curse. It's true, and I caught it back in 1998 when I bought the book, started watching the series, and then decided I wanted to be a fashion writer and dating columnist just like Carrie Bradshaw. I stumbled in her footsteps, danced on too many bars, dated too many men (including a few Mr. Bigs), and had too much fun trying to be like Carrie.
Interviewing Kim Cattrall in 2004 at her Spark Seduction fragrance launch
Life passed me by and before I knew it I was creeping up on 40 without a marriage under my belt. So, I quit my life in NYC and moved back to Washington, D.C. to become a communications specialist at the federal government. Ugh...I went from a stylish office on 5th Avenue to a government compound in Rockville, MD. It was a major culture shock, and I was very depressed.
Until one of my idols, Candace Bushnell came to DC and I got to meet her! We discussed dating, fashion, picking up men at steakhouses (truth), and how we're all a product of our own decisions (see the movie Sliding Doors?). She empowered me to continue following my dreams, keep writing, quit regretting my life choices, and never stop dressing up!
I finally got to meet Candace Bushnell
So, what's my point? Well, that's why I have a bunny rabbit as a child, a closet full of dresses (I need to rent more separates), a deep love of fashion, and a very active imagination.
Anyway, the show begins in less than two weeks. Will you watch the new series? Which character is your favorite? And more importantly, are you excited to see what they wear? TBH, sometimes Carrie's outfits were a bit too much for me, but I still love the iconic Christian Dior Saddle Bag and the Fendi Baguette.
WHAT I'M WEARING THIS WEEK: Rent the Runway
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week — Rent the Runway where you can rent designer items just like the ones the fab four wore on Sex and the City.
For the newbies to WIWTW, every Friday I’ll take you on a trip through my life (recovered from COVID in March, now fully vaccinated), where I’m going (90% of the places are outside, and I wear a mask), what’s missing in my closet, my current obsessions, what I’m excited to try — and maybe even buy. Well, that's if the price is right!
Rent the Runway is a clothing rental company, but it was the first clothing subscription platform that provided the everyday woman with access to authentic, luxury fashion. Since its launch in 2009, RTR has gone through many iterations, some of which were the result of the pandemic, and now it's also a sustainable resale platform where shoppers can rent, buy, or subscribe to secondhand clothing.
This is a review of the Most Loved Up to 8 Items Per Month plan.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
WHAT I RECEIVED
My rental picks from Rent the Runway
All four of the items by Shoshanna, Adam Lippes Collective, Ulla Johnson, and MARYLING arrived on time and in great condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hangers, and sealed in a plastic bag. The only thing that bothered me was when I discovered a used face mask in one of the pockets of the cape. Ewwww.
Keep your eyes peeled for WHERE'S BUNDO. He's creeping and judging again.
THE GOODS
MARYLING Camel Cape, Retail Value $1,080
1 of 5
The backstory: Well, I expertly pulled together four looks for Thanksgiving week and this cape was the star. I wore it to go antiques shopping with my stepmom (I got two vintage necklaces and a belt), and then to a new outpost of a restaurant called Sammy's Trattoria.
I got so many compliments on this cape. People stopped me everywhere (on the street, in the store, at the bar) to ask me about my outfit, and I felt like a salesperson or publicist for RTR because I kept saying, "it's a rental!" I pointed them to RTR and helped potential customers navigate the site and the app. I was surprised so many people hadn't heard about RTR — especially after their IPO.
How I styled it: The first time I tried to pair it with the Ulla Johnson dress, but that combo didn't work well at all. Then I wore it with the Adam Lippes Collective Sweater, a pair of suede leggings, a leather jacket (it was too cold for short sleeves), my new cowboy boots from Nashville, and my Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Speedy. I also wore it with a black cashmere sweater dress, a vintage gold necklace, and a pair of Sam Edelman ankle boots.
Size and fit: I got the size 8 and absolutely should've gone with the 6 as I was practically swimming in it. While the body of the cape was quite oversized, I really couldn't snap the top closure because I felt like I was choking so I wore it open the entire time and froze. Then, I tried to belt it, but it was too big and didn't look right. I'd suggest sizing down a little bit.
Condition: Great condition, but I found a used face mask in the pocket. Clearly, it had been washed, but still a little gross.
Honest review: It's not for a freezing cold winter day unless you layer up a lot. It's too thin and breezy to really keep you warm, but it's perfect if you're just running from the car to the restaurant in the blink of an eye. It's incredibly stylish and a real showstopper, but it's just not something I could justify purchasing. I'd prefer the Adam Lippes Cape, but of course, the price is still too high.
Ulla Johnson Devya Dress, Retail Value $395
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The backstory: I wore this Ulla Johnson Devya Dress on Thanksgiving where I ate too much, drank too much, and crawled on the floor to get Mr. HGL to quit digging up my parent's vintage Turkish rug. Yeah, I guess I flashed my fam.
How I styled it: Since the sleeves are puffy, I wore it with a shearling vest, a pair of black tights, and my new cowboy boots.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and had room to breathe. Since the sleeves are elasticized you can pull them down or push up to make them appear puffier. I know the dress was quite short on me (my mom called it a tunic), but I wore tights so that makes it better, right? Maybe not. I'm beginning to think I need to take pics of my outfit BEFORE I got out in public.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: My favorite part of the dress, aside from the festive fall print, is the long pull attached to the zipper that lets you zip it up and down with ease. I'm so sick of practically breaking my elbow and dislocating my shoulder trying to get an item on and off! More designers should follow Ulla Johnson's lead with this convenient addition.
So...would I rent again or would I buy? If I didn't have over 300 additional items on my list I'd rent again. As for the purchase, I can find Ulla Johnson items for less on the resale market. I think it might be a little too boho and short — at least to justify spending over $300.
Adam Lippes Collective Puff Sleeve Sweater, Retail Value $245
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The backstory: I wore it to Tark's Grill where my sister and I ate a $38 crab cake sandwich (YIKES, inflation!) and then met my friend for a drink at McFaul's Ironhouse Tavern where we discussed her horrible dating experiences. What's up with these guys who pretend to be single? As if you can't Google them and find out the truth — I spy a wife and kids — what a bunch of fools. This is why I would rather pay for a matchmaker or meet someone in person rather than subject myself to online dating — there are so many liars out there!
But then again, I met my ex at a horse race and he ended up being a massive fraud and pathological liar who was involved in all sorts of unbelievable stuff. I had to move out while he was away to avoid starring on my own Dateline NBC episode and to save Mr. HGL's life. Geez, MEN!
How I styled it: I wore the Adam Lippes Puff Sleeve Sweater with a pair of suede leggings, my Sam Edelman ankle boots, a studded leather jacket (to cover my arms), my Rocksbox earrings, and the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy. Oh yeah, I also threw on the magic cape for an extra layer of flair.
Size and fit: I got the Medium and it's a bit snug. I'd suggest putting on your makeup after you pull on the sweater because it's really tight around the neck.
Condition: Great, no issues.
Honest review: There's nothing easy about putting it on and taking it off. The sweater is too stiff! And while it's designed in a very versatile color and a classic shape, it would have to be a little comfier to justify renting again or buying. I also need to burn that VS bra...
Shoshanna Margaret Houndstooth Sweater, Retail Value $350
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The backstory: Have you heard of Hampden's Miracle on 34th Street? Every year since 1948, a very famous block of rowhomes in Baltimore put on the most dazzling Christmas lights display featuring Santa, flamingos, the Natty Boh logo, and of course lots of crabs! This year I attended the lighting with my sister and her boyfriend...it even started snowing.
Afterward, we hit up this dive bar in the neighborhood called Frazier's on the Avenue where locals jokingly accused me of being a spy, and then popped into the Royal Farm's convenience store for some of their delicious fried chicken, western fries, and gravy. It was a classic Baltimore evening.
How I styled it: I also wore this item multiple times and paired it with leather leggings, cowboy boots, a leather skirt, my fave Carmen Sandiego hat, and my vintage mink jacket (which I finally dropped off at the tailor because it's falling apart).
Size and fit: This sweater IS comfy and cute! I got the size 6-8 and it fit like a glove. The puff sleeves take it from casual (reminds me of a sweater you'd wear to a ski resort) to dressy, and the fabric is heavy enough to keep you warm in the winter, but not so toasty that you're sweaty and gross everywhere you go.
Condition: Perfect.
Honest review: It's the perfect winter sweater and it pairs nicely with jeans, leggings, and a skirt. Since I love houndstooth, that's just another added bonus. While the price offered by RTR is a little high, I was able to locate it online for $70, but it's just not my size. That's both a problem and benefit of the resale market...you can find what you want for less, but good luck locating it in your size.
If the price drops a bit more, I'd buy it. I'd definitely consider renting it again too.
DID THEY DELIVER?
- What items were most helpful and versatile to own this week to ensure I got the most out of my rental and completed the look I craved? I wore each piece multiple times to the point where it hurt to pack them up and send them back. Sniffle. Sigh.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? RTR crushed it this week. They just need to check those pockets before they send something out to the next renter.
- What’s the return process like? Simple! Just place your items in the pre-paid garment bag, slip in the return label, and send it back via UPS!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Shopping RTR's site is like checking out the goods on a dating app. You fall for an item, heart it, and then suddenly it disappears! I now have 410 items saved (just added a few more) and there might be 150 available as of this morning.
The secret's out...I guess that means I need to comb through the site again to add even more items. Hey, did you all know you can shop their pre-loved items by clicking here? I'm going to check it out now.
EVERY BUNNY WISH MR. HGL A HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY!
It's some bunny's bday!
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Up to 8 Items membership costs $99/month (and goes up to $135/month after the first two months) and so far I've received styles with a retail value of $18,327!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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