Happy Friday! Yay, it's the end of January. Between the freezing cold, the never-ending pandemic, and the mid-winter blahs, I'm so ready to bid adieu to Jan 2022. My life hasn't been very exciting — I've failed at being healthy (had 20 McNuggets and large fries last night, much to the dismay of Mr. HGL) and hibernated a bit which means I haven't really wandered around in my fab rentals.
Now to go a bit off-topic: Here's how I ended up with a pet bunny rabbit. We had them when I was young, and I always wanted to get another pet rabbit in NYC but didn't have space and I was too busy being party Mary. I lived in a lovely little roach hole for six years before I moved back to DC in 2015. When I moved to Dupont Circle, my apartment felt like Buckingham Palace, and I finally had enough space for a pet.
I went through a very traumatic breakup and instead of cutting bangs, I saw a posting on a board in the kitchen of Capital One advertising a litter of baby Angora rabbits up for adoption. I contacted the breeder, met him in the parking lot of Cap One's corporate office, and brought Mr. HGL home with me on the subway.
I didn't know much about Angora rabbits (I was obsessed with Wally the Angora Bunny on Instagram) so when I started reading up on their care a few days before I picked him up, I was shocked. They have this crazy hair that needs constant attention and grooming or else they could get very sick and suffer from wool block which could kill them.
Bunny's first haircut
Angoras are domesticated rabbits and have been around since the early 1700s. They were a popular pet for the European royals who used their soft, silky fur to knit clothing and accessories. Today, Angoras are still used to create some of your favorite knits, and while I only keep him as a pet, I've been told he is pedigree and comes from a long line of prize-winning bunnies with long, gorgeous locks. Some have suggested I sell his fur (not happening). He's like my own little Rapunzel. Angoras are one of the smartest and most lovable breeds, and their life expectancy is somewhere between 8-12 years.
I named him Mr. Hoppy Golightly because I love Breakfast at Tiffany's. He still doesn't want to be photographed... I think he might be smarter than me.
No pictures, please!
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 and wear designer items by names you know and love, and up-and-coming designers too!
For the newbies to WIWTW, every Friday I’ll take you on a trip through my life (recovered from COVID, fully vaccinated), where I’m going, 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 our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
WHAT I RECEIVED
I chose the items you voted on!
All four of the items by Nina Ricci, Anna Sui, Tanya Taylor, and Love, Whit by Whitney Port arrived on time and in good condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hangers, and sealed in a plastic bag.
THE GOODS
Tanya Taylor Zoe Dress, Retail Value $495
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The backstory: Really not going many places these days. Sad. Not many stories right now, but I did wear it to pick up food at Jinya Ramen where the bartender insisted on trying out his newest cocktails on me. Liquor and I are not friends.
How I styled it: A vintage gold-tone belt, a pair of Charlotte Olympia Suede pumps, these awesome rhinestone bow earrings, and the vintage mink jacket.
Size and fit: I ordered the Medium and it's a perfect fit. I love the gathered details in the bust and arms, I love the way this dress hugs you in all the right places. It's lightweight but warm, and cozy and stretchy.
Condition: Perfecto!
Honest review: I absolutely love this dress and as soon as I put it on, I went to RTR's site to check out the price. I wanted to cry when I noticed it was $445. Then, I went to Google to search and haven't had any luck. I want it, but I'm not willing to pay more than $150 for it, and that's still too high. I'm going to hold onto it for a few more weeks.
Love, Whit by Whitney Port Sweater Dress, Retail Value $260
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How I styled it: I wore it with tights, cowboy boots, a shearling vest, a necklace I scored at an antiques shop, and a pair of gold-tone hoops.
Size and fit: I ordered the Medium and it fits well. It's a pullover, dropped-waist design that has padded shoulders which gives it a nice little 80s touch.
Condition: Average. It's a bit worn and there's a hole in the hem. They'll have to retire it soon.
Honest review: I wore it around my building quite a bit and in some ways, it's the perfect house dress. It's soft, warm, sweet, and stylish and despite the condition, it's pretty great, but I wouldn't buy it or rent again.
Nina Ricci Ribbed Turtleneck, Retail Value $1,150
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How I styled it: I've had my eye on this sweater for a long time, and it's umm interesting. The design, the wings, and hem make it difficult to style. When I tucked it in, it was too puffy around the waist, and when I wore it out it just looked like a knit balloon. I finally landed on leather leggings, boots, a hat, and a leather jacket. I got the hat at Forever 21 a few years ago, and the necklace is from an antiques shop in Middleburg, VA. The leggings are a bit textured in the front which complements the sweater, but they're from The Real Real and there is this horrible grandma perfume smell that I cannot get rid of so I might have to sell them. That's one of the drawbacks of shopping for and buying used items.
Size and fit: I got the US size 6 and it seems to run a little large. Or maybe it's just the wings that make me feel that way. It's crafted in cashmere and wool so of course, it's soft like a cloud... or Mr. HGL's fur.
Condition: Very good. Noticed a few minor pulls.
Honest review: As Mr. HGL would say, what the FLUFF! It's soft, warm, and versatile, but not worth over $1,000! I feel like if I jumped out my window, I'd be like Wendy in Peter Pan. I can fly!
Anna Sui Sheer Pop Bouquet Top, Retail Value $642
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How I styled it: So, I know I said no more Anna Sui, but here I am. This top is fun and frilly, and I couldn't wait to slink my body into it. I wore them with a pair of flared leather pants by Shanghai Tang that I must've gotten about a decade ago and have only worn them a handful of times. I wore it with my fave ankle boots, the gold-tone belt, a vintage Ferragamo Satchel, and the mink jacket to give off a 70s vibe.
Size and fit: Anna Sui tends to run a little large, but it fit fine. This blouse is sheer and it doesn't come with a camisole, so you'll have to improvise or supply your own.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I really like this top, but not the price. I'd rent it again in the spring.
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? The items are perfect for this time of year. I am probably going to hold on to the Tanya Taylor dress for another week or so.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? This week I felt like the items I received needed a little more TLC from the tailor and dry cleaner.
- 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
When I was at a restaurant the other night, this woman sitting next to me asked about the Tanya Taylor dress and wanted to know where I got it. When I said it's off Rent the Runway she immediately turned to her husband and said, "I told you, I want to join Rent the Runway, and this is now proof that I have to do it next week!"
She's a federal judge who ditched her closet during COVID, lives in black robes for work, and is desperate to start over, and look and feel good again. She said she doesn't want to buy a new wardrobe because she gets bored quickly and she's worried about future lockdowns. She wants a revolving wardrobe that gives her thousands of style options without any long-term commitment. I told her to sign up immediately.
When she went to the restroom her husband looked at me and said, "Ok, you've convinced both of us." Too bad I didn't have the discount code on me to give to them.
Seriously, 20 nuggies?
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 $34,784!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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