Hey there, happy 2022! It's started off splendidly with everyone catching Omicron (except for Mr. HGL) and then we had a little bit of a snow issue, but now it's beautifully cold outside. I'm also really hoping to complete Dry January without a sip of alcohol (7 days in, so far so good) and I've hopped on the Keto Diet bandwagon too (for health reasons, to lower my blood pressure). How many of you are also doing Dry January? Let's do it together!
I'm sad to report that Mr. HGL's lawyers sent me a cease-and-desist letter because he no longer wants to be a part of my photoshoots for free. Then his agent contacted me and sent me a bill for all of his previous guest appearances. Who does he think he is?
Kidding, but whenever I set up the tripod and start moving things around, he knows it's photoshoot time, so he stomps, growls, and hops off to the bed to hide. Don't worry, I'll make sure he's still involved in each post whether he likes it or not. Who knew bunnies were so smart? And what is he going to do with that money anyway? Stock up on spiked carrot juice or maybe buy a fur coat?
I TOLD YOU to contact my agent!
So, last time we covered RTR I asked you to pick out my outfits. I was able to borrow and wear two of your top choices and managed to snag two more for the next RTR post which might happen next week. Also, did you know they're having a sample sale right now? Anyway, let's get down to the business of fashion!
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 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
All four of the items by JW Anderson, Mother of Pearl, Ulla Johnson, and Rosetta Getty 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 GOODS
JW Anderson Cap Sleeve Asymmetric Hem Dress, Retail Value $1,050
1 of 5
The backstory: I must say, you all did an absolutely amazing job picking out this dress for me. I wore it so many times, I can't tell you half the places, but I did wear it on Christmas Day! We all had too much to drink, way too much fun, and I posted videos of all of us dancing on TikTok.
Of course, I deleted them the following morning. Who have I become?
How I styled it: Oh geez, where to begin? I found this awesome black leather obi belt on Etsy, and it goes with everything. Since the waist of the dress is a little bland, I kept switching belts to see which one worked the best and the obi was the winner. I also wore the Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, a pair of Kat Maconie Sock Ankle Boots, black tights, Mignonne Gavigan Mini Madeline Earrings, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: I ordered the US 8 and it fit perfectly. I love the looseness of the cap sleeves and the flow of the handkerchief hem skirt. The extended pull on the back zipper may be a bit extreme though.
Condition: Great
Honest review: Absolutely loved everything about it, aside from the price. YIKES. I may rent it again in the warmer months though. One of the great things about this dress is you can dress it up or down and you can layer it for the winter or wear it alone during the summer. I'm all about versatility!
Mother of Pearl Strawberry Nora Dress, Retail Value $595
1 of 5
The backstory: I was also able to get the strawberry dress so many of you loved. Uh, is it a dress or a tunic, or does it belong in the kid's section?
Well, since the tunic was too short to wear in public, I wore it on Christmas Eve, and everyone was thrilled for me to roll up in yet another baby doll ensemble. Yes, mom told me it was way too short, and my dad said I looked like I was working the corner. How sweet it is!
How I styled it: I wore it with super opaque black tights, a pair of pointy-toed flats, a vintage Ferragamo Bag, and a long wool coat with a fox fur collar.
Size and fit: The fit is so wrong. It was tight in the shoulders, tight in the chest, the front pleat was too high, and the skirt was too wide and short. The one thing I did like was the pleated bell sleeves.
Condition: Great
Honest review: Talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you a topic. The strawberry dress, neither a dress nor a tunic, discuss.
If you get this reference, we can definitely be friends! Seriously though, what the fluff is this thing? It's like one of those weird baby doll dresses from the 1990s that I was still too tall to wear. Sure, I have freakishly long legs and torso, but I still don't think the designer knows what they wanted it to be. A dress or a damn tunic? Make up your mind!
Rosetta Getty Paisley Scarf Top, Retail Value $850
1 of 5
The backstory: I wore this top about a dozen times because it's lightweight, stylish, and comfy. Whether it was out to grab dinner with my family or meet friends up the street to pretend to like football, it's the perfect top!
How I styled it: You have to wear it with slim-fitting pants, or you'll look like a clown. I wore it with two different pairs of leather leggings, a pair of Guiseppe Zanotti Studded Combat Boots, a shearling vest (to avoid covering the sleeves), my fave hat, and a pair of over-stated gold earrings. Mr. HGL approved so much, he showed up for a few pics and then hopped away again once he realized I was still taking pics.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and it's definitely oversized, but it's supposed to be. It's a front button design which makes it easier to put on and take off, but the buttons are a little stiff. At times, the shoulder ruffles need to be rearranged and the sleeves can get in the way, but I loved it.
Condition: Great, no issues.
Honest review: Sigh, another item that's too expensive to justify purchasing. I went on Google and spotted it for $510 and I even found the dress version too, but there's no way I would drop that kind of money on a shirt, even though this one is actually worth it.
Ulla Johnson Joni Dress, Retail Value $645
1 of 5
The backstory: Another day, another RTR outfit I wish I could own. I wore this dress for my virtual interview with Tulerie and lined up my babies in the background for them. Also wore it to the new brewery over at Capital One's campus called Starr Hill Biergarten.
Capital One is taking over Northern Virginia! Richard Fairbanks, the founder and CEO, is based here and from what I've heard he's a really, really great guy. I worked for them for about a year and wrote just about everything for the launch of Creditwise and surprisingly enough the majority of my copy is still there.
How I styled it: I wore this dress about a dozen times and paired it with black tights, cowboy boots, a shearling vest, ankle boots, and one fluffy white bunny rabbit. It's the perfect throw-on-and-go piece that's well made of super soft merino wool, has a sweet, flounced hem, and a fun zebra print.
Size and fit: This sweater dress is comfy, stylish, and cute! I got the Medium and it was the perfect fit, with just a little extra stretch. The puff sleeves take it from casual 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: I loved this sweater dress so much that I set a Google alert for it. So far, I can only find it in a beige and tan combo in a large, but I'll keep looking.
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? Every item aside from the strawberry dress was worn multiple times, to the point where I felt like I owned them.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Yep, RTR is winning again.
- 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
Dear Diary,
I love RTR.
The end.
NO, NO, NO! I SAID NO PICS.
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 $21,467!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.