Hello there, snow bunnies. How's everyone handling this brutal cold weather? I took Mr. HGL out in the snow, and he disappeared! Kidding, I'd never do that. I am not a cold weather person at all, and one day hope to move to Florida — preferably the Palm Beach area — but for now, I'm stuck in Northern Virginia. Well, I've been looking for a new (to me) winter coat and I've been combing through sites like The Real Real and LePrix looking for a great deal on a pre-owned coat. I've also been monitoring the coats on Rent the Runway, but I've got a wide ribcage, really broad shoulders, and RTR doesn't list measurements so I'm batting zero there.
Now, you may be wondering why I'd shop resale for a coat. My mom thinks it's gross, and everyone else thinks about catching cooties (thought we only got those from boys?) but hear me out. You can go to a store like Banana Republic or Gap and find a brand-new coat for somewhere between $150 - $1,000, but you're paying for the everyday name, the fabrics aren't that great, fast fashion is apparently killing the planet, and many other people will be wearing the exact same coat. If you shop designer resale you can find a coat that retailed for over $3,000 for as low as $200 — by brands like St. John, Alexander McQueen, and Dolce & Gabbana — made in Italy or France of exquisite fabrics like alpaca, merino wool, mink, cashmere, and Nappa leather and for the same price as BR or even less. Plus, you'll have a unique piece that's all you! And the best part is if you bore of it, you can resell and make a little bit of the money back.
Resale shopping tips: Always have your measurements handy, check the condition of the item, check their return policy, check the materials, Google the designer if you've never heard of them, and stalk the item until the price drops to a level that's acceptable to you! If you monitor the price, you might miss out, but there's always another item that'll replace it that might even be better than the previous one you loved. And you can always filter based on items that still have their tags — which means they've never been worn!
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, now 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
All five of the items by Helmut Lang, Monse, KAUFMANFRANCO, Stine Goya, and Proenza Schouler 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
KAUFMANFRANCO Onyx Knit Turtleneck, Retail Value $895, Helmut Lang Femme Hi Spikes Zipper Jeans, Retail Value $435
The backstory: I decided to try something different this time and failed. We went to see a rock band at the Tally Ho Theater, and I kept hearing about how everyone was wearing jeans, so I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and ordered this outfit.
The jeans had pretty decent reviews and the turtleneck is basic enough, so it seemed like a safe bet, but I was so wrong. I ended up changing into a pair of leather leggings, and a "paint-splattered" Zadig & Voltaire button-down shirt. I really don't understand the obsession with jeans...I don't find them very comfy at all!
Whatever, if I want to wear a chiffon ballgown to McDonald's, I'm doing it! I refuse to conform anymore. Sick of being told how to think, how to feel, how to speak, and how to dress. 🙂 It's 2022, but sometimes I find myself missing the simplicity of 1998.
How I styled it: I tried to make it work, but the jeans weren't happening, and it was too cold for a sleeveless look. I wore this set with Sam Edelman Ankle Boots, a Maje Studded Leather Jacket, and a Balenciaga City Motorcycle Envelope Clutch.
Size and fit: Jeans were a 28 regular, and they were tight at first! After moving around a little bit, I got them to stretch out and then I started messing with the zippers. Yes, they do work both ways! The jeans were still quite tight around the waist and made it uncomfortable to sit down for short periods of time. The zippers were chilly, the jeans were too high-waisted, and they were too short. I also think I need to be about 15 years younger to pull them off.
The knit turtleneck didn't get a fair shot though. It's lovely, cozy, and has a silver-tone back zipper that makes it easy to put on and take off, but it's too cold for sleeveless right now.
Condition: Great
Honest review: I'd rent the sweater again, but I'm done with jeans for now. And especially those jeans!
Proenza Schouler Marled Ottoman Striped Chevron Dress, Retail Value $990
The backstory: I wore this dress to meet my sister and her friends after the Washington Wizards game in DC. We went over to Oyamel Cocina Mexicana and indulged on margaritas, chips and salsa, and tacos. Yes, I failed at being healthy this month!
How I styled it: I wore this dress a few times and made sure to layer up since it's also sleeveless. I wore the Studded Gucci Leather Jacket, black Calzedonia tights, Hermes Clic Clac Bracelet, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: It's almost like a bodycon dress. It's fitted up top and flared at the bottom with an asymmetrical handkerchief hem. It's comfy and heavier so it's perfect for the cold weather as long as you layer!
Condition: Great
Honest review: Looks like I can now purchase this dress for the discounted price of $297 which is tempting, but still a bit high. I'll have to think this over.
Stine Goya Zebra-Striped Asher Dress, Retail Value $350
The backstory: I wore it out to dinner at one of our local haunts. Nothing to report because it's freezing and snowy and I'd rather be somewhere warm.
How I styled it: I wore it with a belt I bought in London, black tights, a shearling vest, Louis Vuitton Mirabeau Electric Epi Tote, and silver-tone studded ankle boots by Rag & Bone.
Size and fit: I ordered the Medium and while it's really easy to pull on and take off, the viscose fabric was a little too bouncy. I almost felt like I was wearing a Slinky. I liked the gathered details on the bust and I find mock-necks look better on me than straight-up turtlenecks, but I wasn't zebra wild about the length of the dress. I think it should be shorter.
Condition: Great, no issues.
Honest review: Reviewers loved this dress, but I wasn't blown away. It's ok, but not something I'd rent again or buy. I found the clinginess of the fabric to be a bit too clingy and felt the need to wear with a belt.
Monse Twisted Plaid Dress, Retail Value $1,190
The backstory: You all know just how much I love Monse, so when I noticed this dress was finally available, I added it to my cart! Sadly, I wasn't able to wear it and I'll explain why.
How I styled it: Oh, where to begin? First, I tried for the country line dancer look, then 90s grunge, and finally ended up with the Village People. All looks failed so I left the dress at home.
Size and fit: Should've listened to the reviews on this one. Whether you have boobs or a wide ribcage, it's too tight in the chest. The abdomen area almost made me look preggers. The adjustable, asymmetrical hem did nothing for the silhouette. And the bunny was vewwy, vewwy scared.
Condition: Average. Could tell it had been worn and washed dozens of times. Plus, someone had the straps altered and never had it removed.
Honest review: I'm neither going to the YMCA nor a Pearl Jam concert anytime soon. This was a Monse fail.
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'm not sure if it's the weather, the depressing month of January, COVID restrictions, or that I picked all the wrong items this time, but I didn't get much wear out of any of this week's picks. Next week I will incorporate your suggestions from the previous week's post so stay tuned!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? RTR is fine. As my friends would say about my previous relationships, my picker is off.
- 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
You may have noticed I've taken a step back from Armoire and there's a reason. I can't find anything to wear! Their selection is lacking, the items aren't always in the best of shape, the sizes run pretty small, and I feel like I'm shopping the closet of a southern chick who's just starting her first corporate job. I'm not sure they've figured out who their target audience is just yet, and the suggestions they send me are so not me. I understand Armoire is a much younger company and still in the startup stages, but they really need up their style game, but I did manage to find a few items to review in about two weeks. Has anyone else rented from them recently and have the same thoughts?
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 $32,237!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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