Good morning, and happy Fri-YAY! What a week it's been, but I'm glad to finally be back to work. This week Le Tote switched it up a bit and allowed me to order even more items, and while the clothing was cute, the jewelry was a bit underwhelming.
Last week I mentioned how I'd like to replace my couch and I've spent a lot of time combing through sites, looking for a replacement in the past week. Anyone have any suggestions for a cushy, comfy sectional that doesn't cost over $2,000? When I moved last year, I was very focused on escaping a bad relationship and bought lots of items off Wayfair and Amazon so I could have them waiting for me at my building when I moved out. I made a lot of mistakes with the items I purchased and spent way too much money on junk so I'm starting over again. If any of you are great at home decor and interior design, feel free to comment some suggestions for the space, including baskets, pictures, etc. I'm a fashion expert, not home decor.
WHAT I’M WEARING THIS WEEK: Le Tote
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week. For the newbies, every Friday on WIWTW I'll recap the clothing rentals I wore for the week. I’ll take you on a trip through my life, where I’m going, what’s missing in my closet, my current obsessions, what I’m excited to try, and maybe even buy. We’ll explore designers and trends, and a variety of styles and brands. And each week I’ll fill you in on why I chose each item, the total value of the rental compared to the retail price (as of today I've rented $1,002 worth of clothing on Le Tote), and more. For sizing reference, I am 5'11" with a 33" inseam and I weigh 140 pounds.
Le Tote is a fashion subscription service that lets you try a new set of on-trend separates, dresses, jewelry, and more on a monthly basis. You can keep the pieces as long as you’d like or return them to receive a new set of items, depending on your membership. There are membership plans that include one tote per month to unlimited totes per month. Le Tote features brands you know and love like Tahari, French Connection, Rebecca Minkoff, and Rachel Roy, and there's also a maternity option. You can rent up to 10 clothing items and 5 accessories per month and the sizing options range from XS to XXL, or 0 to 16, but currently, there's no tall, petite, or plus-sized option.
Just like other fashion subscriptions, when I signed up, I went through an extensive style quiz to gather information about my preferences and complete my style profile. You'll add information like your measurements, current sizing in different types of clothing, looks you love, and more.
Le Tote offers free shipping both ways. Items you order will be sent using 2–3-day priority shipping, and ground shipping is included when returning items to the warehouse. Le Tote ships to valid residences, hotels, P.O. Boxes, and commercial establishments in the contiguous 48 States in the USA; however, they do not ship to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO, or Alaska.
This is a review of the Unlimited Plan with 5 clothing items and 3 accessories for $79/month.
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
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This time my Le Tote products arrived neatly folded and arranged in a plastic shipping bag (what happened to the cute box? Mr. HGL loved it). All of the items by New York & Co. Noir Luxe, Rebecca Minkoff, Octavia, Walter Baker, and Adrianna Papell arrived on time in a plastic clothing bag and in great condition.
THE GOODS
Rebecca Minkoff Pave Sphere Hoops, Retail Price $88, Le Tote Price $68
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How I styled it: I had high hopes for these earrings, but they fell flat. I couldn't wear them for many reasons, but I did pair them with a vintage Alexander McQueen dress I got off The RealReal for under $100. What a score!
Size and fit: While they're lightweight, they are bulky, they twist easily and they get caught on everything, including my hair!
Condition: One of the earrings arrived broken. The damage can't be seen by the photos, but it twists around the sphere and if that's part of the look then it makes them completely unwearable.
Honest review: Cheap, broken, and unwearable.
Rebecca Minkoff Pearl Drop Earrings, Retail Price $58, Le Tote Price $45
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How I styled it: Pearls are one of the biggest jewelry trends for 2022 so I hopped right on that bandwagon. I wore these earrings with a Jonathan Simkhai V-Neck Midi Dress which made me feel very Audrey!
Size and fit: They're chunky, clunky, and really heavy!
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: If I had a baby, they'd tear this pair right out of my earlobes. While they look pretty in pictures, they're too bulky and heavy for everyday wear.
Noir Luxe Triple Pave Pendant, Retail Value $28, Le Tote Price $22
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How I styled it: Clearly, I just layered it onto the other look.
Size and fit: This slightly adjustable pave necklace features an attached, round pendant.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: It looks and feels like a necklace you'd buy in the kid's section at Claire's Boutique.
Walter Baker One-Shoulder Top, Retail Value $118, Le Tote, $88, New York & Co. Faux Leather Jogger Pants, Retail Value $79, Le Tote, $48
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How I styled it: I've always been interested in trying leather joggers, and while these are faux leather, they look pretty good too. I paired them with another item I got from Le Tote, the Walter Baker One-Shoulder Top, a pair of Pierre Hardy Sandals, and the Prada Bunny Clutch.
Size and fit: The pants are a small, and despite being too short, they're quite large. The waist features a hook closure and tie and has a functioning side slit and back slit pockets. The top is a medium and it's also too big, and it's cropped at a weird length that doesn't let you tuck it in or leave it out without looking short and bulky. I feel like it should be a body-hugging design, but it isn't.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: While I like the look in pictures, the truth is both pieces were just too big. And without pushing up the ribbed cuffs, they look way too short. I sent both pieces back.
Adrianna Papell Floral Mockneck Dress, Retail Value $159, Le Tote Price $120
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How I styled it: I paired it with my fave Etsy belt, Dior sunnies, the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Bag, and the Nicholas Kirkwood Sandals.
Size and fit: This floral dress is rendered in a back-tie, mock-neck design with a gathered bodice, subtle pleating, elasticized waist, and a full and flowy, mid-length skirt. I ordered the size 6 and it was pretty perfect, if not slightly large.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: It's pretty, but not my style. I need something a little edgier!
Octavia Open Back Midi Slip Dress, Retail Value $82, Le Tote Price $68
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How I styled it: This slinky little slip dress is lightweight, sexy, and fun. It's made of a velour-like fabric in a deep-sea blue hue. I wore it with Robert Clergerie slides and a vintage Chanel Bag for happy hour at drinks with friends at Jackson's and I was definitely the most overdressed person there.
Size and fit: I got the small and it was still a little oversized, especially in the bust. The shoulder straps are adjustable so that helped with the length and fit a bit.
Condition: Very good. A little worn and I found a small tear.
Honest review: I considered buying it, but then realized I could probably find something better on one of my designer resale sites for the same price.
New York & Co. Strapless High-Low Bow-Front Top, Retail Value $69, Le Tote Price $48
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How I styled it: I ended up pairing it with a pleated leather mini skirt, a pair of slides I got from & Other Stories in London, and the Prada Bunny Clutch. While most people wore it with the matching pair of capris (which weren't available) or a pair of skinny black pants, this skirt seemed to give off an Alexander McQueen vibe.
Size and fit: I ordered the medium and it's a little big in the bust, but it's the perfect length.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: Don't faint, but I ended up buying it. When I added Le Tote's $20 monthly credit, it ended up being $30 with tax. I like it because it's different from anything else I've seen out there, and the print's reminiscent of John Galliano's Christian Dior newspaper dress that was popularized in Sex and the City. I'm sure that was their inspiration.
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 really like the slip dress and the graffiti top. I never would've discovered that top without Le Tote.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Cute items I'd never otherwise try on because I don't shop traditional retail shops and department stores.
- What’s the return process like? While they ship it in a branded Le Tote box or bag, they include a return bag that's pre-labeled so all you need to do is put your items in the bag, seal it up, send it out, and recycle the box. Easy!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I've combed through Le Tote and when I find certain items I like, they take me to the retail portion of the site. Instead of being able to add it to the tote to rent, it's added to my shopping cart and then I have to remove everything and start over. I can't seem to figure it out and to be honest, I can't find that many items to rent. Am I missing something here?
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The 5 clothing and 3 jewelry items plan costs $79/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $1,002!
What are your thoughts about Le Tote and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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