Whoops, I just realized we're doing RTR twice in a row, but next week we have Armoire and then Le Tote. Better to have options than nothing at all, right?
I've been freelancing for a few brands for almost a year now and it's stressful — my health insurance isn't good, people are flaky, and work isn't consistent, so I've decided to go back to full-time employment. And thanks to Mr. HGL, I'm going to write for The Dodo! While this is a fully remote position — they are based in NYC and there's no way I'm moving back — I'll still need some awesome outfits for my video calls and I love fashion, so I'll still be reviewing for WIWTW and Rocksbox.
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, 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!
For sizing reference, I am 5'11", weigh 140 pounds, and have a 33" inseam.
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.
Look out, the prices are rising!
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
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All items by Adam Lippes Collective, Sea New York, Patou, and Hofmann Copenhagen were fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Adam Lippes Collective Magenta Jumpsuit, Retail Value $420
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The backstory: Met my friends for brunch at The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan, DC, which is housed in an old historic church. It's a beautiful space in a great neighborhood with lots to do, but parking can be a bit tricky.
How I styled it: I wore it with a vintage studded belt, the vintage Gucci studded leather jacket, kat Maconie ankle boots, the Hermes Clic Clac, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: I ordered the 6 and while it fit really well, it also appears to be slightly large. It's a cozy, lightweight one-piece that is really easy to put on and take off with its concealed back-zip closure and the side slit pockets are quite convenient too.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: This is one of those situations where it's helpful to see what the outfit looks like before I step out of the house. In the mirror, it looked great, but now that I'm looking at the pictures, the pants seem to be about 3" too short and I didn't belt it properly. I love the color, the design, and the pockets, but now that I'm looking at it in pictures, I will not purchase it.
Sea New York Nadine Border Maxi Dress, Retail Value $450
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The backstory: Nothing really exciting aside from wearing it on one of my Zoom interviews, and running lots of errands.
How I styled it: Just threw on a pair of block-heeled sandals and a leather jacket.
Size and fit: I ordered the 6 and it fit very well. This lightweight cotton dress features a V-neck, ruffled trim, puffed shoulders, elasticized bust, and a back-zip closure. The random ruffle dangling from the bottom of the neckline is totally out of place and the zipper gets caught on the seam.
Condition: Very good, but it is a little worn and there are some loose strings.
Honest review: While it is an easy-breezy, everyday dress, I like it, but I don't love it. Feels very Holly Hobbie meets Little House on the Prairie.
Patou Denim Circular Dress, Retail Value $950
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The backstory: Haven't had a chance to wear it because the weather's been too cold, but as soon as I looked at these pics, I applied lots of sunless tanning lotion. Yikes, I'm the color of a corpse!
How I styled it: I wore it with a pair of Ferragamo sandals which only accentuate my paleness, a vintage metal belt, and the Louis Vuitton Takashi Murakami Cherry Blossom Satchel.
Size and fit: I got the US 6 and it fit perfectly! It features subtle pleating, back zip closure, side slit pockets, and a pretty ruffled hem.
Condition: A little stiff and wrinkled due to many washings, but it's in very good condition.
Honest review: So cute! It's like something Alice in Wonderland or the Swiss Miss would wear when they went out for drinks at a hotel bar. Only wish it weren't so expensive. I'd definitely rent it again!
Hofmann Copenhagen Lorenna ruffle Top, Retail Value $275
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The backstory: Nothing fancy here, I wore it to Walmart to find some Zyrtec — anyone else suffering terribly from allergies right now? According to the local news, the male and female trees are dealing with some "botanical sexism" which is making us even more miserable during allergy season. Side note: I've taken three COVID tests and they're all negative.
How I styled it: At first, I wore it with a pair of leather leggings to balance out the proportions a little bit, but then I switched to a pair of Alice + Olivia bell-bottom jeans.
Size and fit: I got the US 6, and this top is huge. It's a beautiful silhouette and the oversized ruffles are fun and frilly, but there's something off with the design. It's boxy, and even if you button up all the way to the ruffled neckline, it still shifts and moves around too much. Plus, the buttonholes are really tight so it's difficult to button.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: It's a beautiful top that's really well made, but I think if you rent it, you should size down. It's huge!
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 got the most wear out of the Sea New York dress and I wore the jumpsuit to all of my virtual job interviews because the color is stunning!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? RTR is almost always great, but the weather in the Mid-Atlantic needs to shape up so I can actually wear these items.
- 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
I'll tell you two cute, and funny stories about Mr. HGL. The other day when I pulled out the camera for pics, he stomped, growled, and sprinted off to the bedroom. I followed him in there and as soon as I turned the corner, he lifted up his tail and began peeing on my pillow. I quickly swooped him up and brought him out to his litter box. Well, he now protests the photos by peeing on my pillow. What? Why? I had no idea rabbits were so calculating! Ok, and since he got a haircut last week, he's been a bit chilly without his fur, so his new thing is to burrow himself beneath the comforter on the bed and sleeps there the majority of the day. I removed the duvet cover because his butt can get a little messy and I'm sick of cleaning it every few days, but he does look cute and cozy. What a funny little bunny!
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all items are still available.
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 $47,601!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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