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What I’m Wearing This Week: Rent the Runway

Rent The Runway
3.7 overall rating
7 Ratings | 3 Reviews

Hello, hello. Super busy week and tonight I'm going to see an ex perform at the DC Improv. More on that next week! Despite not being the biggest fan of social media, I've started posting Instagram stories of my rentals and where I've worn them in advance of my WIWTW postings and I feel silly, but I guess I need to get over my aversion to social media.

Hey, according to one of our readers, if you pinch right above or below each photo you can zoom in. Let me know if it works for you. I finally figured it out.

Anyway, let's get to the clothing!

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, 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.

 

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 items by Proenza Schouler, Pinko, Hermant & Nandita, and Nightcap were fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.

THE GOODS 

Proenza Schouler White Label Sunflower Dress, Retail Value $450

 

The backstory: RTR calls this a sunflower print, but as someone who loves British everything, I think it's meant to be the Remembrance Poppy -- and what a great dress for Remembrance Day (or any other day). I mentioned last week that it was my dad's 75th birthday so I brought home all the rentals. Why would I shop my own closet when I'm just so over it?

I've gotten a lot of wear out of this dress and I will continue to wear it until May 15th when I'm supposed to return it and order my next batch. The weather has been warming up a bit (finally), so we grabbed birthday lunch on Monday at Ryleigh's Oyster Bar and then headed back to see Mr. HGL who was quite offended that I abandoned him for two whole days. One of the cool things about rabbits is that you can leave them for a day or two and not have any issues.

I think I might get a pet camera though, just to make sure he doesn't pull a Secret Life of Pets on me.

How I styled it: The fabric is stretchy but unforgiving, so I added my favorite belt to the waist, and I think it looks better without it. I also wore another pair of Ferragamo sandals I scored on eBay (stocking up for the summer) and threw on my studded leather jacket.

Size and fit: This pull-on design's mock-neck is a little tight so make sure you put on your makeup afterward! It's a lightweight, stretchy fabric that features an all-over purl-edge trim, dropped waist, and gathered midi-length skirt. 

Condition: Great condition.

Honest review: I love this dress, but RTR's pre-loved $25 discount is a joke. I can buy it at Nordstrom right now, BRAND NEW, for $450. They must think no one knows how to use Google. Otherwise, maybe the neckline is a little weird on me. Thoughts? 

Pinko Cut-Out Laser Midi Dress, Retail Value $550

 

The backstory: I'm about to be a brat, but DC's social scene just isn't that great. Being back in the DC area is like being back in high school... you know what I mean. There are cliques, everyone talks about each other behind their backs, and it seems like one small city of frenemies. Luckily, I've made some great friends, but most of us have moved from elsewhere (mostly NYC) and have bonded over how cliquey this town is. Southern hospitality? As if!

In DC everyone's focused on their 15 undergrad and grad degrees. For example, I used to work for Capital One and we hosted customer focus groups where we'd invite customers to the office to chat. One time this very well-dressed, older lady looked at two coworkers and said, "Had I known we could just roll out of bed and show up here in our sweats, maybe I would've come in my pajamas." Remember, it was a customer focus group, and we were there to represent the company.

So, the one girl said, "I have my MBA from Wharton. It doesn't matter what I look like." FACEPALM. If you want to go to the bar in sweats, you do you, but corporate America has a dress code for a reason. So, is everyone prepared for a return to the office?

Anyway, I wore this dress to a Jose Andres World Central Kitchen event for Ukraine at Smoke & Mirrors. Beautiful space, great crowd, and for a good cause. Jose Andres has some of the best restaurants in DC like Jaleo, Zaytinya, Mini Bar, and Oyamel Cocina Mexicana. Put them on your list!

How I styled it: Wore my Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, the Chanel 19, the chain-link necklace from Etsy, the studded Gucci jacket, and the Etsy belt too. I normally love this belt but looking at pictures I realize wrapping it around my waist added bulk to the look.

Size and fit: I got the 6 and it's a little tight in the bust. This laser-cut, A-line design features an attached ribbon belt you can tie in the front or back, a semi-sheer bodice and skirt, and a back-zip closure.

Condition: Excellent.

Honest review: I love the color and I love the design, but I don't love the resale price. Plus, it's a little bulky in the ribcage area and the fabric gathers.

Hemant & Nandita Aroha Dress, Retail Value $453

 

The backstory: I've worn this dress quite a few times, but most notably out for my dad's 75th birthday celebration at this adorably rustic Italian restaurant in Baltimore called Cosima.

How I styled it: It's such a cheery and brilliant dress, it doesn't need much to make it stand out. Just added my fave necklace, and my new Ferragamo sandals. This dress speaks for itself.

Size and fit: I got the 6 and it's a good fit. This pull-on design features an elasticized, shirred bodice with a square neckline and dropped waist. The shoulders are also elasticized, and the sleeves feature single-button cuffs.

Condition: Great condition.

Honest review: I love this dress, but I have two complaints: it's supposed to be a maxi, but it's not on me and the way the shirred and elasticized bodice gathers around the belly can make anyone a little self-conscious.

Nightcap Autumn Lace Top, Retail Value $228

 

The backstory: I got a ton of wear out of this top too and even considered purchasing it but decided to search for it on Google first and I'm glad I did. While this top is available for purchase in resale condition for $114, I was able to buy TWO brand new Nightcap tops for $19.60 each. How? Well, they were having a huge sale. Check it out! The catch? Not many sizes left, and their shipping fees are absurd.

I wore this top so many times, but most notably to meet my friend Stephanie over at Clyde's Willow Creek Farm. She's moving to Chicago, and I'll miss her!

How I styled it: I wore it with my Alice + Olivia bell bottoms, a B-Low the Belt belt, and the new Ferragamo sandals.

Size and fit: I got the medium and it is a little snug. It's a pull-on design that features a slimming liner that really sucks you in!

Condition: Great condition.

Honest review: I love it and I love the color, but the price is too high. I might rent it again though!

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 a lot of wear out of all the items! I really loved them.
  • Did they meet or exceed expectations? RTR is almost always great. 
  • 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 guess we should discuss the Met Gala. Kardashians aside (let's pretend they don't exist), who did you love? I was a huge fan of the three looks below, and especially Amber Valetta because she reminded me of She-Ra!

 

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 $52,634!

Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!

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Choose from thousands of designer clothes and accessories. Try new styles and trends for any occasion. Mail everything back for free via UPS. We handle the dry cleaning. RTR offers both one-time, on-demand rentals as well as an unlimited rental that charges a monthly fee.

Mary Zubritsky
Mary Zubritsky

If shopping were an Olympic sport, I’d be a gold medalist. And while my bank account often feels the crunch, I just can’t stop buying secondhand clothing and accessories, under-the-radar designer goods, stuffed animal unicorns (I have about 75), and toys for my pet bunny rabbit. After 20 years of city slicking in NYC and DC, I now have a car and love to tour the Virginia countryside looking for vintage shops, undiscovered wineries and breweries, historic sites, and Thai restaurants—I’m addicted to Thai food. I never leave home without a spare phone charger because I love horror movies and therefore have an irrational fear of being stranded somewhere with a dead battery. 


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27 comments

Tracy

My favorite thing in this whole review is that pair of bell bottoms. They’re amazing!

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Mary Zubritsky

I am not a fan of jeans. I find them constricting and incredibly uncomfortable BUT Alice + Olivia has managed to change my mind. While I trip over the exaggerated hems, they are comfy. Check out her site and the resale sites for more. I bought these at the beginning of the pandemic and they’re long gone, but they’re always adding more items to their collection — just keep in mind that they’re very long… even for me.

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Emily

Is anyone actually here for social commentary? What even is this website anymore.

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Melissa

I guess it does give a little insight into what life is like in different parts of the country, so it can be interesting. I’m just glad that this review doesn’t include any information about coworkers’ bathroom habits like a previous review did. 🙁

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Mary Zubritsky

Differing opinions and life experiences make the world go round — but I didn’t expect this to occur 😳

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Mary Zubritsky

MVAER — I was shocked at just how catty the women were in the DC area. It was so easy to make female friends in NYC, but DC is shockingly difficult. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before!

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Snow

Late for the party of course. I just recently heard on the radio that those who dress in high end fashion appear less of a team player than those who say, shop at the outlet mall or something. While I personally don’t believe that to be true, our presentation to others says a lot! Also, having a good attitude/humor helps too lol. 😋 I have to say, Mary, as incredible as you look in all the outfits, my first thought is almost always, “she must be so cold!” Fabulous review as always ☺️

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Mary Zubritsky

Wow I missed a lot. Came to NYC for work and haven’t been paying attention. Yikes! Guess I better monitor my fingertips a bit better. And yes, I’m ALWAYS cold! That’s why I love summer so much — I bask in the sunlight of 100 degrees and rarely complain about it. Winter though… 😝

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mia

My thought is always she and I are the same weight, but I’m nine inches shorter 😆

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Mary Zubritsky

Thanks for your response below. I have a habit of speaking my mind and while I’ve gotten better with filtering my thoughts, I still fail quite often. And believe it or not, I am a human garbage disposal. I wake up and go to bed thinking about food — and I tend to raid the fridge and cupboards in the middle of the night, but Nr. HGL doesn’t mind because he snacks then too!

Allison

Thanks for the review. I didn’t care for the tone. You write about how DC is a city of frenemies with everyone talking about each other behind their backs and then post a story where you complain about your former coworkers sense of style behind their backs. I just don’t understand the message-are you saying that one’s fashion sense is more important than one’s degrees? You do preface your statements by mentioning that you’re about to be a brat, but how about we just be kind to one another and lift one another up?

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JoJoB.

This is the most hysterical comment ever. Did you seriously call another adult a brat because you didn’t like the tone of their article as if name calling isn’t exactly what actual brats do? And it was pretty clear to me that she wasn’t commenting on her coworker’s sense of style but rather the lack of professionalism the coworker displayed by dressing inappropriately for her position and then having the gall to be rude to a customer when called on it.

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Melissa

Ummm, if you read it, Mary herself said, “I’m about to be a brat,” and that is exactly what Allison said – that Mary had prefaced her statements with this sentence.

mia

I didn’t read that as Mary complaining about her former coworker’s sense of style. She complained about her former coworker’s rude reply to a customer who complained about her unprofessional dress code. Having worked both on the east and west coast, I can tell you that professional dress on the east coast is far more conservative and professional. On the west coast, I can get away with wearing a refined t-shirt and slacks with flats. On the east coast, it’s strictly business suits and heels with pantyhose. If someone is dressed unprofessionally, it’s up to the supervisor to send them home. Having a customer remark upon it reflects poorly on the employee and the company as a whole. For that employee to throw it back at the customer’s face by citing her not so fancy degree, she should have been disciplined for it.

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Mary K. Zubritsky

Hi Allison, I understand where you’re coming from, and I figured I might ruffle a few feathers. I went from working at Saks Fifth Avenue corporate offices off Fifth Avenue to the Dept. of Health & Human Services’ government compound in the MD burbs. Women here are in constant competition with one another and it’s mostly over men. Anyway, whenever I’d meet new people and told them I worked in fashion back in NYC, they’d roll their eyes, laugh or say things like “Oh, how cute. You went to New York Fashion Week.” I took some serious abuse because I didn’t have a grad degree and/or MBA. I think both presentation and degrees are very important (and I do not have the patience and brain power to go back to school), but in that one instance where you’re representing a company to current and potential customers, presentation is also quite important. And to be a corporate employee of a global bank and then respond with a comment like that is not OK, no matter who you are and where you live. It’s customer service.

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mia

@leah I think Kristen’s point is MBAs are very common nowadays (heck, even I have one), and is not worth bragging in the manner that Mary’s former colleague did.

Leah

So what, Kristin?

Kristin

We have secretaries in our office with MBAs, just saying.

MVAer

Mary, I live in the MVA and I get you. I really do. I moved here from the midwest and it’s been soul crushing for real. People can be real harsh here. I feel your DC story deep in my soul. And I stand in solidarity with you, girl. I’ve had too many of my own moments with people like you described so you gave me a chuckle.

Btw people are generally dressed to the nines here which I have found intimidating but I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration and tips from your posts and even trying out RTR for myself. Keep it up!

AH

I LOVE your Alice + Olivia bells (you shouldn’t be surprised lol)! You look phenomenal in them! You have legs for days haha. You also look amazing in literally everything from RTR this week, but you almost always do. Happy belated Birthday to your Dad!
P.S. I saw you added how to zoom in on the slide pictures. You might want to change it to “pinch in right above or below the picture” as it only works when i pinch outside the picture, and then I move wherever I want while zoomed in. I love that you added this btw and I hope it works for everyone. Have a great week hun!

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Mary Zubritsky

Thank you! It’s been updated.

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JoJoB

Excellent review as always but I can’t physically walk away from this post without making sure you know that there is not a single Southerner alive who considers DC the South! 🤣I am aware of the technicalities of the dividing line but no, just no.

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Mary Zubritsky

Yeah, you’re correct. When I moved down here, I really thought it would be so much easier, but maybe age is a factor too. The older we get, the harder it is to make new friends.

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Caligirl

Comment 2 everything looked amazing this month on you. My favorite met look was Blake’s gown LOVED IT.

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Mary Zubritsky

Blake looked awesome too. I just figured I’d be different with my choices.

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Caligirl

Before I looked at the items on you, I knew that the red would be amazing on you..

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Mary Zubritsky

They’re all great, but I did get a 5th item — a yellow dress — that was soooo short it was basically a top on me.

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