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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