Whoa, I can't believe it's already June. I am so happy for the heat but have been stuck indoors working. This week will be another short one because I've been swamped at work so let's hop to it like Mr. HGL.
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
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All items by Autumn Adeigbo, Rokh, Jonathan Simkhai, and FARM Rio were fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags. Clearly, Mr. HGL prefers the FARM Rio dress.
THE GOODS
Autumn Adeigbo Cheetah Shayla Dress, Retail Value $565
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The backstory: I didn't get to wear it because it was too warm out. I've had this item on my favorites list for months now and then I discovered it's a little too itchy and heavy to wear in 90-degree weather. I'll try it out again in the fall.
How I styled it: I wore Ferragamo wedge sandals, David Aubrey dangles, and a vintage Chanel Bag.
Size and fit: I ordered the 6 and the fit was perfect. This frilly dress features side slit pockets, puffed and elasticized sleeves and shoulders, and a zip-front closure. It's partially lined and measures 40" from shoulder to hem.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: It's a beautiful dress and I love the puffed sleeves and the on-trend cheetah and roses print, but it was a little too warm here to wear it.
Rokh Twisted Waist Wrap Midi Skirt, Retail Value $644
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The backstory: I couldn't wear this skirt. I basically had to pull a Kim Kardashian and only half zip it in the back. It's made for a Barbie Doll.
How I styled it: Since it's so high-waisted, I had to pair it with a crop top and this leather one is by Alice + Olivia.
Size and fit: I've had this skirt on my list for months and couldn't wait until the weather warmed up so I could rent it. Yikes – it's small. It features side slit pockets, functioning buttons, a front slit, and a back zip closure. It's more lightweight than it looks.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: It's overpriced, designed for a doll, and wrinkles really easily.
Jonathan Simkhai Gingham Ruffle V-Neck Dress, Retail Value $545
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The backstory: My entire family has spring and summer birthdays, and my sister's was last week. I wore this to brunch on Sunday to one of my favorite bars in Baltimore called Little Havana. Then afterward we went to Crazy Tuna, a divey, very Baltimore restaurant, and bar on the water.
How I styled it: I packed lightly for the weekend, so I wore this dress with my Cole Haan block-heeled sandals (which accentuate my swollen feet) and the Chanel 19. I sat on the roof of my building for 45 mins a few days before her birthday and turned 50 shades of red. This red lobster was brought to you by the Irish side of my family!
Size and fit: I got the 6, it fit like a glove, and I was worried I might not be able to wear it. This yellow and white gingham dress features a ruffled trim, flutter sleeves, and a concealed back zipper. It is fully lined and stretchy, so it does suck you in a little bit, but won't help if you've had too many crab cakes, boardwalk fries, and bloody marys.
Condition: Very good, but a little stretched out because it's quite tight.
Honest review: Meh, I was underwhelmed. Not my favorite Jonathan Simkhai dress.
FARM Rio White Nanaju Midi Dress Retail Value $185
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The backstory: You've probably seen Wedding Crashers, so you know what they say, "Crabcakes and football – that's what Maryland does!" Yes, Maryland's crab cakes are the best, but I'd replace football with lacrosse since the University of Maryland's men just won the NCAA lacrosse tournament. Ah, I used to have the biggest crush on those lacrosse boys... I'd chase them and they'd run away really quickly.
Anyway, we celebrated my sister's birthday at Nick's Crab House where they ate crabs and I had crab cakes (picking apart a crab is gross and feels like I'm tearing up the cockroach of the sea). For most people there, getting crabs is a social event where everyone just shoots the sh!t, drinks lots of beer, and talks about the Ravens or the Orioles.
How I styled it: I wore this dress with my Cole Haan block-heeled sandals, Chanel 19 and the jewelry from that other rental place that I forgot wasn't mine. The dress features Swiss dots, polka dots, ruffled straps, and a tiered and embroidered hem.
Size and fit: I got the medium and while it's fitted in the bodice and waist, the straps are stretched out and kept falling down. I have a general complaint about smocked elastic shirring in the waist and bodice of many different designer's pieces. While it sucks you in a little and helps it to stay up, it also gathers in places you prefer it didn't – like the belly – and the gathering adds weight to the frame. And while I know this dress is a dropped waist design, the bodice is too long and if you pull it down, the dress falls down.
Condition: Very good, but a little stretched out. The straps were too long and they kept sliding down.
Honest review: I got a ton of wear out of this dress and if it weren't for the straps being so stretched out, I would've considered a purchase. It had to be sent back quickly because I kept spilling things on it like V8, an orange crush, Old Bay seasoning, and a broken eyeshadow compact. Can someone PLEASE create an eyeshadow compact that doesn't freaking break?
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 only got wear out of the Farm Rio and Jonathan Simkhai dresses.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? This week my picker was off, and I should've read the item reviews.
- 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
Well, it's officially summer vacation season. Anyone doing anything fun? Packing can be so stressful, especially if you're bringing carry-on luggage. Can't decide what to wear? Duh, I suggest checking out RTR! Did you know they'll send your rentals directly to your hotel or resort and you can send them back from there too? Seems to be a no-brainer for me, but I don't have any trips planned.
Looks like my editor would rather relax and judge me than actually do any work. What the fluff is he thinking about (with that dirty butt on the new couch)?
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 $54,573!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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