Well, it's officially the 4th of July weekend and I don't have any plans. I guess since I'm just a few miles from the nation's capital, I could go watch the fireworks from one of my friend's buildings or take a break from life and get all my ducks and bunnies in a row since The Dodo is cutting contracts due to the economy and mine was unfortunately included. Sigh. Since the pandemic hit, I feel like my life is constantly one step forward and two steps back.
Last week I mentioned renting 80s-inspired looks, but for next week I went back two more decades and rented items that look like they're straight out of 1962. I posted a preview reel on my Instagram @Marykatez. I'm trying to get better at social media, so I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
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 Stella Jean, Rhode, Pinko, and Prabal Gurung were fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags. Mr. HGL is all over the place this week.
THE GOODS
Stella Jean Tiered Ruffled Midi Skirt, Retail Value $1,277
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The backstory: I wore this skirt to the grand opening of a new restaurant called il piatto where we hung out with a few local celebs, including the Ambassador of Iraq who's in the picture with us. I got this skirt because I love the artful pattern and it makes me feel like dancing!
How I styled it: I wore it with the Alice + Olivia leather crop top, the Nicholas Kirkwood Sandals, and the Chanel 19.
Mr. Hoppy Golightly says: You look like the emoji chick in the red dress, but she can dance better than you.
Size and fit: I ordered the medium and the elasticized waist was a little stretched out so it would slide down a bit. One thing that's unfortunate about having a rectangular body shape is that I don't have a waist and kind of resemble Spongebob Squarepants. LOL. The skirt is on the heavier side due to the fabric, ruffles, and stitching, but wasn't so bad that I couldn't wear it in the summer.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: Love, love, love. It's a real statement piece. Only wish it weren't so expensive.
Rhode Dotty Off-the-Shoulder Dress, Retail Value $395
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The backstory: I got tons of wear out of this dress. It's perfect for summer!
How I styled it: Since the elasticized waistband was so obvious, I decided to belt it with a vintage gold-tone belt, but I didn't realize it wasn't covering the waist after all. I also paired it with the Ferragamo Gavina Sandals and rental jewelry from Rocksbox (sorry, not sorry),
Mr. Hoppy Golightly says: There should be bunny prints on that dress, not doves! When buns cry...
Size and fit: I got a medium and the elasticized neckline was quite stretched out, so I had to keep pulling it up. This pull-on dress features tiered ruffles and a fun dove and plant print.
Condition: Very good, but you can tell it's been worn a lot.
Honest review: A little worn and stretched out, and a bit short for me, but it's an amazing summer dress for brunch, vineyard hopping, and shopping.
Pinko Floral Arleen Dress, Retail Value $475
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The backstory: I wore this dress many times, like to my cousin's house for a birthday celebration.
How I styled it: Since this dress is on the busier side with the print, the pleating, and the necktie, I didn't really need to do much to style it at all. Just threw on heels, the Chanel 19, and voila!
Mr. Hoppy Golightly says: Looks like lettuce! You're making me hungry.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and it was almost a perfect fit, but just a tad oversized. This pleated, lightweight dress features a brilliant, jungle-inspired floral print, flutter sleeves, v-neckline with tie, side-zip closure, and a pleated, slightly asymmetrical hem.
Condition: Excellent, but I might've caused some of the pleats to fall out after sitting on the edge of a hot tub and getting splashed by my cousin's children.
Honest review: So pretty and the resale price was under $100 too, but I can't buy anything else right now until I figure out what the fluff I'm doing with my life.
Prabal Gurung Floral Cady Dress Retail Value $1,495
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The backstory: I wore this dress to the DC Improv's 30th anniversary party at the 9:30 Club where an ex of mine was performing. Rania and I got to hang out backstage with all the comics and performers and we had the best time. You know, the older I get the more I realize how amazing my exes really were and how stupid I was to kick them to the curb. Trust me, the older you get, the harder it is. The grass is not always greener on the other side... instead, it turns brown, muddy, and bald.
How I styled it: When I wore it to the show, I wrapped the gold-tone belt around my waist because the Etsy belt is just too wide, and I wore the Ferragamo wedges and slung the Chanel 19 across my body.
Let's quickly talk about Chanel bags. The older ones are much better and the 19 feels like a flimsy cloud. Chanel has serious nerve to charge over $7,000 for some shapeless leather shoulder bag. I did buy it at the beginning of COVID, so I didn't pay anywhere near that amount, but it was still a stupid purchase. I've debated listing it on eBay or Poshmark, but I'm waiting for more price increases.
Mr. Hoppy Golightly says: Ok princess, I feel like peeing on the couch.
Size and fit: I ordered the 6 and it truly was a perfect fit. It features an exposed back-zip closure, a low-cut neckline, princess seams at the bodice, and a full skirt.
Condition: Average. Quite worn. Resale price should be much lower.
Honest review: This dress is crazy expensive and soft as a nightgown. Great for a fancy twirl, but I don't love the floral print. It's not too heavy for the summer as long as it isn't 97 degrees and 95% humidity outside like the DMV.
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 wore the yellow Rhode dress about half a dozen times, and I also wore the Pinko dress a few times too.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? This round was awesome. Loved the items and wish I could purchase them all!
- 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 am absolutely thrilled I get to rent clothing and accessories and write about it — it's a dream come true for me. But the news about The Dodo's contracts ending early and the potential doom and gloom we might be facing with the economy is gutting me. I'm trying to figure out what to do next. I've applied for about two dozen editorial jobs this week, but I also think maybe I should focus on building a style business and maybe even write a book.
Do I spend a few weeks focusing on writing the outline for my book? Do I continue building my styling business? Do I sell my closet and survive on rentals? Do I keep looking for work (well, duh)? Or do I just take a break, save a little money and move somewhere a lot cheaper? Problem is I just resigned my lease.
Ugh, why does life have to be so complicated? I always feel like when things are going well, something or someone pops up and pushes us back down again. And the past two and a half years have been so incredibly difficult for so many people, the last thing we need is more bad news.
I am normally a very optimistic person, but sometimes it's difficult to walk around like Suzy Freaking Sunshine when the world is crumbling around you. It's been an emotional week, but I'm starting to pull myself together and move on. I know when one door closes, another one will open, but I'm not sure there are that many doors left for me to open at this point.
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 $62,320!
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