Happy Fri-YAY, y'all. It's been a scorcher in the DC area — there are many reasons why they call it the swamp — and while most people have been hiding from the intense heat and humidity, I've been outside soaking it up. I love hot weather, and I'm always sad when we're nearing winter, and yes, I plan on moving to Florida one day... preferably the Palm Beach area. The only reason I haven't moved is because of my family, but I plan on heading south within the next five years. If you could move anywhere, where would it be?
I just realized I never added the RTR resale price to these postings, so they're now there.
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 Self-Portrait, Red Valentino, Esteban Cortez, and Petersyn were fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags. My little stylist got a haircut, so he's been hanging out in the window, trying to get a bun-burn and stay warm. You'll see how much he resembles a big rat in a few of the pics.
THE GOODS
Self-Portrait Space-Dyed Cutout Dress, Retail Value $495, RTR $470
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How I styled it: I wore Schultz Strappy Slides and carried the Chanel 19 in the photo and to a summer party at the home of a diplomat, but when I went to my friend's house for a birthday and pool party, I slung on the Fendi Fendista Crossbody and Ancient Greek Sandals.
Mr. Hoppy Golightly says: No, I don't want to smell your armpits. And why are you cheating on me with Tony the Tiger?
Size and fit: Ok, I got the medium and it's a great fit. This space-dyed sheath midi dress is knit in a cozy and stretchy polyester blend with a v-neckline, shoulder pads, crisscross bodice, side cutouts with tie straps, and a fitted bottom.
Condition: Excellent
Honest review: Love it. Aside from it riding up a bit on the sides and the shoulder pads bunching up a bit because of all the washes, the dress itself is awesome. It's soft, comfy, slimming, moves with your body, and it's a great summer dress. Plus, it's easy to dress up or down.
Red Valentino Scalloped Trim Dress, Retail Value $650, RTR $585
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How I styled it: I paired it with Ulla Johnson's strappy sandals, and since it's so plain, I added a necklace I found at a vintage shop in Baltimore. Also carried a vintage Chanel Bag and tried to belt it because it needed a little something else, but the waist is too high.
Size and fit: I ordered the US 6, and the fit is true to size for a European brand. This sleeveless red crepe dress is rendered in an A-line design and features scalloped trim, a crewneck, back zipper with hook and eye closure, side slit pockets, and it's fully lined.
Condition: Average. Time to retire this dress.
Honest review: So disappointed! I've had this dress on my wish list for almost a year and since it's Red Valentino, I had really high expectations and it did not deliver. The fabric is cheap, the dress is basic, and it needs cap sleeves with scalloped trim to complete the look. Major fail for Valentino. And the resale price is absurd.
Esteban Cortazar Crochet Midi Dress, Retail Value $280, RTR $125
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How I styled it: I wore this dress a few times, like to meet my friend Katy for a shopping trip and drink at the Five & Dime Ale House in Hampden where I wore it with strappy Ulla Johnson sandals, the Chanel 19, a too tight strapless bra, and then tried on a cropped denim jacket. It's really versatile and can be dressed up or down
Mr. Hoppy Golightly says: You know I love to pee on blankets. Now give me that pink knit thing!
Size and fit: Umm... I got the medium and you need shapewear, a bra, or something with this dress unless you plan on wearing it as a beach coverup because it is sheer, unforgiving, and lightweight. The cutouts will show the crack of your butt and everything else. Anyway, I got the medium and it's stretchy and conforms to your body. This strappy sweater sheath dress is crocheted in a viscose/polyester blend, and it features double shoulder straps and a back snap closure around the neck.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: I'm heading to the beach in three weeks, and I might keep this dress until then... but they also offered it to me for $84. Should I buy it? It's a bit sheer and slim fitting, but I love it anyway. I really wanted to wear it with a strapless, stick-on bra, but it was too hot, and it kept sliding off, so I was stuck with this look. After seeing these pics, I bought double-sided fashion tape to keep it together in the back.
Petersyn Alcott Floral Midi Dress Retail Value $595, RTR $535
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How I styled it: I threw on this dress with a pair of flat sandals, sunnies, and my hair in a ponytail. It's a beautiful summer maxi that's perfect for après beach or brunch with the girls.
Size and fit: I got the size 6 and it's a little big. This is one of those times where the dress is a bit stretched out from a lot of wear. This floral-printed crepe dress features two different ruffled and elasticized shoulder straps, a square neckline, a smocked bodice, ruffled waist, and an asymmetrical ruffled skirt.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: OMG I look like Spongebob Squarepants! It's a beautiful, frilly dress that's made of a gorgeous and shiny fabric, but I don't think it does anything for me.
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? Definitely the Self-Portrait dress. I'll be sad to return it!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? A bit disappointing, but it's not RTR's fault. My picker was off.
- 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. RTR also offers their own pickup and delivery service called Returnmates.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I'm looking for some beachy outfits for my upcoming trip, and it seems like everything has been rented. Here's how I'm going to play this game... I've set a notification on my calendar every morning to look for the dresses I want the most and if they're suddenly available, I will add them to my shipment and send these back immediately! It's all about strategy here and I even checked to see if I could secure this one Missoni dress in advance and either they don't allow that, or it's been reserved for the rest of the year. WAHHHHH!
Just so you know, I don't think I'll have a new shipment of rentals from any of the companies in time for next week's review so I might have to skip. Have a great weekend!
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 $66,400!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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