Remember, last week when I said I might not have items in time for this week's review? Rent the Runway proved me wrong, and I received this shipment in about 16 hours. How's that for speed? So, I stalled for a few days to order this batch because I was waiting for a few items to return from other customers' homes, but I became impatient and ordered the three dresses you're about to see, and I'm already regretting it. You'll understand why...
Anyway, here's the deal. I haven't worn any of these items yet, and per one reader's suggestion, I'm including a before pic. I only got three items this week because I decided to hold onto the pink knit dress for the beach.
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
1 of 6
All THREE items by Self-Portrait, Delfi Collective, and MSGM were fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Self-Portrait Broderie Scallop Midi Dress, Retail Value $555, RTR $527
1 of 9
How I styled it: I'm thinking about wearing this dress to brunch on the beach to get crabcakes and an Old Bay Bloody Mary! I'll probably wear it with the Ancient Greek Sandals and the Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Speedy or if I'm feeling self-conscious and it's not 200 degrees out, I'll cover up the cutouts with the wide Etsy belt, wear a hat, the Ferragamo sandals, and carry a tote like my Saint Laurent Sac de Jour.
Size and fit: I ordered the US 8/UK 12 and it's a little snug across the shoulders, the upper back and the elasticized cutouts are a little tight too. The hourglass dress is made of crisp poplin, and it features beautiful lace detail, scalloped broderie, a square neckline, cap sleeves, elasticized cutouts, back zip closure, and a full skirt. It's lightweight and cozy, but I felt a little self-conscious.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: Self Portrait is one of my favorite designers, but I'm not loving his cutout stuff. I think I've learned my lesson and I'm saying goodbye to the cutout trend for good. Thankfully it's just about out of style. And since this dress is white, I will surely ruin it within the first five minutes of wearing it.
MSGM Island Print Ruffled Dress, Retail Value $990, RTR $297
1 of 8
How I styled it: I have to give some credit to the girl last year who told me the selfies made me look like a Kardashian and I should invest in a tripod. Now whenever I see pics of my outfits, I tend to wonder if my eyesight is going! In these pics, I'm wearing Pierre Hardy platform sandals, an Etsy metal belt, a vintage Chanel flap bag, and a pair of Kendra Scott earrings I found on Rockbox. You'll have to read that review at the end of the month to find out more.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and this dress is short, and the waist is too high on me, but it is roomy throughout. This tropical crepe dress features a crewneck, back zip and keyhole button closure, flutter sleeves, ruffled trim, an elasticized waistband, an asymmetrical flounced hem, and the sheerest lining ever created.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I've had this beautiful dress on my list for a year and aside from being extra sheer and having difficulties with the button closure, it's lovely and perfect for a summer vacay or a wedding. But a retail value of $990 and made in polyester? Yikes! How about adding a slip next time so people can't see straight through the dress in the light? I ended up tucking in the random piece of fabric because it's awkward and looks stupid.
DELFI Collective Smocked Floral Mini Dress, Retail Value $297, RTR $193
1 of 8
How I styled it: I plan on wearing it with my Fendi Fendista Crossbody Pochette at night and the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Cherry Blossom Bag during the day with neutral-hued laser-cut Ferragamo Block-Heeled Sandals.
Size and fit: I got the 6/8 and it fits like a 4/6. If I had boobs, I'd be in trouble! This crepe sheath dress features a beachy floral print, square neckline, stretchy smocking, elasticized shoulder straps, and a flounced hem. It is incredibly fitted and it's a bit unforgiving.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: It's a fun little beach dress that I plan on wearing to some Jersey Shore-type bar. I love the colors and the design, but I'm about 20 years too old for it. At least I'm not stuck with it!
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? Maybe I should stop listening to men and go back to what I love the most... girly, frilly ruffles, and glam!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Their speedy shipping this week was like they had it already in my building, just waiting for me to decide to come downstairs and pick it up. Impressive!
- 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
While I'm loving the BARBIECORE hot pink trend, there are a few trends I'd like to see go away ASAP.
Cutouts: Do they look good on anyone? Not really, unless you're a Barbie doll made of plastic.
Cold Shoulders: Stupid trend. No one cares to see holes on your shoulders. It looks like someone grabbed you while you were trying to escape, and they could only pull a chunk out of your top.
Prairie Girl: I'm all about ruffly, pretty things, but this trend has gone too far. Milkmaid chic is over, and I'm done revisiting my days of Amish Mary in Jessica McClintock.
Y2K: Low-rise jeans, butterflies, handkerchief tops, and tacky logos everywhere... let's banish this trend again and bring back the 50s and 60s instead!
Hope every bunny has a great weekend! There's a chance I might have to skip next week because of work.
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 $68,242!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.