TGIF! It's been a crazy busy week. My brother's in from Vegas and I officially started at Capital One, so I've been driving all around, trying to see everyone and keep up with work. Luckily, the first week is typically full of meets and greets. Starting next week, I might even go into the office once or twice just to get out and let Mr. HGL have the place to himself.
Anyway, it'll be a brief review this week because there are too many things going on. Let's get started!
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 four items by Farm Rio, Esteban Cortazar, Jason Wu Collective and Nicholas were fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
FARM Rio Toucananas Tiered Maxi, Retail Value $245, RTR $232
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How I styled it: Ready for serious fun in the sun, this Farm Rio maxi brings the tropics to you. I wore it with Ferragamo block-heeled sandals, the Louis Vuitton x Murakami Cherry Blossoms bag, and the gold-tone Etsy belt and necklace.
Size and fit: This tiered, off-the-shoulder cotton maxi is crafted in FARM Rio's signature print. I got the medium and while it's a little big in the shoulders and elasticized cuffs, it fits pretty great everywhere else, and the elasticized waistband is comfy too. It's not lined and it's a pull-on design.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: In a drastic shift from my past few weeks of tighter and shorter dresses, I'm happy to be back in something that's cozy and frilly, and kind of a man-repeller. It covers everything and a big Thai food feast was on the menu, so I took my brother and sister to two of my favorite places, the biergarten at Capital One and Tiki Thai!
Esteban Cortazar Varsity Knit Midi Dress, Retail Value $320, RTR $96
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How I styled it: I've gotten a lot of use out of my Louis Vuitton Cherry Blossom bag! I wore the dress with another pair of Ferragamo sandals (I get all my Ferragamo shoes off the resale market and most pairs are under $150) and a fluffy, judgy white bunny.
Size and fit: I got a medium and it runs slightly on the larger side. This knit sheath dress is a pull-on, scoop neck design with three shoulder straps and a back slit. It's unlined so you should consider wearing shapewear.
Honest review: This designer is the same one who created that hot pink Barbiecore dress. I'm a fan, but it needs undergarments and luckily, I already had some in my place. It's pretty and slimming, but despite the low resale price, it's not something I'd purchase right now. In that final pic, it looks like he's about to pee on the couch and he probably did!
Jason Wu Collective Yellow Midi Dress, Retail Value $365, RTR $109
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How I styled it: Since it was a bit plain and I wanted to tame the bodice, I wore it with my Etsy Obi belt, Ferragamo wedges, a vintage Chanel bag, and this Pucci scarf I've had since my editor days back in like 2003.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and the bodice is oddly long and large. I tried to tie the waist tighter to make it appear slimmer and shorter, but that didn't work either. This neon yellow dress is made of 100% cotton, and it features adjustable shoulder straps, a v-neckline, back-zip closure, a drawstring waist, and a full, lined skirt.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I love the color and the design, but the bodice is totally off. It's great that you can adjust the waist using the side ties, but whether it's tightly gathered or not, it's still too long and bunches up in an odd way. I was trying to slim it out with the wide belt, but that didn't really help either. Works well for everyday wear, but not worth $100.
Nicholas Denim Rose Dress, Retail Value $595, RTR $208
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How I styled it: Since my friends tell me I attract questionable people, one girl bought me an evil eye necklace for my birthday, and I wore it with this dress. I think it just caused Mr. HGL to stare at me even more. I also wore it with a thin belt of mine, a Tiffany bracelet, a pair of earrings I got at & Other Stories in London, the Prada Bunny clutch, and Ulla Johnson sandals, which I don't like much anymore.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and this cotton denim dress has an interesting fit! Featuring a pretty rose print, wide shoulder straps, a v-neckline, banded waist with belt loops, faux pockets, and a flared, asymmetrical hem with a front vent, this structured Nicholas midi dress is large up top and fitted on the bottom.
Condition: Very good. Arrived quite wrinkled and without the belt.
Honest review: I should've ironed it before I took these pics! While the dress is cute, it arrived without the belt, so I had to improvise and quickly grabbed one out of my closet. This one is from a Black Halo dress I bought over 10 years ago when I worked at Saks. While it's a pretty, summery dress, it's not worth $600 at all!
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? The Farm Rio dress is an easy, breezy end-of-summer must-have. It's bold and beautiful!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Great aside from the missing belt and the wrinkled dress.
- 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. You can also drop it off at one of their exclusive drop-off points in some of the major cities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Here's something up for discussion. Does the way you dress cause you to become a target for people who don't have the best intentions? Or do some people just give off energy or a vibe that attracts certain types of people?
Asking because I've been following a local Facebook group by and for women where they warn others about players, men who aren't faithful to their partners and families, or don't have the best intentions. Sometimes women wonder if it's the way they look, their energy or the way they dress that causes them to attract the same type of guy over and over again.
What am I referring to? It's a FB group that's popular in many major cities called, "Are We Dating the Same Guy?" It's shocking to see how deceiving and dishonest some people can be.
Thoughts?
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 $69,787!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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