Hoppy Fri-YAY and Halloween weekend. I was invited to a fun party on Saturday night, but I'm not sure I can go anymore. Might have to head to Baltimore to help my parents out with a few things instead.
We're back with RTR and there were no tricks... only fashionable treats!
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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While all four items by Rokh, Esteban Cortazar, Herve Leger, and Ronny Kobo arrived a day late, they were fresh from the dry cleaner (they're clean!), on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Rokh Double Tie Neck Paisley Blouse, Retail Value $515, RTR $463
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About the designer: Rokh, a London-based fashion house, was founded by designer Rok Hwang who was born in Seoul, raised in Austin, moved to London, and showed in Paris. Before starting his own line, Rok was a ready-to-wear designer for CELINE under Phoebe Philo and then moved on to Louis Vuitton and Chloe. In 2018, rokh won a prestigious award from LVMH, and then Rok debuted his first collection when he opened up Paris fashion week in 2019. He likes to mix masculine and feminine elements in a raw, avant-garde manner.
How I styled it: I went with a 70s vibe since the print is a bit boho and paired the blouse with the Alice + Olivia flared jeans, an unbranded shearling fur vest from eBay, a River Island Newsboy cap, and Kat Maconie Sock boots.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and it fits well, but it's a little boxy. This paisley print silk blouse features a high neckline with four asymmetrical ties, a concealed button-front closure, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, and a rounded hem.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Not my favorite, but I don't dislike it either. I prefer it buttoned up with the ties knotted rather than open like the model.
Esteban Cortazar Animal Print Sweater Dress, Retail Value $340, RTR $238
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About the designer: Colombian designer Esteban Cortázar is one of the youngest fashion designers to ever debut at New York Fashion Week. Inspired by his Colombian heritage and Miami upbringing, when he was 13, Cortázar showed his sketches to Todd Oldham who became his mentor. At the age of 18, he began his fashion apprenticeship with Bloomingdale’s which led to him designing his own Bloomingdale's window display in 2002. In 2007, he moved to Paris to become the Creative Director for Emanuel Ungaro but left in 2009 when Lindsay Lohan was appointed co-director. From that point forward, he focused on creating the Esteban Cortazar collection.
After showing Paris Fashion Week, Cortázar's style of slick, sculptural lines full of ease, grace, and flow earned him a cult following. Today his collections are available in over 30 stores worldwide and Rent the Runway!
How I styled it: I wore this dress to the annual running of the Fall Gold Cup out in The Plains, VA and while I was concerned that I might be a bit warm, this sweater dress was absolutely perfect for the 68-degree weather. I wore it with the Etsy leather belt (which is starting to untie itself), Rocksbox earrings, an Audrey-esque hat I found somewhere online, a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, and the Chanel 19.
You really can't wear a slim-fitting coat or jacket because the sleeves are too bulky. I also wish I had worn shapewear with this dress.
Size and fit: I got the medium and it's a little oversized up top but fitted on the bottom. The fabric (viscose/nylon) does feel like it'll stretch out a bit. This knitted, pull-on sheath dress features zebra and chevron prints, a crew neckline, long puffed sleeves, a back cut out, slit pocket detail, and a high-slit hem.
Condition: Brand new. Woo hoo!
Honest review: So, I guess you noticed I've rented this designer quite a few times recently, and I'm not going to stop now. I love all of his stuff! The prints, the colors, the designs, the fabrics... I kind of have a crush.
Ronny Kobo Allure Top, Retail Value $398, RTR $398
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About the designer: Originally from Tel Aviv and raised in Hong Kong, Ronny Kobo's interest in fine art, travel, and culture eventually led her to New York City, where she graduated with a master's degree from NYU. She speaks fluent English, Hebrew, and Spanish.
Ronny started off her career by founding her own line of accessories and ultimately launched the trendsetting apparel brand Torn by Ronny Kobo in 2009. Additionally, she held a seat on the board of Christie’s Auction House. Ronny Kobo's current collections are best known for standout prints, upscale versatility, and timeless silhouettes.
How I styled it: I've recently had a few matchmakers contact me to meet their clients, and since I'm a year and a half out of (almost) starring in my own Dateline NBC episode and had a little bit of a questionable rebound, I decided to follow through with their requests. And while I'll always be a little skeptical of men, if there's someone who has performed the background checks for me and can vouch for them, I'll feel a lot better.
Anyway, I agreed to meet one of the potential matches at The Palm. I paired this top with a fringe leather skirt, Calzedonia Back Seam tights, Kendra Scott earrings, and the Kat Maconie Sock Ankle boots. Looking at the outfit now, I realize it doesn't work at all, but I did switch the tights before I left. Oh well!
Size and fit: Crafted in elegant blue silk jacquard, this front-wrap blouse features a round neckline, side pleating, puffed shoulders, long sleeves with a hidden zipper cuff (for easy on and off), full back-zip closure and an asymmetrical pleated hem. I got the medium and it was a perfect fit.
Condition: Pristine.
Honest review: As you know, cobalt is one of my fave colors and I love the draping and pleating on this blouse, but there's something about it that's difficult to style. Looking at the pictures, I now realize I should've worn something much simpler... like a pair of leather leggings.
Hervé Léger Cross Neck Sheath Dress, Retail Value $790, RTR $711
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About the designer: Hervé Léger is an iconic luxury brand known for its form-fitting, knitted bandage dresses (or body con) that hug every curve of a woman's body. The brand's founder, Herve Peugnet, had previously worked for Chanel, Lanvin, Fendi, Diane von Furstenburg, Chloe, and Swarovski. The famed bandage dresses were inspired by his experiences designing bathing suits and the throwaway seam bindings.
In 1998, the brand was bought by Max Azria (of BCBG fame) and in April 2007, he relaunched the Hervé Léger brand under his own design direction with a capsule summer collection. In February 2008, Max Azria presented the Hervé Léger by Max Azria collection at Bryant Park during the Fall 2008 New York Fashion Week.
How I styled it: After I received this dress, I realized it looked just like the Cedric Charlier dress I had ordered last time. Whoops! But anyway, this dress is simple and doesn't need much styling help, so I went with a pair of understated earrings, a vintage Chanel Flap bag, and a pair of Charlotte Olympia Suede pumps. I also threw on the Gucci Studded Leather jacket for a little edge.
Size and fit: I rented the 6 and as other reviewers have noted, it fits like a glove. It's a heavier knit made of rayon and nylon which features a v-neckline and crisscross cutout, long sleeves with slit cuffs and contrasting trim, and a high-low hem with side slit and contrasting trim. I suggest wearing some sort of shapewear since it does show everything!
Condition: Very good, but definitely worn a lot.
Honest review: When I ordered this shipment, it was cold outside and now it's back in the 60s and 70s with some humidity. This is a great dress to wear in the dead of winter since it's so heavy and toasty, but it's a bit too warm right now. As far as the dress itself, I give it a 6 out of 10. I'm glad it's not stretched out like the Herve I rented during the summer!
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've gotten a ton of wear out of the Cortázar dress. It's so versatile and cozy!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? The bar was set pretty low, so they definitely exceeded expectations this time.
- 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
I'm really happy my items arrived clean this time! While I did file a complaint, I did not look into the situation to find out what happened, but I have a feeling this time my order was delayed an extra day so they could make sure the items were pristine. So, what did I learn from that disastrous situation? I'm going to pay closer attention to the fabrics since synthetic materials (they weren't synthetic) tend to trap and hold odor more than natural ones. I'm also going to shy away from items that have dozens of reviews because they've been worn many times and I'll run a greater risk of getting something that's not in the best of shape. And finally, cross my fingers and hope to avoid a repeat situation again.
To those of you who've had this happen in the past, I don't blame you for questioning the business model. If I were waiting on an order for a special occasion, or I was paying full price for a rotating wardrobe, I'd be livid (and repulsed).
I still think it had something to do with the layoffs, but I guess I'll never really know what happened the day RTR sent me a shipment full of stinky, stained, and stretched-out clothing.
Ok, so you may be wondering how the dates went. Ehh, I'm not sure where my head and heart are these days. After going through so much trauma, I'm incredibly protected and skeptical of everyone. While my past experience was basically a Netflix series, I'm worried I'll end up in season two!
Every bunny say hello to my new intern!
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 $84,756!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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