Hoppy Friday! As promised, here's the review for the brand-new clothing rental company, ModLuxe.Rent, which is owned by Modern Luxury Media. If the name sounds familiar, it's because they publish lots of big city magazines like Gotham Magazine, Boston Common, Michigan Avenue, and DC Modern Luxury.
This is the subscription you can try for free for the first 30 days, so if you're interested, sign up now! I also noticed Haverdash does a free 30-day trial too. Should I try them out?
WHAT I'M WEARING THIS WEEK: ModLux.Rent
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week — ModLuxRent 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.
ModLux.Rent is a new luxury clothing rental service curated by Modern Luxury editors. Powered by CaaStle, the leading B2B rental technology and logistics company in the U.S., ModLux.Rent is the first apparel subscription service offered by a media company.
This is a review of their only plan, which gives you 10 pieces per month and 5 at a time.
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 five items by Cynthia Rowley, Sachin & Babi, Derek Lam 10 Crosby, and Vince arrived fresh from the dry cleaner and neatly packed inside a cardboard box.
THE GOODS
Cynthia Rowley Mila Silk Striped Dress
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About the designer: Cynthia Rowley began her career in fashion while studying at the Art Institute of Chicago (where she had every intention of becoming a painter). After graduation, she took what little seed money she had and moved to NYC to start her fashion brand. Whether she’s exploring on a far-flung getaway, surfing secret spots in exotic destinations, or scuba-diving in an arctic glacier, it’s safe to say the designer is known to take risks. It’s this unparalleled sense of adventure that effortlessly translates into the spirit of the brand through a playful assortment of pretty dresses, beachy separates, and swim/surf.
Cynthia Rowley has gone on to win numerous accolades including a CFDA Award and Designer of the Year at the American Image Awards. She is also a best-selling author and has appeared on numerous television shows.
Why I rented it: I was curious.
How I styled it: I paired it with Ferragamo Block-Heeled Sandals and the Fendi Fendista Pouchette.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and the fit was just odd. It was too tight in the waist and too baggy everywhere else. It's crafted in 100% silk with a straight neckline, thin adjustable shoulder straps, and an elasticized waist (easy to pull on and take off) with ruffled trim, side slash pockets, and an asymmetrical hem.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: Nah, weird fit, and the elasticized and gathered waist is odd.
Cynthia Rowley Halle Cotton Dress
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Why I rented it: I was wondering if the shorter version would look better than the longer version I rented from Armoire a few weeks ago, and it doesn't.
How I styled it: I threw on the Kendra Scott Maya Necklace and Earrings, and a pair of Tabitha Simmons Laser-Cut Pumps (which are so comfy!).
Size and fit: I look like a fool in this cotton baby doll dress. I got the 6 and it features a square neckline, cutout shoulders, puffed sleeves with elasticized cuffs, an empire waist, back zip closure, side pockets, and a flared skirt.
Condition: Like new.
Honest review: I didn't wear it out in public. Just a bit odd looking and it's almost impossible to close the arm holes, despite having a working tie.
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Valencia Crochet Knit Dress
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About the designer: Derek Lam 10 Crosby is the lifestyle brand that makes refined, timeless looks for every occasion. With wardrobe-defining statement pieces made for a casual world, our designs are equal parts substance and style. Named after the original flagship store in downtown Manhattan, the eclectic New York brand creates effortless chic for women everywhere. Lam is an American designer who grew up in San Francisco and launched his eponymous brand in 2003. Designing with classic femininity for every part of life is at the heart of our mission.
Why I rented it: I like the design, the knit fabric, and the color.
How I styled it: I paired this dress with a pair of Ulla Johnson Strappy Sandals and the Prada Bunny Clutch.
Size and Fit: This ribbed pull-on design is crafted in 90% cotton with a deep v-neckline, crochet shoulder straps, crochet-trimmed bodice, and a side-vented hem.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: I kind of wanted to keep it. I think it's a great dress for the summer, especially for brunch and even the beach.
Sachin & Babi Annika Dress
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About the designer: Sachin and Babi met as students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where they were instant friends. The two were cut from the same cloth, bonding over their common interests, ambitions and upbringing in India. Friendship grew into love, and soon after, a company. Together, Sachin and Babi built a design and embroidery business, working for top houses including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Manolo Blahnik, among others. Sachin and Babi were one of fashion’s best kept secrets behind-the-scenes, until they set out on their own.
Driven by a commitment to incredible craftsmanship and a desire to connect with customers, Sachin and Babi launched our brand. By owning a family-run factory in Mumbai, we are able to control the design and production process from start to finish, cutting out the middlemen. The result: extraordinary clothing and accessories with tremendous value.
As a brand, Sachin and Babi believe in celebrating every day and dressing with joy. Their collections are designed for the special moments in life, that can and do happen every day, both big and small. Attention to embellishment, color, and silhouette guides the design and is at the heart of the brand’s DNA. Inspired by the women who wear Sachin & Babi, and each season brings with it the desire to offer a uniquely beautiful, and infinitely wearable collection.
Why I rented it: Looked like it would be a great option for work.
How I styled it: I swapped out the belt for the vintage studded belt from Etsy, and wore the Ferragamo Gavina Wedges, and the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour bag.
Size and fit: I got a medium and it's a tad baggy in the waist, but almost a perfect fit. It's crafted in lightweight crepe with a slight mockneck, embroidered yoke, short, puffed sleeves with button closure, gathered bodice, self-belt waist, and a tiered ruffled hem.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: I ended up buying it. I'm not sure why they don't list the prices of the items until it's time to purchase, but I got it at 90% off and for $50. I made the purchase because it is a timeless design that can easily transition from day to night and it's simplistically chic.
Vince Rib Trim Sleeveless Top
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About the designer: Since their founding in 2002, Vince has been focused on timeless designs with California-inspired ease.
The enduring wearability of each piece attracted a growing affinity for our womenswear — so in 2007 they introduced men’s, reflecting the same quality and quiet sophistication that people came to us for season after season.
Since then, their collections have continued to grow, with women’s and men’s ready-to-wear complemented by shoes, handbags, home goods and more, each rendered in lasting materials carefully selected by their design team — from luxuriously soft, signature Plush Cashmere to buttery leather and incandescent silks.
Every piece is finished with thoughtful, distinctive details, resulting in wardrobe staples that endure the test of time, trends and taste.
Why I rented it: There was a skirt I really wanted to rent, so I chose the simplest top possible to pair with it and they only sent the top.
How I styled it: This is a ridiculously versatile top that can be dressed up or down. So, I first tried it on with an Alice McCall Lace Skirt that I never wear, and then with Alice + Olivia Flared Bell Bottoms. Which look do you prefer?
Size and fit: I got the medium and it was a perfect relaxed fit. This top is soft to the touch and features a ribbed crewneck and a slightly rounded hem.
Condition: Like new.
Honest review: Honestly, if the price was right, I would've purchased it. I think the retail price was around $250 and the resale value was about $79. And I wish it were a little more form-fitting too.
So, you know Vince also has a rental company called Vince.Unfold? I haven't tried it so I'm not sure if it's any good, but Vince isn't exactly my style.
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 got the most wear out of the 10 Crosby Knit Dress.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? As a new company, they definitely exceeded expectations.
- What’s the return process like? Simple! Just place your items in the pre-paid garment bag and drop it off at one of your nearest USPS.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The other day I stumbled upon a meme that said, "You are exactly where you're supposed to be. Because you make terrible decisions." I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry. But geez, it's harsh, and kind of true and got me thinking. I'm constantly replaying life decisions and wishing I were in that Gwyneth Paltrow movie, Sliding Doors, so I could know whether I did the right thing or not (I know many decisions could've been better).
And I also know it's pointless to dwell on the past, we can't go back in time, nor can we change anything. Life gets in the way, and the hours, days, months, and years speed by us. All we can do is pick ourselves up and keep moving forward, but some days it just seems so difficult. You know?
Anyway, on to happier things. Here are my thoughts on ModLux.Rent and even though I'm still waiting for the final 5 pieces, I can definitely tell you the pros and cons as of right now. And don't forget, we still have part 2 to review.
Pros:
- I love that I have a new batch of clothes to choose from, and it's even better that I can find designers that I haven't seen anywhere else.
- Their product descriptions are a lot better than RTR and Amoire.
- They're still relatively new so the pieces are in excellent shape.
- I like that the items arrive in a box, and you return them using a pre-addressed shipping bag.
- Better resale prices than others.
- First month free!
Cons:
- The shipping is a little slower.
- You can add items to your closet, but just because they're there (and you prioritized certain pieces) doesn't mean you'll actually receive them.
- You have to purchase or send all the items back at the same time.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: As of right now, you get 10 items a month for $125/month, but I'm sure that'll change. I don't know the total value because I can't find the prices.
What are your thoughts about ModLux.Rent? Let us know what you think down below!
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