Happy Friday! It's been a humid week in the DC area. I love hot weather, but this 90% humidity has got to go—yet another reason why they call DC a swamp. Anyway, let's get right to the review.
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 10 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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I was in a rush to send everything back and forgot to take pics on the mannequin. All four items by Paco Rabanne, Sachin & Babi, Alexis, and Ulla Johnson arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Paco Rabanne Floral Ruched Mini Dress, Retail Value $810, RTR $729
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About the designer: Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo, more commonly known as Paco Rabanne, is a Spanish fashion designer of Basque origin who became known as an enfant terrible of the 1960s French fashion world. Rabanne's father, a Republican Colonel, was executed by Francoist troops during the Spanish Civil War and his mother was the chief seamstress at Cristóbal Balenciaga's first couture house in Donostia, Basque Country. She moved Rabanne's family when he opened Balenciaga in Paris in 1937, due to the Spanish Civil War.
Rabanne started his career in fashion by creating jewelry for Givenchy, Dior, and Balenciaga and founded his own fashion house in 1966. He used unconventional materials such as metal, paper, and plastic for his metal couture and flamboyant designs. Rabanne is known for the green costume worn by Jane Fonda in the 1968 science-fiction film Barbarella. In 1968, he launched Rabanne perfumes.
Why I rented it: Yes, I rented another Paco Rabanne dress, but it's got a Hawaiian vibe that's perfect for the summer.
How I styled it: It's an easy, breezy summertime dress so I styled it with either flip flops or the Chanel 19 and a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood Block-Heeled Sandals.
Size and fit: I rented the 8 and it's a little big on me. This lightweight sheath dress is crafted in jersey with a crewneck, short sleeves, snap keyhole closure, and adjustable snap side ruching.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: It's a lot less dressy than I expected which actually worked out well since I wore it to more casual outings. I decided against sending it back yet because it's lightweight and perfect for summer. Easy to dress up or down.
Sachin & Babi Maura Dress, Retail Value $495, RTR $446
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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: I was invited to a party where a well-known local 80s cover band was performing, and I wanted to look the part.
How I styled it: When I heard The Reagan Years were playing, I decided to go with the theme (and I was one of the only ones who did) and I paired it with fingerless fishnet gloves, cropped fishnet leggings, Machete Neon Form Hoops, and a pair of Robert Clergerie Slides that almost caused me to break my ankles multiple times.
Size and fit: I got a 6 and it was huge on my chest. Crafted in neon yellow satin, this strapless dress features a split corset neckline, back-zip closure, pleated waistband, slash pockets, and a puffy bubble hem.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: Aside from being a little large, I loved this dress and the neon hue. If only I had more places to wear it.
Alexis Leticia Dress, Retail Value $539, RTR $485
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About the designer: Founded in 2008 by mother-daughter duo Ana and Alexis Barbara, ALEXIS is for the woman who embraces all aspects of femininity, sophistication, and elegance. The spirit of the ALEXIS brand echoes the personal style of Ana and Alexis, their worldly travels and passion for vintage have played an integral role in shaping their design style and aesthetic into what it is today.
Their advanced contemporary collections embody effortlessly chic sensibilities in a woman's everyday lifestyle. Opulent dresses and versatile separates serve as the perfect canvas for richly decorated laces, romantic silks, and striking textiles.
Why I rented it: I was curious, and it's been on my wish list for ages.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to the office and got tons of compliments. I paired it with Tabitha Simmons Laser-Cut Leather Pumps and a vintage Louis Vuitton Epi Bag.
Size and fit: What's funny is I rented another Alexis that I have now, it's a large and it fits like a small. But anyway, it was suggested I get the size 8 and it was massive. This textural black and white-striped cotton dress features a square neckline, self-tie shoulder straps, back-zip closure, banded waist, and flounced hem. It's on the heavier side and fully lined.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: The shoulder ties were complicated, and the dress is a bit heavy for summertime heat and humidity, but it's a beautiful dress that's incredibly well-made and comfortable.
Ulla Johnson Nora Printed Dress, Retail Value $445, RTR $134
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About the designer: Born and raised in Manhattan, the daughter of archaeologists, Ulla Johnson honed her signature style between the streets of New York and the far-flung destinations of their family travels. Her eponymous line, founded in 1998 just after graduating from college, immediately caught the attention of the fashion press.
Growing from a handful of directional boutiques and with an early endorsement from Barneys New York, Ulla Johnson’s collection has gained a dedicated following and the support of retailers across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She has never wavered in her steadfast attention to the details of construction that have become her hallmark, basing each of her collections on a foundation of natural fibers, beautiful finishing, and ease of fit and form. Ulla lives in Brooklyn with her husband and three children.
Why I rented it: I wanted an easy, everyday dress.
How I styled it: I stuck with the Ulla Johnson theme and wore a pair of her strappy sandals and carried the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Bag.
Size and fit: Crafted in soft cotton, the printed Nora dress features short-puffed sleeves, a square neckline, a quilted bodice, back-zip closure, an empire waist, side slash pockets, and a tiered skirt.
Condition: Good, but also quite worn.
Honest review: Anyone have cows that need to be milked?
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 loved how easy it was to find and rent a dress for the 80s party, but I got the most wear out of the Paco Rabanne dress.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? They exceeded expectations.
- 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 getting confused with all these rental companies. Now, there's a new one called Adorned in Style which looks exactly like the ModLuxe.Rent site and they have the same items. Can someone explain what's going on here? Even Haverdash looked the same.
Did you see Japan Airlines "Any Wear, Anywhere" business launch which is intended to cut down on carbon emissions? Starting in August 2024, they will rent clothing to passengers on overseas flights, deliver it directly to the hotel, and you can use the clothing for up to two weeks.
I have a friend who launched a business like this right before COVID, and it was something I even pitched to RTR when I first interviewed with them back in like 2011. I think luxury hotels should open up rental shops in the lobby and allow customers to rent their vacation wardrobe—maybe it's a credit card rewards program like Capital One's partnerships with Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue. But what will that do to the retail world? Will we ever own anything again? I love having a revolving closet, but not everyone is sold on this idea.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The 10 Items a Month membership costs $104/month and goes up to $144/month after the first 3 months) and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $130,090.
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