Happy Friday, y'all! Mr. HGL has recovered slightly, and now that I've kind of nursed him back to health, he follows me everywhere. On the days I WFH, he beats me to the desk, sits between the spokes of the chair, nudges my feet with his head, and hops on the footrest to block me. I guess he thinks if he does, I won't be able to work, and I'll pet him all day and feed him treats. Sometimes he'll even sit on my lap while I work...it's like I suddenly have a lap bun.
But I have bad news. The vet called on Tuesday to tell me they won't be able to cure Mr. HGL. due to a fungal infection called Aspergillus. She said once his bad days outweigh the good, we'll need to discuss next steps. He seems to be improving so maybe he'll have another six months, but once he's finished his medication, he'll probably go downhill. Ugh...
So, you're probably wondering if I'll get a new bunny. Yes, eventually. I think bunnies are the best pets—they're independent yet cuddly (when they want to be), they're quiet, some breeds are really, really smart, they're easy to take care of, they can be litter trained (no outdoor bathroom breaks during a blizzard), and they're just so sweet and cute!
Poor Mr. HGL. He's been through so much in the past six months. It breaks my heart.
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 5 items at a time with unlimited box swaps for $125 per month. You can try the service for 30 days for only $25 (a $100 discount).
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 Derek Lam 10 Crosby, Cynthia Rowley, Saloni, Yigal Azrouel, and Sachin + Babi arrived fresh from the dry cleaner and neatly packed inside a cardboard box.
THE GOODS
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Bellamy A-Line Mini Skirt
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About 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: Wanted something different.
How I styled it: I never got to wear this out, but I tried it with a pair of Lele Sadoughi Heart Crystal Double Row Hoops from Rocksbox, an Alexis Cold Shoulder Top and a pair of platform pumps. I also tried it with an Adam Lippes Cashmere Sweater, Plein Sud Over-the-Knee Boots, and the Balenciaga City Bag.
Size and fit: I got a 6 and it was a little snug. It's crafted in a heavy cotton blend and features a wide waistband, button-front closure, and front flap pockets, and back slash pockets.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: The skirt was cute, and I love the pop of pink, but it didn't seem to fit me properly. The button placket kept popping open.
Cynthia Rowley Low Rise Jeans
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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 about the jeans, and I love flares.
How I styled it: I think these jeans were designed for a teenager. I could hardly get them past the top of my thighs.
Size and fit: I got a size 27 and they were soooo small. I don't even think my hips were this narrow when I was 16 years old!
Condition: Great.
Honest review: You can't tell from the photos, but the back pockets are embellished and feature a back snap closure.
Saloni Mel B Top
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About the designer: Saloni Lodha founded her eponymous label in 2011 with a vision of elegant femininity imbued with vibrant color.
SALONI means beautiful in Sanskrit, and true to its name, the brand empowers its customers of all ages to experience the unabashed joy of living life in different hues. The brand’s unique alchemy comes from Saloni’s own story, her love of textiles and intuitive sense of everyday dressing. For Saloni, creating beautiful things is a meditative journey, inspired by her childhood in India and a nomadic life lived between Hong Kong, Seoul, London and Italy.
Why I rented it: Needed a pretty top to go with jeans and skirts.
How I styled it: I tried to dress it down and dress it up for work, so I wore the blouse with a leather pencil skirt, Wolford Logo Script Nylons, the Louis Vuitton Mirabeau Epi Tote, and a new-to-me pair of Aquazzura Lace-Up Pumps that I just scored on The RealReal.
I also dressed it down with a Kate Spade Belt, Alice + Olivia flares, Tecova Ostrich Cowboy Boots, the Balenciaga Graffiti Bag, and an unbranded shearling vest.
Size and Fit: I got a 6 and it was a little short. The Saloni Mel-B Top is crafted in 100% silk, and it features a Kiku Periwinkle print, ruffled neckline, puffed long sleeves, back button closure, and a detached lining.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: Pretty top, but like many other items in this shipment, the fit was off. It was just too short to be tucked in, and too wide to be worn out.
Yigal Azrouel Floral Embroidery Dress
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About the designer: Yigal Azrouël debuted his eponymous women's Ready-to-Wear Collection in the fall of 1998, receiving instant acclaim, both commercially and critically. In 2000, Yigal opened his atelier and showroom in New York's Garment District, where 80% of his collection is manufactured today, and began his participation at New York Fashion Week. By 2004, he was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America. An avid surfer, born and raised in Israel of French-Moroccan descent, Yigal Azrouël draws inspiration from his travels, art, culture, architecture, nature and above all his hometown - New York City.
The Yigal Azrouël woman is effortlessly cool and confident, and this modern muse is the definite source of inspiration for his designs. Known for his expert draping and defined construction, the Yigal Azrouël signature appeal is minimal and fresh, with a precise attention to detail. Azrouël defines his aesthetic using high quality fabrics to drape structured, ultra-feminine, modern silhouettes, sold internationally at select luxury retailers, online at yigal-azrouël.com and at his SoHo flagship boutique in New York City.
Why I rented it: Thought it could be a good work dress.
How I styled it: I tried it two ways and not a fan of the first one where I wore Carolina Herrara Flats, and the Just Cavalli jacket (way too busy!). It was much better with the Charlotte Olympia pumps.
Size and fit: I got a medium and it was tight on my shoulders and around my stomach—it's ribbed knit in a non-stretchy rayon blend with floral lace trim at yoke and hem, three-quarter length sleeves, concealed back zip closure, and banded waist.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: The dress is lovely, but it was a little too warm out and ran small on me.
Sachin & Babi Marissa Dress
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About the designer: By leading the way in accessible luxury with its immediately recognizable Dandy Rock silhouettes and unforgettable campaigns, The Kooples has influenced style since the 2000s. A unique and subversive signature look which breaks down the barriers of conventional fashion. Today, The Kooples relentlessly questions the notion of subversiveness in the 2020s and makes a new commitment: to contrast playfulness, style and the quest for beauty with standardization and chaos.
Why I rented it: First of all, it's Barbie! Secondly, it was so pretty on the model.
How I styled it: Since it was still quite warm out, I paired this dress with Lele Sadoughi Crystal Heart Hoops, Kendra Scott Maya Necklace, Charlotte Olympia Suede Pumps, a vintage Chanel bag and a metallic leather jacket I got at a sample sale in NYC.
Size and fit: So, I got the 6 and it was quite large. The bodice was too high and bulky, the waist was a little wide, and the hips were a little big too. Baffling to me because I've worn so many pieces by Sachin + Babi and their sizing is all over the place.
This dress is made of polyester with a hint of spandex, and it features a sweetheart neckline, thin shoulder straps, a ruched bodice, concealed back zip closure, midi length skirt and a single back vent. It's fully lined, and the material feels really nice, but it's just a bit too big.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Weird design. The bodice is too bulky, there's too much fabric, and it's a bit oversized. Sachin + Babi is weird like that... some pieces are too small, and others are huge.
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 wore the Yigal dress and the Saloni top once each.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? As a new company, they're meeting 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
You know how much I love rentals, but I only wish I could rent shoes. I know it's gross, sizing is different for everyone, and feet like mine (with a huge bunion) will stretch them out, but how would a company do this? I keep thinking about it, but it's probably too unsanitary. So, once the prices drop below $80, I buy designer resale shoes off The RealReal. In the past year I've gotten two pairs of Ferragamos, one pair of Jimmy Choos, three Aquazzuras, and a partridge in a pear tree. Now, I'm on the hunt for neutral-hued boots, and a new pair of flats, but the economy has me waiting until they drop their prices even more.
Here are my new finds:
I follow a few very fashionable women in their 50s and 60s on Instagram who have to-die-for closets and houses. They look amazing! But as I watch them mix and match their own wardrobe—Birkins, Chanel Tweed Jackets, Dolce & Gabbana Dresses, Louboutins (they're really not a thing anymore), and Cartier everything—with rented pieces and items they were sent to advertise, I realize that it's pretty unachievable for most of us.
Most of the designer pieces I own were either bought on my Saks Fifth Avenue corporate discount back in the day (up to 66% off!), at The RealReal, or designer resale shops in NYC (before resale became too expensive). I've flipped many of my purchases since then (some I REALLY wish I kept) and stocked up when I was tricked into thinking I could open up a designer resale shop in Middleburg during the pandemic. But, as you remember, all that ended when I realized I would've been funded by white collar criminals.
A lot of people cleared out their closets during the pandemic, and now with return to office mandates, many of us are left with nothing to wear! The looks I see in my office (I'm still in finance) are a mixed bag—suits, jeans, dresses, polos, tees—so, it seems dress codes are no longer a thing. But some of the women on my team are getting into rentals, and it's really cute! Most of them tried RTR back in the day and had a bad experience (plus, it's so pricey!) so they won't go back. I've been steering them towards Haverdash and ModLux.Rent since the first month discounts are so amazing!
If you're heading back to the office or now realize you've got nothing to wear during the holiday party season, you should give rentals a try!
What are your thoughts about ModLux.Rent? Let us know what you think down below!
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