Good morning, y'all! Hard to believe Christmas is in a week and a half. Time is flying by so quickly, and it's getting a little freaky. I really want to bring Mr. HGL home for the holidays, but the car drive will probably make him worse, so I'll have to have my neighbors check in on him and keep the video camera on him too.
Let's get straight to the review...it's a busy week and Mr. HGL is all over it this time. And yes, that's snot all over his nose. Despite feeling better, he is still coughing and sneezing.
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).
ACTIVE DEAL: $25 for your first month. No coupon needed - just use this link.
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 Rhode, Cynthia Rowley, Rodebjer and RtA Brand arrived fresh from the dry cleaner and neatly packed inside a cardboard box.
THE GOODS
Rhode Ella Dress
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About the Designer: RHODE is a story of friendship that started on the corner of 6th Avenue and 18th Street in Manhattan. Purna and Phoebe became college roommates and met at Bed, Bath & Beyond to shop for their dorm room which led to a long-distance friendship spanning two decades. Even though Phoebe became a travel photographer and producer in NYC and Purna, a fashion buyer in Dubai, they’d meet up for trips all over the globe. During these visits, they'd discuss what was missing in their closets and eventually quit their jobs to combine a love of travel and style into their vision for Rhode: a line of timeless pieces that are ready for anything.
Why I rented it: Loved the colors and design.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to check out Dirt Farm Brewery (if you live around here, you should definitely check it out) and paired it with Dolce & Gabbana sunnies, the Chanel 19 and Ferragamo Gavina Sandals.
Size and fit: Crafted in sturdy cotton with a brilliant floral print, this breezy dress features a round neckline, long balloon sleeves with elasticized cuffs, back keyhole button closure, defined waist with braided tie, and flounced hem. I got a medium and the dress was a bit relaxed and a little oversized throughout.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Loved it so much, I considered buying it, but the resale price was too high.
Cynthia Rowley Fuzzy Crewneck Sweater
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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: Cute and cozy cold weather essential.
How I styled it: I wore this sweater many times, but most often with a pair of Veronica Beard Flared Jeans I bought from Armoire (review coming next week), and the Balenciaga Graffiti Bag.
Size and fit: I got a medium and this pull-over design is crafted in fuzzy nylon with long sleeves and in a relaxed design.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: So comfy and I loved the color. I would've bought it had the resale price been a bit cheaper.
Rodebjer Kaula Dress
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About the designer: Rodebjer makes fashion with wit, heart and conscience. A well-considered uniform, respectful of women’s day-to-day existence and of the planet she inhabits, to be worn today, tomorrow and far into the future.
Founded in New York in 2000, Carin Rodebjer set out not with a business plan but with a philosophy rooted in feminist and environmental values. Since then, Rodebjer has grown steadily, becoming a cult staple for women on the move who find comfort in the brands draped caftans, jaunty tailoring and iconic prints.
Since day one, Rodebjer has committed itself to foster mindful consumption habits, presenting collections that are lasting in both quality and style. Implementing more sustainable and responsible practices, fabrics and initiatives in order to improve and extend each garments life and limit the impact our business has on the environment.
Why I rented it: I was curious, love smocking and the color combo.
How I styled it: I wore this dress with Sheertex tights, Rocksbox hoops, Twinset Platform Pumps, the Chanel 19, and Yves Salomon Shearling Jacket.
Size and Fit: I got a medium, and thanks to my stress-induced weight loss, it was a perfect fit. Crafted in recycled polyester, this mini dress features a round neckline, three-quarter-length sleeves, back zip closure, smocked bodice, and ruffled hem.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I loved this dress! It's so unique and cozy too.
Rhode Luke Balloon Sleeve Dress
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Why I rented it: It's very fall-like and stylish!
How I styled it: I created two different looks. The first one was with nude fishnet tights, a pair of Aquazzura Suede Pumps, the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy Bag, and a French Connection coat from Armoire. Then, I attended a friend's birthday party at Falling Branch Brewery and since it was a bit more country, I wore black tights, cowboy boots, and the Etsy Obi Belt.
Size and fit: I got a medium and it's a little boxy and oversized, but lovely, nonetheless. The Rhode Luke dress is crafted in breezy viscose with a stand collar with pintucked accents, long balloon sleeves with elasticized cuffs, back zip and hook and eye closure, ruched waist, and a slim-fitting skirt.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Loved it so much, I wanted to buy it!
RtA Brand Rachele Faux Leather Dress
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About the designer: RtA was launched with the purpose of creating a movement. A movement of like-minded individuals who share a belief that clothing should be used as a form of expression.
Why I rented it: I thought it was made from real leather (sorry, animals).
How I styled it: I paired the dress with this amazing Etsy Chain-Link necklace, a studded vintage leather belt, black tights, Kat Maconie Sock Boots, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: Crafted in polyester and cotton with terry lining, this off-the-shoulder design features a ribbed neckline and cuffs, dropped shoulders, concealed side-zip closure, darted waist, and mini skirt. I got a medium and it was quite snug all over, but especially in the butt!
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Not very comfy, the shoulders were a weird fit, and it was too small with almost no give since it's basically crafted in a plastic-like fabric.
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 a lot of wear out of both Rhode dresses and the Cynthia Rowley sweater.
- 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
This is my final rental batch (for now) for ModLux.Rent. I will create a review for both of my CaaStle rentals within the next few weeks. There are some positives, and negatives, but as a new company, I think they're doing a really good job. Surely you remember all my complaints about Armoire back in the day, and now they're one of my favorites...at least from a business model perspective.
I recently downloaded Nuuly because I'd like to give them a try, and they're a lot cheaper than RTR and MLR, but they don't have that many items to choose from either. These rental companies really need to invest in a lot more stock before they advertise all over the place. What's the point in having a rental company if there's nothing to rent?
Have you tried Nuuly? What are your thoughts? And if you've tried MLR, Haverdash or Gwynnie Bee, please tell me all about your experiences!
ACTIVE DEAL: $25 for your first month. No coupon needed - just use this link.
What are your thoughts about ModLux.Rent? Let us know what you think down below!
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