Instagram got me again. This time, the culprit was BNTO—an AI-powered women’s fashion rental subscription service. I first saw the ad late last year, clicked out of curiosity, and immediately filtered by price and designer (as one does). There wasn’t much available, so I closed the tab and went back to doom-scrolling.
But BNTO wasn’t done with me. When they popped up again in April, I gave them another shot—and this time, their stock looked way more promising. I spotted familiar names like Simon Miller, FARM Rio, and Marques Almeida, plus emerging designers I’d been curious about, like PH5 (one of my besties swears by them). The selection had leveled up, and I was intrigued.
So, I did what any fashion-obsessed and rental-addicted person would do: I subscribed. New members get $30 off their first month, so I only paid $68 to test it out. Not bad for a closet refresh with serious designer potential.
Alright, y’all. Let’s hit the BNTO runway.
WHAT I’M WEARING THIS WEEK: BNTO Box
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week: BNTO. For the newbies, every other Friday on WIWTW I'll recap the clothing rentals I wore for the week. 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. We’ll explore designers and trends, and a variety of styles and brands. And each week I’ll fill you in on why I chose each item, the total value of the rental compared to the retail price.
BNTO, an AI-powered fashion rental company for women, offers the most coveted styles from both popular and emerging global brands and designers, allowing renters to curate their own monthly BNTO boxes. It’s fashion for the future. BNTO uses proprietary AI Technology to power supply chain optimization and product development, as well as to offer personalized styling suggestions for customers.
This is a review of 6 items for $98 per month.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
WHAT I RECEIVED
All six items by Marques Almeida, FARM Rio, and PH5 arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and zipped up in a shipping bag.
Marques Almeida Round Sleeve Cropped Denim Jacket, Retail Value $435, Armoire $234
About the designer: Marques ‘ Almeida was created Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida who subscribe to the Helmut Lang school of thought where “fashion is about attitude not hemlines.” While their aesthetic evokes raw effortlessness, the pair’s technical sensibilities are revealed in the construction of each piece.
Marta and Paulo took the natural course of combining their talents while on the MA at Central Saint Martins in London, striking a balance between impulse and consideration.
In 2015 MARQUES ‘ ALMEIDA were awarded the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, as well as a British Fashion Council ‘British Fashion Award for Best Emerging Designer’ and grew exponentially, establishing the start of their long standing partnership with many innovative leading international retailers, and always supported by their loyal community.
Why I rented it: I've followed this designer for years, but never had a chance to try it! And I needed another jacket to warm up during the office winter.
How I styled it: I wore this jacket with everything imaginable! All the outfits in this review, plus items I already owned. I was such a huge fan.
Size and fit: I accidentally ordered the 8, which was a UK 8 (or US 4) so it was too tiny to close, but I wore it anyway. Crafted in soft cotton, this cool denim jacket features a deconstructed, collarless neckline, long rounded sleeves, concealed snap-front closure, functioning flap pockets, a fitted bodice, and raw-edge hem.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: Denim jackets in DC are as common as rats (or maybe politicians) so I never would've considered buying one because they're just so basic. BUT I love, love, love this edgy take on a common topper. Now, if I can find it in a larger size, I might buy it!
FARM Rio Sweet Bloom Dreamscape Dress, Retail Value $260, BNTO $240
About the designer: With over 20 years of history, FARM is Brazil’s most beloved clothing and lifestyle brand. The story began in 1997 in Rio at a local independent fashion market called Babilonia Feira Hype where founders Katia Barros and Marcello Bastos took their chances on launching a clothing line that embodies the feminine spirit and vibrant colors of Rio.
Brazilians quickly fell in love with the brand, the booth became a store, which grew into more stores, and now FARM is Brazil’s most recognized brand.
Why I rented it: I needed a few new summer dresses.
How I styled it: I wore this dress probably over a dozen times and often paired it with the Marques denim jacket, Jimmy Choo patent leather wedges, the Prada bunny bag or the Fendi Fendista crossbody, and the Kendra Scott Maya necklace.
Size and fit: I received a medium and it was a little snug around the bodice and back at first, but eventually stretched out slightly. The A-line sweet bloom dress features a colorful floral print on a breezy linen blend with adjustable shoulder straps, square neckline, hidden back zip closure, smocked bodice, and midi-length hem.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: Just like the denim jacket, I wore this dress at least a dozen times (including Nashville)! The best part? It was still in store, so when I went to Nordstrom, I saw it hanging on the model. That never happens. And everyone loved it... compliments everywhere I went, and people asking where they could buy one. Easy! It's still online and in stores.
FARM Rio Red Bow Linen Dress, Retail Value $270, BNTO $241
Why I rented it: I loved the color and the bow.
How I styled it: I paired this dress with Ferragamo Gavina block-heeled sandals, the Chanel 19, and vintage jewelry.
Size and fit: I got a medium again, and unlike the previous dress, this one ran a little big. It's crafted in a lightweight linen blend with adjustable shoulder straps, sweetheart neckline, oversized bow-detailed bodice, striped piping and straps, back zip closure, and a scalloped-edge hem.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: I wasn't totally sold on the FARM Rio dress because the bow was a bit awkward. I tried to double-sided tape it down, but it still kept popping out, so I resorted to constantly retying it until I was satisfied with the result. The fabric was stiff because it was brand new with tags, and also available in-store (a win), so I didn't wear it as much as I wanted to. But when I did, wow, did it get compliments!
FARM Rio Garden Green Maxi Dress, Retail Value $289, BNTO $266
Why I rented it: The colors, print, and design caught my eye.
How I styled it: It was a day-to-night look for me. I wore it to work and paired it with vintage jewelry, Jimmy Choo patent leather wedges, and the Valentino Rock-stud tote. Then I left the tote in the car and switched it out for a snakeskin clutch.
Size and fit: Same designer, different sizing. I got a medium AGAIN and this time it was too big. Crafted in smooth cotton, this brillian, floral-print dress features an elasticized and gathered neckline that can be worn in a square design or off-the-shoulders, short puffed sleeves, concealed side-sip closure, adjustable waist with belt, and a tiered ruffle skirt.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: The fabric is buttery soft and the print and design are striking, but there was something about the puffiness on me that felt too Little House on the Prarie. And the belt was flimsy and didn't really stay closed.
PH5 Emma Wavy Fringe Crop Tank, Retail Value $265, BNTO $218; PH5 Aster Gradient Print Carwash Skirt, Retail Value $295, BNTO $281
About the designer: Established in New York in 2014, PH5 is an advanced contemporary women’s knitwear brand founded by Wei Lin, the daughter of a knitwear manufacturer and designed by a Parsons-trained, award-winning designer, Zoe Champion. The label challenges the conventional vision of knitwear by marrying whimsical designs with architectural dimensions of knitting techniques.
PH5’s moniker is based on the numeric pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 as neutral. If 7 represented androgynous unisex labels and 1 represented the extreme feminine or sexy brands, PH5 would be a brand that's leaning more towards the edgier side while keeping a touch of femininity.
Innovative, functional and hugely stylish knitwear is at the heart of PH5. Empowered by its scientific name, PH5 is set out to inspire people to completely rethink knitwear and tell the world that knitwear is more than just a winter fabric. Knitwear is breathable, lightweight, colorful and fashion forward.
Using knit as our vehicle of innovation, we are here to create a fashion label that reaches beyond womenswear, but into other categories and industries. By collaborating with many innovative tech firms, we are redefining the relationship between fashion and technology, which is what will allow us to succeed long term and create value in the world. At PH5, we are designing beyond products; we are redefining knitwear and what knitwear can be for generations to come.
Why I rented it: I've been super curious about PH5!
How I styled it: Together, obviously! And I also paired it with the Chanel 19, Ferragamo slides, and a pair of kitten-heeled pumps from Saks Off 5th.
Size and fit: I got a medium in both pieces, and they were a bit snug all over (as you can probably tell). This set is crafted in a thick knit jacquard with a good amount of stretch, but it shows everything. The cropped top features a wavy neckline, wide shoulder straps, and a cropped, fringe hem. The pull-on skirt is also designed in the same stretchy fabric with a wide waistband and belt loops, seamed pleating, and a front slit.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: I had high hopes, but this set was a little too young and small for me. While I thought the design was unique, it was so short and tight, and honestly, a little uncomfortable too. That doesn't mean I won't try something else by PH5, but I think I'll skip anything made with this fabric. It made me a bit self-conscious.
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 each piece multiple times, but I got the most wear out of the denim jacket.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Exceed expectations.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the zippered bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
My first month with BNTO was a hit! I was such a fan that I signed up for another month, so I'll give you a full review by the end of July. But first, let's review the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Most items were brand new with tags and still available for purchase at the store. So, you're basically renting directly off the rack. That NEVER happens!
- New designers and styles, including up-and-coming brands that are super hot right now. Hello, PH5.
- 6 items for $98 a month makes more sense than RTR's $119 for 5 pieces.
Cons:
- Since it's a new company, they have limited stock.
- Available pieces aren't listed by size, so if one appears, it may still be unavailable to you.
- The returns process is a little wonky. It must be scanned and on the way back to BNTO before you can either pause, cancel your membership, or add new pieces to your next box.
- I don't really understand where the AI comes into play.
While I’ve been rotating outfits, I’ve also been quietly rotating projects behind the scenes—resurrecting an old children’s book I wrote about Mr. HGL (he’s back!) and revisiting stories I’ve been meaning to tell for years. I’m not quite ready to share everything yet—but trust me, they’re coming. Eventually.
In the meantime, I’ve sworn off vodka-fueled chaos (DC men and their Tito's Olympics competitions, I’m looking at you), committed to protecting my peace, and rediscovered how good it feels to feel like myself again. Clothes are part of that, sure—but so is healing, growing, and saying no thanks to fixing anyone but myself.
Here’s to fresh wardrobes, fresh starts, and stories that finally find their time.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The 6 pieces per month membership costs $98/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $1,814.00!
What are your thoughts about BNTO and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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