Hey, every bun. Happy Friday! I just came back from the grocery store (wearing this Adam Lippes Cape) and somehow dropped over $80 on lettuce, carrots, celery, and a box of Apple Jacks. I spent a good 10 minutes staring blankly at the produce (I swear COVID ruined my brain) when a cute elderly man walked up to me and said, "Wow, you sure do eat like a rabbit."
I snapped out of my haze and started laughing, "Well, that's because I have a pet rabbit and he's really finicky!" Then this woman on my left complimented the cape and announced that she has a Lionhead rabbit which, of course, caused some guy to say he's suddenly in the mood for rabbit stew. Actually Elmer J. Fudd, it's officially duck season in Virginia so you better get quacking!
SIDE NOTE: Keep your eyes peeled for the photo-bombing bunny. He's been mad at me for taking up his sleeping space, and he keeps lurking in the background. He's like the Where's Waldo of clothing rentals.
WHAT I'M WEARING THIS WEEK: RENT THE RUNWAY
Well, it's my third round of What I'm Wearing This Week — Rent the Runway and despite pulling four amazing items off my Hearts list, the number continues to grow. I wish that were the case with my bank account. Anyway, I'm so excited to have the opportunity to try designers like Ellery, Altuzarra, Khaite, and Paco Rabanne, and I might even need to put an advance reserve on some items for the holidays too. Supply and demand, baby.
Anyway, for the newbies to WIWTW, every Friday I’ll take you on a trip through my life (recovered from COVID in March, now fully vaccinated), where I’m going (90% of the places are outside, and I wear a mask), 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!
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 Up to 8 Items Per Month plan.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
WHAT I RECEIVED
The RTR shipment officially passed the bunny sniff test!
Everything arrived on time and in excellent condition. Each item was fresh from the drycleaner, on the hangers, and sealed in a plastic bag.
THE GOODS
Adam Lippes Double Face Wool Tiered Cape, Retail Value $1,690
1 of 4 | Adam Lippes Double-Faced Wool Tiered Cape
How I styled it: It's times like these where I wish my parents would pull me aside and say, "Honey, you're actually Irish and Ukrainian royalty. We just waited until you were middle-aged to tell you this because we wanted you to have a normal upbringing." Psssh, because I'd buy this cape in a split sec and fly straight out the window with Fluff in my arms. Ugh, even with the RTR discount it's just too expensive.
Anyway, I wore this fashionable superhero cape many times, like to the grocery store and the police station. I paired it with Nicolas Kirkwood Ankle Boots, some semi-sheer designer resale blouse, and a pair of Skaist-Taylor (the founders of Juicy Couture) Suede Leather Leggings with metallic flecks. Funny story about these pants...they were once worn by Connie Britton on the TV show, Nashville.
Oh wait, you want to hear about my trip to the police station, don't you? Oh please, college was so 20 years ago! Well, I have a stalker situation from my past that I'm handling (it's not the bunny creeping in the photos), but as you can imagine I WAS the best-dressed person there!
Size and fit: This cape hugs you in all the right places. It features a top ruffled layer, classic plaid lining, and a hook-and-eye and ribbon tie closure (which I completely disregarded). I ordered the Medium and the fit's perfect – it gives you enough of a warm, cozy squeeze, but there's also space to breathe and layer.
Condition: Perfect, beautiful, sigh.
Honest review: Ah, Adam Lippes has created the perfect fall and winter topper. It's versatile, comfy, warm, and beautiful, and just too expensive. I think I might keep it a few extra days just because I can't part with it yet.
Monse Plaid Moto Skirt, Retail Value $1,290
1 of 4 | Monse Plaid Moto Skirt (and a bunny bomb)
How I styled it: Awesome, awesome skirt. I love it so much, I want to keep it a little longer so I can wear it to the University of Maryland's Homecoming Game at the end of the month. Yes, I'll be overdressed, but so what...jerseys aren't my thing.
The cool thing about this skirt is there are just so many styling options, it's almost like a Halloween costume! At first, I did the whole Britney Spears thing and paired it with over-the-knee socks, but then I remembered it's high school Homecoming weekend and I didn't need to show up at Crafthouse like I was stepping off the cover of a men's magazine.
So, instead, I wore a Maje Studded Leather Biker Jacket, a Balenciaga City Studded Patent Leather Clutch, and a pair of Coach Over-the-Knee Boots that I bought when I worked in Advertising for Macy's back in like 2008.
Size and fit: While my last Monse outfit was too big, this skirt is also a size 6 and it fits perfectly. The skirt features a side-zip closure, and an attached, adjustable belt so it's easier to create the perfect fit.
Condition: Purr-fect.
Honest review: Hey, RTR! I might have to hold on to this one for a few more weeks. I'm not ready to give it up yet...maybe once I find it for less online I'll send it home. 😉
Nicholas Larissa Ruffled Faux Leather Dress, Retail Value $525
1 of 3 | Nicholas Larissa Ruffled Faux Leather Dress
How I styled it: I wanted to love this dress soooo much, but there was one serious flaw that's very difficult to overlook. It doesn't stay buttoned! I went over to Red Velvet to pick up cupcakes for a birthday and noticed the top two buttons kept popping open. I rebuttoned them, dropped the box in the car, and went to get a pedicure. As soon as I plopped down in the chair, almost every button came undone and my immediate reaction was, "Oh my god, my dress came undone!" So, the guy next to me started gawking (I was covered, but slightly exposed), and his wife gave me a nasty look (maybe she should've taken him to watch football instead), and the manicurist gave me a large towel to cover up. I had to run home and change right afterward.
I wore it with a vintage gold-tone metal belt from Etsy, Nicholas Kirkwood Point-Toe Flats, a vintage Chanel Bag, my studded Gucci Jacket, and a gold-tone clock choker.
Size and fit: I ordered the 6 and the sizing was fine, just a little big, but would've fit better if it stayed buttoned. Judging by other reviews, I think RTR needs to take this out of rotation.
Condition: Arrived in good condition, but a bit wrinkled and I'm not sure how to iron plastic. Haha.
Honest review: I'm not sure if it's the design of the dress or maybe that so many people have worn it, but it's permanently stretched out of shape. Otherwise, this dress would've been PERFECT. I know it's not PC, but I prefer real leather to faux, and it's almost always vintage. Thing is, if I'm purchasing something expensive, I better get the highest-quality materials and none of this polyurethane stuff that stretches quickly and will eventually resemble a fancy trash bag.
Ronny Kobo Zebra Jade Dress, Retail Value $548
1 of 5 | Ronny Koba Zebra-Printed Jade Dress
How I styled it: Copywriter complaint...they're really not zebra stripes, but it's a zippy, zebra-esque dress that's backless so you either need a backless bra or no bra at all. I wore it with my Burberry Patent Leather Bomber Jacket, the same Coach Over-the-Knee Boots (that I can't walk in), my vintage Louis Vuitton Mirabeau Patent Leather Epi Tote, and my Audrey Hepburn-inspired hat from Alibaba which made me feel more like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
I rocked it on a Zoom call with Forbes Magazine, and then to dinner at the Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Virginia. If you haven't been to the Salamander, it's a huge resort owned by Sheila Johnson who founded BET. It has fun activities like horseback riding, a zipline, tennis, lawn games, archery, axe throwing, restaurants, a spa, and more. Plus, it's surrounded by Virginia Wine Country and in the middle of Horse Country! And while the nightly rates might scare you away faster than seeing a ghost in a haunted house, it's a great spot to hang out during the weekend, sit by the fire, sip on fab cocktails, watch fancy people roll up in their chauffeured Bentleys, and play Scrabble.
Size and fit: I was bloated from all the V8 I drank so that's probably why the size 6-8 was a little tight in the waist.
Condition: Excellent
Honest review: The slit is HIGH and unless you want to avoid overexposure, you should probably wear tights with it or use double-sided tape to keep it together. Also, the bust area of the dress is really flattering and made me look like I have boobs, which I don't and won't get because needles, fillers, and surgery scare me. I'm all about aging gracefully, or clumsily in my case.
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 want to buy the Adam Lippes Cape and the Monse Plaid Moto Skirt, but the prices are just too high right now. I'm going to keep them on my radar and track the prices. That's one of the cool things about rentals...you'll find items you become attached to and simply can't live without!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Of course, they exceeded expectations. I'm still head-over-heels in love with RTR and excited to continue trying new designers and styles.
- 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!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I need to move into RTR's fashion closet, pronto. I have a wedding in Charlottesville in a few weeks and despite having a closet full of dresses that are appropriate for weddings and black-tie affairs, I have NOTHING to wear so I've started tracking items to rent on RTR. While $135/month can seem steep for clothing rentals, if I were to sell (or even rent out) my own closet once the pandemic ends, $135 might be justifiable as long as I make it out at least twice a week.
A little unrelated news...within the next few weeks Mr. Hoppy Golightly will be reviewing bunny boxes. I'll keep you posted to make sure you don't miss his wit, side-eye, and wisdom.
That's all, folks!
Have a bun-derful weekend!
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Up to 8 Items membership costs $99/month (and goes up to $135/month after the first two months) and so far I've received styles with a retail value of $12,477!
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