Hello, happy Fri-YAY, and welcome back to WIWTW! I'm happy to report I was migraine-free so I got dressed up, saw some friends, and ventured out into the Virginia countryside. I think we scared everyone away though because every restaurant, winery, and brewery was practically empty.
Two weeks ago I mentioned an upcoming wedding in Charlottesville and I've been searching for the perfect dress ever since. To be honest, I have no idea why I care so much. It's not like I'm going to the wedding of some socialite in Italy, but I've wasted hours of my life combing through the internet to try and find a dress that'll make my head spin like the exorcist, but I still haven't found what I'm looking for (sing it with me now).
Before I dive into all of this, you should know that I own an absurd amount of dresses — I could open my own Rent the Runway — but of course, I have NOTHING to wear. And the truth is, I gained a few pounds during the pandemic due to wine, depression, free McDonald's fries that popped up on the app every time I drank too much wine, and the stress of escaping a bad relationship. So, while I have lots of dresses, many of them no longer fit!
I've been combing through and practically stalking certain items on RTR, I'm batting zero, and a little baffled. It's got me wondering if some of the items just aren't available with a plan and it's a trick to get you to spend more to secure them. Who knows. Maybe my timing is terrible, maybe I've uncovered something, or maybe it's Maybelline. You can go through both RTR and Armoire and check out all the items, whether they're available or not, but if you reserve them for a certain date and pay an extra fee, some of them magically become available.
Things that make you go hmm...
SIDE NOTE: My fluffy white roommate has learned how to write — thank god, he's seriously behind in rent. Check out his bunny box review! And as usual, WHERE'S BUNDO is still a thing.
WHAT I'M WEARING THIS WEEK: RENT THE RUNWAY
Well, it's my fourth round of What I'm Wearing This Week — Rent the Runway and this is now like a game to me. I'm obsessed with tracking certain items and this is probably becoming a little unhealthy. Kind of like my newfound obsession with Cryptocurrency. Shiba Inu, anyone?
Anyway, I was only able to take out three items this time because I kept the Monse skirt.
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 editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
WHAT I RECEIVED
1 of 2 | The shipment's arrived!
Everything arrived on time and in excellent condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hangers, and sealed in a plastic bag.
THE GOODS
Temperley London Printed Rosella Dress, Retail Value $550
1 of 4 | Temperley London Printed Rosella Dress
How I styled it: I've had this dress on my heart list since I started these reviews and I expected more from Temperley. It's got this artistic heart and gem print with ruffled cuffs and neckline, and I really like the inverted U waistline, but the skirt needs help.
I wore this dress to meet my friend at Wren at the new Watermark Hotel. I carried my Chanel 19, wore the Clic-Clac Bracelet, studded Gucci Jacket, and Nicolas Kirkwood flats. I ended up taking off the black tights and replacing them with nude fishnets because the black-on-black with the gold-tone design looked weird.
Size and fit: I got the size 6, which is a UK 10, and it fit perfectly even with my heavily padded Victoria's Secret bra that can double as a life preserver — haha. What's odd about the 6 is that I normally wear a UK 12 and this fit really well so I'm glad I sized down without realizing it.
Condition: Perfect condition
Honest review: It's a pretty print with beautiful trim, and I really like Alice Temperley's designs, but I wish designers would add slips to their dresses. Once I got out into the sunlight it was completely see-through which was frustrating. The top of the dress was fitted and had an elegant design, but once you got past the waist, they cheapened out with the flimsy skirt. I sent it back pretty quickly.
La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni Brady Top, Retail Value $330, Monse Plaid Moto Skirt, Retail Value $1,290
1 of 4 | Chiara Boni Brady Top
How I styled it: Remember when I said I was going to keep this skirt and wear it to the University of Maryland Homecoming Game? Well, it's still here! I dug through RTR's site to find the perfect top to go with it and I found this Chiara Boni Brady Neoprene Top which is designed with three-quarter length sleeves and a functioning silver zipper that matches the skirt!
This is the outfit I will wear to the homecoming festivities tomorrow (yes, I know I'll be overdressed...whatever). My Plein Sud thigh-high leather boots, a pair of Calzedonia tights, and the Maje Studded Leather Jacket. I still want to keep this skirt, but not for over $1,000. I set a Google alert for it so I can snatch it up when it's listed elsewhere.
Size and fit: The top is a US 6 and it fits like a glove. Hugs you in all the right places, and it's comfy too!
Condition: Like new
Honest review: I got the top because it's form-fitting and with a busy, deconstructed skirt like this one, you need something simple and fitted. While I love how this neoprene top works with the skirt, it's not something I'd rent again or buy.
Marni Check Top, Retail Value $950
1 of 5 | Marni Check Top
How I styled it: So, remember when I complained about Marni last round? Well, this time they delivered! This casual cool, peplum top with a classic houndstooth design was created in a slim-fitting, neoprene-like fabric that sucks it all in. I paired it with my slightly scandalous Petersyn cutout leather leggings, a pair of black leather ankle boots, and the same Maje Studded Leather Moto Jacket from the previous review.
Well, we finally made it back out to the vineyards and breweries in Middleburg, Virginia and the weather was absolutely perfect! First, I drove out to the latest and greatest spot called Lost Barrel Brewery which was overrun with dogs and kids, and since my friend was hoping to meet a single guy (there weren't any), we packed up and headed back up Route 50 towards the vineyards. Then we dropped by Chrysalis Winery to share a flight, and finally we dropped by 50 West. Don't worry, I barely drank anything!
50 West Winery
Size and fit: I got the US size 6 and it was a perfect fit. It's a warm and comfy top too!
Condition: Great!
Honest review: Grr, this is a great top that's in one of my favorite patterns, and it features an ultra-flattering peplum hem. Why is it $855 to buy? It's just not fair. I want it, damn it! But not for almost $1,000. Sheesh.
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 the Marni top and obvi the Monse Skirt (which I've worn about five times). The Chiara Boni top is very versatile, but not something I'd buy, and the Temperley dress would be great if I were going into the office or to church.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Exceed, but I'm still trying to figure out this dress rental situation for the wedding in 2.5 weeks.
- 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
My quest to find the perfect dress is an ongoing process that just might end with me wearing something I already own. In the meantime, I'll keep stalking and hearting items on RTR in hopes that I win this game!
Are you finished yet? I'm sick of your fashion shenanigans.
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 $14,274!
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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