Hi there and happy Friday. We've switched things up a little bit this time and replaced Armoire for Le Tote. Since this was my first experience with Le Tote, this post will be more informational as I get to know the brand and their process.
WHAT I’M WEARING THIS WEEK: Le Tote
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week. For the newbies, every Friday on WIWTW I'll recap the clothing rentals I wore for the week. I’ll take you on a trip through my life (recovered from COVID, now fully vaccinated), 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 (as of today I've rented $321 worth of clothing on Le Tote), and more. For sizing reference, I am 5'11" with a 33" inseam and I weigh 140 pounds.
Le Tote is a fashion subscription service that lets you try a new set of on-trend separates, dresses, jewelry, and more on a monthly basis. You can keep the pieces as long as you’d like or return them to receive a new set of items, depending on your membership. There are membership plans that include one tote per month to unlimited totes per month. Le Tote features brands you know and love like Tahari, French Connection, Rebecca Minkoff, and Rachel Roy, and there's also a maternity option. You can rent up to 10 clothing items and 5 accessories per month and the sizing options range from XS to XXL, or 0 to 16, but currently, there's no tall, petite, or plus-sized option.
Just like other fashion subscriptions, when I signed up, I went through an extensive style quiz to gather information about my preferences and complete my style profile. You'll add information like your measurements, current sizing in different types of clothing, looks you love, and more.
Le Tote offers free shipping both ways. Items you order will be sent using 2–3-day priority shipping, and ground shipping is included when returning items to the warehouse. Le Tote ships to valid residences, hotels, P.O. Boxes, and commercial establishments in the contiguous 48 States in the USA; however, they do not ship to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO, or Alaska.
This is a review of the Unlimited Plan with 3 clothing items and 2 accessories for $79/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
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My Le Tote products arrived neatly folded and arranged in a branded box. All of the items by Alexia Armor, New York & Co., Noir, Luxe, and Max Studio arrived on time and in great condition. Clearly Mr. Hoppy Golightly was in love.
THE GOODS
Alexia Admor Floral Print Draped One-Shoulder Dress, Retail Price $100, Le Tote Price $75
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How I styled it: This is a GREAT dress. I love the design, the fabric, the vivid floral print, and the length, but I had nowhere to go. It's the perfect springtime wedding guest dress! I wore it with my pale legs (hello, Casper), Charlotte Olympia slingback pumps, a vintage Chanel bag, and a pair of Noir Luxe earrings I also rented from Le Tote.
Size and fit: I ordered the medium and it's a perfect fit. The material feels a little like neoprene so it's stretchy, comfy and it sucks you in too. The concealed side zipper makes it easy to put on and take off, and the off-the-shoulder design stays in place which is nice since it can be annoying to constantly have to readjust yourself.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: I will definitely rent it again when I have somewhere else to go.
New York & Co. Leopard Smocked Blouse, Retail Price $59, Le Tote Price $38
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How I styled it: I don't have many spring tops, especially ones that are colorful and cheerful, so I chose this leopard-printed design. I paired it with the Max Studio Leatherette Pants that I also ordered from Le Tote and wore them with a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood sandals and a pair of earrings and the bracelet I also ordered from the company.
Size and fit: I ordered the medium and the fit is great. It's got a ruffled and gathered neckline with a single back button closure, and elasticized cuffs and hem. The elasticized hem did the opposite of what it was intended to do (keep it down) so it kept riding up and settling in weird positions. Had they just rounded the hem instead of adding elastic, it would've fallen perfectly in place.
Condition: Great condition. Seemed almost brand new.
Honest review: I got some notification that they had dropped the price to $21 so I contemplated making the purchase, but the weird hem made it hard to wear with jeans, leggings, or a skirt so I sent it back.
Max Studio Leatherette Pant, Retail Value $98, Le Tote Price $74
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How I styled it: I have an obsession with leather leggings, and even though these are faux leather, I was intrigued. I loved the croc-embossed look, and I paired it with the leopard print top for an ensemble that felt more like a day at the zoo than sitting on my butt, writing about fashion.
Size and fit: Unlike other rental companies, Le Tote does list the inseam and measurements, but I didn't even bother to look and therefore couldn't wear them out in public. The crotch hung too low, and the inseam was just too short.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: I've been on the hunt for a pair of reptile-embossed leather leggings (there's a pair of patent leather Alice + Olivia snakeskin-embossed leggings I just love) and was hoping maybe these could replace them, but they just don't fit. Wow, I'll never be a foot model. 😀
Noir Luxe Chain Link Bracelet, Retail Value $28, Le Tote, $18
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How I styled it: Yikes, let's zoom in on how Irish pale I am this time of year! I added this gold-toned, mixed-metal bracelet to the rest of the Le Tote ensemble and since it's by Noir (like the dangles) it was a perfect pairing.
Size and fit: It's lightweight and easy to put on, but some people complain that it's sized for a child. I have very thin wrists so it wasn't a problem for me, but I could see how it could be too tight for others as there wasn't much gap space for me either.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: It's quite on trend right now since chains are everywhere, but it's not something I'd permanently commit to for myself.
Noir Luxe Chain Drop Earrings, Retail Value $36, Le Tote Price $10
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How I styled it: I added these gold-tone, chain-link earrings to the entire Le Tote look, and it worked.
Size and fit: These shoulder-grazing earrings are lightweight and fun, but if you're not careful you could get them caught on something and easily tear them out of your earlobes. Probably not the best option for someone who has to carry young kids.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: They felt cheap and like they'd break any minute.
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? As my first time using Le Tote, I was impressed. Next time I will pay attention to the measurements so I can ensure I find items that fit me perfectly. I wasn't really searching for a look per se, but just playing around and checking out all the available options.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? They exceeded my expectations. I liked it and I'm excited to try again.
- What’s the return process like? While they ship it in a branded Le Tote box, they include a return bag that's pre-labeled so all you need to do is put your items in the bag, seal it up, send it out, and recycle the box. Easy!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I can tell Le Tote has been around for a decade because it's a pretty seamless process. I liked the box the items were shipped in and the way they were wrapped and arranged and loved the return process. Plus, the price points on their items are pretty low so there's no sticker shock when it comes time to decide whether to keep or return.
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited Plan costs $79/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $321!
What are your thoughts about Le Tote and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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