Good morning, every bunny. I had to take a break to play catch-up on clothing and now I'm so far ahead, I've had plenty of time to wear various items and develop a real opinion and feel for them.
As I mentioned last time, I went to the National Press Foundation "gala" and I kind of messed up because it wasn't a gala—it was an awards ceremony. I have no idea where I got the idea that it was a gala, but I'm glad I didn't rent something super fancy because I would've looked like a total fool. The awards ceremony was interesting, and in typical DC fashion, it got very political very quickly. I'm so sick of everything becoming political and heated—I wish we could go back to the days when everyone could agree to disagree and be open to differing opinions. There are so many bad things happening in the country right now that make my head explode, I just want to escape for a bit (or move to a remote island where I don't have to deal with the news).
Since one of my best friends works for Lancome, she had someone on her staff do my makeup, and while the super heavy look is great on some, I looked like a clown. And not only that but the weather changed so drastically, I ended up with a migraine and felt horrible for a few days afterward.
I've also been dealing with a family illness that has been occupying my mind and I feel completely helpless. A lot of my closest friends are around my age, and we're dealing with similar things when it comes to our aging family members, and it's tough to watch. I feel like I've finally recovered from all my personal issues (COVID to layoffs, and my crazy ex's Ponzi Scheme), and this is the next hurdle that I will not fully recover from because there's nothing I can do but help out as much as possible and monitor everything.
WHAT I'M WEARING THIS WEEK: Rent the Runway
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week — Rent the Runway 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.
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.
Well, actually RTR has upgraded all their plans, so soon I'll receive 10 items per month instead of 8.
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
1 of 8
All four items by Rixo, Victoria Beckham, Bronx & Banco, and Paco Rabanne arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Rixo Teresa Knit Dress, Retail Value $400, RTR $380
1 of 8
About the designer: RIXO’s story began in 2015 in the London living room of best friends, then students Henrietta Rix & Orlagh McCloskey.
RIXO's philosophy is to evoke a wanderlust & free spirit in all their wearers, filling a gap in the contemporary market with easy-to-wear, feminine shapes, and high-quality materials. Always empowering, they aim to create a fusion of original hand-painted prints and timeless silhouettes to flatter every woman, irrespective of age, season, nationality, or time of day.
How I styled it: I wore it with a pair of thigh-high boots and Tecova Cowboy Boots, the Etsy Obi Belt, Lele Sadoughi Double Crystal Dangles, and topped it off with the Yves Salomon Shearling Jacket.
Size and fit: After reading that it runs large, I got a small and that was a good decision. This mod maxi knit dress is crafted in viscose with a retro print, ribbed mock neck, and long sleeves with ribbed cuffs—and it's an unlined pullover style.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: Loved this dress and go so much wear out of it. Tons of compliments! It's cozy, colorful, and stylish, but you definitely need to belt it.
Victoria Beckham Utility Shirt Dress, Retail Value $990, RTR $940
1 of 9
About the designer: Victoria Beckham founded her eponymous fashion label in 2008. The transition from a member of the Spice Girls to designer muse and Creative Director of her own brand was a natural one, fueled by a longtime obsession with fashion, a natural, meticulous attention to detail, and an undeniable ability to influence. Today the brand is the modern woman’s true wardrobe–versatile and wearable yet rooted in a distinctly luxury sensibility that ignites the imagination.
The collections are an adaptation of Victoria’s own personal style, that intertwines with the ever-changing needs and desires of today’s women to result in a carefully curated edit of key pieces–expertly cut tailoring, dresses, and denim – with signature features in the form of off-kilter prints, unexpected color palettes, and premium materials.
How I styled it: I was so excited to finally score this dress and it was a bit of a disappointment because of how oversized it was. I wore it with Capezio Nude Fishnets, Lele Sadoughi Pearl Earrings and Bracelet, Charlotte Olympia Suede Slingback Pumps, and the Prada Bunny Clutch.
I noticed some women wore it as an actual trench, and I totally get that!
Size and Fit: I know UK designers run small, so I ordered the UK 12 which totally works with Self-Portrait, and I failed. Many women mentioned it ran small in reviews, but I guess it's been stretched out by many wears. It's a heavier-weight design crafted in virgin wool (it wasn't itchy to me) and it features an oversized trench collar with shoulder epaulets, single-breasted button-front closure, back storm shield, patch flap pockets, belted waist, and hip flap pockets. It's fully lined.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I love the Kelly-green color and design, and it's been on my wish list for over a year, but I look like the Irish SpongeBob SquarePants! It is not flattering on me AT ALL!
Bronx & Banco Gloria Midi Floral Lace Dress, Retail Value $460, RTR $414
1 of 10
About the designer: Launched in 2009, this Australian label is synonymous with cutting-edge style, vibrant hues, and slick tailoring. From the runway to the real world, the Bronx and Banco DNA reflects the impeccable style of its founder and creative director, Natalie DeBanco. Born in Russia and raised in Australia, Natalie has a love of all things fashion, and she opened up her first boutique at Bondi Beach while she was still in design school. Inspired by travel, exotic locations, unique characters, and city living, Natalie's collections are full of feminine, fun, flamboyant, and flattering silhouettes. She's quickly become a top choice for celebrities on the red carpet and influencers alike.
How I styled it: Remember how I scored Kate Middleton's Zara Floral Drop Earrings (now listed on eBay for up to $500)? I got them specifically for this event and they are absolutely amazing! Since I was a bit overdressed, I switched to flats and wore the Carolina Herrera Ruffled Point Toe Flats, Calzedonia Back Seam Tights (which tore that night), Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, and carried the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: Since this is the second time I've rented Bronx & Banco, I hoped the fit would be the same and since they use stretchy fabrics, the 6 fits like a glove. This midi-length embroidered lace dress features a round neckline with sheer cutouts, cap sleeves, concealed back zip closure with hook, lace banded waist, and tiered midi skirt with an attached half-slip lining. I'm not sure if the lace design is supposed to be a poppy or a rose, but it's lovely.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: I love the dress and I'm very impressed with the quality of the designer and the price point. While their designs are a bit more Vegas nightlife than Upper East Side debutante, they're unique and very well made. I would recommend this dress for a spring or summer wedding, a fancy night out on the town, or even as an option for a gala (if you dress it up otherwise).
Paco Rabanne Black Paisley Dress, Retail Value $790, RTR $750
1 of 10
About the designer: Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo, more commonly known as Paco Rabanne, is a Spanish fashion designer of Basque origin who became known as an enfant terrible of the 1960s French fashion world. Rabanne's father, a Republican Colonel, was executed by Francoist troops during the Spanish Civil War and his mother was the chief seamstress at Cristóbal Balenciaga's first couture house in Donostia, Basque Country. She moved Rabanne's family when he opened Balenciaga in Paris in 1937, due to the Spanish Civil War.
Rabanne started his career in fashion by creating jewelry for Givenchy, Dior, and Balenciaga and founded his own fashion house in 1966. He used unconventional materials such as metal, paper, and plastic for his metal couture and flamboyant designs. Rabanne is known for the green costume worn by Jane Fonda in the 1968 science-fiction film Barbarella. In 1968, he launched Rabanne perfumes.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to my friend's birthday party at the Four Seasons in Georgetown, and it was such a great option. I paired it with the Calzedonia Back Seam Tights, a pair of Lele Sadoughi Crystal Double Drop Earrings, and Kat Maconie Sock Ankle Boots. I tore the tights before the night was over so in this picture it's nude fishnets and the Twinset Pumps.
Size and fit: I got the 42 and this stretchy mini dress is designed in cozy viscose (is that even a thing) with a lot of stretch. It features a mock neck with back snap closure, long sleeves, a gathered skirt with snapped closures, and an asymmetrical hem.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I'm such a fan of Paco Rabanne's (who very recently passed away) designs, and I have added almost all of his items to my wish list. This dress was awesome and definitely I'd love to have in my wardrobe. It's dressy meets a little rock n' roll with its side gathering and asymmetrical hem.
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? Got a ton of wear out of the RIXO dress and Paco Rabanne too.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? RTR met expectations.
- 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. You can also drop it off at one of their exclusive drop-off points in some of the major cities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Did you see that Chanel raised prices up to 14% last week on their most popular handbags? Absurd! The new bags are not worth it at all! That means the vintage and resale bag prices will skyrocket too. Don't do it.
On the vintage note, I just came across the vintage gold belt I wear on sale on Etsy. Get it now!
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 $108,375.
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.