Hoppy Friday! So, it's official, I have too many rentals now. I'm only going to review three of my RTR choices this week because I'm keeping two of them as they'll be accompanying me to Nashville on Wednesday, and I'll review them when I get back.
As for the new rental company, I haven't had a chance to wear anything so I will get to them next week. And I'm kind of on hiatus with Armoire for another week or so because I can't find anything else I like. My rentals closet is overflowing... I may never have to purchase clothes again.
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 10 Items Per Month plan.
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 6
All three items by Christian Siriano, MSGM, and Bibhu Mohapatra arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags. I kept two others for my Nashville trip and will review them when I get back.
THE GOODS
Christian Siriano Coral Slip Dress, Retail Value $850, RTR $255
1 of 8
About the designer: Christian Siriano was my favorite Project Runway cast member and he's from the Baltimore area, so I will always have a soft spot in my heart for him and his designs.
"It is better to be overdressed than underdressed." - Christian Siriano (my motto too)
Following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, Christian Siriano launched his eponymous collection in 2008. The Christian Siriano collection is shown each season at New York Fashion Week and presented in New York and Paris to retailers. Known for whimsical and show-stopping design—from fantasy evening gowns and cocktail dresses to tailored sportswear, intricately detailed shoes, and accessories—the collection can be found at department stores and specialty boutiques around the globe. In 2012, the first flagship Christian Siriano store opened in New York City, and in 2013 he was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
Christian Siriano is the youngest person to ever appear on Crain's "40 Under 40" list and was a member of Forbes' "30 Under 30" in 2015. He was named "Designer of the Year" at the 2016 AAFA American Image Awards and won the Couture For A Cause "Designer of the Decade" award that same year. He co-founded accessories e-commerce retailer "Send the Trend" and served as Chief Curator until its acquisition by QVC.
Why I rented it: Because it was finally available!
How I styled it: I wore this dress to a golf tournament on Saturday and we had the best time. At first, I was the most overdressed person there, but then some other women rolled up all decked out too, so I didn't feel so out of place. Besides, it was a classier affair, and we paid to be in an enclosure.
I wanted sun on my shoulders, so I chose a spaghetti strap dress and figured this was long enough if it got a little chilly. I threw on the Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, a studded leather belt, and Ferragamo Gavina Sandals. The email said we weren't allowed to bring bags, so I packed the lightest since my college days and shoved a few things in my jacket pockets.
Size and fit: Some of the reviews said to size down, so I landed on the 6. This dress is featured in coral silk crepe with a scoop neckline, spaghetti shoulder straps, concealed back zip closure, and front vent, and it's fully lined. Christian Siriano makes most of his products in the USA.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: I'm beginning to feel like a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world. So. Much. Pink. I love this dress, the color is cheery and vibrant, the design is timeless and elegant, the fabric is very high-quality, and it's sexy without being showy. I love Christian Siriano, and not just because he's from the Baltimore area.
But real talk here, that front slit is super weird.
MSGM Fruity Halter Dress, Retail Value $905, RTR $815
1 of 8
About the designer: In 2009, Massimo Giorgetti and the Paoloni group partnered up to launch the first MSGM collection. Giorgetti initially worked with three friends who eventually abandoned the project. The brand’s name, which takes inspiration from indie band MGMT, is also an acronym composed of their initials.
Giorgetti's creative process draws extensively from the current zeitgeist. Having grown up in Rimini in the years of beach and club culture, he is able to mix a variety of inputs and harmonize them into youthful, individual aesthetics. Colors and prints burst in his style as a visual interpretation of rhythmic accents and overwhelming beats.
Today, MSGM collections are available at over 600 multi-brand stores, department stores, and e-commerce platforms worldwide, and at flagship stores and shop in shops in the main international fashion hubs, including Milan, London, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul.
Why I rented it: I was curious, love the pleats and the cheery print.
How I styled it: Sadly, it's a bit unwearable for me. I tried a few different looks but couldn't get past the weird fit.
Size and fit: I did read the reviews before I ordered it and they were correct. While it's a lovely warm-weather dress, the design is a miss. This sleeveless, A-line dress features an adjustable halter neckline, back zip closure, pleated skirt, asymmetrical hem, and matching lining.
Condition: Like new!
Honest review: It's a beautifully designed, very well-made dress but the fit is so off. The halter neckline practically chokes you and there's no stretch, so it cuts you off underneath the armpits and causes this shelf-like appearance. I tried to belt it, but it still didn't work very well. I never wore it.
Bibhu Mohapatra Collective Pleated Panel Dress, Retail Value $595, RTR $595
1 of 8
About the designer: While designer Bibhu Mohapatra moved to the U.S. in 1996, his years growing up on the east coast of India in Odisha, formed the expanding spirit of everything he sees and creates. His mother Sashikala, instilled in him at an early age a near obsession with handwork and textiles as well as a deep appreciation for making clothes that function and symbolize something powerful.
As the longtime design director for J.Mendel (before that he spent a year designing at Halston), Bibhu spent a decade honing his knack for strong tailoring balanced with wearable, expressive design.
In January 2010, Bibhu was a finalist in the Women’s Apparel 2010 rising star award presented by the fashion group International. In May 2010 he received the young innovator award from the national arts club, and in June 2010 he became a member of the Council of fashion designers of America. In January 2011, Bibhu received the Ecco Domani fashion foundation award.
Bibhu Mohapatra signed his first licensing deal in 2014 for a namesake fur collection with BC International.
Why I rented it: I've always wanted to try something by Bibhu Mohapatra.
How I styled it: I paired this dress with a B-Low the Belt Belt, Ferragamo Strappy Wedges, and a vintage Louis Vuitton Epi Tote.
Size and fit: This elegant, pleated maxi dress is crafted in a cotton poplin blend with a crewneck, back zip closure, and a handkerchief hem. I got a size 6 and it's a perfect fit.
Condition: Like new.
Honest review: Beautiful, elegant, and conservative. This dress can easily transition from the office to a night out on the town. The fabric is slightly on the heavier side so I wouldn't suggest renting during the dog days of summer, but it's great for spring or fall.
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? You'll see which pieces got the most wear in my next RTR review, and it wasn't these items which I returned.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? They exceeded 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
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That's the name of the game with rentals. Sometimes the pieces are sheer perfection, and others they're just a bit underwhelming. I'd still rather have a revolving wardrobe and feel like it's Christmas morning every time a shipment arrives than be stuck with all the stuff in my closet.
Mr. HGL agrees. He clearly likes being part of these reviews.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The 10 Items a Month membership costs $104/month and goes up to $144/month after the first 3 months) and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $123,967.
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.