Hey, y’all, hoppy Friday! Just a quick update—Mr. HGL is ok-ish, and he’s incredibly thankful for your support. His breathing is still imperfect, and he goes through sneezing and coughing fits, but otherwise, he seems happy, hungry, and pretty chill. At this rate, he could even make it to see his 8th birthday.
I’ve gotten used to the new-to-me bun and all his snorts, snots, and sneezes, and since it doesn’t seem to bother him much anymore, we’ll keep going. Bad days are very few and far between, so he’s like a little miracle bun!
In other news, I had a guy reach out to me on LinkedIn to discuss launching a men’s clothing rental company. So, if you’re a dude who’s been wondering why one doesn’t exist, head to my final thoughts at the end of the review to see highlights of our conversation, and let me know your thoughts, too!
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
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All five items by Cara Cara NYC, Rosetta Getty, Ronny Kobo, Ulla Johnson, and Altuzarra arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Cara Cara NYC Rianna Dress, Retail Value $525, RTR $473
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About the designer: Cara Cara was founded in 2019 by Julia Brown, Sasha Martin and Katie Hobbs. Friendship, motherhood and the celebration of natural beauty are the foundations of our brand. Our lives collided through our kids - those unions that make cities like New York more intimate and familiar. And so it was that we found ourselves together, with a collective 50 years of fashion, digital and marketing experience - and an idea for how we could give women the feeling we were seeking in our own lives through beautifully designed and made clothing. Cara Cara was born out of a void in fashion we felt qualified to fill.
Entirely female-founded, owned and operated, we design clothes for real women and seek to embody a unique kind of casual glamor.
Why I rented it: Wanted something warm, colorful and cozy for the long winter days and nights.
How I styled it: I wore this sophisticated yet sexy dress to the office and out on the town, but didn’t take any pics! I paired it with Slate Conrad Hoops from Rocksbox, a vintage belt from Etsy, Twinset Platform Pumps, a vintage Mink Jacket, Dolce & Gabbana Sunglasses, and a Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Tote.
Size and fit: I got a medium and it’s a curve-hugging, pullover design that fits like a glove. Crafted in a jacquard knit with a hint of stretch, the Rianna midi dress features a colorful geometric print, bateau neckline and long sleeves.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: Looked like a fancy nightgown without a belt, but the fabric was heavy, it’s cozy, and really well made.
Rosetta Getty Chevron Maxi Skirt, Retail Value $850, RTR $695
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About the designer: Rosetta Getty, who is the wife of actor Balthazar Getty, established her fashion line in 2015. The brand’s philosophy is derived from Rosetta’s personal bi-coastal lifestyle and intuition for dressing effortlessly for work, travel, and family life. Her collections focus on transitional pieces that work effortlessly throughout the seasons, and from day to night, and reflect the alternate attitudes of East Coast and West Coast styles. Discerning and timeless design plays into a line of elevated ready-to-wear and accessories that are relaxed and sophisticated.
Why I rented it: The reviews were great and I needed a 5th item. Everything else I wanted was gone!
How I styled it: Despite never wearing the skirt, I pulled together a quick look for the photos so you can see it for yourself. I wore an Adam Lippes Cashmere Sweater from 2015, the same belt and bag, a Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, and a new pair of J. Crew d’Orsay Flats.
Size and fit: I got a medium and the skirt was true to size.This pull-on design features a jacquard chevron print, elasticized and banded waist, and a center back vent.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I don’t understand why the reviews were so positive. I thought it was dowdy and dull and definitely not worth $850!
Ronny Kobo Tiff Dress, Retail Value $348, RTR $143
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About the designer: Originally from Tel Aviv and raised in Hong Kong, Ronny Kobo's interest in fine art, travel, and culture eventually led her to New York City, where she graduated with a master's degree from NYU. She speaks fluent English, Hebrew, and Spanish.
Ronny started off her career by founding her own line of accessories and ultimately launched the trendsetting apparel brand Torn by Ronny Kobo in 2009. Additionally, she held a seat on the board of Christie’s Auction House. Ronny Kobo's current collections are best known for standout prints, upscale versatility, and timeless silhouettes.
Why I rented it: I wanted a casual going out dress.
How I styled it: I paired this dress with thick tights so it looked like I was wearing leggings. I also wore it with Lele Sadoughi Geo Bezel Clip-On Earrings, the same belt (I wasn’t very motivated), Kat Maconie Toni Ankle Boots, the Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: Is it a tunic or a dress? Talk amongst yourselves. Despite ordering a size 6/8, I had a difficult time wearing it because it was so tight and short. This mini dress features a brown geometric print, a mock neckline, long sleeves, back zip closure, and a drapey skirt.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: By now I should know Ronny Kobo is designed for women who are much tinier than me, but I never learn my lesson! Would’ve been amazing had it not fit me like a tunic. Seriously, I felt the stares and I doubt the thoughts were very clean.
Ulla Johnson Twyla Pullover, Retail Value $520, RTR $397
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About the designer: Born and raised in Manhattan, the daughter of archaeologists, Ulla Johnson honed her signature style between the streets of New York and the far-flung destinations of their family travels. Her eponymous line, founded in 1998 just after graduating from college, immediately caught the attention of the fashion press.
Growing from a handful of directional boutiques and with an early endorsement from Barneys New York, Ulla Johnson’s collection has gained a dedicated following and the support of retailers across the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She has never wavered in her steadfast attention to the details of construction that have become her hallmark, basing each of her collections on a foundation of natural fibers, beautiful finishing, and ease of fit and form. Ulla lives in Brooklyn with her husband and three children.
Why I rented it: I needed a cropped sweater that’ll fall at the perfect length for my new high-waisted jeans.
How I styled it: I wore this sweater so many times, but most notably to the Baltimore Ravens game/date in the pouring rain—and my sister showed up too! 😁 I wore this sweater with my new Veronica Beard Jeans, Kat Maconie Toni Ankle Boots, and the Chanel 19.
I also paired it with my Alice + Olivia Leather Mini Skirt, Tecova Cowboy Boots, and a shearling vest.
Size and fit: The Twyla Sweater is knit in a cozy wool and cotton blend with a dark Bellflower pattern, mock neckline, puffed shoulders, long sleeves and a slightly cropped hem. I got a medium and it was a little roomy and breezy on the bottom.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: Love, love, love! Immediately searched for it on the resale market, but I haven’t found what I’m looking for.
Altuzarra Atalanti Dress, Retail Value $1495, RTR $695
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About the designer: Joseph Altuzarra was born in 1983 and raised in Paris by a Chinese American mother and French father. His multicultural upbringing and interest in everything from film to literature and art are key influences throughout his work.
Since the launch of Altuzarra in 2008, Joseph has received numerous accolades for his work, from inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Business of Fashion’s BoF500 to the Swarovski Award for Womenswear Design.
In 2014, Joseph was named by the Council of Fashion Designers America as the Womenswear Designer of the Year and, in 2017, the Accessories Council’s Designer of the Year.
Why I rented it: Honestly, it was one of the newest and most expensive pieces.
How I styled it: I couldn’t decide if I liked it better with or without the belt, so I tried it both ways—and with different colored shoes and tights too.
So, first it was black Sheertex Tights and Kat Maconie Toni Ankle Boots. Next it’s with the J. Crew d’Orsay Flats, a vintage fox fur coat I scored on eBay for $125, and finally a new pair of Karl Lagerfeld Point-Toe Pumps.
Size and fit: I got a size 38 which is a US 6 and it’s a slim fit. The printed mesh fabric was layered and featured a print resembling a woman’s body—plus, a crewneck, long sleeves, and a slight raw-edge hem.
Condition: Like new.
Honest review: Well, you can’t tell from the pics, but it’s quite sheer.I didn’t realize it until I saw my reflection in the window! But it’s a uniquely flattering dress with an artful print that can be dressed up or down! Oh, it’s cozy too.
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? Oh, I got the most wear out of the Ulla Johnson sweater and the Cara Cara dress.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? They 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
I've closely followed the rental industry since the founding of RTR. Since then, the industry has undergone twists and turns and changes due to consumer tastes, budgets, and the pandemic.
Before we got locked away, I often traveled overseas for work. I wished there was a service where I could pre-order clothes and deliver them to the hotel so I didn't have to lug a heavy carry-on (and layer all my clothes on my body) through airports, security checkpoints, train stations, Ubers, and European city streets. Wouldn't a rental company specifically for travelers be a brilliant idea?
When I finally got RTR's attention in 2013, I spent three days preparing for the interview. I arrived at their corporate headquarters in Tribeca on Varick Street with about a dozen business ideas—which included opening up rental boutiques in department stores like Macy's and Bloomies and even partnering with some of the biggest hotel brands to open small rental shops in higher-end hotels in major city centers.
I was heartbroken when I didn't get hired, but I found out they implemented some of my ideas! But anyway, right before the pandemic, I stumbled upon a company called Lady JetSet, a business model I was pondering too! I connected with Bethany and discussed our love of fashion, traveling, and rentals. I couldn't wait to try it out!
Then the pandemic struck, travel ended, and her company folded. She liquidated her entire stock, and I purchased some awesome ski gear for 90% off the retail price. Don't worry; she's just fine today.
This story takes me to last week when a young, ambitious NYC guy contacted me on LinkedIn to discuss clothing rentals for men. He said I always popped up whenever he Googled clothing rentals, so he had to talk to me! 😄
He’s interested in starting a business similar to Lady JetSet but for male travelers. He thinks he can solve the styling traps men get into and predict fit using AI and algorithms. He wants it to be more of a surprise-and-delight concept where the guy trusts technology and a “stylist” who will handpick your travel gear and ensure it gets to the hotel before you do.
I told him I think it’s a great idea, but the execution is tricky, and he’d end up angering more customers rather than pleasing them when they can’t plan for or view their travel wardrobe in advance.
So, to me, this sounds like CaaStle’s Dart meets Lady JetSet for men—I told him I don’t think it’ll work the way he hopes. What happens if the items don’t fit? The renter doesn’t like them? The weather changes drastically? What if the shipment gets lost or stolen? Plus, some older hotels in foreign countries don’t have around-the-clock concierges or indoor storage spaces.
I told him I like where he’s going with this idea, and I’ve heard men wish they had a cool clothing and accessories rental company like RTR, but no one’s perfected it yet. Why? If you’re a guy who follows this column, let me know your thoughts on a men’s clothing rental company and what would make you sign up?
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The 10 Items a Month membership costs $104/month and goes up to $152/month after the first 3 months) and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $150,061.
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