What I’m Wearing This Week: Rent the Runway

And... we're back! We settled into our new spot, but not without some hiccups. So, what went wrong? I never toured the apartment before I signed the lease. I toured other places in the building, but never saw this layout in person. I chose it because it's about 100 sq. ft. bigger than the others, and I wanted to be farther from the elevator, but the extra square footage is in weird places—like the hallways—which makes furnishing a little tricky. And while my huge couch fits, it takes up most of the room!

I built a lot of furniture and each time I attached something backwards or upside down. So, I'd go back a few steps and do it again, and finally ended up using a Swiss army knife to hack away at a piece of wood to make a slab fit, and I succeeded, but it's no longer in perfect condition. Luckily, no one can see it.

Oh, and Comcast is a nightmare. I transferred service and brought the modem, but since the building is brand new, it's already equipped with a Gateway/modem. I wasted over 5 hours of my life on chat in the app and messaged people from all over the world! They had the same script (I've written customer service scripts in the past) and blamed each other for my mini disaster. Each time, a new person (or chatbot) would say it's an easy fix, create another unnecessary account and set me back even further. It took over a week to finally get Wi-Fi because I lost it on one of the chatbots or whatever and said if they don't connect me to a human in the US and schedule an in-person appointment, I was going to switch to Verizon.

The technician showed up on Tuesday and got me set up. He said it was supposed to be the easiest activation, but the chatters messed it all up!

Here are a few pics of Mr. HGL helping out with the setup.

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

All five items by Self-Portrait, Nicholas, Dodo Bar Or, Nookie and Borgo De Nor arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.

I chucked the mannequin during my move. Seemed like it didn’t serve much of a purpose.

THE GOODS 

Self-Portrait White Lace Midi Dress, Retail Value $475, RTR $180

About the designer: Han Chong is the designer behind Self-Portrait, the contemporary luxury label which became super successful due to its impeccable lace designs, celebrity fans, and its accessible price point. Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, Chong moved to London to study womenswear design at Central Saint Martins. After graduating, he co-founded the label Three Floor with Yvonne Hoang in 2011, but he wanted more creative control and left the brand in 2013 to focus on Self-Portrait.

In 2016, Self-Portrait was nominated by the British Fashion Council for the British Emerging Talent award. In November 2018, Chong announced the launch of a five-year scholarship fund supporting Central Saint Martin's MA Fashion students, granting each year's recipient a mentorship from Self-Portrait and key stakeholders.

Why I rented it: Because I love Self-Portrait!

How I styled it: I wore this lovely dress to the office and for a night out on the town. I paired it with Mignonne Gavigan Aziza Hoops, Aquazurra Suede Tie Wedges, Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy, and a Vince Leather Jacket.

Size and fit: Rendered in a delicate lace overlay, this angelic dress features a lacey high neckline, sleeveless, back zip closure, lace panels, defined waist, and midi-length skirt.

While Self-Portrait runs small, I knew it would've stretched out by now, so I went with the US 6, and it was a perfect fit.

Condition: Good.

Honest review: It's been around the block many times, so I wasn't expecting miracles, but it's held up incredibly well which is a testament to the quality. I wore it to the office and out for dinner. SP is still one of my faves for a reason.

Dodo Bar Or Carinna Dress, Retail Value $665, RTR $335

About the Designer: Dorit ‘Dodo’ Bar Or first found fame as an actress in her native Israel. Feted for her personal style as much as her performances, she eventually decided to take on a different kind of leading role, making the leap to becoming a designer and founding her namesake label in 2014.

Why I rented it: I own one of her dresses and I love it.

How I styled it: I wore this dress to the office and out at night. For work, I paired it with the Pinko Jacket (I bought it!), Tabitha Simmons Laser-Cut Leather Pumps, and carried a Louis Vuitton Epi Tote.

For the nighttime, I wore Jimmy Choo Patent Leather Peep-Toe Wedges, and the Fendi Fendista Crossbody.

Size and fit: Rendered in lightweight silk, this slinky slip dress features a colorful 60s-style floral print, v-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, slip-on design, scoop back, and side-slit hem.

I got a 42/US 6, and the fit was so off! The spaghetti straps were way too long, the bodice didn't sit straight and had to be double side taped to my bra, the bodice twisted, and the fabric was so flimsy, it was like wearing a nightgown in public, for real!

Condition: Very good.

Honest review: Total disappointment. Thin as a paper towel, weird fit that twists around the body, and the spaghetti straps are ridiculously long—even after adjusting them all the way. Way too much work and little return. Trash.

Nicholas Bristol Dress, Retail Value $595, RTR $475

About the Designer: In 2009 Irene Nicholas launched her label NICHOLAS. Based in Los Angeles, each NICHOLAS collection begins with this: a mood, a moment, a feeling. Design-led fashion underpinned by skillful construction follows, with the aim of always making the wearer look and feel like the best possible version of herself.

Building on Irene’s two decades of experience as a Retail CEO and Buying Director in her hometown Melbourne, NICHOLAS has grown into a modern brand with a global following. Bright, bold prints and confident yet feminine silhouettes define the look. Elegant and entrance-making dresses and separates become favored pieces in a woman’s wardrobe for her special occasions and vacations. Influenced by the coastal-meets-urban lifestyle inherent to both California and Australia, there’s an effortless joy in everything that NICHOLAS does. Clean lines, inclusive sizing, modern shapes, and vibrant prints are design signatures present in each collection, and every piece emulates the ease of style seen in women all over the world, from Melbourne to Malibu. These are clothes that make space for the vital ingredients that every woman brings to the table: her own unique strength and sense of self.

Why I rented it: Because I like the colors and design.

How I styled it: I didn't wear this dress at all! For the photos, I paired it with Salvatore Ferragamo Laser-Cut Leather Block Sandals and a Devi Kroll Snakeskin Clutch.

Size and fit: Crafted in multicolor crepe with mesh overlay, this sleek maxi dress features a halter neckline with braided tie closure, wrap-like bodice, side zip closure, gently pleated hips, side slit, and gathered skirt.

I got a 6 and it was too big in the bodice, too small in the waist, too tight in the hips, and the slit was too high! Sigh.

Condition: Like new.

Honest review: Uncomfortable, bunched at the sides, gaped at the bodice, and designed in cheap fabric. The side slit is so high, it's unwearable unless you're a Kardashian or heading out to a nightclub.

Nookie Vision Midi Dress, Retail Value $379, RTR $340

About the designer: Here at Nookie, we are devoted to crafting showstopping designs that will remain a cherished piece in your wardrobe for years to come.

Through high quality fabrications and enduring silhouettes, we aim to create garments that can be treasured and worn time & time again, or even passed down to be enjoyed all over again.

In keeping with this purpose, each and every Nookie creation is designed & manufactured in Australia using an incredible network of local makers engaging with ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes. With each collection we control inventory with purposeful runs and our production practices ensure the minimal wasting in fabrics.

Why I rented it: Apparently, I thought I was going to a nightclub or something.

How I styled it: I didn't get to wear this dress either, but in the pics, I paired it with gold-tone hoops, Kendra Scott Maya Necklace, the Chanel 19, Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, and a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood Sandals.

Size and fit: Crafted in stretchy jersey with a mesh overlay, this sexy sheath dress features a square neckline, wide shoulder straps, back zip closure, figure-hugging ruching, and a corseted top.

I got a size 6, and it ran small; I almost couldn't zip it up! The boning wouldn't straighten out and I almost started walking like a penguin.

Condition: Like new.

Honest review: Too young and small for me. And the boning in the bodice didn't lay properly and too tight.

Borgo de Nor Elana Maxi Dress, Retail Value $890, RTR $625

About the designer: Borgo de Nor was born of a mutual desire for the feel-good dresses reminiscent of its co-founder’s eclectic backgrounds — from El Salvador and Rio de Janeiro to Miami and Portugal —, and a gap in the market for versatile, tailored dresses. During research trips in London’s museums, the friends and fashion industry experts shared rousing conversations about free-spirited, independent and fearless women, which evoked the brand’s inimitable DNA: with individualism at its core, Borgo de Nor’s boldly-printed dresses aren’t defined by seasons or trends, but are named after women — both real and fictional. Within this sartorial sisterhood, each piece radiates with its own unique beauty.

Romantic silhouettes in vibrant colors create a canvas for hypnotically surreal, bespoke prints. While luxe fabrics drape effortlessly to move with the body, whether your day entails a stroll by the beach or running between meetings in the city, and your night ends with dancing on the tables. Polished yet playful, and as feminist as it is feminine, Borgo de Nor transcends dress codes and destinations by redefining art-inspired glamour and bringing a sense of joyfulness into our wardrobes all year round.

Why I rented it: I love colorful, frilly maxi dresses!

How I styled it: I wore this dress many times like to my final night out in Reston. I paired it with flats, Ferragamo Block-Heeled sandals, a vintage gold-tone belt from Etsy, Tabitha Simmons pumps, and so much more!

Size and fit: Crafted in crisp cotton, this floral-printed maxi dress features a smocked, off-the-shoulder neckline, flounced short sleeves, smocked waist, slit pockets, and tiered skirt.

I got a UK 12/US 6 and it fit really well. This pull-on design is flowy and feminine.

Condition: Great!

Honest review: Loved it! Comfy, cute and perfect for the warmer weather! But if you're looking to buy this dress, check out Saks Off Fifth where it's way cheaper and brand new!

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? RTR was fine, but I chose ALL the wrong pieces.
• 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

Well, I chose all the wrong pieces this round, aside from the Borgo de Nor and Self-Portrait dresses. As for RTR, they redeemed themselves, but I feel like I’m running out of items to wear. The clothes seem to be getting younger—or is it because I’m getting older?

Anyway, Mr. HGL is (I think) slowly starting to fade. He’s not as active and he’s peeing on everything. I finally blocked him from the couch today because I’m so sick of cleaning pee pads—hopefully this trains him to use his litter boxes again, but probably not. He has bladder sludge which will eventually need to be cleaned out, but I don’t think he’ll survive the anesthesia, so I’m trying to avoid it. We might go back to the vet next week for pain medicine because I can’t tell if the problem right now is his arthritis or his bladder. The breathing issues are still present as well, but I’m not convinced that’s what hurting him the most. Breathing is ok-ish, but it’s the other health issues I’m more concerned about.

Remember when I mentioned Olaplex in a desperate attempt to fix my broken strands? Nothing bad happened, but my hair stylist said the only one that works is the salon version and I wasted $30 on Amazon. He told me the real issues is my hair straightener so I threw it away. That makes sense since my hair only started breaking once I bought and started using it.

He told me to lay off all heating tools as much as possible and only use a straighter as a treat maybe twice a week. He then wondered how many days I used mine—um, everyday at 450 degrees—and why? Because I’m vain! So, I threw it in the trash and I’ll get all my hair cut off in August or September. Sigh…

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 $163,969.

Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!