Hi, everyone. Thanks for your notes. I feel a little better, but I can definitely tell that I'm depressed because I have no interest in exercise or music and my sleep is all over the place. Either I'm completely exhausted or I can't sleep at all and my anxiety has been through the roof this week!
Last weekend I attended a rabbit adoption event, and I met lots of furry friends! Many of them were rescued from an animal hoarding situation in Baltimore County over the summer. Which bun do you like?
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 four items by Amur, Simkhai, Misa and arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Amur Pia Pleated Dress, Retail Value $648, RTR $645
About the Designer: We believe nature is the ultimate luxury. At the heart of AMUR is a focus on fabrics. All materials are sourced with an eye toward environmental good, whether organic and natural fabrics, reclaimed fibers that conserve material resources or trims made by artisan collectives in the developing world. While it’s an evolving process, one we’re continually striving to improve, each piece in the collection embodies a singular philosophy: that mindful living will always be in style.
Why I rented it: I don't know. I guess I thought I was going to a wedding or something.
How I styled it: I wore this dress mid-August to a Ukrainian church and then to see a friend perform in a band at Watershed in Federal Hill. I was terribly overdressed and paired it with Kendra Scott earrings and necklace, Tabitha Simmons pumps, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: Adorned with a colorful, floral print, this elegant maxi dress (or gown) is perfect for a fancy spring or summer event. Crafted in recycled polyester, this ruffled dress features a sweetheart neckline with ruffled, off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, back-zip closure, gathered bodice and tiered skirt with pleated ruffles.
I got a 6 and it runs quite small. I had to take my arms out of the sleeves to drive my car, and really suck it in to squeeze into it at first.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: It's a beautiful dress, but way too hot and heavy for the summer. When I wore this to sit outside and watch a band one night, I almost fainted from heavy lining and non-breathable layers.
Simkhai Florence Midi Dress, Retail Value $425, RTR $295
About the Designer: Founded in 2010 in New York, Jonathan Simkhai launched his namesake label after years of experience as a fashion buyer and merchandiser. He honed his technical skills at the Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology. The early success of the label propelled Simkhai into the CFDA Fashion Incubator program where he developed his eye for quality of craft. Simkhai is inspired by the built environment and architecture, which motivates his creative process and desire to push conventional design boundaries. His corporate headquarters are now based in Los Angeles where he opened his first retail store.
Why I rented it: I wanted a slightly heavier dress that could easily transition into slightly cooler weather. Surprise, it's still in the 80s.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to the office and out at night and paired it with gold-tone hoops, a pair of Karl Lagerfeld pumps, the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy, and a Vince leather jacket.
Size and fit: This sexy corset-inspired sheath dress is craft in a beige knit material with a sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, tie closure, princess seams, midi-length hem, and back slit.
I got a size4-6 and it was stretched out up top, but the rest of the dress fit pretty well.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I loved it aside from the neckline and cap sleeves which wouldn't stay in place!
MISA Los Angeles Roberta Dress, Retail Value $330, RTR $230
About the Designer: MISA embodies our late founder Shadi Askari-Farhat's romantic heart, bohemian spirit and wanderlust eye. In 2016, she launched MISA, which is a combination of her daughters’ names. Born in Los Angeles with an eye to the world, the brand is deeply inspired by her myriad passions — including travel, art and design.
Guided by our core principle of effortless femininity, MISA elevates the idea of easy dressing with fluid silhouettes that are brought to life through airy fabrics, confident prints and unique detailing. We create many-moment dresses, separates and knitwear that take you from... day to evening, week to weekend, and home to travels away.
All of our pieces are handmade in Los Angeles by our team of designers, pattern-makers and sewists, most of whom have worked with us from the beginning. Many loving hands touch each garment — some with over 50 steps — in order to bring the collection to life each season.
Why I rented it: I like MISA and wanted a lightweight, form-fitting dress.
How I styled it: I wore this dress a few times and paired it with earrings from Rocksbox, a vintage gold-tone belt, the Chanel 19, and a pair of Cole Haan Strappy pumps.
Size and fit: I got a small and the dress fit fine, but the slit was just too high. I also might've torn the turtleneck trying to get it over my head. This dress is made of a mesh chiffon fabric with slouchy turtleneck, flowy cap sleeves, gathered bodice and a thigh-high side slit.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: The slit was soooo high and the dress was soooo shear, it was almost uncomfortable to wear out in public (but I did anyway).
Solace London Printed Marcie Dress, Retail Value $630, RTR $595
About the Designer: Solace London is a British womenswear brand founded by Laura Taylor and Ryan Holliday-Stevens in 2013. Longtime friends and collaborators, the duo share a dynamic background spanning design, production, retail, marketing, and creative direction. Their combined sensibilities are visible in pieces that continuously blur the line between statement-making and wearability.
With fabrication and technique driving the design process, the pair describe their aesthetic as “Bold, confident, refined. Modern futurism balanced with timeless minimalism”. The result is a distinctly graphic collection defined by precision cuts, craftsmanship, and a signature look of sophistication.
Why I rented it: I ran out of things to order.
How I styled it: I didn't wear this dress because I didn't like the way it fit me. For the photos, I paired it with Lele Sadoughi Crystal Lily earrings, Saks Off Fifth Kitten heels, and a vintage Chanel bag.
Size and fit: I got a US 6, and it was a little short and tad oversized. Crafted in a lightweight waffle satin, this one shoulder sheath dress features an asymmetrical neckline, gathered bodice, cinched waist with waterfall sash, concealed side zipper, and a draped sleeve.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I liked it better on the model.
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? I got a lot of wear out of the MISA and Simkhai dresses. The other two were just too dressy!
- 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 got another two weeks of photos featuring Mr. HGL, and then I may have a surprise or two in store. I'm fried. I need a pumpkin beer and my bed. Have a great weekend!
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 $184,994.
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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