What I’m Wearing This Week: Rent the Runway

Hoppy Friday! I messed up this review. I was so out of sorts with Mr. HGL's passing that I sent a dress back without taking any photos. I was scrolling through my pics and couldn't find this one Fuzzi dress. Whoops.

I still have Mr. Dolce and got him a friend—a 10-week-old Holland Lop. Her name is Gabbana (or Gabby), and I can see you rolling your eyes right now. It is my fabulous, fashionable duo! I also considered Ren & Stimpy or Pinky & the Brain, but D&G was the winner.

A friend of mine had a litter of Holland Lops, and I fell in love instantly. As you recall, Dolce started to get really destructive and mean, so I consulted some friends and experts who said the time to get him a bun-wife is right now while he's still new and won't be as territorial.

Admittedly, I was worried because he had become a tiny terror, and I'd heard horror stories (and great endings) about the complications of bonding bunnies. I pulled up his spay document from the shelter just to make sure I didn't end up with a bunch of baby bunnies and discovered that he is 1.6 years old and a lion head and Angora mix. So, that explains his attitude!

I bought a tall, wire playpen to separate them and slowly made introductions when I was home. I monitored them closely and became concerned when he growled and stomped when she was near him. Twice I had to pull them apart because she wanted to be next to him and he wanted nothing to do with her.

Then something changed last weekend, and he calmed down. He started grooming her, and they began sleeping next to each other. The growls and stomps disappeared, too.

Well, I had to run home one night to attend my aunt's surprise b-day party and separated them right before I left. She started freaking out, running in circles and violently slamming her head and body against the wire gate. I thought she was having a seizure, so I removed her and took her to the couch to calm down. Once she seemed better, I put her back in the playpen, and she started doing the same thing.

I had to leave because I was already running the risk of missing my aunt's arrival, so I acted quickly, rearranged their spaces, and put them together. I set up my camera to monitor them because I was really nervous to leave them together. She was freaking out because she wanted to be with him.

To my surprise, they got along like long lost lovers. Grooming, sleeping next to each other, playing and chasing. It was adorable and totally unexpected. I came back the following morning and discovered a very hoppy, married couple. They've been together now for the past week, and they are the best of friends.

Dolce has gone from being angry, moody, destructive, and untrusting to sweet, cuddly, protective, and calm. Who knew?! He's a great big brother and watches her every move. I haven't heard growls or stomps and when she comes over to cuddle with him, he melts.

This could've gone really badly, but I'm thrilled it ended up being the total opposite!

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 three items by Ronny Kobo and Ulla Johnson arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags. I had a fourth dress, but I forgot to take pics!

THE GOODS 

Ronny Kobo Bree Knit Dress, Retail Value $428, RTR $300

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 versatile going-out dress!

How I styled it: I wore this dress many times, and in many different ways, but in the photo, I paired it with earrings from Rocksbox (my membership ended, so I can't pull them up), Robert Clegerie Slides, and the Prada Bunny Bag (a nod to Mr. HGL).

Size and fit: Crafted in a cozy jersey fabric, this one-shoulder dress is form-fitting and fabulous! Featuring an asymmetrical neckline with gathered detail, this pull-over sheath dress hugs you in all the right places. I ordered a medium and it fit like a glove!

Condition: Like new!

Honest review: I loved it! It's super comfy and well-made, made of thick, fuzzy fabric in a body-hugging design that can easily be dressed up or down.

Ronny Kobo Carmine Dress, Retail Value $398, RTR $180

Why I rented it: It looked like a cute transitional dress for fall.

How I styled it: I wore this dress to the office with a jacket and out for a night! I paired this dress with Alexandre Birman Suede Wedges, Kendra Scott Maya Necklace, Helmut Lang Leather Jacket, and the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy for work. And switched out the Speedy for a Devi Kroll Clutch and Cole Haan Sandals.

Size and fit: Crafted in poplin cotton, this sexy dress features spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline, a ruched bustier, a back zip closure, a corseted waist, side slash pockets, and a gathered full skirt.

I got a medium, and the straps were really long, and the top was a little large, so I taped it to my body! It's hard to wear a bra due to the shape of the cups.

Condition: Great.

Honest review: Besides the weirdly shaped bustier cups I had to double-side tape to my body, I loved the dress. It was versatile, lightweight, and looked great when layered.

Ulla Johnson Meera Dress, Retail Value $350, RTR $340

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 wanted an easy, breezy end-of-summer frock.

How I styled it: I wore this dress with Cole Haan Sandals, a Helmut Lang Leather Jacket, and the Louis Vuitton Speedy.

Size and fit: Crafted in a breezy cotton blend, this boho A-line frock features adjustable tie straps, a plunging neckline, a back-zip closure, a gathered bodice, and a tiered skirt. I got a size 6, and it's true to size, if not slightly small, but I had to adjust the straps many times to find the perfect fit.

Condition: Great!

Honest review: Aside from the weird shoulder ties, the dress was amazing, and I wore it so many times, it felt like my own.

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 ton of wear out of all three items!
• 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

And updates on the dude front... the other day I received a random text from a number that said: "Hi, going through my contacts before I get a new phone and just saying hello."

Of course, my first thought was... OH, SCAM! So, I Googled the number, pulled up the dude's info, including his first and last name, home address, birth date, and where he last took a dump and responded: I'm skeptical this is a scam. Who is this?

He responded with the name I found online, so it felt less scammy. However, I wondered if Mr. China was playing tricks on me. I asked him where we met, and he said a dating app, and told me we went for craft cocktails.

Wrong! I would absolutely remember a name like his—it's very unique. And I don't really drink liquor. It's New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or beer!

Plus, aside from my month-long membership to The League last year (from RTR), I haven't been on a dating app since maybe 2019! Throw them in the trash—and him, too.

I kept asking more questions, and here's how it went (mind you, after I'd had a few beers):

Me: Weird! Must've been long before the pandemic.

Him: Well, it's been a while since we spoke, and I didn't want to catch you off guard. So, I sent this broadcast to a few folks on my phone. Are we staying in touch? Will Mary's number make it to my new phone?

Me: Oh, noooo please don't delete me. This is so random. I have no idea where I met you or who you are. I'd definitely remember your name.

Him: Oh, well, maybe I have the wrong Mary. There is another Mary in my phone. Sorry to raise your hopes and excitement. J/K, we've met.

Me: She may be 80, though. Maybe I am, too!

Him: I hope not, but I have been catfished before.

Me: I'm trying to put this together and it doesn't make sense. Did I meet you out in DC? Where do you hang out? I left DC in 2020.

Him: We went out for craft cocktails in DC. We had a lot to talk about, but I think the timing was off. Not sure—it's been a while. Oh, this is still me using this phone.

Me: Is China after your phone, too? You do know that if you change phones, your contacts carry over.

Him: No national secrets on here.

Me: So, you've been featured in the "Are We Dating the Same Guy" group?

Him: Are you kidding me? Isn't that the site that bashes dudes on FB or sumptin? Not a serial dater!

Me: So, are you a Nigerian prince? Where's my gold?

Him: No, but coincidentally I'm about to inherit $2 million from a long lost relative in Iberia.

Well, that's that. I have no idea who this guy is or where he got my information. Since I attract criminals and people who belong on Dr. Phil's couch these days, I plugged all his info into the Virginia case system to ensure I'm not about to find a guy dressed like Jason Voorhees standing outside my place with a machete.

Maybe he reads this blog. Perhaps he saw me on social media with friends and Googled me, got my number, and then decided to randomly message me and make it sound like a text broadcast.

I was totally love-bombed a few years ago by a narc guy I discovered couldn't pay his bills and had to file for bankruptcy (right before he met me) for an unpaid $100,000+ Amex bill (did he charge a car?). Gotta love Virginia's court system's case search option! So, that's why he moved the relationship forward so quickly!

I am not fixing anyone else, playing therapist, becoming a babysitter, opening a shop so they can money launder, helping to fight off the Chinese mafia, or paying their bills.

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 $193,430.

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