What I’m Wearing This Week: Rent the Runway

Happy Fri-YAY! My besties are fighting and it's not pretty.

They've been amazing and totally inseparable. They were completely in love and totally ignored me until I took Dolce to get a haircut. I was worried she'd freak out because he'd be gone for a few hours, but when we returned, I immediately put them back together, and the fur literally started flying.

The groomer warned me they may start fighting, but I wasn't prepared for what actually happened—she freaked out and attacked him. I heard banging and ran out of the bathroom to see them in a brawl. She had blood on her ear, and he had two patches of hair torn out of his skin. I was only gone for about 30 seconds!

So, I separated them immediately and put the gates back up. They were both really upset. After about an hour of being separated, I brought Dolce back out into the main room and allowed him to go over to the gate (she was locked up). They started sticking their paws through the bars and continued fighting. So, I put up another layer of gates so they could see each other, but there was no way they could touch.

They've been separated for two days, and I'm still determining when to re-introduce them. It seems Gabby thinks he's a new bunny trying to take over her space, so she's been peeing and pooping everywhere and chinning everything. He is sad because he wants to see his girlfriend and doesn't understand what's happening. She thinks I took her man and replaced him with someone else.

The groomer said she probably didn't recognize his smell after being handled and having his haircut. They may be fine tomorrow, or it could be a few weeks. Sigh.

This is what I was afraid would've happened when I tried to bond them and skipped town, but luckily, I'm here for it.

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 Fuzzi, Roksanda Collective, Ulla Johnson and Essential Antwerp 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 

Fuzzi Abstract Mesh Top, Retail Value $435, RTR $90

About the Designer: Adele Bacchiani Fuzzi founded FMC, Fuzzi Maglificio Cattolica in 1954. Fuzzi tulle is a product so easy to use that you won’t be able to do without it anymore. There is no need to iron, and it is easy and quick-drying. It takes up so little space in the closet and in the suitcase that you could even cut it short by yourself if needed. It has an excellent fit because it’s made of the best quality tulle, soft and weightless like a cloud.

You can buy it online without any fear of ordering the wrong size; the generous elasticity will surprise you. It’s always a perfect solution to make a gift; it is so adaptable that it can be adjusted to any body shape. Our garments will always be your allies; they will come with you on every occasion of your life. It is a story of women thinking about women.

Why I rented it: I wanted something fun and totally unusual (at least for me).

How I styled it: I wore this top with an Alice + Olivia leather skirt, Sheertex tights, a Gucci studded leather jacket, the Chanel 19 and Kenneth Cole Meryl Kitten Heel Boots.

Size and fit: Crafted in abstract-printed mesh, the semi-sheer top features a turtleneck, long sleeves, and it's crafted in a pullover design. It is unlined, but not see-through (although I wore it with a jacket to work.

I got a medium and it was a perfectly fitted.

Condition: Great.

Honest review: Groovy baby! My first time wearing Fuzzi, and I totally get the hype. It's comfy, easy to wear, and a total statement piece. Too bad it took me so long to discover the brand. I used to think it was for old ladies, but now I'm an old lady.

Fuzzi Abito Collo Alto Dress, Retail Value $495, RTR $295

Why I rented it: Well, why not rent a Fuzzi dress too?

How I styled it: I wore this dress out to Off the Record at the Hay Adams Hotel and paired it with a Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, a vintage belt from Etsy, Tamara Mellon Strapped Capretto Heels, and the Chanel 19.

Size and fit: I got a size 4/6 and it hugged my body in all the right places. This lined sheath dress is crafted in lightweight mesh with long sleeves and a turtleneck.

Condition: Great.

Honest review: I loved this super flattering and colorful dress so much; I went straight to The RealReal to see if I could buy it for a lot less!

Ulla Johnson Clarisse Jacket, Retail Value $490, RTR $320; Roksanda Collective Blue Tie Waist Sweater, Retail Value $285, RTR $170

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.

About the Designer: Originally from Serbia, Roksanda studied Architecture and Applied Arts at the University of Belgrade before moving to London where she graduated with an MA in Womenswear from Central Saint Martins.

In almost two decades since founding her label, Roksanda has evolved multidisciplinary and unmistakable woman-centred design aesthetic. As a woman consciously designing for women, she started ROKSANDA with a view of creating a platform to celebrate the equality of women whilst seeking to challenge the perceptions of traditional femininity.

Roksanda creates pieces that reveal a woman’s personality while providing a sense of shelter and refuge.

Today, stand out color blocking, architectural shapes, modern, distinctive cuts, innovative use of fabrics and a dedicated focus on craftsmanship define ROKSANDA’s signature ready-to-wear and accessories. Reoccurring themes seen through her unapologetic use of color and love of oversized, sculptural sleeves take inspiration from her experiences of growing up in Serbia, whilst expressive and dynamic prints are informed by modern and contemporary art influences.

Why I rented it: Since I thought it was fall, I ordered a bunch of cool weather toppers, but it remained in the 70s and 80s.

How I styled it: Obviously, I paired the jacket and the sweater, Mignonne Gavigan Kaya Crystal Hoops, Veronica Beard flared jeans, and the Balenciaga Graffiti Bag.

Size and fit: Crafted in floral quilted cotton, the Ulla Johnson jacket is a cozy, lightweight topper. It features a round neckline, puffed shoulders, long sleeves, front-zip closure, and side pockets. The medium fit true to size, if not slightly boxy.

The Roksanda sweater is knit in a ribbed viscose/cotton blend with a mockneck, long puffed sleeves with colorblocked cuffs, double back keyhole button closure, self-tie waist, and flared hem.

I got a medium and the fit was totally off. The waist was too wide, the hem didn't stay down, the belt was cinched in an odd place, and the fabric felt cardboard-y. It was a failure.

Condition: The Roksanda sweater was practically brand new, but the color was a little faded. Meanwhile, the Ulla Johnson jacket had been worn dozens of times, but it might've been in better condition.

Honest review: The Ulla Johnson jacket was a fantastic find! It's cozy, lightweight, colorful and stylish. The Roksanda sweater was a complete let-down. The tie was attached to the top and it was too high for my torso, the color was faded, the hem was stretched out, and the sleeves were weird.

Important Note: Anything on RTR with "Collective" is not the real deal. It is RTR's exclusive (aka cheaper) version of the designer brand. It's like shopping at Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off 5th or a designer outlet. The designer licenses their name/brand to a manufacturer and they create a new product using lower quality materials so they can sell it at a discount using their logo or label. Outlets and off-price stores may also sell overstock and items that are soooo 2020.

Essential Antwerp Calahorra Dress, Retail Value $435, RTR $90

About the Designer: The Antwerp-based brand is influenced by the numerous life experiences of its founders Esfan Eghtessadi and Inge Onsea. Esfan, the son of Nicole Cadine, grew up in a world of textiles, sketches and fashion collections. Inge had a vintage loving mother, was a fashion model and spent five years in India, where she fell in love with colors, prints and unexpected combinations.

In 1999 Esfan and Inge took a chance and launched a T-shirt collection. Four styles, twenty different colors: their response to the monochrome fashion landscape. After a year, the first store opened in Antwerp. Four seasons later, knitwear, jackets, dresses, shirts, and trousers in trendy colors, new materials, and an entire range of accessories were added. Essentiel Antwerp grew into a global brand with a powerful message of love, fun, and colorful surprises. A universal message that translates anywhere and everywhere in the world.

Why I rented it: The print and design caught my eye.

How I styled it: This dress is super easy to wear. I put on a pair of AGL d'Orsay pumps, an Yves Salomon fur jacket, and a vintage Chanel bag for a night out on the town!

Size and fit: Crafted in multicolor floral jersey, this stretchy sheath dress features a mockneck, long sleeves, and shirred and elasticized sides. I got a 6/8 and it fit like a glove. Slimming and form-fitting throughout.

Condition: Great.

Honest review: Loved it so much, I bought it. Honestly, it was 50% off so the price was right!

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 all the items and bought the final 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 already have an update to the bunny drama! She broke out of her enclosure while I was asleep and when I woke up this morning, I was greeted by my two littles dudes running around my feet. Not sure if it was a joint jailbreak effort, or if she just outsmarted me, but they're back to normal.

I will keep them in the hallway when I'm home for Thanksgiving. They're zooming around like the apartment is a racetrack and knocking sh!t over! I'm sure the neighbors downstairs wonder what the fluff I'm doing up here.

Sometimes they're like the Tasmanian Devil when they're together. They'll create what is called a "bunny tornado" which can turn into a fight. Every time I hear them getting rowdy, I walk to the other room, make a loud noise and they stop, separate, and look at me.

I think she's most of the problem because she just became a teenager (they age quickly), and her hormones are now out of whack. Vets suggest waiting until they're at least 6 months old before spaying or neutering rabbits, and she just turned 4 months.

Oh, Happy Thanksgiving to you all! See you in two weeks!

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 $196,686.

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