Hoppy Friday, Happy Holidays and MERRY CHRISTMAS! Quick bunny update: they are getting along again, but I will need to get her fixed late January or early February.
Rabbits are very fragile animals and anesthesia is quite risky, so I'm trying to delay the procedure, but it needs to happen soon. She is very frisky and totally destructive. She chases Dolce around in circles, sniffs his butt, humps his face, and annoys the crap out of him! They also joined forces, broke out of jail, and dug a hole into the bottom liner of my couch.
My stepmom wanted me to bring them home for Christmas, but it's not possible. I'd end up bringing beds, a gate, food, hidey houses, separate food bowls, etc. It may be just as bad as traveling with a baby, except babies are better trained. Mr. HGL was so easy! Rescues are not.
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 Rosetta Getty Collective, Phillip Lim x RTR, Monse and NONChalant 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
Rosetta Getty Collective, Retail Value $440, RTR $265
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: Honestly, I was out of items!
How I styled it: I wore this dress to work once and paired it with black tights, a vintage gold-tone belt, Charlotte Olympia pumps, Yves Salomon Shearling jacket, and the Louis Vuitton Mirabeau Epi Tote.
Size and fit: This mesh dress features a slouchy turtleneck, long sheer sleeves, back-zip closure, and a back vent. I ordered a medium and while it was a good fit, the design was totally off.
Condition: Like new.
Honest review: The collective items are total crap. This was such a disappointment. Despite being new, the neckline was totally stretched out, the zipper was slightly busted, and the hem was connected to the liner.
3.1 Phillip Lim x RTR French Terry Poplin Combo Dress, Retail Value $595, RTR $325
About the Designer: Debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2005, 3.1 Phillip Lim was born from a friendship between founders, Phillip Lim and Wen Zhou. Both 31 years of age at its inception, the designer and entrepreneur were pioneers in the accessible luxury space, with the goal of bringing an innovative, elevated, and chic wardrobe to the modern global citizen. The brand has since expanded to include womenswear, menswear, accessories and footwear, with stores in New York, Hawaii, China, Japan, South Korea and clientele in over 12 countries.
The brand has built a strong community of like-minded global citizens, those who are mindful of their consumption, confident in their voice and live authentically with intention, gratitude, and kindness. Throughout its 17-year history, the brand has continued to evolve its positioning in the ever-changing fashion landscape to continue paving the way as a resilient, independent, competitive leader in American and Global fashion. With Community and Sustainability, at the forefront of the brand’s every move, 3.1 Phillip Lim continues to build alliances and a platform that brings together fashion, art, community and culture together in a meaningful, sustainable way.
Why I rented it: It looked like a comfy Thanksgiving week option.
How I styled it: I wore this dress with black tights, over-the-knee boots, the Givenchy Nightengale Bag, and Yves Salomon shearling jacket.
Size and fit: I got a medium and the fit was totally off. It was difficult to pull on and figure out where your arms go. It took me three tries to get them through the correct hole! Crafted in stiff French terry poplin, this combo features a crewneck, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, a sweatshirt overlay, and attached sleeveless dress with hi-low hem.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: It was itchy, too tight in the shoulders, and despite being a sweatshirt material, it was stiff and
Monse Deconstructed Trouser Skirt, Retail Value $1,050, RTR $840
About the Designer: MONSE is a NYC-based luxury label founded in 2015 by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, who also serve as Creative Directors at Oscar de la Renta.
The MONSE collections are inspired by menswear and classic tailoring with a deconstructed perspective. Elements like twisted tailoring, cascade hems, and slashed silhouettes are amongst the label's distinguished design details. MONSE is a line for modern women who seek to stand out from the crowd without compromising her effortless demeanor.
Brand offerings include women's RTW including unisex styles and accessories that can be found at fine retailers around the world.
Why I rented it: Monse has some cool designs.
How I styled it: I didn't wear this skirt, but paired it black tights, Kat Maconie ankle boots, and an Alexis cold-shoulder blouse.
Size and fit: Rendered in soft wool, this mini skirt features a banded waist, side-zip closures, faux button pockets, draped panels, and an asymmetrical hem.
Condition: New with tags.
Honest review: What the fluff was this skirt? It looked great on the model and totally stupid on me. The skirt kept twirling around my waist because it was too large, and the flaps wouldn't stay where they were supposed to lie. This is some TEMU Monse crap.
Thebe Magugu Gradient Pleated Chiffon Dress, Retail Value $1,350, RTR $965
About the Designer: THEBE MAGUGU is a luxury South African fashion brand. We offer ready-to-wear collections while exploring parallel concepts through multidisciplinary capsule projects. Between pillar practices of cultural honour, novelty and uncompromising quality, we are establishing an identity marked by self-evolving timelessness. We constantly seek new ways of presenting women & men with clothing that embraces and enhances their everyday experience. Sleek, forward-looking design intersects with motifs & details that draw from our continent’s storied past, complex present and exciting imagined futures, providing smart, multifaceted clothes that mirror the inspiring qualities of the people they are made for.
Why I rented it: The print and design caught my eye.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to work with nude nylons, the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy, Aquazurra platform pumps, and a vintage fox fur jacket.
Size and fit: I got a medium and it runs small! Too tight across my chest and shoulders. Crafted in breezy chiffon, this color-blocked dress features a shirt collar, shoulder cutouts, long sleeves with flared cuffs, front-snap closure, self-belt waist, and pleated skirt with handkerchief hem.
Condition: New with tags.
Honest review: Weird fit, too tight in the shoulders, gapped in the bodice, sheer and the belt was complicated.
Nonchalant Evelyn Dress, Retail Value $495, RTR $290
About the Designer: Nonchalant label is a contemporary, ready-to-wear brand. The nonchalant woman inspires confidence, coolness, and understated sexiness. Launched in 2018 with a passion for luxurious minimalism and dressy essentials, Founders are dedicated to creating season-less staples that withstand the test of time. The brand’s love for glamour and sparkle, unexpected detail, and elegant minimalism is part of the DNA and pillars of each seasonal collection.
Why I rented it: I needed a nighttime going out dress!
How I styled it: I paired this dress with Sheertex tights, a vintage studded leather belt, Kat Maconie ankle boots, a vintage Chanel bag, and a pair of knockoffs Lele Sadoughi earrings from Amazon.
Size and fit: Crafted in a wool blend, this off-the-shoulder dress takes office attire to shorter heights. This ruched party dress features adjustable shoulder straps, off-the-shoulder design, sweetheart neckline, front snap and zip closure, faux flap pockets, and a mini length. It's fully lined, and the fabric is thick, heavy and very luxe.
I got a medium and it fit well, but the adjustable shoulder straps made the length a little tricky. That was the only reason I didn't buy it.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: A little worn and the adjustable shoulder straps twisted a bit, but otherwise I loved this dress. I really wanted to buy it, but I don't have that many fun places to go these days! The dress is available on their site, brand new, for $160. But it's an XS.
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? Honestly, the Nonchalant dress was the only one that really made sense.
- 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
We're on a break. I have one more shipment to review and then I'll explain why I've lost my love for RTR (at least for now). Their exclusive lines are killing the company and ruining the reason to rent "designer" items.
Have a fab holiday and we'll catch up 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 $203,029.
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