Happy Fri-YAY! The next week and a half of my life will be a little nutty with the move, so I will skip next week, and possibly the week after so I can get set up in my new digs (and get Mr. HGL settled). I'm quite excited to move and so ready to move on with my life—my current place was my safe space and where I moved to get away from the ex, but now I've outgrown it.
The neighborhood, Reston, has lots to offer, but it's too far from everything for me and I have no idea why I even moved here! It's a lovely building and I've met some interesting people in the town center (side note: don't date your neighbor, like ever), but it's kind of a high school reunion of people who broke up or got divorced during the pandemic and now they're all hooking up with each other and prowling the bars. I met two women on my floor who escaped dangerous men like me, and the three of us banded together to protect each other. It's pretty crazy out there!
Despite the crime (yikes), I've hung out in DC recently, and I feel like I belong there way more. I missed the nights out in the city! I'm not moving to DC proper, but I will be so close to the border in MD, I can quickly hop in an Uber and be there in under 10 minutes, depending on our horrible traffic.
I am a little worried that the move might stress out Mr. HGL and cause additional health issues, but let's hope for the best!
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 Adam Lippes, Rhode, Alexis, Ulla Johnson, and Le Surpurbe arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Adam Lippes V-Neck Cami Dress, Retail Value $850, RTR $170
About the designer: Adam Lippes is rethinking the traditions of American sportswear through his luxury lifestyle brand. Inspired by his personal aesthetic for unhurried elegance and understated design, Adam's work communicates ease and confident luxury through cut, fit, color and details. The brand is committed to quality above all else and supports the finest fabric mills, craftsmen and ateliers worldwide.
Adam began his career in Fashion at Ralph Lauren before moving to Oscar de la Renta, where he grew to be one of the youngest creative directors of a luxury fashion house. Widely published for fashion, interiors and travel, Adam is a tastemaker and influencer who provides an authentic point of reference for the brand's audience. His inspirations and passions include art, architecture, interiors, antiques, textiles, gardens, travel, philanthropy and dogs. Adam is a graduate of Cornell University and splits his time between Brooklyn Heights in NYC and a farm in the Berkshires in Southwestern Massachusetts.
Why I rented it: I've become a huge fan of slip dresses, and it's been on my list for years.
How I styled it: I wore this beautiful dress a few times. First, with the Gucci Studded Leather jacket, Lele Sadoughi Lily Crystal earrings, Tabitha Simmons Laser-Cut Leather pumps, and the Chanel 19.
I also wore it with neutrals to a children's non-profit fundraiser and paired it with Ferragamo sandals, a Devi Kroell Python clutch, and the Vince Leather jacket.
Size and fit: Crafted in purple printed nylon, this V-neck cami sheath dress features adjustable spaghetti straps and it's fully lined, so you don't have to worry about wearing a slip. I got a US 6 and it was a little boxy and slightly oversized in the bodice (I considered double-sided tape), but otherwise it's super comfy, breezy and elegant!
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: It's elegant, sophisticated and impeccably made. The material is thick, so you don't have to worry about lumps or bumps, and the fabric is surprisingly on the heavier side and really sturdy. Such a great piece by Adam Lippes!
Rhode Riley Knit Dress, Retail Value $450, RTR $365
About the Designer: RHODE is a story of friendship that started on the corner of 6th Avenue and 18th Street in Manhattan. Purna and Phoebe became college roommates and met at Bed, Bath & Beyond to shop for their dorm room which led to a long-distance friendship spanning two decades. Even though Phoebe became a travel photographer and producer in NYC and Purna, a fashion buyer in Dubai, they’d meet up for trips all over the globe. During these visits, they'd discuss what was missing in their closets and eventually quit their jobs to combine a love of travel and style into their vision for Rhode: a line of timeless pieces that are ready for anything.
Why I rented it: I was curious.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to meet some friends out at Greenhill Vineyards in Middleburg and since it was windy and chilly, I wore it with Ferragamo Gavina Block-Heeled Sandals, Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, Gucci Sunnie, and the Chanel 19.
After the vineyard, my friend and I went to Joon to indulge in some of their amazing Persian fare. Highly recommend if you're ever in the area!
Size and fit: Knit in a viscose/polyester blend, this heavier maxi dress is cut in a sleeveless, V-neck design with colorful, pleated panels. It's a pullover style and I ordered a medium which fit really well but might be a tad big due to the weight of the dress.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: It's ok. The heavier fabric is perfect for in between weather, and the length is great too, but the bottom of the dress almost reminds me of a circus tent!
Alexis Roberta Dress, Retail Value $895, RTR $625
About the designer: Founded in 2008 by mother-daughter duo Ana and Alexis Barbara, ALEXIS is for the woman who embraces all aspects of femininity, sophistication, and elegance. The spirit of the ALEXIS brand echoes the personal style of Ana and Alexis, their worldly travels and passion for vintage have played an integral role in shaping their design style and aesthetic into what it is today.
Their advanced contemporary collections embody effortlessly chic sensibilities in a woman's everyday lifestyle. Opulent dresses and versatile separates serve as the perfect canvas for richly decorated laces, romantic silks, and striking textiles.
Why I rented it: It's springtime, y'all!
How I styled it: I wore this dress with the Vince Leather jacket, Karl Lagerfeld Strappy pumps, the Etsy Gold-Tone Chain belt, and a Devi Kroell Python clutch.
Size and fit: Since I've owned and borrowed a few Alexis dresses in the past, I already knew her designs ran small, but I shouldn't have listened to the reviews and ordered a large because that was not the case with this dress. I was practically swimming in it so I ended up cinching it with a belt.
Designed in a bright tie-dyed polyester, the Roberta dress features a keyhole halter neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, back zip closure and a billowy tiered skirt.
Condition: Very good!
Honest review: Loved the tie-dye design, and the silky fabric. I only wish I hadn't listened to the reviews and ordered my usual size. Otherwise, it was a total hit!
Ulla Johnson Anastasia Dress, Retail Value $890, RTR $195
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: Ulla Johnson is normally a solid choice, and everyone needs a LBD (long black dress) in their closet.
How I styled it: Believe it or not, I wore this to the office and paired it with Aquazzura Strappy Point Toe pumps, the Pinko Jacket from Armoire, and the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour.
Size and fit: Rendered in a heavier, crisp cotton, silk and linen blend, this tiered dress features an adjustable halter neckline, spaghetti straps, back-zip closure, gathered bodice, peplum waist, and a tea-length, delicately gathered skirt.
I ordered a medium and it's a perfect fit!
Condition: Great!
Honest review: While the color seems to have faded a little bit, and it might be a design men find too "conservative" or drapey, it's a versatile, frilly dress that is perfect for the spring/summer transition period.
Mr. HGL clearly wanted to show off his new haircut!
Le Supurbe Striped Skirt, Retail Value $365, RTR $130
About the designer: Le Superbe is a Los Angeles fashion brand that stays true to its California roots while unleashing your personal flair. It's ready-to-wear sprinkled with subliminal seeds of the surf culture along the sandy beaches of southern california. The must-have pieces change with the seasons but stay true to stylistic freedom that embraces an effortless mix of new and vintage, high and low. Operating on instinct and impeccable taste, the Los Angeles designers draw inspiration from the streets of Hollywood, all the way from Venice to Malibu. The goal is always a fabulous stylist's rack of coveted pieces.
From long-time Los Angeles fashion insider Jeannine Braden, stylist, consultant, and former owner of the much-loved Santa Monica boutique Fred Segal Flair, comes Le Superbe (or the beautiful) “from the southern California side of else wear.
Why I rented it: I wanted a fun skirt for the office.
How I styled it: I wore this skirt with an Alice + Olivia Leather Cropped top, Carolina Herrera Point-Toed T-Strap flats, Maje Studded Leather Moto jacket, and the Balenciaga Graffiti bag.
Size and fit: Crafted in striped, multicolor satin, this vibrant A-line skirt features a wide, elasticized waistband and classic pleats. I got a medium and while I was afraid the waistband might be stretched out, it ended up being perfect!
Condition: Great!
Honest review: Made me feel very Rainbow Brite! Aside from wishing I had worn a slip underneath (the basic slips from the old days no longer seem to exist and now we're stuck with Skims-type designs), I loved the colors and the design. Got lots of compliments at work!
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 equal amount of wear out the Adam Lippes and Alexis dresses, but every piece worked well for various reasons.
- 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
Rent the Runway redeemed themselves and sent me a 6th piece, but I'll add that dress into the next review (which won't be for at least another two weeks). Alright, Mr. HGL just shoved my computer off the couch so I guess that means it's time to sign off. Toodles!
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 $161,855.
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