Happy weekend, every bun! We're back with Rent the Runway and I'm disappointed I wasn't able to wear all of the items this round. I rented two dressy dresses—one for an event and the second one just looked like a pretty summer dress, but they both turned out to be too much for multiple wears. And, disappointingly enough, I re-rented an item which I wasn't able to wear either!
I always feel like I have so much time to wear these pieces, but before I know it, the month has flown by, and I only end up wearing half of it. This month, I did find success with a few fun, summery dresses that were perfect for an anniversary party at a brewery and Father's Day too.
Mr. HGL has become friends with Foxy Loxy who has trotted by a few times, and sometimes sits outside the window and watches him from afar. Don't worry, he won't meet Foxy in person. 🦊 I've also noticed an owl and a hawk watching him from the trees, but Mr. HGL probably sends messages to them from his rabbit ears and says things like, "Peasants! I'm in here eating truffle popcorn, cilantro and bananas while you're just dreaming of getting a bite of me! Not gonna happen!"
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 Self-Portrait, PatBo, Borgo de Nor and Peter Som arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Self-Portrait Lace Peplum Mini Dress, Retail Value $495, RTR $395
About the Designer: Han Chong is the designer behind Self-Portrait, the contemporary luxury label which became super successful due to its impeccable lace designs, celebrity fans, and its accessible price point. Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, Chong moved to London to study womenswear design at Central Saint Martins. After graduating, he co-founded the label Three Floor with Yvonne Hoang in 2011, but he wanted more creative control and left the brand in 2013 to focus on Self-Portrait.
In 2016, Self-Portrait was nominated by the British Fashion Council for the British Emerging Talent award. In November 2018, Chong announced the launch of a five-year scholarship fund supporting Central Saint Martin's MA Fashion students, granting each year's recipient a mentorship from Self-Portrait and key stakeholders.
Why I rented it: I rented this dress exactly one year ago and fell in love instantly!
How I styled it: Another winner by Self-Portrait, I paired it with Rocksbox American Woman hoops, a vintage Chanel Bag, and Saks Fifth Avenue Sammy Pleated Kitten heels.
Size and fit: Because I know Self-Portrait runs small and this is a newer style, I ordered this dress in a UK 12/US 8. Crafted in a calming lilac rose lace hue, this artful dress features a round neckline, short sleeves with scalloped trim, a fitted bodice, an exposed back zipper, a peplum waist, and a gently gathered skirt with scalloped lace hem.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: I rented this dress again with the intention of wearing it multiple times, but I don't think I wore it at all! It was too short for work, and too dressy for some of the parties and events I attended. Sigh.
PatBo Bossa Lace Trim Maxi, Retail Value $775, RTR $700
About the Designer: Patricia Bonaldi, PatBO's Founder and Creative Director began designing and making clothes as a child. While growing up in Uberlândia, Brazil, buying new clothing was not accessible to Bonaldi and her family, so her mother taught her to sew and soon she was making her own dresses. Bonaldi fell in love with the process of creating and felt pride in bringing beauty and craftsmanship to a family necessity.
After a few detours, including a period of studying law, Bonaldi created her eponymous label of couture, evening wear in São Paulo, Brazil. Tapping into her passion and talent since childhood, Bonaldi first established herself as a designer by creating one-of-a-kind gowns for clients and sewing everything by hand.
In 2002 Bonaldi founded PatBO, bringing her penchant and skill for fit, craftsmanship and print to ready-to-wear and swimwear. Bonaldi also established a school in her hometown, along with PatBO's atelier, where local women are taught craftsmanship skills that enable them fulfilling work as artisans.
Why I rented it: PatBo has really cool items and I've been dying to try some of her designs.
How I styled it: Sadly, I didn't get to wear this dress, so I only tried it on for photos. I paired it with Mignonne Gavigan Safi Studs, the Chanel 19 bag, and Nicholas Kirkwood Block-Heeled sandals.
Size and fit: I got a 6 and while it fit well, the mesh panels were a little stretched out. Crafted in textural, polka dot linen, this on-trend maxi dress features adjustable shoulder straps, a sweetheart neckline, back zip closure, mesh side panels, fitted waist and a ruffled hi-low hem.
I noticed RTR added this size and fit blurb which I think is excellent!
Sized: 0-12. Three lengths available. Petite measures 56" from shoulder to hem (recommended for heights under 5'2"), Regular measures 58'' from shoulder to hem (recommended for heights 5'2''-5'6''), Long measures 61'' from shoulder to hem (recommended for heights 5'7''-5'11'').
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Really stylish and incredibly well made! I will rent it again and make sure to wear it!
Peter Som Collective Yellow Off-the-Shoulder Dress, Retail Value $370, RTR $130
About the Designer: Peter Som Collective is a line created exclusively for RTR and by Peter Som.
Born in San Francisco, Peter Som is an award-winning fashion designer, culinary creator and lifestyle expert. Long known for his signature use of color and pattern with streamlined feminine silhouettes in the fashion arena, he’s also just as widely known for his entertaining and love of food. Peter’s brand of effortless sophistication has extended to all arenas of the lifestyle space, with recipes and articles featured in numerous publications and digital platforms including Bon Appétit, The Purist (where he is a contributing food editor), Purewow, Vogue.com, Elle.com, T Magazine, Food and Wine, Refinery29 and Pinterest, where his 2.9M followers tune in weekly to watch his cooking content.
Peter's clothes have sold at top retailers worldwide including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Moda Operandi and Nordstrom and currently has an ongoing collection exclusively for Rent the Runway. He’s had highly successful collaborations with brands including Kohls, Sferra, Lancôme, Anthropologie and more. He was a finalist in the first CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and twice nominated for the CFDA Emerging Designer Award. Notable women such as Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Scarlett Johansson, and Maggie Gyllenhaal have worn Peter’s clothing.
Peter lives in New York City and Sag Harbor.
How I styled it: I wore this dress so many times and in so many different ways, but in the home photos, I paired it with the Chanel 19, matching chain-link earrings and necklace, and a pair of Ferragamo Block-Heeled sandals.
I also wore it to the annual Congressional Baseball Game and wore the dress with the Fendi Fendista and Andrew Birman Suede Wedges sandals.
Size and fit: Crafted in a cotton, nylon and spandex blend (says it's satin, but feels like cotton), this off-the-shoulder shift dress features wide puffed sleeves, elasticized shoulders, back zip closure, empire waist, side slash pockets, and a flared hem.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: I love this dress and wore it probably 10 times, but my only complaint that it didn't stay in place and kept riding up which was unflattering.
Borgo de Nor Freddie Floral Dress, Retail Value $525, RTR $485
About the Designer: Borgo de Nor was born of a mutual desire for the feel-good dresses reminiscent of its co-founder’s eclectic backgrounds — from El Salvador and Rio de Janeiro to Miami and Portugal —, and a gap in the market for versatile, tailored dresses. During research trips in London’s museums, the friends and fashion industry experts shared rousing conversations about free-spirited, independent and fearless women, which evoked the brand’s inimitable DNA: with individualism at its core, Borgo de Nor’s boldly-printed dresses aren’t defined by seasons or trends, but are named after women — both real and fictional. Within this sartorial sisterhood, each piece radiates with its own unique beauty.
Romantic silhouettes in vibrant colors create a canvas for hypnotically surreal, bespoke prints. While luxe fabrics drape effortlessly to move with the body, whether your day entails a stroll by the beach or running between meetings in the city, and your night ends with dancing on the tables. Polished yet playful, and as feminist as it is feminine, Borgo de Nor transcends dress codes and destinations by redefining art-inspired glamour and bringing a sense of joyfulness into our wardrobes all year round.
Why I rented it: I fell in love with the previous dress I rented by Borgo.
How I styled it: I wore this dress about half dozen times, and on the first wear, I flashed everyone because it's so lightweight and short, the wind took over! So, I ran to the mall to get a half-slip before the Union Brewery 12th Anniversary party and quickly discovered that hardly anyone sells them anymore. I finally found a half-slip at J.C. Penney!
I wore this dress with Alexander Birman Suede Tie wedges, the Fendi Fendista Crossbody, a vintage gold-tone belt, and the Kendra Scott Maya necklace.
Size and fit: I got a US 6 and while it was a little short on me (go figure) it still fit very well. Crafted in floral-print cotton, this breezy dress features shoulder straps, a square neckline, back zip closure and a tiered skirt. It's absolutely perfect for the summer and totally cool to wear.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Once I found a half-slip to avoid another faux pas, it quickly became one of my favorite rentals of the past few months.
PatBo Lurex Draped Maxi Dress, Retail Value $595, RTR $210
Why I rented it: I needed a dress for the French Embassy's D-Day celebration.
How I styled it: For the event, I wore this dress with Zara Floral Drop earrings, Karl Lagerfeld Strappy pumps, and the Devi Kroell Python clutch.
I attended the event with a guy "friend" who apparently decided we were dating and posted us all over social media! I got many messages asking if I was dating him (NO!) and haven't spoken to him since he made it look like we were a "power couple" as many suggested. 😒
Size and fit: I got the 6 long and I was swimming in it. The plunge halter neckline was a little loose and the dress drug on the ground and I even wore 3" heels with it.
Crafted in draped lurex, this elegant gown features a halter neckline with back button closure, an open back with zip closure, wrap detailed waist, gathered hips and a floor-length hem.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: When they said the dress was long, I think it might've been designed for someone who walks on stilts. I had to carrying the dress majority of the time to avoid tripping over or tearing it!
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? While the metallic PatBo dress was perfect for my event, and I fell in love with the Self-Portrait dress last year, I got the most wear out of the Peter Som and Borgo de Nor dresses because they were a little more casual.
- 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
Have you ever wondered about FashionPass? I have! They just targeted me on Facebook and offered a deal for $59 for the first month. While I fear the clothes may be a little too young for me, I am going to take advantage of this deal and give it a try in the next few weeks.
And on the RTR note, the items I got this month are wayyyyyy better! Stay tuned.
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 $172,585.
Do you subscribe to Rent the Runway? Let us know what you think down below!
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