Hoppy Friday! Let's wrap up this month's RTR and then I'll review FashionPass.
Update on Mr. HGL: he's outsmarted me yet again! I bought an extra gate to block him from the couch and he managed to hop right over it (after almost impaling himself the first time). So, I had to remove the gates, so he doesn't break any bones, and he's back up on the couch.
He's recently gotten so bold; he runs around on top of the cushions and has fallen more than once. The other day while I was getting ready for work, I heard a loud bang and ran out to find him squished against the window. He was totally unfazed and got right back up once I saved him. I think he was a cat in his previous life.
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 Derek Lam Collective, Amur, Ulla Johnson, MISA, and Cara Cara arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Derek Lam Pink One-Shoulder Dress, Retail Value $445, RTR $95
About the Designer: The Derek Lam brand was founded in 2003 and Derek Lam 10 Crosby collection was launched in 2011. Derek is from San Francisco, California, and attended Parsons School of Design.
Derek has been recognized by the CFDA, the Smithsonian Institute, and The Fashion Group International. His work has been exhibited at the Museum of FIT, the Kennedy Center, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Derek Lam Collective is an exclusive collaboration with Rent the Runway.
Why I rented it: It's pretty in pink!
How I styled it: I felt like Day-to-Night Barbie in this dress because I topped it off with the Pinko blazer and a belt for work. After work, I took it all off (not really) and paired it with my new Cole Haan Addie Strappy Sandals and the Balenciaga Graffiti Moto Bag.
Size and fit: I got a medium, and while it fit well, over time the top stretched out and started to slide down. Crafted in a viscose blend, this pull-on-style, one-shoulder dress features an asymmetrical neckline, ribbed bodice, slash pockets, and a frilly bubble hem!
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Really pretty dress that got tons of compliments, but it was a little stretched out and kept sliding down on the sleeveless side. Also, the ribbed bodice wasn't super flattering at the bottom, so I tried to cover it up with a belt.
Amur Valena Halter Neck Dress, Retail Value $525, RTR $340
About the Designer: We believe nature is the ultimate luxury. At the heart of AMUR is a focus on fabrics. All materials are sourced with an eye toward environmental good, whether organic and natural fabrics, reclaimed fibers that conserve material resources or trims made by artisan collectives in the developing world. While it’s an evolving process, one we’re continually striving to improve, each piece in the collection embodies a singular philosophy: that mindful living will always be in style.
Why I rented it: It's been on my list for a long time, but the timing has always been off.
How I styled it: I wore this dress with Mignonne Gavigan earrings, Alexandre Birman Wedges, and the Fendi Fendista Crossbody.
Size and fit: Rendered in 100% recycled polyester, the Valena pull-on knit dress features a summery striped pattern with a halter neckline that ties in the back, a fitted silhouette, and midi-length hem.
I got a medium and while it fit well, the necktie was a little uncomfortable and it kept slipping down.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: It's kind of a perfect summer dress, but the material was a little too thin, the halter neckline was annoying, and the top kept sliding down.
Ulla Johnson Leyna Dress, Retail Value $1,090, RTR $1,070
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: It's been on my list for a while and it was finally available!
How I styled it: I wore this dress to see a band play at Starr Hill brewery and I paired it with Mignonne Gavigan earrings, a vintage Chanel bag, Cole Haan Addie Strappy Sandals in black, and a straw hat.
Size and fit: I got a 6 and while this dress was a bit tricky to get on, it fit perfectly. It's crafted in floral print organza (or polyester) with a crew neckline, crisscross straps, side-zip closure, gathered bodice, elasticized waistline, side pockets, and a bubble hem. It's fully lined and traps heat.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: Loved this dress! Only complaint is that the fabric is almost like a trash bag material, and it doesn't breathe so I was sweating quite a bit when I wore this outside.
MISA Los Angeles Isella Dress, Retail Value $326, RTR $295
About the Designer: MISA embodies our late founder Shadi Askari-Farhat's romantic heart, bohemian spirit and wanderlust eye. In 2016, she launched MISA, which is a combination of her daughters’ names. Born in Los Angeles with an eye to the world, the brand is deeply inspired by her myriad passions — including travel, art and design.
Guided by our core principle of effortless femininity, MISA elevates the idea of easy dressing with fluid silhouettes that are brought to life through airy fabrics, confident prints and unique detailing. We create many-moment dresses, separates and knitwear that take you from... day to evening, week to weekend, and home to travels away.
All of our pieces are handmade in Los Angeles by our team of designers, pattern-makers and sewists, most of whom have worked with us from the beginning. Many loving hands touch each garment — some with over 50 steps — in order to bring the collection to life each season.
Why I rented it: I really l like MISA and this a fun summer dress.
How I styled it: I couldn't wear this dress because it was super sheer and doubled as underwear on me. In the photos, I paired it with the Kendra Scott Maya Necklace, a vintage gold-tone belt from Etsy, a pair of Ferragamo Block-Heeled Sandals, and the Louis Vuitton Cherry Blossom Satchel.
Size and fit: I rented a medium and it was a short story! This breezy dress is crafted in lightweight, pink-printed chiffon and features an elasticized, off-the-shoulder neckline, blouson short sleeves, an elasticized waistband, and a tiered skirt. While the dress is lined, the lining doesn't really help and it's quite sheer.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: Great if you're short, but I couldn't wear it in public. Well, actually I wore it as a pool coverup!
Cara Cara New York Karene Dress, Retail Value $725, RTR $425
About the Designer: Cara Cara was founded in 2019 by Julia Brown, Sasha Martin and Katie Hobbs. Friendship, motherhood and the celebration of natural beauty are the foundations of our brand. Our lives collided through our kids - those unions that make cities like New York more intimate and familiar. And so it was that we found ourselves together, with a collective 50 years of fashion, digital and marketing experience - and an idea for how we could give women the feeling we were seeking in our own lives through beautifully designed and made clothing. Cara Cara was born out of a void in fashion we felt qualified to fill.
Entirely female-founded, owned and operated, we design clothes for real women and seek to embody a unique kind of casual glamor.
Why I rented it: It's the perfect summer dress for a fancy night out!
How I styled it: I wore this dress out to Cafe Milano and Martin's Tavern and wore it with a pair of Saks Fifth Avenue Kitten Heel Pumps, Kendall Scott Maya Necklace, and the Chanel 19 Bag.
Size and fit: Crafted in an orange, floral-printed viscose blend, this off-the-shoulder sheath dress features puffed short sleeves, back zip closure, fitted bodice, midi-length hem and a back slit. It's fully lined and hugs your body.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: Gorgeous color and design and I really like the cozy material too. It felt a little like neoprene.
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 the most wear out of the Ulla Johnson and Amur dresses.
- 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've spent a lot of time recently watching Instagram videos on "mature makeup" and every time I try to follow someone's advice, I end up looking like a clown! Everyone has different and sometimes conflicting opinions on what ages you and what makes you look younger!
So, I've been following this woman named Erica Taylor, and every time she suggests women in their 40s try something new, I give it a shot and look like I'm ready for Halloween. Anyone else have this issue? But one thing I have noticed that really ages you is fillers. I've been out quite a bit since my move, and I've met a lot of women in their late 20s who I thought were around my age, but they're not. I blame the fillers.
On that note, I'll probably start Botox within the next 6 months since 47 is right around the corner! YIKES. Have a great weekend, every bun!
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 $178,270.
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