Hoppy Friday! I'm heading to the beach with some friends today and leaving Mr. HGL to hold down the fort. He had a vet appointment last week and was put on meds to help manage his arthritis pain. As for his toilet issues, the vet thinks it may be due to his sore paws and the plastic grate on the litter box. So, I ordered a new one without grates (I'm dreading the mess, but there's a mess anyway) and I'm hoping that helps.
As for his breathing and bladder, we both agreed it's better not to perform any medical procedure that may require him being put under anesthesia—his little body may not survive it. He's at his lowest weight since he was a young buck, but he's still active and in good shape maybe 75% of the time so we'll keep going! At this point, he may even make it until 2025. He's my little Energizer Bunny!
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 Amur, Stella Jean, Sabrina Musayev, Stine Goya and Caroline Constas arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, on the hanger, and sealed in plastic bags.
THE GOODS
Amur Garren Midi Dress, Retail Value $548, RTR $545
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: I love yellow and pleats!
How I styled it: I wore this dress to my little fam bday party at Pappas, and also to the office. I paired it with Mignonne Gavigan Madeline Earrings, a vintage studded leather belt, Saks Fifth Avenue Kitten Heels, Gucci Studded Leather Jcket, and a Louis Vuitton tote.
Size and fit: Crafted in recycled polyester, this vibrant pleated dress features a halter neckline,, non-adjustable shoulder straps, low-cut back, back-zip closure, banded waist, and a flowing skirt. It's double-lined.
I got a size 6 and it fit like a glove!
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Lovely dress. Totally classy and elegant!
Stella Jean Paisley Halter Dress, Retail Value $398, RTR $130
About the Designer: Stella Novarino, known professionally as Stella Jean is an Italian fashion designer of partial Haitian origin. She is a member of the Italian Chamber of Fashion and the only member of Afro-European background. Living and working in Rome, Jean is considered to be Giorgio Armani's protégé.
The basis of Jean's work is multiculturalism applied to fashion, resulting in a cultural fusion of her own métisse identity. Her work often merges classical Italian tailoring with stylistic features of varying cultures. Stella Jean created the business model and sustainable development platform: "Laboratorio delle Nazioni". In 2019 she was highlighted by the New York Times as the most convincing of all the New Gen designers in Milan.
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 for a fun-filled Saturday in DC that started at Le Diplomate and ended at the Fiola Mare. For the day's escapades, I paired it with Aster Maggie Drop Earrings, Ferragamo Sandals, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: This breezy dress is decorated with a bright paisley print on soft satin with a halter neckline, back tie closure, open back, side pockets, and a flounced high-low hem.
I got a US 6, and the fit was totally off. The front didn't lay straight, extra fabric on the back kept popping out, the back bunched up, and it was see-through in the bright sun.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: Flimsy, sheer and an odd fit. Felt like I was wearing an expensive 4th of July napkin.
Sabrina Musayev Selina Gown, Retail Value $430, RTR $230
About the Designer: SABINA MUSAYEV is a women's ready towear fashion brand that was established in 2011 by the couple Meir Moyal and Sabina Moyal Musayev.
Musayev graduated with a B.A at Shenkar College for Design and Engineering in Israel. Growing up as a third generation of tailors in Baku, Azerbaijan, an area rich with textile heritage, she draws inspiration from decorative and ethnic aesthetics, combined with a modern receptiveness, she creates unique, poetic and feminine garments.
Why I rented it: Everything I wanted had been rented.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to Hip Flask at the Marriott HQ and paired it with Ava Rose Memphis Twisted Hoops, Cole Haan Strappy Sandals, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: This floral-printed gown is crafted in lightweight plisse fabric and features a v-neckline, front-twist and cutout detail, adjustable shoulder straps, back-zip closure, ruffled waistline, and gently pleated skirt.
I got a medium, and I almost couldn't zip it up! The bodice runs really small, and the waist is quite tiny too!
Condition: Great!
Honest review: Pretty and lightweight, but little snug all around and the hem felt like there was a stitch that needed to be removed (but there wasn't).
Stine Goya Payton Dress, Retail Value $630, RTR $595
About the Designer: Danish Designer Stine Goya launched her label in 2006, known for minimalist designs and muted palettes, with Copenhagen as her main source of inspiration.
As Stine Goya continues to expand, its playful silhouettes attract legions of loyal and confident followers seeking to inject every corner of life with a fresh and bold approach. Also drawing on inspiration from the design and art worlds, each collection is built on a strong foundation of flattering cuts, simple yet high-quality fabrics, and bespoke hand-drawn prints by the brands' in-house team.
Why I rented it: It was brand new, and I was intrigued!
How I styled it: I wore this dress to pick up my brother from the airport and we went straight to Shotti's Point in Federal Hill in Baltimore City. I paired it with Kendra Scott Earrings, Karl Lagerfeld Strappy Pumps, B-Low the Belt belt from FashionPass, and the Fendi Fendista Crossbody.
Size and fit: This flowing, full-length dress is crafted in recycled polyester with an asymmetrical, one-shoulder neckline, single shoulder strap, puffed short sleeves, and an ornate floral print. It's fully lined, very long, oversized, and boxy!
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: What a brilliant dress! A little heavy for the summer, but I'd rent it again for an event in the fall or spring. Beautifully designed, thick fabric, and unique.
Caroline Constas Bardot Flounce Dress, Retail Value $595, RTR $140
About the Designer: For creative director Caroline Constas, wanderlust is a way of life, inspiring her namesake line of jet set-ready pieces. Her whimsical off-the-shoulder silhouettes and weightless cotton fabrics have been flattering women’s frames since 2015. Her ethereal designs translate in both ready-to-wear and swim collections which are made for the modern-day globetrotter.
Caroline’s Greek American heritage and extensive travels throughout the world adorn each collection with an effortless sense of glamour. CAROLINE CONSTAS re-imagines the Mediterranean lifestyle season after season and is dedicated to the destination bound woman.
Why I rented it: It's the perfect summer dress for a fancy night out!
How I styled it: I wore this dress out and about, and even to the office. Honestly, it felt like a cozy nightgown, minus the elastic trim. To work, I paired it with a chain-link necklace and earrings from Etsy (it's no longer available), and a vintage gold-tone belt which was also from Etsy and now sold out too. Plus, Alexader Birman Suede Wedges, a Vince Leather Jacket, and the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy.
Size and fit: I got a medium and the dress was a little stretched out throughout. It's crafted in a lightweight cotton blend with a small floral print, with an elasticized neckline that can be worn off the shoulders, puff sleeves with elasticized cuffs, a partial front-button placket, on-seam hip pockets, and a flared high-low hem.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: It's definitely been worn a bit, and the neckline and sleeves are a little stretched out, but it's still an easy, breezy summer dress that's perfect for day and night!
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 Caroline Constas dress, just because it's so easy to wear. I just wish I could've gotten more wear out of the Stine Goya maxi!
- 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
Quick life update. While I think moving might've been a mistake for a few reasons—worse traffic, cost of living increase, I'm more secluded, farther from work, and honestly, Virginia is a better state than Maryland—there are positives too. I've made new friends, DC is a lot more accessible, I'm closer to family, and when I go out, I'm frequenting my pre-COVID spots and reconnecting with old friends.
But let's be honest, if it weren't for my parents, I would ditch this area in a second because the DC vibe is a total soul sucker. I really want to live on a beach within the next 5 years, and that is entirely possible with my job! I accepted a full-time position at work (I finally have stability again!) and I have no plans to ever leave. I don't want to look for a job, and I'd like to retire with my current employer. The best part? Well, there are many, but their headquarters are based on a beach in Florida. 😁
I've finally healed from the Pandemic dramas and the Ponzi Scheme situation! I am 100% back to my old self, and back in control of my life. What a great feeling! My parents are getting older, and my dad's dementia is slowly worsening, but I have no control over any of that and all I can do is be present. Most of my friends are now dealing with their parent's health issues too and we've got a little support group. What can we do?
I'm going to slowly cut back on reviews in the fall (maybe twice a month). While fashion isn't a conflict of interest with finance, we're back in the office and my commute isn't fun. Plus, now that I'm back to normal (or abnormal, depending on how you view my weirdness), I'd like to become a little less public.
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 $180,698.
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