A month ago (whoops!) I told y’all I would be diving into the Capsule Wardrobe lifestyle. The first step was clearing out my wardrobe as it stood.
Bye Felicia.As you can see, there is a lot of stuff there, and it’s a mess. While I LOVED my clothes, looking back at this photo makes me realize how cluttered my closet was. And it’s all over the place. Even if you knew what each of these pieces looked like, how could you describe my style? Ann Taylor Loft? Not exactly a style.
I have cut way back in the last couple months. And don’t let me fool you–I was not perfect about my list. For example, instead of having a white button down shirt, I kept every plain button down shirt. Same with plain black pants, and a few sweaters. However, I reminded myself that this was about clearing up brain space, not about cleaning out my closet. It makes sense to have multiples, because it cuts down on the number of times your husband has to do laundry.
That line was just me, yet again, bragging that my husband does the laundry.
People in my building are like, “the weird smiley girl is taking selfies in the communal mirror…”Here is an outfit using just pieces I own (I do that once in a while). The black dress is part of my capsule wardrobe, and since I kept my accessories it was easy to dress up.
These are my favorite black pants. You’ve seen them a million times. I had this fabulous white jacket from Rent the Runway to mix it up a bit. And I love how the jacket is the featured piece. More so,I love how I look so Miami Vice.
Miami Vice, Vice babyAnd my pièce de résistance is this fabulous chill outfit featuring a fannypack. Guys. I wore a fannypack. Literally one person noticed what it was without my telling them, but I made sure to tell everyone (including my uber driver).
My dad taught me how to rock the fanny pack.I realize I prefer to wear a lot of black, which makes this whole capsule thing easier. However, it has already made my mornings better (in just a month!). So far, I’d say I recommend it.
Also, if you want more timely updates, follow me on instagram @rentanista. If Kim Kardashian didn’t exist, I’d be the selfie queen. Luckily, she does and I’m just an apprentice from afar.
Until next time (which will def be in less than a month)…
Then I took it to Pinterest and found the style boards that I felt best represented my style.
Then I made my own list. Not only is it mostly items I already own, but it exposes the holes currently in my wardrobe.
And then…
Well, the prep is done. The first step is purging the clean clothes in my wardrobe that didn’t make the list. Then, after Big Sug does laundry (yes, my husband does all of the laundry), I will purge the rest. A few items will inevitably make it into storage, just in case.
I also don’t plan on getting rid of my cocktail dresses, swimsuits, shoes, or accessories. While that keeps me well over the 37 or 25 or whatever number you choose, they are items that are inevitably rarely worn, so it will take longer to realize what I need and don’t need. Also, I will keep my two drawers of work-out clothes/relaxing clothes (’cause you should always change right after work!).
Stay tuned. I’ll let you know just how much I cried. I love my clothes, but I’m so on board with freeing up my mind space. Plus, this is a great way to use my rentals wisely. I’m nervous and excited! Can you tell?
I have a Mindy addiction. She’s basically the icon of ladies like me: young, works full-time in a male-dominated industry, not model-thin, and certainly not ready for pantsuits. I love that she takes elements of things that are fun (studded everything!), and things that are feminine to create an eclectic look. But, like, good eclectic. Not me in middle school eclectic.
All looks today are from Rent the Runway, where you can get basically everything they have for about $100/month.
For our first look Mindy takes a conflicting patterns and fancies them up with fabulous earrings and a fun purse.
Mindy’s preppy mixed patterns
This jacket has that mixed-pattern look, but is a little safer than a whole dress of it. It’s so fun. And weirdly makes me want to wear a newsboy hat (don’t worry, I don’t own any newsboy hats).
Clover Canyon Flight of the Earls Blazer (retail $500)Janis Savitt Treasured Green Earrings (retail $350)
I covet this purse so hard. I don’t know what it is about Loeffler Randall, but I cannot get enough!
Loeffler Randall Studded Junior Work Tote (retail $395)
Next up: Mindy’s black and blue jacket.
Mindy’s navy and black color block coat
This is fab for 2 reasons. 1. I was always the girl who yelled, “NEVER NAVY AND BLACK!” and now I’m so excited about navy and black together. 2. I’m hoping this is my last post where jackets are necessary. Hi Summer, it’s me and I miss you.
Joseph Royal Lady Jacket (retail $955)
And then we have my favorite. I think you’ve all figured out my undying love for leather jackets. It’s undying.
Mindy’s quilted leather coat and purses
I love the mix of anything rock ‘n’ roll with something feminine.
Barbara Bui Jet Thriller Biker Jacket (retail $1880)
And I also love quilted everything. Maybe not quilted pants…but then again, I could be pleasantly surprised.
Love Moschino Accessories Perfect Polish Bag (retail $225)
It’s been a long winter. I am spending way more time thinking about what to wear than actually wearing any of it. It’s just too cold. I walk out of the house in leggings and a down overcoat, because I am hibernating. That’s how I’m referring to my new hermit status: hibernation.
While I hibernate I search the internet for things to wear in a month. I don’t watch a ton of TV, but when I do watch I watch for the clothes. I’m loving the looks on The Mindy Project. Her outfits are perfect for the young working woman–young, fun, and fairly professional.
Without further ado, here are three outfits of Mindy’s that I LOVE and some corresponding pieces from LeTote.
AG Adriano Goldschmied The Coated Biker Jacket (retail $295)
I have just started truly dressing down. And I don’t mean sweatpants and a baseball cap. I have just really started grasping the idea of being comfortable, but still looking polished. I love this easy-going and flattering look of Mindy’s.
BB Dakota Olivia Wrinkled Jacket (retail $98)
We all know how obsessed I am with this jacket.
Tart Delia Sweater (retail $88)
Geometric patterns are incredible. There is nothing like a geometric pattern to preppy up any outfit.
Theory Danvye Coat (retail $695)
I am really, really hoping LeTote sends me this one soon. I am so in love with this coat.
Sanctuary City Coat (retail $138)
Pair the coat with these fabulous earrings for the full-prep effect.
I am so for the sassy jumpsuit. EVERYONE: GET A SASSY JUMPSUIT.
Mindy’s Jumpsuit (no match given)
I haven’t tried this one, yet, but I have been running around in another one of their jumpsuits.
Eight Sixty Yaz Jumpsuit (retail $108)
And to get the Grecian Goddess effect
Gazel Aphrodite Necklace (retail $48)
I love that Mindy has a pretty definitive style, but she can be casual, preppy, and sexy. She is the perfect style icon for those looking for a cohesive look.
Who are your style inspirations? I want to hear them!
Maybe you’re like me and have a few TV shows that you watch because you kinda like the story, but really it’s for the clothes. The internet will feed that addiction: there are blogs out there whose sole purpose is to find the outfits characters wear on TV and tell you where to find them. One of my favorites–the blog I’ll highlight here–is Worn on TV. My absolute favorite show right now (for–OMG–so many reasons) is Pretty Little Liars. I thought there has to be a way to combine sites like this, my love of fashion-forward TV, and my rentanista lifestyle.
So I have been scouring the outfits from Pretty Little Liars listed on Worn on TV, then finding LeTote substitutes to bring you some inspiration on how to style your rental pieces.
First up is my favorite Pretty Little Liar, Hannah (or Ashley Benson).
So, in this episode Hannah is actually going to a funeral (yeah, ok, morbid…but she looks fabulous).
Alice and Olivia Em Silk Dress (retail $223)
I love the textured look of the dress, and that it’s right between dressy and casual. LeTote has this fabulous dress that you could style with black nail polish, and blow dried straightened hair to get Hannah’s full look.
Something I love about Hannah’s style is that she transitions so easily from looking laid back to looking polished without losing her coherent sense of style.
Sunburst Button Earrings in Robin’s Egg/Silver by House of Harlow Sheer Sleeve Blazer by Robbi + Nikki
I love this top from LeTote–I think it has the same polished-but-trendy look that Hannah exudes.
BCBGeneration Andy Boxy Raglan Top (retail $88)
Then rent a fabulous black blazer–a black blazer makes everything so much better.
Search for Sanity Vice Tailored Blazer (retail $98)
Then finish off the look with a pop of color!
Nine West Vintage Annette Stud Earrings (retail $24)
Now we move on to not-Hannah, which is Emily/Aria–Spencer gets her own name because Spencer is the (second) best. I would also like to take this moment to say, yes, I do realize that these girls are supposed to be in high school. However, you would never look at them and say, “well, obviously they’re in high school.” Mostly it’s just obvious that these girls are dressing about 10 years older than they should (and also that the actresses are 10 years older than their characters). Which is perfect, because I graduated from high school about 10 years ago so clearly this is what I’m supposed to be wearing now. Well, at least that’s what I tell myself everyday I get dressed.
This is not-Hannah. I don’t remember what was happening in this episode, but I love the outfit. Like I said before, nothing makes an outfit like a blazer.
All Saints Riviera Dress (retail $178)
The remake of this outfit from LeTote items is a little more tame (read: not super short on one side). I really love ruching. There is nothing like ruching to take a few pounds off at the last minute.
Max Studio Lindell Ruched Dress (retail $118)
Pair the dress with a blazer that has a really small lapel.
Willow & Clay Amber Blazer (retail $78)
Then finish it off with a simple statement necklace.
Gazel Chiya Pearl Necklace (retail $48)
I think I basically use television at this point to find outfits I adore. I think my style is one of the most obvious ways I express myself, and so I enjoy putting a lot of thought into it. Where do you find inspiration? Are you a Pinterester, do you scour TV fashion blogs, or do you tap into those creative juices and draw inspiration from things in life? Let me know! I’m always looking for new ideas.
As you may have noticed I have a few pieces that I own and wear constantly (or maybe I’m being paranoid and now everyone knows). Lately I’ve been trying to give away/sell (Poshmark!!!) any pieces that I don’t wear often for a few reasons:
1. I’m starting to believe “less is more,” and when a room isn’t cluttered with clothes I won’t wear, it’ll make my life more streamlined.
2. Living with someone else means less closet space (even if you use an entire bedroom for a closet like we do…yes…that’s true and I’ll share it at some point).
3. The clothes I actually wear fit my style AND are comfortable, which is why I wear them all the time.
As far as the pieces I own and wear all the time, I try to stick to the basics: black pants, jeans, white undershirts, white tops, black tops, etc. It may sound like a lot of “blah,” but that’s the point. Keep it blah so you can really make a statement with your rental pieces. Make the rental pieces your pieces to remember, and the blah pieces will just act as a base.
My favorite thing to wear are black pants. I just love me some black pants. I particularly love this pair from Ann Taylor, or this pair from Ann Taylor Loft. Now, not everyone can wear Ann Taylor. This is something I’ve come to learn in life. Ann Taylor was basically handed down from God to short girls. They do have a petites section, but I never shop in it–the regular cut fits me (again, 5’3″) without having to have the hemline taken in. But the lesson is to find what works, and work it!
“[LAURA GRACE]: YOU ARE A [photo] REPEATER!”-Kate Sanders (sorta)Now, if you’re wearing rental clothing you’re going to want to wear undershirts when you can. Maybe I’m crazy, but really–other people may have worn them! Just a little barrier is nice, plus they smooth you out. And the older I get the more smoothing the better! My particular favorite cami is from Old Navy. I am not a huge Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic shopper, but Old Navy has V-Neck camis for cheap. Look, if I’m buying undershirts that no one is going to see that will require bleaching then I’m going to buy 5 at a time Old Navy for $3/piece. They are perfect. And I’m not known for exaggerating.*
As far as jeans go, I’m a Paige Denim girl through and through. Paige jeans feel like they were made for real people (not just girls who look like my perfect little sister…ugh! right? just kidding I love you!). I’ll spend a little extra on jeans, because I buy one pair a year (Bloomingdale’s Denim Days FTW!). Remember: with the basics we’re going for quality over quantity (I keep telling myself and then it’s Black Friday and I TOTALLY freak out). Pick which works best for you, and what is comfortable for you (and then send me links because maybe I’ll want them, too).
The perfect jeans accompanied by the perfect rentals.
Remember, this is all just me. You’ll have your own way of making the rentanista life work for you. Maybe it’s just to add pieces or to try before you buy. Maybe it’s to try and cut down the clutter in your closet. Maybe it’s just ’cause you wanted to. There are so many ways and reasons to be a rentanista. Find yours and get to it!
I take packing for long trips very seriously. I have been known to put outfits together, bind them with ribbon, and list what day the outfit is for and what jewelry to wear with it (and if I’m repeating an item I let myself know which bundle to find it in). I’m a little nuts. In my defense, though, I like “looks” not outfits. I want it all to tie together, and that takes forethought (usually while I’m doing my make-up and I have my entire closet at my fingertips…so don’t think I mean that much forethought).
When I say “I like looks not outfits,” what I mean is I want every piece to jive. I usually want to emphasize one piece and then build around it, but not overpower. It’s more than making sure I don’t clash, it’s about wanting everything to look intentional. I try to figure out best hair, best jewelry, best lip color (and let’s be honest I have a small bank of hair styles and make-up looks that I pull from–I am not reinventing the wheel everyday). I don’t always hit the mark (because I am hella quirky and sometimes just say, “NO! I AM GOING TO WEAR A FUZZY YETTI VEST AND NO ONE CAN STOP ME!”
Now that I’m renting so many pieces I had an idea: why don’t I incorporate all of my rentals into this week’s looks and then send the packages back on the last day? That opens up room in my suitcase for whatever I need to bring back with me (hint: it’s my gigantic wedding dress).
Now, without further ado, the pieces that I have packed and how I’m incorporating them into this week’s looks!
My options from LeTote include a really fun sweater, a fairly neutral black top, and a bright blue shirt–it’s a shade I used to wear a lot, and have kind of backed away from, but let’s give it a run! The jewelry is all perfection.
Lemieux Toni Blouse (retail $58)Shilla Revolution Top (retail $58)BCBGeneration Crosby Crewneck Sweater (retail $78)Noir Luxe Tatiana Necklace (retail $28)Adia K Silver Crystal Bracelet (retail $28)
Rent the Runway was pretty spot-on, too. The necklace is going to be perfect for my Christmas look, and this bag was fantastic for running around San Francisco with my husband. The earrings, while super cute, hurt so much I could only wear them once and then kind of regretted it. My poor ears!
Elizabeth and James Accessories Cynnie Coco Bucket Bag (retail $485)Ella Carter Devin Necklace (retail $85)Ca and Lou Faye All Over Earrings (retail $260)
Here is what packing looks like:
Step 1: make a basic list of your outfits
Step 2: I mean…at this point you just pack.
Can’t forget the pre-paid envelopes!!!
This is seriously the easiest way I’ve ever packed bags. When I implemented this method I went from over-packing and never having anything to wear to packing fairly lightly and always having a “look.”
Do you ever dream about never repeating an outfit? Have you ever worn an outfit, but made sure to keep the tags on to return it? Do I sound absolutely ridiculous?
My answer to all 3: Yes! (And yes, I think I sound absolutely ridiculous.)
I googled “Netflix for Clothes” (because of course I did). Believe it or not, there are quite a few options. I decided LeTote best fit my needs, and signed up. It’s $50/month and in each tote you receive 3 clothing items and 2 pieces of jewelry. Both LeTote and Rent the Runway provide shipping back and forth, so the set amout is $50 + tax.
Pros:
Good array of pieces–dresses, tops, pants, skirts, jewelry. Department store brands (not high-end designer, but not H&M). New options fairly often. Option to purchase at “consignment” prices (about 20%-25% off retail). Accessory only options.
Cons:
Uses USPS for delivery (RtR uses UPS which is more efficient). All items must be sent back together unless you are purchasing.
So far, I have only purchased this bracelet from LeTote. It’s fairly simple, and I wear it a whole lot.
Noir Luxe Antique Crystal Bracelet & Adia K Donatella Bracelet. Michael Kors Watch is my own.My wrist in action!
Despite only purchasing a single bracelet, I love a lot of the pieces I’ve received.
Here is a glorious photo of one of my favorite tops from LeTote (photo credit goes to one of my BFFs who was being a creeper). I feel like I never have casual tops since I seem to focus on purchasing pieces that are work appropriate, so I enjoyed having something a little more comfy.
Saint Grace Brit Blouse. Noir Luxe Antique Crystal Bracelet. Adia K Adia Studded Bracelet. Michael Kors Vest and Paige Denim jeans are my own.
I really thought about keeping this top, but realized that negates the purpose of renting (can’t always be buying!), so I wore it twice and sent it back. That being said, I haven’t missed it. And that is why I’m renting.
Most ladies I know have used Rent the Runway for special occasions. Recently, they started an unlimited rental service that works similarly to Netflix (back when people actually got DVDs from Netflix). How it works: For $50/month (it was $75 so you can imagine how excited I was to get that email) you are allowed three items at a time. If you send one item back, they send you one new item (if you return two, you receive two, blah blah blah). Pros: You receive accessories that are too trendy to spend big bucks on. Higher-end costume jewelry–no green rings around your fingers/wrists/neck. Fabulous outerwear. You can buy the pieces for 30% off retail. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention their customer service–it is always incredible. Cons: You don’t get to pick the order of your queue–they send you three random pieces from a queue of 15 or more pieces you choose. Some of the outerwear only comes in limited sizes. So far, I have had two pieces that I kept for longer than a cycle. The first was this necklace:
I really think the rental aspect is fun. I’m the girl who buys a necklace and then gets so excited about it she wears it every other day for two weeks and then never wears it again. This way I can over-wear something that is a higher quality and get a new one a week later. Now, without further ado, an outfit featuring this week’s necklace from Rent the Runway.
Kenneth Jay Lane Lennox Hill Bracelet from Rent the Runway.A little closer up with no filters.
I’ve become a big fan of blinging up an otherwise neutral outfit. Unfortunately, I have a 9-5 that requires slightly less lamé than I enjoy. I feel like if the rest of my outfit is a little more demure–a cream Ann Taylor sweater, black Ann Taylor skinny-leg slacks, and black Ann Taylor flats (yeah…THAT girl)–then I can totally wear a giant chain link necklace to work. Right? Right? Bueller?
We’ve been dealt this hand, so let’s make the best of it. Let’s be the next Greatest Generation. One of my favorite things about Millennials is our desire for innovation. We will figure out a way. It’s beautiful.
Renting satisfies my craving for something new without breaking the bank. I enjoy my rental lifestyle. Instead of trying to “fix” my desire for constant change, I’ve decided to embrace it. I enjoy changing my look often, but that’s a hard thing to budget for. Instead, I’ve decided to join two services that allow me to wear something and send it back for a monthly fee. Gone are the days of leaving tags on clothes–this is a legitimate business model, and you’ll never have to feel sketchy as you return an item after a date.
Each week I will put up pictures of the pieces I receive from Rent the Runway and Le Tote. Then I’ll share the outfits I put together. I’ll also share updates of my “renovations” to my apartment. We rent in DC where buying is just out of the question for us, so we decided instead of saving for a down payment we would beef up our 401ks, have a comfortable savings, and travel while enjoying rent control in a neighborhood we love.
So let’s dive into the fun world of being a Rentanista with this week’s batch of items.
I receive 3 items from Rent the Runway and 5 items from Le Tote about once a week. The sooner you send back items, the sooner you receive a new batch, so it varies from week to week.
Here are this week’s items from Rent the Runway:
Gigi New York Blue Hayden Satchel ($595 retail)Gorjana Accessories Lula Sunglasses Studs ($70 Retail)Kenneth Jay Lane Lennox Hill Necklace ($375 retail)
Rentanista 2.0 