Tribal

I will never say no to a fun print.

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Style Loft Digi-Tribal Print Top (retail $44)

I paired this great top from LeTote with my navy blue slacks and a mustard bag for work.

Sam Edelman Champion Spike Crawler Earrings (retail $60)
Sam Edelman Champion Spike Crawler Earrings (retail $60)

I also added this Adia Kibur Donatella Bracelet for an extra bit of bling.

What are your favorite prints?

Until next time!

Love,

The Rentanista

The Last Few Weeks

Oh my goodness! What a busy month it’s been–weddings, showers, parties, galas–I mean, I really thought getting married last year had killed my social life, but now I realize it was just this seemingly endless winter.

The first look I’m going to show off is this gorgeous Badgley Mischka off the shoulder gown from Rent the Runway. I wore it to Taste of the South (an annual charity gala). The BFF is also in Badgley Mischka from Rent the Runway. 

Note: the hat and clown noses were, unfortunately, just props for this photobooth and not part of our outfits.

Next up is, of course, a romper!!! I wore this to a birthday party. Most of you already know I’m a hapa-hapa (half-a-hapa, or 1/4 Japanese if you have to google “hapa” or hate fractions). Sometimes it’s a little more prevelant, like with this outfit, or my YouTube searches for “funny Japanese game show.”

I loved this romper and necklace from Rent the Runway.  I paired the romper with tights, sky high pumps, and a leather jacket to offset the delicate sheer panels. Oh, and that hella high bun is everything.

Last up for today’s show and tell is, obviously, another romper. This is more of a jumpsuit, and was certainly meant to hit mid-calf. But I’m 5’3″ and it’s a big no-no to take your rentals in for altering. Also, I was out of fashion tape.


The cut-out made it a little edgier, which was super offset by the little tulips. This one is also from Rent the Runway (as is the bag). I wore this cutesie little number to a bridal shower where I only mentioned that I write a blog once. For everyone reading this, I know you’re in shock.

I’m just so excited for all of the upcoming events this year and all of the excellent excuses to overdress 😎😎😎.

Until…sooner rather than later???

Love,

The Rentanista

A Little Bit More Professional

Now that the weather is turning, I’m trying to force myself to look human Monday-Friday (winter gave me a great excuse to dress comfortably). This round of items from LeTote is not necessarily bright and colorful, but very work appropriate.

Noir Vinny Blouse (retail $54)

I wore this top to work today and a coworker said, “What are dressed like you’re going to work for?” And that, my friends, is what we call a reality check.

Kensie Ray Colorblock Tank (retail $54)

Unfortunately, my arms are not “spring/summer ready” so I will have to pair this with a cardigan or a blazer.

JACK Claudia Toggle Jacket (retail $62)

I love this sweater. Someone call me in a week to make sure I did not purchase this sweater. I wore it under my trusty leather jacket, and I loved my look. The bestie told me to stop asking people if I looked cool (because it made me less cool), but I felt cool and I wanted other people to tell me. But really. I looked cool.

Noir Luxe Samantha Necklace (retail $28)

I feel like I have the corresponding bracelet for this…but I think I spent too much time as a school kid coordinating my jewelry that now I just cannot wear sets. It’s weird, I know.

Adia Kibur Honeycomb Bangle (retail $24)

Check back with me later this week to find out why I need LeTote! (hint: I will be calling out some of my craziest outfits from life)

Love,

The Rentanista

Last week’s looks

Last week I had three pieces from LeTote that I was pretty obsessed with. The first is this cardigan.

J the Way Jada Zip Pocket Cardigan (retail $88)

I wore it with leggings (always) and a plain shirt. I topped it off with a chunky scarf and boots. It was the perfect look for running errands–allegedly casual, but actually thought through.

French Connection Studio Jumpsuit (retail $228)

I was also pretty obsessed with this jumpsuit (cause jumpsuits!). I paired the jumpsuit with a black cardigan and a leopard print belt. I finished this easy-chic look with black flats and a gold watch. Four pieces, and I had a great look for work that was still fun and trendy. Then there was this sweater. I’m kind of obsessed with the Divergent trilogy (cause I’m 13) and the birds make me think of Tris’ tattoos.

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Willow and Clay Sparrows Sweater (retail $78)

I’m so excited for the warmer weather! I’m coming out of hibernation soon! Happy renting! Love, The Rentanista

Rent the Runway is doing WHAT?!

Rent the Runway has added dresses to its unlimited package!!!!!!!!! Granted, the unlimited package now costs $100/month, but $100/month is less than you’d pay for one of their great dresses if you purchased retail (over a year period). I am beside myself with excitement. I found this out on Wednesday. I had a dress to wear by Saturday for a party.

Also, Le Tote is letting you swap out pieces to get items. This is HUGE! I’m so excited they’ve enacted this policy, and now that both services are offering you the ability to choose before they send it really feels like you’re shopping. I cannot explain how much more fun being a rentanista now!

Also, I am finally getting my act together with taking pictures of my clothes. And with the weather warming up, it’ll be a lot easier to get pics (since I won’t always be in heavy coats). Super stoked!

Without further ado, this week’s fabulous pieces!

From LeTote:

Daniel Rainn Peacock Tank (retail $58)
Kensie Serena Blouse (retail $68)
Maison Scotch Agnes Dress (retail $148)
Steve Madden Lady Lumberjack Scarf (retail $34)
Adia Kibur Circles Galore Necklace (retail $48)

From Rent the Runway:

Halston Heritage Berkshires Dress (retail $445)
Hunter Bell Geometric Gold (retail $374)

The dress I already wore to a party, so I’ll show that off soon. There’s also a purse I haven’t sent back to Rent the Runway (this Elizabeth and James number from this post). I am so excited to rotate the Rent the Runway dresses on a weekly basis. Let’s all just band together to make sure I’m not in a ball gown every weekend (just kidding–let’s not interfere with nature).

Until next time!

Love,

The Rentanista

Relaxed or polished? Let’s do both.

BRRRRR!!!

It’s a Snow Day here in the District (as well as most of the Eastern Seaboard). And so we’re all inside, locked to our computer screens and dreaming about the awesome outfits we could wear if only we didn’t have to walk outside looking like marshmallows. Maybe that’s just me…

When LeTote sends the e-mail letting me know my box is shipping, I immediately sign on to see what I’m going to get. I think I audibly screamed this time. I LOVE rompers/jumpsuits/(onesies), and there was one on its way to me. And wait til you see my Rent the Runway choices–both packages will be delivered today. This is the best Snow Day ever!

From LeTote:

Willow & Clay Sparrows Sweater (retail $78)

I have had my eye on this sparrow sweater since I signed up. It reminds me of Divergent, and since I’m basically a 16-year-old girl that means something to me.

J the Way Jada Zip Pocket Cardigan (retail $88)
French Connection Studio Jumpsuit (retail $228)

On LeTote they have this jumpsuit styled with a button up shirt underneath. I am weirdly excited to try it.

Adia Kibur Barb Necklace (retail $58)
Adia Kibure Industrial Bracelet (retail $34)

From Rent the Runway:

Elizabeth & James Black Cynnie Shopper (retail $645)
Oscar de la Renta Crystal Web Necklace (retail $995)

I am really hoping I can pair the Oscar de la Renta collar, the jumpsuit, and the Elizabeth & James shopper together. Just looking at the three pieces makes me want to go get dressed (not enough to actually do it right now, but you know…I thought about just trying it all on…).

Stay warm!!!

Love,

The Rentanista

Black is the new black

Over the last few months, I feel like I’ve been able to hone into my own style more and put together looks that I’m excited about. For years I’ve been trying to incorporate bright colors, but I’ve decided to embrace it: I love the color black. If I want to wear black all the time I’ll wear black all the time, because I’m old and I can (as my bestie and I always say).

From LeTote

Noir Eve Blouse (retail $68)
Willow & Clay Studio Pant (retail $68)
Weston Wear Alix Sweater (retail $108)
Adia Kibur Adia Wing Necklace (retail $44)
Adia Kibur Bronx Bracelet (retail $34)

From Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway is doing something amazing with their Unlimited Program: they are letting you pick which pieces you want to check out. This is totally based on availability, but it really gives you more control over what’s being sent. This helps for outfit planning, which can save you about…what?…five hours each morning?

AV Max Gold Tetra Chain Earring (retail $75)
Lauren Merkin Taylor Crossbody Bag (retail $375)
Pamela Love Eagle Necklace (retail $270)

I am PARTICULARLY excited for this eagle claw necklace. It’s just sooooo sassy, and I really like to think of myself as sassy.

Until tomorrow (or…actually…probably Wednesday),

The Rentanista

Gold and tunics and leggings

If there are three things I want in life they are these: gold, tunics, and leggings. Gold jewelry, gold make up, gold[en] skin–everything is just better gold. If I could, I would invite King Midas over to give everything I own a good rub down (except my dog…and Big Sug…I guess).

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Adia Kibur Snake Bracelet ($38 retail)

Lately, I’ve been trying to make my casual look appear less…casual. Or as I like to call it, “Sweatpants and a t-shirt.” Ok, let’s be honest: they aren’t sweatpants–I still wear a Juicy Couture sweatsuit around the house. And yes it’s velour. And yes, sometimes I wear it to the grocery store/to walk the dog. And yes, I’m ashamed.

So this was basically my chill look this weekend. The beanie is made by Whitney Pogon–comment for the deets. The wrinkled leather (looking) jacket was so my jam: comfy, mostly form fitting, warm, and sneaky-fabulous. I think I’m going to start calling things that are not ostentatiously fabulous sneaky-fabulous.

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BB Dakota Olivia Wrinkled Jacket ($98 retail)

I love that it sort of drapes, but is also fairly structured. Girls with a little tummy (like me) or bigger arms (they’re really soft muscles I SWEAR!) benefit greatly from jackets with a bit of structure. And sticking with a tighter pant or legging also keeps the outfit from making the wearer appear bulky. Also, jackets change an outfit so dramatically. You could wear the same t-shirt and jeans every day, and if you switch the jacket and maybe the jewelry no one would ever be the wiser (but, like, make sure to wash the t-shirt a lot).

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RD Style Susan Zip Sweater Dress

And here is the dress. On the website they have the model wearing leggings (to show that maybe they know it’s not really a dress…right???). Well, it certainly was not a dress on me. I know I have some (read: a lot) of junk in the trunk, but not enough to make the length work as a dress on a more flat-bootied girl. Nope. This is decidedly a tunic, and I like it that way. The zippers are fun–I would have hardware on every item of clothing (except my Juicy Couture velour pants, obvs) if I could. And the print is really subtle, but helps make the dress tunic more flattering.

So far, I’ve been really pleased with this batch. I am really happy I received a couple items I could pair together, too. Have you tried LeTote or Rent the Runway yet? Or maybe you’ve tried another rental group? Let me know what you think!

See you all in a couple days!

Love,

The Rentanista

I’m baaaaaack

OK, so I realize I forgot to post pictures of my outfits the last couple of weeks. I have a really good excuse: I was on my [belated] honeymoon. So, really it’s not so much an excuse as a humble brag that just turned into a brag.

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Do as the Mayans do

Like I said last time, the stylists have just been killing it. I’ve loved every item that’s come through, and feel like I have reason to wear each piece (before there was usually at least one item that sat aside). This week I’m even MORE excited. These were all waiting for me when I returned from my honeymoon, which made coming home slightly easier (and I missed my dog).

From LeTote:

I did manage to get in a couple pics from my last batch of clothes. Here’s from just post-surgery. I was wearing leggings constantly, and was dying to say:

But no one setup the joke…

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Noir Luxe Siberian City Scarf ($28 retail) and Nine West The Olympian Necklace ($26 retail) & Matty M Zonia Zippered Leggings ($78 retail)

That jacket tho…

BB Dakota Olivia Wrinkled Jacket ($98 retail)
RD Style Susan Zip Sweater Dress ($68 retail)
I. Madeline Pleather Henley Top ($58 retail)
Adia Kibur Snake Bracelet ($38 retail)
Gazel Zoe Necklace ($46 retail)

From Rent the Runway:

Times Arrow Mini Jo Tote ($695 retail)
Ella Carter Rev Ear Cuff ($65 retail)

And then there’s this. I think I was born to wear Helmut Lang.

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Helmut Lang Smoking Wool Tuxedo Blazer ($690 retail)

Also, if there are any DC runners reading, a group I volunteer with is doing a 5k in March. Sign up here, or see my fundraising page here. I’ll do a post about Bright Beginnings at some point, but if you believe every child deserves and education you should check it out.

This week I am back at it. Over vacay I feel like I really upped my selfie game, so pics of outfits will be…prolific. I’m also always posting on Instagram! #rentanista to see my outfits, and tag yours, too!

I’m back!!!

Love,
The Rentanista

Looking Cool Without Being Cold

My newest batch of clothes has arrived, and let me just say: I’m OBSESSED! To be honest, this may be my favorite batch yet. I’m wondering if it’s luck, or if it’s because I rate almost everything on the sites. This gives the magical people at LeTote and Rent the Runway insight on what fits, what doesn’t, and what you just don’t like. I think it’s especially important with LeTote, because they are sending more clothing than Rent the Runway.

And now, ladies and gents (though I’m guessing this is mostly ladies), here is my favorite batch of clothing and accessories yet!

From LeTote

Shilla Midnight Dress (retail $88)

I haven’t worn this one, yet, but check my Instagram feed, cause it may just make an appearance today!

Zonia Zippered Legging (retail $78)

I can’t stop wearing these. I love leggings so much. I feel like a toddler–no pants, just lots of leggings. But these are amazing and I’m a bit obsessed with any kind of hardware on my clothes.

Noir Luxe Siberian City Scarf (retail $28)

I keep wearing this one, as well. I love animal print, but I’m particularly loving this version. It’s not warm, per se, but it does help.

Nine West The Olympian (retail $26)

This necklace is the perfect “oops I need something to tie this together” piece. It’s simple and fits basically anyone’s style.

French Connection Romonov Top (retail $88)

This one was the only bummer. It didn’t fit. Like, husband-had-to-help-me-out-of-it didn’t fit.

From Rent the Runway

Times Arrow Mini Jo Tote (retail $695)

I haven’t used this one yet (mostly because I haven’t had time to switch over my purses since getting back from CA), but I’m pretty stoked. I think I have a thing for bulky handbags.

Helmut Lang Smoking Wool Tuxedo Blazer (retail $690)

I. Die. If I could sleep in this, I would. I mean, being able to wear Helmut Lang to work makes me feel super fabulous. And who doesn’t want to feel super fabulous?

Ca and Lou Faye All Over Earrings (retail $260)

These I meant to send back last round. They hurt my ears quite a bit. I’m pretty picky about earrings, and these just did not work for me.

I’m so excited. So many great pieces!!! I’ll put some outfits up soon, but if you want them in real-time follow me on Instagram!

Love,

The Rentanista