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?
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 😎😎😎.
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!
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).
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.
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.
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).
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…
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)
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
For Christmas this year I decided to rent a special dress. I loved this dress so much. The high-low was subtle, the fabric was great (though the sequins in the bodice were uncomfortable).
And now, the fabulous ML Monique Lhuillier Back Down Dress.
ML Monique Lhuillier Back Down Dress (retail $498)
I paired the dress with the Ella Carter necklace I received in my last batch of Unlimited items from Rent the Runway.
Also, included are my favorite Capezio tights. Yes, they are for dancers. Yes, they are a little pricier than some tights. And yes, they are worth it. I rip every pair of tights I own. The difference here is that it’ll take me a couple years to rip my Capezios. I am also wearing my favorite black pumps by Guess (and they’re on sale at Nordstrom Rack!!! I picked them up at Bloomingdales a year ago). Who would have thought Guess had such fabulous pumps, but I have these in black and nude because they look great and are super comfy. And of course it’s all tied together with a black Ann Taylor cardigan. Cause of course.
Disclaimer: I wound up changing. I usually don’t when posting here, but it became quickly evident that being a Christmas glutton would be out of the picture in this dress.
I was going to do a post on my NYE rental outfit (this romper), but had a little medical emergency and won’t make it make to DC in time. So instead, enjoy my “hospital chic” look (Big Sug pointed out that the gown looks like Brooks Brothers meets ER with its slight pinstripe and shield accents).
I’m totally fine now, just a small surgery so I can’t fly. Because of course that would happen to me.
Last night was my office holiday party. I went with the JOA Third Dimension dress. I loved the print! The dress felt a bit short, but I think the flare at the bottom made it feel shorter than it actually was. It’s not my usual cut, but I’m glad I took it for a spin. I also wore those crazy Ben-Amun One Love Hoops. Turns out they’re clip-ons. So…they hurt!!! But they were so fun, so I wore them. As promised, here is my look!
JOA Third Dimension Dress ($98 retail)
Ben-Amun One Love Hoops ($180 retail)
Bonus!!! Tonight was my most fabulous friend/bridesmaid/brunch husband’s (Christian’s) Christmas Party. I loved getting to wear the BCBGeneration peplum top. I paired it with a neutral pencil skirt, black tights, pumps, a faux fur coat, pearl headband, and elbow length mittens (that started normally, I know, and then it’s like BAM faux fur coat).
BCBGeneration Paula Peplum Blouse ($68 retail)
I love having the rotating accessories, but I’m also really enjoying the clothes. I cannot wait to play around with what I get next. It’s so fun to step out of my comfort zone–I mean, I LOVED wearing peplum for the first time.
You guys (gals…?)! My pieces have arrived from LeTote and Rent the Runway, and I could not be more excited about this batch! With my office Holiday party coming up I was really hoping for at least one good piece to wear. Lo and behold, I have options! EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!
My options from LeTote include the most adorable sweater dress ever, a peplum top (I have yet to try out a peplum top), a pullover top that is EXACTLY my style, a funky pair of earrings, and a bracelet that I’m dying for. Do I have a bracelet addiction?
JOA Third Dimension Dress
BCBGeneration Paula Peplum BlouseKensie Brannan Pullover
Adia K Nadia Arrowhead BraceletAdia K Sasha Dangle Earrings
Bag look familiar? It’s basically the same as the Gigi New York Blue Hayden Satchel I had last week. I laughed when I got it (“didn’t I JUST send this back???”). I will say, though, that I like the python better, and this deep shade of blue is much more me.
You’ll notice I only have 2 items from Rent the Runway. I kept this necklace a little longer than one cycle, because I just loved it so much.
I’ll show you the look I came up with tomorrow. And I’m so excited to show y’all the updates I’m doing to the apartment we rent in DC (all cleared with the landlord!). Check back tomorrow!
I love having the rotating accessories, but I’m also really enjoying the clothes. I cannot wait to play around with what I get next. It’s so fun to step out of my comfort zone–I mean, I LOVED wearing peplum for the first time.
Rentanista 2.0 