Earlier this week I showed off my favorite fabulous metallic sweatshirt all dressed up for brunch.
Today, I’m dressing it down.
I love how the this bag adds a pop of color, and dresses up the outfit for a sneaky fabulous look for my weekly coffee date with Big Sug.
Saturdays are meant for comfort. They are coincidentally the best day ever.
Wishing it were Saturday!
Love,
The Rentanista
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.
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.
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.
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)…
Love,
The Rentanista
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
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.
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).
I covet this purse so hard. I don’t know what it is about Loeffler Randall, but I cannot get enough!
Next up: Mindy’s black and blue jacket.
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.
And then we have my favorite. I think you’ve all figured out my undying love for leather jackets. It’s undying.
I love the mix of anything rock ‘n’ roll with something feminine.
And I also love quilted everything. Maybe not quilted pants…but then again, I could be pleasantly surprised.
I hope you’re as inspired as me!
Love,
The Rentanista
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:
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.
On LeTote they have this jumpsuit styled with a button up shirt underneath. I am weirdly excited to try it.
From Rent the Runway:
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
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
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?
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
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
I haven’t worn this one, yet, but check my Instagram feed, cause it may just make an appearance today!
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.
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.
This necklace is the perfect “oops I need something to tie this together” piece. It’s simple and fits basically anyone’s style.
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
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.
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?
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
In mid-December, my fabulous husband had a birthday. It was a pretty generic birthday (30 something), so he was looking forward to not celebrating. Too bad. He’s too loved. He got a dinner with his wife and then a dinner and a party with friends.
I decided that it was the perfect night to try out these rocker earrings from LeTote. They were SO fun!
I also used this opportunity to exercise my first amendment rights by simultaneously wearing navy (the handbag) and black (the outfit). It’s a bit rebellious, I know. But I like to live on the edge. Handbag is from Rent the Runway.
I’m also wearing one of my favorite Black Friday purchases (!!!), this amazing pair of Poker Boots by Ash.
This look was perfect for a chill evening with Big Sug. It as warm (with a coat over), comfy, and allowed for us to walk leisurely to and from dinner (which is one of our favorite activities). All in all, this was a delightful way to share my wonderful husband’s birthday together!!!
Love,
The Rentanista
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.
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!
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.
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.”
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?
And here’s what I got from Rent the Runway:
I have a crush on Ben-Amun.
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!
Rentanista 2.0 