Looking Cool Without Being Cold

Posted on January 14, 2015January 14, 2015 by El Geeezy

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.

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.

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

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

The Staples: Pieces You Need to Make the Most of Your Rentals

Posted on January 11, 2015January 11, 2015 by El Geeezy

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!

*this is an utter lie

Big Sug’s Chill Bday Dinner

Posted on January 1, 2015January 1, 2015 by El Geeezy

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!

Adia K Sasha Dangle Earrings (retail $28)

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.

Gigi New York Navy Python Buckle Bag (retail $495)

I’m also wearing one of my favorite Black Friday purchases (!!!), this amazing pair of Poker Boots by Ash.

Ash ‘Poker’ Leather Boot (retail between $190-$350 depending on Nordstrom vs Bergdorf Goodman)

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

The Holidays: Renting Dresses for the Special Occasions

Posted on December 31, 2014December 31, 2014 by El Geeezy

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.

Until next year!!!

Love,
The Rentanista

Packing Like a Rentanista

Posted on December 24, 2014December 24, 2014 by El Geeezy

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.

BCBGeneration Crosby Crewneck Sweater (retail $78)

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)

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.

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/9f3/78903514/files/2014/12/img_0495.jpg — 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.”

Rentanista 2.0

Murdering Everything Like a Millennial

Rent the Runway