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
If I’m going to be up and dressed for an 11am brunch, you can bet I’m going to load up on the sparkle.
This look is actually comprised mostly of pieces I already own. This metallic J Crew sweatshirt was a gift from one of my favorite people ever.
I finished the look with a gorgeous necklace from Rent the Runway.
Comfy, classic, and full of sparkly. Basically two of the three ways I want to be remembered. 💎💎💎
Love,
The Rentanista
I was super excited when I ordered this top from Rent the Runway, because I thought it would be perfect for work.
I got a little wild and wore black pants and a blue blazer. High school LG would be pretty upset with me. Grown up LG loves how the shirt ties it all together.
Later that day I went to an improv show to see my husband perform. He’s basically the funniest man on Earth.
I loved the look of the semi-dressy top with distressed jeans and sandals.
Anything with a dual purpose is good in my book! Like chopsticks: perfect skewers for hot dogs if you’re avoiding carbs. The more you know.
Until next time ❤️❤️❤️
Love,
The Rentanista
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:
From Rent the Runway:
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
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
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
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!
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).
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
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
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.
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
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!
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).
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 