I was super excited when I ordered this top from Rent the Runway, because I thought it would be perfect for work.
Ava Drew Drape Blazer (retail $98)
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.
Waverly Grey Darby Top from Rent the Runway (retail $144)
Later that day I went to an improv show to see my husband perform. He’s basically the funniest man on Earth.
Shout out to my personal paparazzi Big Sug!
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.
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?
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).
It’s been a long winter. I am spending way more time thinking about what to wear than actually wearing any of it. It’s just too cold. I walk out of the house in leggings and a down overcoat, because I am hibernating. That’s how I’m referring to my new hermit status: hibernation.
While I hibernate I search the internet for things to wear in a month. I don’t watch a ton of TV, but when I do watch I watch for the clothes. I’m loving the looks on The Mindy Project. Her outfits are perfect for the young working woman–young, fun, and fairly professional.
Without further ado, here are three outfits of Mindy’s that I LOVE and some corresponding pieces from LeTote.
AG Adriano Goldschmied The Coated Biker Jacket (retail $295)
I have just started truly dressing down. And I don’t mean sweatpants and a baseball cap. I have just really started grasping the idea of being comfortable, but still looking polished. I love this easy-going and flattering look of Mindy’s.
BB Dakota Olivia Wrinkled Jacket (retail $98)
We all know how obsessed I am with this jacket.
Tart Delia Sweater (retail $88)
Geometric patterns are incredible. There is nothing like a geometric pattern to preppy up any outfit.
Theory Danvye Coat (retail $695)
I am really, really hoping LeTote sends me this one soon. I am so in love with this coat.
Sanctuary City Coat (retail $138)
Pair the coat with these fabulous earrings for the full-prep effect.
I am so for the sassy jumpsuit. EVERYONE: GET A SASSY JUMPSUIT.
Mindy’s Jumpsuit (no match given)
I haven’t tried this one, yet, but I have been running around in another one of their jumpsuits.
Eight Sixty Yaz Jumpsuit (retail $108)
And to get the Grecian Goddess effect
Gazel Aphrodite Necklace (retail $48)
I love that Mindy has a pretty definitive style, but she can be casual, preppy, and sexy. She is the perfect style icon for those looking for a cohesive look.
Who are your style inspirations? I want to hear them!
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!
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.
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…).
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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!
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!
Rentanista 2.0 