I realize we are already into 2019, but I thought it would be nice to round up my favorite Rent the Runway rentals of 2018. I’ve read a ton of other people’s 2019 goals and resolutions, and one thing that comes up again and again, is the idea of ‘cutting out clutter’, ‘streamlining your life’, ‘buying less’ etc. Renting my wardrobe has been one way to do that, and has honestly changed my life.
Before renting with Rent the Runway, I would want to take part in the fashion trends, but I couldn’t afford it (to keep up on this blog I have to have new things all the time!), so I would spend a ton of money at H&M, Zara, and ASOS. What I really wanted was designer pieces, but instead I ended up with things that were sort of…. half-ass versions of the trend. For the record, I don’t actually think some of things are worse quality than designer pieces… but that’s another post for another day.
After having my unlimited rental membership for over a year, I now can afford to buy nicer pieces like my favorite denim, instead of buying several less expensive pairs that don’t fit me as well. I also buy designer when it’s something I really want, and don’t feel bad about it. And I do two months a year with no shopping at all, July and January (that’s right- now!) and being able to rent makes it a lot easier to stomach. I know that seems like cheating, but all in over the year, I guarantee I spend less money on clothing than I used to, I have created far less waste, and my closet is a heck of a lot cleaner and more organized.
With that said, here are my top 10 favorite rentals of 2018!
These were my sunglasses of the summer, taking me everywhere from Nashville to Denver to NYFW. I found that they were the perfect flattering shape, and I mean… they’re *old* Celine. So yeah.
As for the Emma Cook dress, I realize it’s not for everyone, but I absolutely loved the graphic placed print, the bold black and white, and the bold yellow. It’s pretty short, so definitely not for the tall girls out there, but I just loved how I could rock it with sneakers or flats and still feel like total FASHUN.
3. Sea New York Green Ethno Combo Dress
This dress never made it officially on ‘the blog’ but was worn recently to several holiday outings, including a holiday party for my husband’s work, a mother/daughter outing in the city, and just around town. The shape is classic, but the mixed print scale and fabric is chic!
4. No. 21 Checked and Leopard Jacket
I’m not really sure why I like this so much, except for the fact that it’s warm without being stiff, and I love bright color and prints in winter when everyone is wearing boring black. Totally a practical rental that you will want to hang on to!
5. Keepsake Headlines Mini Dress
This was the perfect dress to wear to a wedding, several months post baby. I was not fully back to the size I wanted, but almost there, and this dress gave me the curves and shape I needed. Although it didn’t work for breastfeeding, it was my first night away from Marina so for once I took advantage! I received nonstop compliments for the color, scale of the lace and ruffles.
6. Cedric Charlier Multi Colorblock Sweatshirt
This fun sweatshirt was an easy way to be comfortable on the plane, hanging with Marina and doing errands, without looking like an athleisure bum. I love the bright colors and wish I had kept it for longer! Note the sunglasses…
7. Joanna Laura Constantine Rainbow Grommet Earrings
These earrings are fun fun fun. I always to rent them again, as they go with everything, and they are high quality so they don’t look like you picked them up in the children’s aisle. I think they make a t-shirt and jeans look glam!
8. Boutique Moschino Ruffle Dotted Midi Dress
This is just the most comfortable and flattering dress (second only to the one below). The dot print is quirky and it cane be dressed up or down. And I love the lightweight fabric and spaghetti straps- not something I usually buy but was fantastic for breastfeeding!
9. Free People Superstar Button Down
Just to continue the trend of pregnancy stuff, I rented this shirt when I first found out I was pregnant (below) and held on to it for the entirety of my pregnancy. It has a giant star on the back, huge pockets when you can discreetly cradle your burgeoning belly, and looks great with jeans and leggings. It was definitely a staple of my pregnancy wardrobe!
10. Carolina K Blue Alexa Maxi
Saved the best for last! So nice I rented it twice… then kept it for good (buying it at a fantastic Rent the Runway discount!). I wore this dress for so many occasions this year that you would think I would be sick of it, but honestly the opposite is true. I wore it to a rehearsal dinner, to a dinner on the beach, on the plane, to mini golf, over and on my pregnant and postpartum belly (the waist is stretchy). Its even easy for breastfeeding. It’s my favorite dress of all time and I bought it used from RTR for 70% off, because I know I will want to reach for it again and again!
