Closet in the Cloud
As soon as I saw ads for Rent the Runway‘s “Closet in the Cloud” I loved the idea. So clever, I thought. We all know the trope of the fashionable urban woman who uses her kitchen as a closet. What about the woman who sees the possibilities in her closet and transforms it into something else – a recording studio, a library, an indoor garden?
Don’t get me wrong – I think we all know I am NOT that person. Every apartment I’ve lived in I’ve ‘expanded’ the closet (shoutout to the Container Store!). My current bedroom, in fact, is probably about 75% closet. But still, I loved the idea of a “closet in the cloud”.
Then one day, I got drunk and signed up on a whim. That’s not the full story, but that’s the crux of it. I was feeling guilty for having considered some fast fashion purchases earlier that day. Then I went to happy hour and got a good buzz going. Once at home, I opened up my computer and ended up signing up for Rent the Runway Unlimited.
After a month of using the “closet in the cloud” here’s my take:
Pros
Wearing REAL CLOTHES. Well-made clothing makes a difference. I could feel it on my body, and I could see it reflected back at me in the mirror. You know the saying, “the clothes makes the man”? In a sense, it’s true. Well-made clothing works with you and for you, instead of ignoring you; or worse – working against you. It holds you in, drapes and skims in the perfect places; it supports your body, highlights the best parts and contours the rest. It is possible to put on a single piece of clothing and to look and feel transformed.
I frequently got compliments on my RTR items, and I certainly felt more more put together.
This was also a great chance to test drive new brands. I tried a pair of Rebecca Taylor pants that I would probably never have considered, based on the price. In part because I don’t even like pants. They’re a necessary evil. But I loved these ones! I kept them as long as I could and wanted to buy them, but even with the RTR discount it was out of my range. That said, I’ve already started keeping a closer eye on the Rebecca Taylor brand. Expensive as the piece are, if I found something I truly loved I think it would be worth the splurge.
Cons
A lot of the clothing just wasn’t me. It was often fancier than what I desired. Some of it was my life – if I worked in a more formal office environment, or if I was someone who did fancy drinks after work. A lot of it wasn’t my life at all. It was sheath dresses, peplum tops, and other types of pieces that I just know don’t work for me; for my personality, my body, or my lifestyle.
Plus, RTR Unlimited costs nearly $200/month (monthly fee + tax). That was hard for me to stomach. It’s not that I never spend that much on clothing (ugh, I do). I just wasn’t wild about the idea of spending that much and having nothing to show for it. This certainly isn’t a money-saving proposition.
I also do Rocksbox, which I like because I can put the money I spend on the jewelry rental towards a piece of jewelry I love. With RTR however, the $200 doesn’t get me anything. Which is fine – I’m not saying I feel owed anything. It just makes the whole thing less palatable for me. I am a fanatical sale shopper, so when I allow myself to shop it’s not hard to spend less than $200; or, if I spend that much I probably have a fabulous piece and a great story to tell.
Conclusion
Rent the Runway Unlimited might be for you, if:
- You need to look really put together all the time
- You have a busy social period where you know you’ll need to step up your sartorial game for a few weeks
- $200/mo is a drop in the bucket compared to what you normally spend on clothing
If none of the above apply, and like me you work in an office without a dress code, or a social life to match, this probably isn’t the most cost-effective option for you.
One other thing I’d like to note. In the time that I finished my RTR Unlimited month and finished drafting this post. RTR has come up with a less expensive “Update” option. This comparison breaks down the difference between the two options.
What do you think about the “Closet in the Cloud”? Have you tried Rent the Runway’s Unlimited option? Would you try their new Update option? Have you used any other clothing rental services? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
Clothes pictured, from top:
- Derek Lam 10 Crosby, Soft White Dotted Top $395 retail
- Rebecca Taylor, Spring Ruffle Pants, $395 retail
- Alexis, Floral Danijela Top, $298 retail
- Badgley Mischka, Yellow Trapeze Dress, $395 retail
What's your opinion?