The year is 2019. It’s January. And I’ve started a new job; one that truly combines sales and marketing. They say half of the battle is showing up, but showing up while dressed for the occasion? I needed help. And the answer was Rent the Runway.
RTR saw me through many seasons of life. Dressing in ‘normal’ clothes got me through the pandemic. And when I returned to the road for work, I was ready to go. After I was identified an ‘Autumn’ I was able to search the throes of the database simply (but not always successfully). Going to class feltlike a runway, and being back on the road meant a need for comfortable dresses that could support a 12-hour day in Vegas.
But amongst all of this, something under the surface was quietly changing. I found myself yearning to build out my closet with unique pieces, things that I looked forward to wearing. I wanted pieces that felt like ME and not 100 other women (of course styling goes a long way nonetheless it felt more like a lot of repetition). Clothes that were, without a doubt, in my color season. Things that made me feel GREAT.
My RTR shipments slowly started bringing more stress than joy. I’d receive my 5 pieces and only 2 would fit. Sometimes, even getting to the5 pieces took hours out of my day on the app; I’d throw in a piece that was just ok because I wanted to try the rest. While home pick up is an option, the stress of leaving it out front and if someone would take it wasn’t worth it. I can’t walk to a UPS store and driving to one even though it only takes a few minutes out of my week felt annoying to schedule.
Two months ago, I questioned: is my tenure up? I hovered over the cancel button thinking, is this too extreme, are you sure? I stuck around with a discount code. Finally, my August shipment arrived: a dress I hated, silk pants that were too big, uncomfortable jeans, an Ulla Johnson top that was a little too tight (I have tried without fail and her clothes just do not fit me), AND very cool Simon Miller zebra flares that I considered keeping, however, upon sitting gave me extreme “Pants Tent” a la Curb Your Enthusiasm(like, extreme), and back they went.
As an ambassador for many years, I loved RTR. It served its purpose until it didn’t.
Sometimes I think we are on such autopilot we don’t take time to (re)evaluate things that are working or not. Sometimes they might be big, sometimes small; what is on autopilot for you right now that you may no longer need? For me, it was this. And after two weeks of saying goodbye, I feel first-world problem lighter and my headspace a bit more open, for things I truly love.
