In recent years we’ve seen the Millennial Generation give rise to the sharing economy. No longer is ownership a hallmark of success. From ride-sharing services like Uber to streaming of music and entertainment, this group is forcing retailers to reevaluate the way they do business. Even automaker Porsche is piloting a $2000/month subscription service giving users access to a fleet of cars and SUVs that can be switched out on demand!
WHICH SERVICE SHOULD I TRY AND REVIEW? VOTE BELOW
On the fashion front, Rent the Runway kicked things off with a model that encouraged renting special occasion outfits for one time wear. They’ve since expanded to subscription services which encompass everything from formal wear to lounge wear and accessories. It wasn’t long before others decided to hop on board. Most recently the mall retailer Ann Taylor announced a new subscription based plan. Below is a summary of the most popular of these services and I’m hoping after reading that you’ll take the poll and help me decide which company I should try out!
All of the services listed include an option to buy an item you love at a discounted price. Typically these purchases are final sale only. Rentals include cleaning of all clothes and accessories rented. If you need to launder something yourself between wearings, most companies stipulate that it must be dry cleaned or hand washed.
Rent the Runway Unlimited
- $89/month – 4 piece per month plan, can not exchange until the next month, limited brands available
- $159/month – 4 piece per month plan, can swap any single piece or all four at any time, larger selection of brands available
- 20% off first month with code FIRSTRTR
- Free shipping both ways
- User selects the items in their virtual closet
- Wide variety of brands including premium labels like Vince, Milly, Joie, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, etc.
- Individual event-specific rentals also available
- May cancel by telephone or email
Le Tote
- $59: 3 garments and 2 accessories in every tote
- $69: 4 garments in every tote
- $79: 5 garments and 3 accessories in every tote
- Maternity
- $69: 3 garments and 2 accessories in every tote
- $79: 4 garments in every tote
- Maternity
- Wear & exchange as many times as you like within the month
- Free shipping both ways; must return FULL parcel unless buying
- Stylists select items to ship with final approval by client
- Brands used can be found at Shopbop, Lord & Taylor and Anthropologie
- No contract
The Ms. Collection
- $49/month – 3-4 everyday/casual looks plan
- $59/month – 3-4 business looks plan
- $113/month – 6 items combined everyday and business plan
- Wear & exchange as many times as you like within the month
- Free shipping both ways; must return FULL parcel unless buying
- A Ms. Collection stylist selects the pieces shipped
- Notable brands include Eliza J, Bobeau, Vince Camuto, Sanctuary
- Service for men also available
- Must pause or cancel subscription at least 3 days before billing date to avoid charges
Parcel 22
- $49.99/month – 3 garment, 2 accessories plan
- Wear & exchange as many times as you like within the month
- Free shipping both ways; must return FULL parcel unless buying
- User builds a virtual closet with looks they like but a stylist selects pieces that will ship. User does have the option to approve or swap out pieces before they are sent.
- Brands appear to be private label or lesser known brands, each box is valued between $150-175
- Must pause or cancel subscription at least 3 days before billing date to avoid charges
Infinite Style (Ann Taylor)
- $95/month – 3 garment plan
- Wear & exchange as many times as you like within the month
- Free shipping both ways; must return FULL parcel unless buying
- User selects the items in their virtual closet
- All clothes are from the Ann Taylor brand
- Call or email to cancel, cancellations are effective immediately and not prorated
New York & Company Closet (New York & Company)
- $49.95 – 3 garment plan
- Wear & exchange as many times as you like within the month
- Free shipping both ways; must return FULL parcel unless buying
- User selects the items in their virtual closet
- All clothes are from the New York & Company brand
- Call or email to cancel, cancellations are effective immediately and not prorated
If subscriptions intrigue you but renting does not, check out this post on Stitch Fix for another shopping alternative.
Let’s Hear from YOU!
Help me pick which rental service you’d like me to try and review! Poll closes Friday, October 27, 2017 at 6:30 AM.
Which Rental Program Should I Review for Natty Gal?
- Le Tote (50%, 2 Votes)
- Rent the Runway (25%, 1 Votes)
- Parcel 22 (25%, 1 Votes)
- The Ms. Collection (0%, 0 Votes)
- Infinite Style (Ann Taylor) (0%, 0 Votes)
- New York & Company Closet (New York & Company) (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 4
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Awe goodness, I wish I had gotten to this in time to vote! I’ve never tried one of these services, but I would do Rent the Runway or Ann Taylor. Although, I feel like Ann Taylor products are usually reasonable enough, especially with their regular sales, to purchase pieces.
Because you are so sweet I will go ahead and count your vote! Agree on Ann Taylor although also find it very interesting as a new business model for established retailers. They may draw in a new audience.