Crystal's Reviews
All reviews by Crystal
TOP CONTRIBUTORTOP CONTRIBUTOR
15 reviews
I look like a sexy Jedi or something?
I cannot emphasize how much I love this dress. The cut is impeccable, like feels bespoke for my frame (yo Tibi, you sizing for petite frumpy ladies now?!), the fabric is thick and comfortable but also stretchy, the sleeves are extra but still fit in normal jacket armholes, IT HAS POCKETS, YOU CAN WEAR WHATEVER BRA YOUR HEART DESIRES, and the back button details are 10/10 fun. I wear a 2 (but can wear a 0 in a pinch) in Tibi and found this to be fully TTS. It has a nice stretch too! That said, I'd size up for backup since the whole upper part of the dress is held together with snap closures. I have enough room in my normal size that I am not worried about it (and my arms/shoulders are like, quasi-hulking?), but if I gambled on a 0 I could see that potential. The fabric is amazing. It looks fitted, but with the thickness of the fabric and the swingy a-line of the skirt, I am pretty sure I can take down 50% of a pizza in this and still look cute while I'm carb napping afterward. I wore it on a work day with client interaction, and it was great. On my petite frame this hits me mid-thigh, so it won't be as work-appropriate if you're taller. Styled it today with knee high boots, a trench and tortoiseshell earrings, but it'll be fun to wear with layered watches/bracelets and heels, or a leather moto, layered necklaces and booties--so many fun possibilities! It's the perfect canvas, but is also interesting enough that you don't need to worry too much if you don't have time to accessorize. I loved it so much, and buoyed by coworker compliments, I bought it :)
Ivory Bond Stretch Dress
Tibi
Size Worn: 2
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
So extra!
The bubblegum pink and cascading pleats make this shirt extra extra. I guess other reviewers aren't wrong when they say it's not flattering--but I still loved it, and for me it was more that it doesn't really show the body than that it looks bad. You could definitely eat a burrito in this top. I wore it to work with jeans and really stood out that day. That said, I work in a creative field. It's probably too much for a more conservative office. On fit, I normally wear a 2 or 4, but saw how wide and boxy it was, and gambled on a 0. It fit great throughout, except the biceps. But I have big guns (or lunchlady arms, depending on how you want to look at it) so more slender arm-havers are probably fine sizing down 1-2 sizes. If you're apprehensive about that, wear your normal as there is no stretch in this top. For underpinnings, the buttonholes are little loops that leave a tiny bit of gap, so I just wore pasties. The pleats also lay over the boob region, so I was fine with that coverage. People with larger busts might need to layer a tube top or tank underneath. For styling, It's a bit open at the bottom, but I revealed very little by pairing with high-waisted skinny jeans (I tried straight legged first, but the whole effect was a little too relaxed for my tastes). A slim high waisted trouser would look great; a skirt would be harder to pair, but a leather pencil mini would probably be really cute too!
Pink Pleated Sleeve Blouse
Prabal Gurung x RTR
Size Worn: 0
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
Little tight on the butt, but fun!
This is a good basic pair of boyfriend jeans with a fun hem. Contrary to every other pair of J Brands I've met, stretch is minimal. They're boyfriend jeans so it's fine, but the first few wears were pretty tight on my buttmeat/thighmeat/hip region: properly fitted at waist and thighs; and loose from the calves down. This is consistent with my body type (more hourglass-y) so I'd say it's TTS. I like the rise, the wash, and think they are fun with ankle boots. I'm also short so agree with other reviewers that it's an ankle crop if you aren't a tall lady. And! The lack of stretch discourages me from excess pizza, so that's good.
Wynne Crop Straight Jeans
J BRAND
Size Worn: 26
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
I felt super-hot in this top, which was weird since I am normally a Liz Lemon type
I rented this for a low-key new year's outing and loved it! The RTR employee helping me had rented it a few weeks ago and we were gushing over it. Other reviewers are right, it's pretty revealing. Since there are cutouts at the ribcage, I opted to go bra-less (the fabric is thick enough, and it's a snug fit, so I figured it was fine to skip. Also I have no boobs). The way the fabric crosses revealed a bit of my torso too, but just a small amount that I thought was flattering with higher-rise jeans. Re: fit, I pretty consistently wear a small and the small fit, though the sleeves were a little tight for me (in fairness, Pilates + a genetic tendency toward lunchlady arms means that shoulders/armholes are a common issue of mine). Otherwise, I thought it was snug but tts. I wouldn't recommend sizing up just because you want it to hug you--if it moves around, you might end up flashing more skin than intended.
Cross Panel Top
Rosetta Getty
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
Highlight was when I realized it was in fact TWO pieces
This is a really cute, desert-glam-ish dress that was perfect for a vacation through Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. I rented a 6, size or two above my normal 2-4 (because that's what the store had and it was floaty enough that I didn't think it mattered too much) and it fit fine. If you are familiar with Jason Wu fit, this dress will not surprise you. I didn't find it super flattering, but did note that it was capable of smuggling a burrito-induced food baby, which wins out imo. I cinched it with a belt for better fit AND fun. I liked this dress, and while cute, I didn't find it particularly stylish or fashion-forward, but I did enjoy it being a slip with a shell. I thought the slip was also cute on its own, FWIW. Not standout for me personally but it's a bit outside my normal style. Definitely good for a desert vacay!
Floral Stripe Mash Up Dress
Derek Lam 10 Crosby
Size Worn: 6
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
BEST DRESS!
This dress is delightful. It's intended to look a bit oversized so I rated it true to size, but really it's pretty generously cut--great if you're with child, or with food baby. The pleats are fun (even random guys in my office were commenting on them) and the sleeves are even better! They are dramatic, but also open at the cuff, so they don't get in the way of doing important things, like eating (did I emphasize that you can totally eat in this dress?). Material is very light and floaty, so I'd think of it as an Indian summer dress, with the darker color and sleeves. But since it's so floaty, beware wearing it in strong winds! On the subject of unintentional flashing, I'm 5'4 and if I raise my arms overhead, I do risk exposing a bit of my butt. I always wear shorties under my dresses so this is not a huge issue for me personally, but the length might be trickier on a taller lady. I could see styling this with flats and a jacket for a more casual party, or getting mad fancy with heels and statement jewelry for a formal event. The silhouette would also look great with a good pair of tall boots if you re feeling more casual. I took it from work to the symphony by styling it with gold ankle booties and a leather jacket for the day, and then switched out to a faux fur coat and earrings at night. Overall, kind of a pricey item but I will probably purchase because I love it so much. Thank you very much, RTR try-before-you-buy program.
Pleated Violetta Dress
Elizabeth and James
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
My new lazy pants!
I rented these because I wanted to jump on that track pants bandwagon (like YEARS late, don't judge) but they aren't my usual style. I'm not good-looking enough to pull off hypercasual lewks. So this was an experiment. ANYWAY, these are great, and they are casual while still being...trouser-y...enough that I don't feel I look dumpy in them. They're a great length for my petite-ish frame, and especially cute with loafers and slides. I don't like them with sneakers, or t-shirts, but for a myriad of probably irrational reasons, I rarely like those things on me to begin with. So this review has mostly been a therapy session for my body dysmorphia, but back to the topic at hand: these are fun/cheap and versatile, good for exploring a trend without investing too much. I knocked off a star because the fabric is pretty cheap and some loose threads on the side stripe started to show. Also, the elastic waistband is not the most flattering. But it's definitely worth renting if you have unlimited!
Ria Trousers
Habitual
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
Lovely, easy to style!
This is a romantic and versatile skirt that is very comfortable and a good length for my short stature (I'm 5'4" or so). I've worn it with various boots (ankle, knee high, otk), my leather jacket, sweaters, and cropped blouses, and even dressed it down with a pair of sneakers and a bodysuit recently (this is only notable for me because I almost never wear sneakers outside of an exercise environment. But moving on!). Because of the cut and dark color/floral print, it is pretty season-agnostic, which is good when you live in places like Northern California that don't really have seasons. I like it a lot as an everyday item ("everyday" has different connotations for different people--please note that I am pretty extra fashion-wise) and as such have worn it quite a bit, and even eventually decided to buy it when I realized it was taking up precious unlimited real estate. I only knocked off a star because it is pretty cheap material (it doesn't look super cheap, but it's not luxurious either--also it IS literally a pretty cheap item, so, no harm no foul), and I don't love that it's floaty but also has a thinner elastic waist; it makes it sort of unflattering when styled incorrectly, and prevents me from wearing a longer top where doing a full tuck would be the best option (although a half tucks does look ok for some reason). If you have the long graceful lines of a ballerina, this is probably not an issue, but if you are more hourglass-shaped and need to highlight your waist lest you look frumpy, it's something to keep in mind.
Emer Faux Wrap Ruffle Skirt
B Collection by Bobeau
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
TBH, can't figure out how to wear it
I rented this thinking it would be a cool accessory for the Odesza concert I was going to that night (the concert was outdoors, at night, after work on a Wednesday, so I couldn't go too crazy on my wardrobe choices). But it doesn't clasp in any obvious way (or at all?) so it kept slipping right off my neck. I never wore it past the SoulCycle locker room. There is a decent chance I was just too dense to figure out the mechanics of the necklace (idk guys, I work in advertising, and you don't usually get into that line of business because you're a supergenius). But it at least looked to my non-scientist brain like a bad user design.
Silver Peaked Fringe Collar
Eddie Borgo
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
You can eat a LOT in this dress
I wore this dress on a work trip to wine country (pictured with some blue velvet booties on a different day) and it was a good choice. I drank all day and the tent shape looked exactly the same at the end of the day. If you need to hide a food/wine baby (or, you know...an actual baby) this dress is great for that! OTOH, like all other things MGSM, there was no give and it was tight and restrictive under my arms (which I'd say are medium-framed. I am not very fine-boned, but overall am petite). Eventually, I just lowered the zipper by an inch to stay comfortable, because YOLO (by that I mean I did that because I was inebriated). Because this dress managed to be both too big and too small at the same time, I am going to say that it averages out to being TTS.
Blue Stripped Ruffle Dress
MSGM
Size Worn: 40
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
Who do these look good on? NOT ME
I love Opening Ceremony, and wanted to extend that love to these pants, but that was not happening. They dug in at the waist, yet somehow made me look like I was in my second trimester at the same darn time. On the bright side, they did bring my (normally unstoppable) stress eating to a screeching halt, because they were so aggressively unflattering on my frame and I didn't want any afternoon food babies on display. Are you long and lithe, like a beautiful swan? I bet you would look awesome in these. But not me!
Circle Ruffled Hemline Pants
Opening Ceremony
Size Worn: 4R
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
So fun!
This shirt was so fun with denim, gold booties, and festive fringe earrings (and you can see in my dumb, makeup-less selfie, sorry 'bout my face, y'all). As with all off-shoulder tops, it doesn't always stay put, but I'd still say it was above-average in that respect. The embroidery is heavy and it's maybe one of the most beautifully made pieces I've had the pleasure of wearing. It's very trendy and memorable, so not something I'd want to own, per se, but absolutely my favorite rental--and I have it enlisted for my next vacation!
Black Scallop Embroidered Top
AMUR
Size Worn: 2
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
I have had this for months now
I love this jacket. I LOVE IT. The floral details are just understated enough that it makes a great everyday jacket, but gives it a little extra something. The fit is everything I've ever wanted in a leather jacket. It's the year-round ideal weight for the climate I live in. With my pointed-toe black Rothy's and sunglasses, it even makes my post-workout errands look acceptably stylish (which--let's just be honest--is 80% of my weekend wear). I am basically just biding my time until I can spring for it, or until RTR self-righteously demands its return--whichever comes first.
Black Floral Leather Jacket
Parker
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
So sad when I had to give it back :(
I wore this several times while I had it and it pained me to give it back (but also, it was too expensive to keep). It is flattering (though a little short--whatever you pair it with needs to be at least mid-rise unless you feel comfortable exposing midsection. I don't mind a peek; why else am I doing pilates all the time, y'know?), versatile, and the sleeves offer a bit of dramatic flair. It feels and looks very well-made. I am planning to rent again for my next vacation!
Black Ruffle Cape Top
Viva Aviva
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B
Loved this so much, I bought it!
This is a casual and comfortable, true-to-size and stretch-free dress that is fun (because ruffled hems and polka dots!) and also so versatile (because neutral color palette!). Having had some time with it, I can confirm that it looks great styled a number of fun ways: To work with black tights, black patent oxfords, and a blazer; to a party that transitioned from day to night, with gold stilletto booties and a leather jacket; to dinner with velvet OTK boots and a long faux fur coat. And I have a few other ideas (like with distressed denim underneath!) that I have yet to try! Of course no item is perfect, so, a few notes: it's pretty short (then again, so am I). I cannot imagine wearing it comfortably if you are model-tall. Even I usually wear biker shorts underneath it just to be safe. It's sheer and unlined. You need a slip (even nude underwear will not save you) As someone who's a little hourglass-ish, it de-emphasizes my waist, and unfortunately, it looks weird belted. So while I still feel cute wearing it, it is not the most flattering thing I own. It's definitely worth considering if you want something that is fun and easy to style!
Dots Flounce Dress
byTiMo
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 2
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120lbs
Bust: 32B