beauty and fashion

Last summer, I discovered something that truly changed my life. It was so simple, yet also the perfect summation of everything that was missing from my wardrobe. It’s flattering, versatile, the perfect cut, comfortable, and most importantly, incredibly affordable.So Jess, what the heck is it?! It is Target’s A New Day Ribbed Tank. The obsession started when I purchased just two tanks—but, by the end of summer, I owned six. I am telling you: that’s how good they are. Many of our editors also own them, and they all own more than one. You just have to trust us that once you put it on, you’ll never want to wear another tank again. 
Although this tank is a summer wardrobe staple, I managed to continue to wear mine all through fall and winter by layering them with sweaters, cardigans, and jackets—proving that it is truly the most versatile piece in my closet.

Now fast forward to last week, and something appeared on my “For You” page on TikTok that made me audibly gasp. There it was, the famous Target tank, back and better than ever—not only in a ton of new solid colors, but also in TIE-DYE (!!!!). I sent the TikTok to my coworkers faster than I could even say “pastel tie-dye.” 

As if all of that wasn’t amazing enough, it also comes in sizes XS-4X, is available in 14 colors, and is currently on sale for $4. Yes, $4. Less than the price of a Grande Cold Brew. Stock up now before they sell out! 
Get your credit card ready, because you’re going to want one in every single color:

Source: Keely Geist

Source: Abigail Yonker

Source: Jessica Welsh More

If you thought you were coming to read an article in which I wax poetic about the benefits of drinking water, changing your pillowcase, and cleaning your makeup brushes, think again. If you’re reading this, I have too much admiration for you to say the same things we’ve all heard a million times. You’re a beauty lover, and taking care of your skin is likely something you already do on a regular basis. The last thing you want to read is the same old, amateur lines about spreading bacteria all over your face and yada yada. But that doesn’t mean you’re doing everything right, and there might be a few habits you’ve come way too accustomed to that are actually hurting your skin and sabotaging your ability to achieve the glistening, clear, and bright skin of your dreams. 

1. Using the same hand towel you use all day to dry your face at night
Thanks to COVID, you’re likely washing your hands more than ever before, meaning the hand towel hanging up in your bathroom gets used a lot. Just because you’re wiping your clean hands on it all day doesn’t mean that’s the only way you’re using it, and who’s to say it hasn’t picked up something gross along the way (it is sitting in the bathroom after all). Instead, opt for a microfiber or muslin cloth towel that you used specifically for your face. I also swear by keeping a few reusable cotton pads laying around because I can use those to lightly dry my face as well. 
However, don’t underestimate the power of applying the rest of your skincare routine to damp skin. Many products, especially hyaluronic acid, cling to water and are significantly more effective when applied to damp skin. 

2. Using a loofah
After a long discussion with our team and a few friends recently, many of us are still washing our bodies with loofahs. Not to be harsh, but that’s disgusting, y’all. You don’t need to exfoliate your body every single time you shower, and if you want to exfoliate, you’re better off using a scrub because you don’t have to worry about replacing it constantly like you would an exfoliating glove or loofah. If you’re craving the exfoliation, use a washcloth that you can wash often (I always recommend white because you can bleach them!) and keep clean. But truly, your hands suffice to keep you as clean as you need to be.

3. Not making sure your ingredients work together
Researching the ingredients of the skincare products you put on your face is a lot more necessary than you think. When influencers and companies and even your friends are constantly sharing the products they swear by, it’s easy to think, “Wow, I will just buy it all, and then I’ll have amazing skin!” But that’s not necessarily the case. For one, having a stockpile of 1 million products in your arsenal can make it extremely different to develop a solid routine, but it also means you have to apply them in a specific order. Certain acids and skincare ingredients play really well together (for example, vitamin C and ferulic acid or vitamin C and sunscreen), but others you should avoid because they can either decrease the efficacy of a product or cause major irritation (like retinol and AHAs). 

4. Exfoliating too much
Retinol, AHA, BHA, bakuchiol–the skincare industry has inundated us with options to exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal brighter, healthier skin. But skincare enthusiasts want to try it all, which can often lead to exfoliating the skin, leaving it dehydrated and irritated. Our faces don’t need exfoliated that much–1-2 times a week should be plenty enough. Smaller percentages that are meant for daily use are OK, but any product that has “exfoliator,” “peel,” or “resurfacing” shouldn’t be used any more than that 1-2 times a week mark. Make sure you spread the days out too–I recently adopted the model of “Self-Care Sunday” and “Wine Wednesday” thanks to a skincare consultation, and I always know those are the nights I use peels and heavy acids. 
You should also keep this in mind if you use a retinol or tretinoin product. You should never use retinol the same night as a peel or another acid, and if you notice dryness, you should skip one night between each. Retinol is one of the most exfoliating, retexturizing products on the market, meaning it’s pretty easy to over-exfoliate with it.

5. Not washing your duvet or comforter enough
Look, I know I said I wouldn’t tell you about your pillowcase, but this is truly one that everyone needs a reminder about. Many of us sleep with our comforter pulled up close to our faces and that can easily get as gross as your pillowcase. Again, I love white (even more than just for the aesthetic) because it’s easy to bleach and clean. 

6. Putting heavy coverage all over your entire face instead of just where you need it
Your makeup application could have a major impact on the clarity of your skin. Now, don’t get me wrong, a full-coverage look is going to happen sometimes; that’s just the life of a makeup lover. But on a normal day-to-day basis, you can focus on covering the areas you’d like with that heavy coverage, and either thinning it out (mix it with a moisturizer or apply it lightly with a sponge) or skipping it at all in the areas that don’t need it. No one’s skin is entirely covered in spots or imperfections; there’s no reason your entire face needs to be constantly covered by thick coverage. 

7. Using a drying concealer to cover acne
What looks better to you: a really dry, crusty zit you can see a mile away because the concealer on top is so thick it’s the size of a second pimple, or a lighter coverage that hydrates the skin without maybe covering every single speck of the zit? I’m always choosing the latter, and your skin likes it too. As the mid-2000s mom classically said, “We have to dry the pimples out!” is simply not true. Yes, it helps the pimple reduce in size and disappear, but that isn’t the same when it comes to makeup. Keeping that skin hydrated might help your acne heal faster and can reduce the scarring that might occur. Plus, it simply looks so much better. Letting your real texture–acne and all–show versus covering your face in massive amounts of foundation is a major 2021 vibe.

8. Not washing your tanning mitt
If you self-tan, you need to wash your tanning mitt. Just like the whole monologue about using a loofah or the same washcloth all day long, your tanning mitt can easily get gunked up with dead skin, leftover tanner, and so much more gross stuff. I swear by using an old black sock to self-tan over a mitt because, yet again, it’s so easy to clean, but if you love a mitt, hand wash it with warm water and a little bit of gentle soap.

9. Popping pimples with your fingers
I’m not a preacher, so I won’t sit here and act like I never pop pimples. Heck, I’m Dr. Pimple Popper’s biggest fan. But there are some dos and don’ts to effectively popping a zit, and my #1 tip is to never use your fingers, especially your fingernails. The countless times I’ve made cuts from my fingernails or spread bacteria and made the spot even angrier and redder than before made me finally stop and switch to only popping zits with a tool or the gentlest trick: using two cotton swabs. 
Also, don’t absolutely murder the zit. If a little comes out but not everything (what a lovely image I’ve put into all of our heads!), apply a drying lotion and move on until it’s ready again. You’ll minimize scarring, irritation, and overall stress levels.  More

In our office, we all have pretty different style. Some of our editors gravitate toward trendier pieces while other remain as classic as possible, but there’s one store we all love equally: Madewell.You might remember a few months ago, Madewell had a super-secret sale with deals we literally thought were too good to be true. And in a gift from the fashion gods, the sale is back, this time with winter pieces all at incredible prices (cashmere sweaters for $40?! Unheard of).
Upgrade your 2021 wardrobe with these pieces before they sell out:

hurry, this won’t last long More

Whether you’re celebrating it or completely ignoring its presence, it’s a brand-spankin’ new, shiny year. And while it doesn’t exactly look different than the last just yet, in my opinion, the difference is that there feels, somehow, like there’s more to look forward to in 2021—and one of those things is dressing in absolutely anything (anything!) that isn’t a groufit.Sure, it’s still getting dark at 4 p.m. and winter is really only just beginning, but 2021 is bringing us new color trends that feel anything but dull and dreary. And whether you’re wearing them for your couch or on an extra-long walk to Starbucks, they’re pretty much guaranteed to brighten up any outfit and pull you out of any wardrobe rut you might be in (and aren’t we all in one?).
Have some fun, put away your neutrals, and add one of these pieces to your closet shelves.

1. Light Green

If you go on any store’s website right now, odds are one of the first things you’ll see are bursts of a light, fresh green. While sage and olive were all the rage for fall and winter, their brighter cousin is coming onto the scene for 2021.

2. Pastel Yellow

It’s no surprise that a variation of Pantone’s color of the year, “Illuminating,” has already made its sunny way into stores, and getting a glimpse of it makes us crave the brighter days ahead. A light yellow blazer? Sign us up.

3. Lavender

Sure, this might be the color your bedroom was when you were 12, but we’re all adults here, which means lavender can actually be done right. Has anyone ever felt sad when wearing this color? I say not.

4. Mid-Tone Brown

If the pastels are too much for you to wrap your head around just yet, you can hop onto a color trend by opting for a neutral, mid-tone brown. It’s flattering on just about any skin tone and is a step up from the creams and beiges of seasons past.

5. Cornflower Blue

If this color doesn’t make you look forward to spring days, I frankly don’t know what will. The airy, easy-to-style hue is an upgraded-but-still-tame addition to any wardrobe.

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Having all of this time on my hands has encouraged me to delve into new hobbies. I started bullet journaling—complete with fancy pens and highlighters. I started doing my own manicures. I took a leadership class on Skillshare. And I’ve gotten neck-deep in skincare.Now, listen: I know I say the same “I’m lazy about skincare” line in every story like this, and it’s true. But I’ve always enjoyed it, nonetheless. I like knowing about what can make our skin tick, from what products and ingredients to use for different skin concerns to what’s trending in dermatologist offices, Sephora, and more. I might be more of a makeup girl, but any and all beauty products give me the buzz of excitement most people can only dream of. All of this to say, my skincare habits have definitely changed within the last few months, not only to keep up with stress acne, but as self-care in the morning and at the end of a long day.
While making my dream skincare routine (which yes, I did put in my previously-stated bullet journal) a few months ago, I wanted to add a higher-potency vitamin C product to my morning routine. I had been using one from Dr. Loretta to ease into it, but I was ready to try something that would tackle my hyperpigmentation and dullness with a little more vigor. Maelove’s hero product, The Glow Maker Serum, stood out to me immediately.

If you’ve lusted after some of the most popular vitamin C serums (Skinceuticals C E Ferulic and Ole Henrikson Truth Serum, for example), they all have a few things in common: a high vitamin C content with the addition of vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. Oh, and they’re all expensive AF. Maelove’s formula? It has all of those buzzy ingredients with a price tag under $30. 

I’ve been using it pretty much daily (laziness doesn’t just go away overnight, people) for two months now, and I see all the hype and more. There’s a reason this product goes in and out of stock constantly: it works. 
Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic Acid are a common pair in skincare—but why? In a 2005 study from Duke University Medical Center, ferulic acid paired with 15 percent L-ascorbic acid (AKA vitamin C) and 1 percent alpha-tocopherol (a type of vitamin E) “improved chemical stability and doubled photoprotection.” Other studies, such as one from Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology in 2007, suggest that vitamin C and E are “synergistic,” meaning they work best when put together. Basically, all of this science-jargon to say: there’s weight in using these ingredients together, and the Maelove serum combines it all right there for you. 
My skin has broken out on and off since I started using it (thanks, Retin-A!), but my scars are fading much faster than usual. My skin also feels smoother and just overall clearer—I might have a few active zits, but my face has clarity and looks brighter. My morning skincare routine is pretty bare-bones, but I still feel like my skin is prepped and ready for makeup or to just look good on its own. 
After cleansing in the morning, I pat Glow Maker on my skin with my fingertips. It has a really thin, liquid consistency that goes on easily. It does make my face quite tacky, but once I apply moisturizer, that goes away. I immediately wash my hands because the vitamin C stains your palms almost like a self-tanner would. Then, I go over it with a moisturizer and sunscreen, and I’m good for the day!
As far as the scent, I don’t notice it and find it to be very mild on the spectrum of horrible-smelling vitamin C serums.

How it looks on the skin with a little moisturizer—this product has hyaluronic acid as well, so it really plumps the skin and makes it look VERY glowy (hence, Glow Maker). 

It’s rare for me to like every single thing about a product (I’m a little critical, what can I say), but I really have no complaints about this serum. I’ve been pining after the Skinceuticals since my dermatologist recommended it, but the $166 price tag just isn’t in my budget. This Maelove serum has a really similar ingredient list for a mere quarter of the price. With over 6,300 reviews (most of them five stars!), many say it works as well if not better than the one over five times the price. With free shipping and returns, I mean, you really can’t go wrong.  More

I feel that I can’t begin this article without a little bit of honesty: for a period of my life, I was not a fan of Hailey Bieber. If you asked around my office, I’m sure my coworkers would go as far as saying I was actually a Hailey Bieber hater. But some things are undeniable, and over time, I realized that one of those things is—whether you like her or not—that Hailey Bieber has incredible style.Time and time again, I’d see picture of her that actually inspired me; an oversized coat, cropped tee, and sneakers? Why wasn’t that what I was wearing every single day? Why wasn’t I only leaving the house in a slicked-back bun and cat eye sunglasses? How could I possibly embody this effortless chicness that she seemingly has? I’m a woman who gives credit where credit is due, and Hailey Bieber (and her stylists) deserve a hefty amount of it.
No, we aren’t all models with cheekbones you could see from 100 yards away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t replicate the most iconic looks of someone who is. Want to start the year with some style inspiration? Look no further.

1. The upgraded matching sweater set

Source: Beretta/​Sims/​Shutterstock

Is this super practical at this point in time? Perhaps not, but it’s officially on my mood board to wear at some point of 2021. I’ve seen many a sweater midi skirts paired with matching cropped cardigans, but never with one that’s delightfully oversized. Combined with knee-high boots in the same hue and a tan cami? It’s as close as you could get to perfection. 

2. The out-of-the-box trench

Source: RHTY/​starmaxinc.com/​Shutterstock

I definitely didn’t think that at any point in 2021 I’d be vying for any pair of pants that could be described as “khaki,” but this look has them on my list. This incredible brown, croc-effect trench is surprisingly easy to find a dupe for, and paired with white sneakers and a cropped tee, it’s able to keep the spotlight without feeling too overdone. The yellow bag to top it off? Genius.

3. The perfectly styled cardigan

Source: Broadimage/​Shutterstock

By now, most of us probably have some version of a cardigan in our wardrobes, and if you’re looking for a new way to style it, this long-jean-and-Western-belt combo is where to start. Top it off with heeled sandals, a woven bag (on a budget), and round sunglasses.

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4. The elevated loungewear look

Source: SMXRF/Star Max / Getty

How to style your sweats this winter? With an oversized wool coat, chunky sneakers, and cat-eye sunglasses. Wear it and feel like a celebrity who’s acting like they don’t want to be spotted by paparazzi but actually does.

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5. The “I just threw this on” look

Source: Adrian Edwards | Getty Images

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It might not be anyone’s first instinct to style knee-high boots with baggier jeans, but this gives us every reason to want to try it. Top it off with a crewneck sweater and oversized biker jacket and you’ve got yourself a look.

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6. The first thing we’re going to wear when we’re back in the office

Source: Broadimage/​Shutterstock

With all the blazers we’ve accumulated over the past few seasons, we’re always looking for new ways to style them, and this just might be our new office uniform. These longer jeans and heeled sandals bring a new spin to the black blazer and tan sweater up top, and as always, a sleek bun and sunglasses top it off seamlessly.

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7. A fun day-off uniform

Source: Photo by Broadimage/Shutterstock

Orange bike shorts? She went there, and we’re here for it. Paired with sporty slides, a cropped grey shirt, and gold accessories, it’s the perfect, casual day-off look for spring.

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It can be difficult to let go of pretty little things that once made your heart flutter. The sparkly sheath you wore on NYE ’12, which soon felt the wrath of champagne overfloweth and a rambunctious dance floor. Worn-down denim that once were favorites, but have since retired to the back abyss of the closet. The pair of gorgeous heels scored during a massive sale that have yet to leave the shoebox due to being a half-size too small. But hey, you never know—feet may randomly shrink overnight, right?On the other hand, justifying keeping pieces you no longer need—particularly ones that involve hard-earned money or sentiment—is easy. Plus, let’s be real: there are plenty of other, more appealing ways to spend a Saturday than sorting through clothing and shoes. Yet when closet space fails to expand correspondingly to a growing wardrobe or the thought “I have nothing to wear” persistently runs through your mind despite an overly stuffed dresser, it’s time to assess which items still fit, in terms of size and style.
First step? Steely resolve. Clear time in your schedule to really get down to the nitty-gritty of purging what you no longer wear. Dedicate a hefty chunk of the day to go through every single item in your wardrobe, while keeping in mind you will need additional time for the follow-up duties (e.g., driving to the post office to mail out packages or dropping off bags brimming with clothing at a local charity). Or, if the idea of tackling everything in one fell swoop is terrifyingly overwhelming: divide and conquer. Sort through your shoes one day, followed by tops and outerwear the following weekend.

As you scrutinize each piece, ask yourself the 7 following questions:
Does this fit?
Have I worn this in the last 12 months?
Is it likely I will ever wear this again?
Is this currently in style, and/or does this still accurately represent my style?
If this is damaged in any way (e.g., piling, rips, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, fading, etc.), will I actually make the effort to get this repaired in the near future?
If I was shopping right now, would I buy this?
And most importantly: Do I feel confident when I wear this?
If you answer a firm “no” to any of the above, it’s time to say sayonara and decide whether to sell, donate, swap, or toss the item.

Option 1: Sell
When balling on a budget, it’s typically not financially possible to get rid of a mass amount of clothing and shoes and then immediately purchase brand new replacements (alas, a girl can only dream). Particularly when the items in question are still in style, brand new, or just gently used, selling through a third party business is a way to make profit with ease.
Besides going the classic route of selling goods on eBay, there has been a more recent, thriving emergence of social marketplaces for buying and selling fashion. Each online community provides a streamlined experience, guiding users step by step. Simply list your items, ship them out to buyers when sold, and then earn money or credit toward your own on-site purchases.
One of our favorites is Poshmark, which has a 20 percent commission fee, flaunts Pinterest-like boards, and hosts virtual “Posh Parties” for users to list, browse, and buy with friends. 
READ: 9 Places to Sell Your Clothing for Cash

Option 2: Donate
Consider donating unwanted items that are still in good condition to those who could truly use them. In addition to Goodwill Industries International, Inc. and The Salvation Army, there are many worthy, not-for-profit institutions that appreciate your help.

Dress for Success sponsors the financial independence of disadvantaged women, providing not only support and career development tools but also professional attire. They ask for new or nearly-new and cleaned interview-appropriate attire. Find your closest Dress for Success location here.

Pick Up Please is a national nonprofit organization that concentrates its efforts on American veterans and their families. It asks for all clothing styles, regardless of current trends, and will even conveniently pick up donations from your home.

Still have your dresses from prom or evening wear that could be appropriate for a high school dance? Check out the Cinderella Project or Becca’s Closet. They collect surplus gowns and accessories and allocate them to disadvantaged girls. The Cinderella Project explains that all young girls should be able to experience prom’s special rite of passage, no matter the personal or financial circumstance.

Local homeless shelters, battered women’s shelters, community outreach centers and thrift stores are also constantly in need. Women’s Shelters is a nationwide directory that offers listings of various female-oriented services, which is particularly useful if you would like to donate in person and simplify the distribution process.

If wary about donating, we recommend using tools such as Charity Navigator and Charity Watch to thoroughly evaluate organizations and quell any concerns.

Option 3: Swap
Outside of websites in which you sell and buy clothing, there are also ones that encourage “swapping” instead. Try a site like Swap Society or check for Facebook for local swap groups.
Play hostess for a swapping party of making one girl’s trash another one’s treasure. It’s enjoyable to see how something that no longer strikes your fancy can make someone else ecstatic with retail-induced delight.

Option 4: Trash
This option hardly warrants an explanation. Nevertheless, think of it this way: If you personally would not want the item due to substantial tears, stains or scuffs, throw the item in the trash pile rather than the sell, donate or swap piles. However, if a broken zipper or a missing button is behind the deliberation, consider getting the minor flaw corrected and then weigh out all of your options once more.
For items that still don’t quite match any of the aforesaid routes, such as a teetering stack of T-shirts from high school soccer, Greek social events and the like, keep a few for nostalgia’s sake — but you probably don’t need an entire drawer full of them. Upcycle the remainder into cleaning rags or perhaps create a cozy and sentimental DIY quilt out of T-shirt squares.

How are you cleaning out your closet this year? Share your tips below! More

Let’s start with the problem: I never have enough closet space. No matter how many times I’ve tried to Marie Kondo my wardrobe, I still end up with overflowing drawers and negative hanging space. Not to mention, as an apartment-dwelling millennial, my knack for constantly amassing stuff is a point of anxiety that imposes upon my dreams of minimalism.  (Side note: I’ll never be a minimalist—I shop way too much—but a girl can dream, right?) At the beginning of 2020, my best friends and I got together for our first girls’ trip of that year. As we dressed for post-Rumble brunch, one of my besties put on the most expensive-looking blouse. (It should be noted that said friend always succeeds at being bougie on a budget; she’s an icon.) We looked at the label and then back at her, astounded, because we knew she did not drop the $500 cost on a top. That’s when she told us her secret: rental services.  She explained that they’re perfect for curating a closet that you don’t have to move from destination to destination and that they empower you to design your wardrobe around events and travel plans. Consider me sold. 
I’ve always heard good things about closet rental services, but have never thought they were for me. Maybe it’s the older sibling in me talking, but I like to have ownership over my things and possess them until I’m ready to get rid of them. The idea of renting clothes that I could possibly fall in love with and then have to give back seemed torturous to me.
However, when I noticed many plus-size influencers talking about Eloquii’s new rental service, Eloquii Unlimited, I was intrigued. I’ve always admired how the company prioritizes and designs for plus-size women, rather than just extending their size offerings to a 1X. But, in the Instagram-sphere, there were many mixed emotions about trying the service, especially during these pandemic times. 
The good news? I tried it so you don’t have to.

How it works

Step 1: Add as many items as you like to a shopping cart, called your “closet” on the site. You have to add at least 10 items (which is possibly the easiest thing I’ve ever been asked to do). 
Step 2: Eloquii will send you four items from your online closet based on what’s available.
Step 3: Wear it. ‘Gram it. Return it. 
Step 4: Repeat as many times as you like. There are unlimited returns for just one monthly fee of $79.

Here’s what I got:

I tried this one on first because I knew, from the very first time that I laid eyes on this dress, that I would love it. In the wintertime, I am always looking for warm dresses that mean I don’t have to wear pants.  First, I paired this with my Sheertex tights and some black booties for a classic sweater dress look. Then, I was inspired—I went for another look, wearing this piece like an oversized sweater with jeans and some statement heels. Loved it!
This sweater dress wasn’t too thick or too thin, so I could wear it just lounging around the house or layer it with a cute coat for outdoors. I fell in love with this piece (and so did a bunch of my Instagram friends), so I might just have to rent it for the rest of the season!
Wearing: size 18/20.

I added this item to my closet because I was feeling especially celebratory—it’s a new year, after all! When I first put it on, I have to admit, I was wary about it. You have to be a powerful lady to pull off shoulder pads, but that’s exactly what I felt like. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised that this glittery top didn’t deposit glitter all over my face and body. Thank goodness!
I don’t know if the jeans I wore were the best fit for this look; however, I’ve had my eye on a pair of Spanx Patent Leather Leggings that I think would pair well with this, some eggshell booties, a red lip, and an up-do (to show off the shoulder pads).
Wearing: size 18.

When I tried these pants on, I almost teared up. “Why would you cry over clothes,” you ask? These are a prime example of the type of trendy pants that I’ve always wanted to buy from department stores, but they never have my size. I love Eloquii for prioritizing bodies like mine and giving us all the trendiest options. These pants felt just as high-quality as they looked when I picked them out. Thank you Eloquii for making quality, stylish options for us curvy girls. I think I’ll get the matching blazer in my next trade! 
Wearing: size 18.

I have to be honest: I’m not sure what propelled me to add this to my closet in the first place. It’s very much outside of my style comfort zone, but maybe that’s why this rental experience is so great. I don’t think I’d ever pick this up at the store, and I almost didn’t pick it out on the website. When I pulled it out of the box, I was still a bit doubtful. As a plus-size girl-turned-woman, I’ve always been told to stay away from oversized, baggy, unflattering outfits, and I think that “advice” occasionally rears its ugly head. However, when I put this on—even though I felt sort of like a character from Gumby—I felt fabulous, chic, and stylish. 
It fit a bit larger than I’d hoped—which is rarely the case for me—due to the fact that I ordered a size larger than I would normally because I’ve been scorned by jumpsuits in the past. My advice (if you order something similar): order your actual size; the fit is pretty true to the description. 
While I don’t know that this is something I’d wear often, I do know that I’d love to strut my stuff in it at least once. That is the beauty of being able to rent and return.
Wearing: size 20.

The conclusion

After trying my first rental box ever, where do I stand on rental services? Let me start by saying that I just texted my aforementioned friend to tell her how right she was. I’m so happy that I tried this out!
I’m always shopping for specific occasions and then never wearing those clothes again, and honestly, that’s a major bummer and cash-burner. I am definitely sold on renting and returning clothes. I can see myself using this service as the world begins to reopen, and I have more activities to dress for. I’ve already started adding pieces to my Eloquii Closet that I can see my future self wearing on vacation, to weddings, to brunch, and around the office. I’m definitely looking forward to trying out other rental services to see how they compare, but they have some big shoes to fill (no pun intended). Eloquii Unlimited has a seamless service, stylish and high-quality offerings, and, above all, such inclusive sizing! 
I’m now a rental service convert, and I think this epiphany will save me money and closet space in the long-run. More