Hey, it's almost the weekend! What are you all doing? I'd like to hit a vineyard, check out a new restaurant, and take a day off from writing, fashion, and more writing. Earlier in the week, I was whacked with a brutal four-day migraine which ruined all my plans. I didn't go out much at all because it hurt to lift my head off the pillow, so there's no way I could've run around town trying to look cute in my Armoire rentals.
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week: Armoire. For the newbies, every Friday on WIWTW I'll recap the clothing rentals I wore for the week. I’ll take you on a trip through my life (recovered from COVID in March, now fully vaccinated), where I’m going (90% of the places are outside, and I wear a mask), what’s missing in my closet, my current obsessions, what I’m excited to try, and maybe even buy. We’ll explore designers and trends, and a variety of styles and brands. And each week I’ll fill you in on why I chose each item, the total value of the rental compared to the retail price (as of today I've rented $12,791 worth of clothing), and more.
WHAT I’M WEARING THIS WEEK: ARMOIRE
Armoire, which is a clothing rental company for women, is all about female empowerment. From the hand-selected and curated inventory of styles that are designed by the Boss Lady, for the Boss Lady, to their involvement with female-powered brands, and their partnership with Dress for Success Seattle, they’re a brand built for today’s woman.
This is a review of the Unlimited Plan for $249/month.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get $30 OFF 1 month of the 7-item plan OR 50% OFF 1 month of the unlimited plan.
CODE: 7MSA89 or MSAUNLIMITED50
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
WHAT I RECEIVED
This week's shipment featured items by Marni, Staud, Solace London, and more. And yes, we're playing another round of Where's Bundo featuring my fluffy little snowflake. Also, his bunny box review is coming out early next week so stay tuned!
1 of 2 | The shipment has arrived, and Fluff doesn't care
I don't know why I went crazy with sparkly things this round, but I didn't realize just how holiday-ready my shipment was until I unpacked it and realized I was like a walking, talking Christmas tree. You could deck the halls with me!
THE GOODS
Black Halo Halter Neck Pleated Velvet Jumpsuit, Retail Value $390
1 of 4 | Black Halo Pleated Velvet Jumpsuit
How I styled it: Just because I loved the other Black Halo Jumpsuit so much I decided to give this one a shot, but it did not inspire all the feels. I wore it out to dinner with my BF and then we watched a few episodes of Squid Game and I felt like I resembled a very large holiday package wrapped up in pleated velvet (as opposed to a black box with a huge pink ribbon). I paired it with my knockoff Gucci platforms from YOOX, a metallic gold and black leather jacket I got at a sample sale, a B-Low the Belt belt, and a vintage Ferragamo bag.
Size and fit: I went with the 6 and it fit fine, but the torso is definitely a little shorter than the previous one, and the halter design left a little to the imagination. Since I couldn't wear an actual bra, I went with a stick-on version and it just didn't look right.
Condition: Good, nothing positive or negative to report.
Honest review: At first I hated it and then it grew on me a little, but I think this outfit is best left for Christmas caroling or sitting on Santa's lap. I won't be revisiting this jumpsuit.
Solace London One-Shoulder Ruffled Top, Retail Value $375
1 of 3 | Solace London Ruffled One-Shoulder Top
How I styled it: This top was tricky. The oversized ruffles and asymmetric design made it difficult to pair with most items in my closet, and it's times like these where I wish I owned a pair of fire-engine-red leather leggings. Since I knew I wasn't going anywhere thanks to my headache, I tried it on with two pairs of black leather leggings (nah), a red patent leather mini skirt (nope), and finally, a black leather pencil skirt by DROMe and that seemed to work the best. I also wore a pair of beige fishnets and my Dior sunnies to block my head and eyes from the sun. I'm not a vampire, but wouldn't it be cool? Ha.
Size and fit: I tried the 6 and it's a little big in the bust. I think this top is better suited for someone who is taller because the top is oversized and can really consume a small frame.
Condition: It arrived in great shape.
Honest review: This top is dressy, dramatic, and features voluminous ruffles. It's one of those pieces you buy to build a look around and not just because you think it looks cool or pretty. Due to the design and silhouette, it's more difficult to pull a look together on a whim based on what's already in your closet. I tried a few looks and didn't fall in love with any of them.
Staud Chaka Sequin Top, Retail Value $215
Image via Armoire.
How I styled it: I've wanted to try items by Staud for a long time and this just wasn't it. I'm not a huge fan of sequins so I'm not sure why I chose the top in the first place (must've been blinded by the brand), and then once I finally tried to slip it over my head, I risked either losing an ear, breaking my collarbone, or dislocating my shoulder.
After pretending to be Cinderella's stepsister with the glass slipper, I gave up the fight and put it back in the bag. Maybe I ordered from the children's department?
Size and fit: I had to double-check to make sure I ordered the size 6. I think this top might've been designed for a Barbie Doll.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: The sequins made the top look a little cheap. And it's also really sheer, even with the lining attached. Dear Staud, my first experience with your clothing wasn't very good.
ba&sh Jalvi Faux-Wrap Skirt, Retail Value $335
Image via Armoire.
How I styled it: Here's where the reviews get tricky... I ended up with a migraine that kept me in bed. And when I did go outside, I was in yoga pants, a sweatshirt, a baseball cap, and sneakers. Needless to say, I also didn't get to wear this skirt which was fine because it just seemed a little too holiday for the middle of October.
Size and fit: For some unknown reason I ordered the Small and it was a little tight in the waist. The skirt itself is quite long, even for someone like me who's 5'11".
Condition: Arrived in great shape.
Honest review: Eh, even if I hadn't been laid up in bed, I still probably wouldn't have worn it out because I felt like it was a little too festive to drop by Chick-fil-A. Won't rent again, and obvi purchasing is not an option either.
Marni Back Pleat Metallic Shift Dress, Retail Value $1,115
1 of 3 | Marni Back Pleat Metallic Shift Dress
How I styled it: Believe it or not, I've never tried anything by Marni and this caught my eye. I was drawn to the boxy silhouette and the simplicity of the design. I wore this dress to dinner at Clyde's Willow Creek and I tried to keep it understated, yet elegant. I paired it with a vintage chain necklace, my Chanel Gripoix Bracelet, my favorite Charlotte Olympia Pumps, and a vintage Chanel Bag. I wanted to feel like Audrey, but instead, I felt more like Hillary.
Size and fit: I ordered a 6 and it was oversized. I probably could've gone with a 4.
Condition: Great condition, just a little wrinkled.
Honest review: While I am in my 40s, there was something about this dress that made me feel like I was in my 60s. I'm so young at heart, I still feel like I'm 25 (when I ignore the aches, and pains, and migraines) and this look felt old. Plus, I wasn't wild about the metallic fabric – it makes it feel dated. So, this time I struck out with two designers I had never tried before.
ASTR the Label Puff Sleeve Sweater, Retail Value, $98
1 of 3
How I styled it: The color is what initially drew me in and I loved the puff sleeve design of the shoulders too. Once my head started to feel a little better, I wore this sweater to a family birthday party in Baltimore. I paired it with Shanghai Tang Flared Leather Pants, a B-Low-the-Belt Belt, Nicholas Kirkwood Ankle Boots, a Newsboy Cap I got off ASOS, and Pearl Earrings (because pearls are back in style).
Size and fit: Ordered the medium and it fit fine, but it's a little more cropped than I expected.
Condition: Good, but slightly worn.
Honest review: It's cute and cozy, but not something I'd rent again or purchase.
DID THEY DELIVER?
- What items were most helpful and versatile to own this week to ensure I got the most out of my rental and completed the look I craved? To be honest, since I was laid up for many days with a migraine, I didn't get much wear out of anything at all. And trust me, I'd much rather be running around town than struggling through a headache that had me questioning whether I should go to urgent care for some serious meds.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Armoire exceeded expectations. I didn't deliver myself.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I don't know if it was the migraine creeping, or maybe I just need a pair of glasses, but I struck out this round. Between ordering the wrong sizes, not reading the reviews, and trying to look like tinsel hanging from a Christmas tree, I feel like I'm losing my fashion girl touch. Yikes!
Overall, I wish Armoire had a list of all the designers so I could filter through and click on those I'm most interested in renting. I also wish there were a way to sort through items based on the price. There are some small tweaks they need to make to ensure it's as user-friendly as possible.
What's up, Doc?
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get $30 OFF 1 month of the 7-item plan OR 50% OFF 1 month of the unlimited plan.
CODE: 7MSA89 or MSAUNLIMITED50
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far I've received styles with a retail value of $12,791!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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