The long Labor Day weekend is officially underway. What's everyone doing? I'm going to chill out with Mr. HGL and catch up on freelance work. So, we're back with Armoire and while I have a surprise for you at the end, I just realized I rented three items from the same designer this week, and all the while I kept another item by this designer too. Who is it? You'll find out shortly.
Mr. HGL is bunny bombing this time so keep your eyes peeled. And if you have kids, let them help you find him too. Ok, let's get hopping with this week's review.
P.S. Armoire is hosting a huge sale.
WHAT I’M WEARING THIS WEEK: Armoire
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, where I’m going, 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 $35,207 worth of clothing), and more.
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
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All of the items by Black Halo and Parker arrived on time and in great condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner and neatly folded.
THE GOODS
Black Halo Jevette V-Neck Sheath Dress, Retail Value $375, Armoire $225
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How I styled it: Despite being formfitting, this dress is so soft and comfy, it almost feels like a bathing suit. I wore it out with my family to a place McFaul's IronHorse Tavern to celebrate my brother's arrival. While this dress can be worn as is, I decided to pair it with a Fendi crossbody, my fave belt, Ferragamo block-heeled sandals, and jewelry I rented from Rocksbox.
Size and fit: This lightweight tank dress features a v-neckline, thin shoulder straps, a colorful animal print, concealed back-zip closure and it's fully lined. I got the 6 and it's a little stretchy, so even if it's a tad small, you can still make it work.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: Love the colors, the cut, and the length, but not spending $225 on something that's been worn many times. Plus, summer is over!
Parker Genevieve Eyelet Midi Dress, Retail Value $378, Armoire $227
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How I styled it: Whenever Mr. HGL looks at me like that, it's because he's wondering why my hand is near him and not petting his head. Anyway, we had a little drunkfest at a place called The Still the night before my brother went back to Vegas and it was a scene! I ended up popping off the button strap of the dress while dancing with my dad and had to sew it back on. I wore this dress with the Etsy belt again, Rocksbox jewelry, the Chanel 19 bag, a vintage bracelet, and a Pucci scarf.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and while they suggest you size up this was fine for me. This cotton eyelet dress features adjustable, scalloped shoulder straps, a sweetheart neckline, back zip closure, a scalloped and flounced hem, and it's fully lined.
Condition: Great, until I popped off the strap.
Honest review: Love eyelet, the color, and design. I just don't think adjustable straps should be attached with a button since they can easily pop off. I learned that I need to keep a small sewing kit in my car in case of emergencies like this because no one at the restaurant had a safety pin so I had to use my MacGyver skills to turn a paperclip into a hook to keep the strap in place.
In other news, I found it online at Saks Off 5th for $19.97, but it's sold out. WHOA, I need to check my former employer's site more often!
Black Halo Off-the-Shoulder Sheath Dress, Retail Value $345, Armoire $104
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How I styled it: Say hello to my second Black Halo dress this week! Since I haven't been able to wear it, I copied Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and paired it with a dressy hat, long leather gloves (I'm investing in longer ones this winter because I want a cape), Rocksbox jewelry (you'll have to read the review at the end of the month), a vintage Chanel bag, and Nicholas Kirkwood sandals.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and OMG is it tight in the shoulders! Granted, I have swimmer's shoulders, but I couldn't zip it up all the way. Too bad Mr. HGL doesn't have hands to help because to get it off, I had to pull it down almost to my elbows, slip out my arms and then spin it around to unzip it. Not many people have shoulders and a ribcage as wide as mine so I'm sure it'll fit great up top for most others.
Condition: Very good, but clearly worn a bit.
Honest review: So sexy! Great for date night or trolling an upscale bar or restaurant for men (LOL). BUT the off-the-shoulder detail is difficult to manage, and I could hardly zip or unzip the dress without practically dislocating my shoulder.
Black Halo One-Shoulder Draped Jumpsuit, Retail Value $495, Armoire $223
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How I styled it: And for my final Black Halo outfit, say hello again to one of the first items I ever rented when I started this column last year. Do you remember it? I included a flashback photo for reference, even though it's not great. I really can't believe the year has flown by so quickly! This time I wore it with a studded leather belt, Rocksbox earrings, the Chanel 19, a feather hairclip, and Nicholas Kirkwood sandals.
Size and fit: I got the 6 again and it's a great fit. This chic jumpsuit is designed in a gathered, one-shoulder silhouette with a draped sleeve, concealed side-zip closure, flared hem and it's fully lined.
Condition: Very good, but I know it's been worn at least a dozen times since I last rented it.
Honest review: I've learned an Armoire trick! Since I kept two items last time (the OTHER Black Halo dress and the long ASTR maxi), they came back to me with a 25% discount for the Black Halo dress so I'm keeping this jumpsuit until they offer me a discount. I can't remember what the resale value was last year, but I'm pretty sure this jumpsuit is now a year older AND the resale value has gone up.
Stayed tuned, I'll let you know what happens next, but if they offer me the discount, I'll buy it – unless I find it for less elsewhere.
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? I got a lot of wear out of everything but the off-the-shoulder dress because it's too tight in the shoulders!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Exceed, exceed. So happy to get that jumpsuit back.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Does every bun like my new 'do?
Let's discuss fall fashion! With top trends ranging from All-Denim-Everything to Barbiecore, and Equestrian Chic to Bikercore, it's almost like fall fashion will kind of resemble Halloween costumes! Which trends excite you the most?
Barbiecore: Even before we spotted Margot Robbie dressed up as Barbie on the set of her new movie, hot pink – shocking pink, fuchsia, or neon pink – was trending with the creation of an exclusive Pantone and Valentino custom shade called Valentino Pink PP. This bold power color was seen at Alexander McQueen, Versace, and Dior, with models sashaying in cut-out dresses, power suits, puffers, and trench coats. It's a stark contrast to the previous years’ soft and soothing shades of periwinkle, ultimate gray, and pastels.
Glitz & Glam: Designers and shoppers are still embracing a notice-me attitude and dressing like a disco ball is a trend that’ll stick around throughout the holiday season. Under the bright lights at fashion week, eye-catching and glimmering sequins were sent down the runways of Altuzarra, Bottega Veneta, and Carolina Herrera, and added a twinkling detail to sheer fabrics, structured blazers, bra tops, and floor-sweeping gowns.
Canadian Tuxedo: Love it or loathe it, head-to-toe denim is a trend that’ll be popular well into 2023. Spotted at Celine, Bottega Veneta, Isabel Marant, and Acne, this 90s-inspired trend brings back denim miniskirts and cropped tops, low-rise jeans, flares, frayed jean jackets, and baggy skater styles. Stock up now and bring back memories of the days when MTV actually played music videos.
Bikercore: On the flip side of all-denim-everything comes bikercore, a trend that takes us back to the days of Joan Jett and 80s metal bands where buttery soft leather embellished with rock-and-roll touches like oversized buckles, standout studs and asymmetrical zippers take the stage. Seen at Diesel, Balenciaga and Saint Laurent, this all-moto-everything trend can be achieved with leather leggings, biker jackets, studded corset belts, and leather cropped tops.
Equestrian Chic: The fall runways looked a lot like a fashion show of prep school uniforms and stable attire, as designers took inspiration from upper-crust leisure sports like golf, tennis, and horseback riding. Horse girl fall is upon us, and it’s expected to ride into winter too with structured blazers, quilted jackets, stirrup leggings, capes, knee-high riding boots, and all things herringbone, houndstooth, and tweed were featured at Rosetta Getty, Tod’s, Tory Burch and Dior.
Not gonna lie, I want a pair of stirrup leggings, but I fear they'll never be long enough for me! and I'll end up with a droopy butt like a baby.
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 $33,614!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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