Hello, every-bunny! Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? I feel like Memorial Day was yesterday! My parents always say time flies the older you get, but this is ridiculous. I feel like between the pandemic and everything else, I woke up to a whole new world in the future, but I'm still stuck in the past. Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and next time we chat, it'll be Black Friday.
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 $43,043 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 Hunter Bell, Sui by Anna Sui, Anna Sui, Cynthia Rowley, and Halston arrived on time and in great condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner and neatly folded. I kept the long Reiss dress, so I only received five items this week.
THE GOODS
Hunter Bell Hudson Striped Puff Sleeve Top, Retail Value $345, Armoire $121
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About the designer: Hunter Bell is an American fashion designer based in New York City and the owner of Hunter Dixon. Bell was the season two winner of Fashion Star. She attended the University of Alabama and graduated in 2003 with a degree in fashion design and studio art.
How I styled it: I'm forever on the hunt for the perfect top, but I can never find one I love enough to keep. I've tried four or five Hunter Bell items in the past and I fell in love with the shoulders of this top. Well, because it's so billowy (and a little complicated to get on) I skipped wearing it with jeans and went for this pleated Alice + Olivia leather skirt. I also wore it with my Tecovas cowboy boots and the shearling vest from last week to avoid squashing the shoulders and sleeves. I met my friend Deb for brunch at this awesome restaurant called Ambar and then we watched a little college football at Wilson's Hardware.
Size and fit: I got a medium and the good thing about the back tie closure is that you can adjust the fit, while the bad thing about the back tie closure is if you live alone, it's all on you! It was still a little tight on me around the shoulders because of my broadness and the sleeves (with their buttoned cuffs) were also a little snug so I unbuttoned the two bottom buttons.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I like it a lot, but I wish it were a little looser on me.
Sui Anna Sui Sparkle Houndstooth Bomber Jacket, Retail Value $300, Armoire $120
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About the designer: Anna Sui is a second-generation Chinese American fashion designer from Detroit who is a descendant of the prominent Fang clan of Tongcheng, Anhui. By the time she was four years old, Sui knew she wanted to be a fashion designer after spending countless hours watching her mother sew and create clothes for her Barbie dolls and her brothers' army figures. Through this process, Sui learned the basics of creating clothing and her own unique outfits by using different patterned pieces for the sleeves of a dress and then swapping them to match other dresses, to create her own mix-and-match looks for the garments.
How I styled it: This is a jacket I wouldn't normally wear, but I decided to try it out anyway because I love houndstooth. This tweed bomber jacket features a bold houndstooth print with a little shimmer (which you can't tell by the pics). While I wore it with my Alice + Olivia jeans, you can wear it with leather leggings, a skirt, or a dress too! I also wore it with a Rag + Bone floral lace sweater, B-Low the Belt belt, the Kat Maconie Sock boots, and the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour.
Size and fit: I got the medium and this tweed jacket is a little snug on me and the sleeves are a tad short. It features a striped and elasticized crewneck, cuffs, and hem with a front-zip closure and two zip pockets. It's cozy and lined, but I wouldn't say it's warm enough to wear alone during the winter.
Condition: Very good, but just a little worn. The threads catch on to everything and pull easily.
Honest review: While this outfit isn't something I'd normally wear; I like the combo. I'm not wild about shiny, metallic items, but this is a nice look for date night or a holiday party.
Anna Sui Star Struck Ruffled Chiffon Blouse, Retail Value $480, Armoire $240
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About the Designer: Furthermore, Sui was named one of the "Top 5 Fashion Icons of the Decade", and in 2009 earned the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, joining the ranks of Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Diane von Furstenberg.
How I styled it: I wore this outfit to take Mr. HGL to get a haircut and I paired it with Preen leather leggings, a Maje Studded leather jacket, Nicholas Kirkwood boots, and the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour tote.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and it's a little short on me. Crafted in silk-blend chiffon, this lightweight blouse features a tie neck, decorative front button closure, long sleeves with elasticized cuffs, shirt hem, and an artful star pattern.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I didn't realize it was a star print until after I ordered it and while I was concerned it might look a little juvenile, I really like it because it's whimsical and unique. I really like this blouse, but I only wish the hem was slightly longer.
Cynthia Rowley Grace Organza Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, Retail Value $450, Armoire $270
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About the designer: Cynthia Rowley began her career in fashion while studying at the Art Institute of Chicago (where she had every intention of becoming a painter). After graduation, she took what little seed money she had and moved to NYC to start her fashion brand. Whether she’s exploring on a far-flung getaway, surfing secret spots in exotic destinations, or scuba-diving in an arctic glacier, it’s safe to say the designer is known to take risks. It’s this unparalleled sense of adventure that effortlessly translates into the spirit of the brand through a playful assortment of pretty dresses, beachy separates, and swim/surf.
Cynthia Rowley has gone on to win numerous accolades including a CFDA Award and Designer of the Year at the American Image Awards. She is also a best-selling author and has appeared on numerous television shows.
How I styled it: I know it's supposed to be a dropped waist design, but it really needs a belt, so I added the Etsy leather belt, a pair of nude fishnet tights, Rocksbox jewelry, and the Twinset platform pumps.
Size and fit: I got the medium and this organza dress fits like a tent! It features a round neckline, puffed shoulders, sheer sleeves, back keyhole button closure, dropped waist, and flounced hem. It is lined, but you definitely need a slip because it's incredibly sheer.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: This dress reminds me of Selkie, and I guess that was the inspiration. I've tried on a few Selkie dresses in the past and I prefer Cynthia Rowley's version. In fact, one of my best friends worked as Cynthia's head of communications and has nothing but horror stories but, I love her whimsical designs and I'm obsessed with these pants!
Halston Mock Neck One Shoulder Wrap Dress, Retail Value $295, Armoire $162
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About the designer: Did you watch the Netflix series? I sure did!
Roy Halston Frowick, known worldwide as Halston, was one of the most influential American designers of the 20th century. He helped define ’70s style with his elegant yet sexy dresses that were staples during the disco era. His fame rose when he designed the pillbox hat Jacqueline Kennedy wore to the inauguration of her husband, President John F. Kennedy, in 1961. Halston and his model and celebrity friends were fixtures on the New York City party scene of the ’70s and ’80s.
His partying inspired some of his most popular designs, including the halter dress, which became a go-to look for many women of that era, including friends like Bianca Jagger, Marlene Dietrich, Lauren Bacall, and many others. In his heyday, Halston described his design approach as “editing the mood of what’s happening” and modestly described his success as “a designer is only as good as the people he dresses.”
How I styled it: It's such a sophisticated and elegant design... it doesn't need much help in the style department. I simply added nude fishnets, a pair of chain-link earrings, Charlottle Olympia pumps, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and this crepe dress fits, but the fabric seems to fall in the wrong places. This one-shoulder design features an attached mock neck with zipper, draped bodice with overlay for a cape effect, a concealed side-zip closure, and a fitted waist, and it's fully lined for coverage. It needs something to break up the white, but my gold-tone belt is too much.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: It's an elegant design in one of Halston's signature silhouettes that's almost ethereal. Part of me loves it, but the other part thinks it's a cheaply made knockoff of a dress that made Halston a household name.
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? Since I kept both of the dresses, I'd say they'll be most helpful and versatile as we move into party season.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Armoire exceeded expectations this week.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Since the holidays are here (time really is flying!) I'm going to keep the Halston and Cynthia Rowley dresses because I plan to wear them to a holiday party this season. They're perfect, but I may need to find a thin chain belt and another pair of nude tights!
I haven't really purchased clothing and accessories in ages and that's because rentals have made shopping almost unnecessary, and while I've got a closet full of stylish pieces, I haven't really worn much of it in over a year. I keep thinking about listing my closet on Poshmark, but these rental reviews won't last forever (especially with the economy and layoffs), so I guess I'll hold off on listing my items, but I don't think I'll ever go out and buy a bunch of clothing again. And while I know this could be gross and unsanitary, I wish I could rent hats and shoes!
So, you may be wondering what Mr. HGL will be up to on Thanksgiving? He just got a haircut so he's all dapper and ready to wow the fluffy ladies of Baltimore. Oh, and he says Hoppy Turkey Day, Every Bun!
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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 $43,043!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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