I had a dilemma last week. I got up, got ready for work and after I finished straightening my hair, I realized the right side was almost an inch longer than the left. I'm not sure how I hadn't noticed this in the past few weeks, or how it happened, but yikes—did someone sneak into my place in the middle of the night or did Mr. HGL nibble on it? So, I grabbed a pair of scissors and thought about cutting the chunk off myself but decided to leave it to the experts.
Right before COVID hit, I chopped off all my hair. Growing it out has been a struggle because I'm older, the hair is coarser, it doesn't grow as quickly anymore, and strands break more easily. Well, I went online and booked a last-minute appointment at my salon, but I tried a new stylist because no one else was available and it was just a quick fix.
She turned out to be Edwina Scissorhands. I got to the salon, and she mentioned that my hair isn't doing anything for my face shape, and it needs structure, so she started chopping away. I saw large chunks falling to the ground and began panicking. I did not approve a full chop! I told her I just wanted to even out the length.
Too late. It's quite a bit shorter and there are 1990s layers like The Rachel which is apparently trendy right now, but I wasn't mentally prepared. Why can't stylists listen to us and quit thinking they always know what's best for us?
Sleeping beauty bunny also got a haircut so he's been all snuggled up in his favorite human blanket.
Side note: Think I'm going to subscribe to either Switch or Vivrelle on my own. Which one should I choose? The best plans are $$$$!
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 $62,318 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 three items by Lilly Pulitzer, Equipment, and Rebecca Taylor arrived on time and in great condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner and neatly folded. I only got three items because I held onto others.
THE GOODS
Lilly Pulitzer Cristina Faux Wrap Mini Dress, Retail Value $228, Armoire $182
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About the Designer: Lilly Pulitzer set out to create her own happiness, opening a juice stand in Palm Beach. In need of an everyday uniform, she asked her dressmaker for something to camouflage splashes of citrus juice.
The result was a comfortable, sleeveless shift dress made of colorful printed cotton. Since those early days, Lilly designs have been beloved for their casual glamour, vibrant optimism, and endlessly joyful spirit. Lilly was an original with the confidence to break all the rules, the humility to pull it off, and the vision to make women feel as good as they look. Today, her spirit is reflected in the brand’s distinctive prints and lively colors, which inspire everyone to shine bright and stand out.
How I styled it: This dress can definitely be worn to the office, so I tried on two different looks. Both included the vintage gold-tone Etsy belt, Lele Sadoughi Pinwheel Earrings, Carolina Herrera Ruffled Point-Toe Flats, Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, and the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour. I also went for a more neutral look with the Louis Vuitton Cherry Blossoms Bag and Jimmy Choo Patent Leather Wedge Sandals.
Size and fit: This easy-fit, lined design with metallic threads features a surplice neckline with hook and eye closure, long sleeves, smocking at the shoulders, waist, and cuffs, and a tiered ruffled hem.
I got the 6 and while it's a little oversized up top, it fits perfectly everywhere else.
Condition: Brand new with tags!
Honest review: Back with more Lilly Pulitzer and I'm not sorry. This dress is fun and frilly, but it's also a little itchy!
Equipment Arles Silk Satin Dress, Retail Value $430, Armoire $347
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About the designer: Since 1976 from its founding maison in Paris, Equipment has fused unparalleled French sophistication with an air of chic nonchalance. Equipment today calls upon the classic minimalism of the original collections through the use of noble fibers in its pure design yet signifies modernity with its discreet sexiness and androgynous silhouettes.
How I styled it: I wore this dress with oversized gold-tone hoops, the Chanel 19, and Tabitha Simmons Sandals. You can also throw on a jacket and a belt, just to make it a little less revealing and give it a different look.
Size and fit: One review said it ran a little small up top, so I ordered the 8 and it was perfect. While it was a little loose around the bodice, the hip area is a bit fitted and it twists a little. I wore shapewear to smooth it out and that helped. Plus, since it's unlined and made of silk, it's a little unforgiving.
This pullover dress features a subtle floral print, adjustable spaghetti straps, a deep v-neckline, and a side-slit hem.
Condition: Brand new with tags!
Honest review: I love this dress and I'm holding on to it for a few weeks! I got so many compliments on it too. It's lightweight, sleek and sophisticated, and overpriced. I found it on Equipment's site for much less than the resale price and it's on Amazon for even less!
Rebecca Taylor Emma Sleeveless Midi Dress, Retail Value $496, Armoire $347
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About the designer: Rebecca is a womenswear line inspired by an idea of Romanticism Redefined. Referencing inspiration from the past evolved for a new sensibility, every piece is imbued with thoughtful details creating a decidedly elegant way of dress that defines romance for now.
How I styled it: I paired this dress with Ferragamo Laser-Cut Leather Sandals, Fendi Fendista Crossbody, and a Vince leather jacket.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and it was a perfect fit for me. Crafted in a polyester cotton and silk blend, this floral-print dress features adjustable shoulder straps, a square neckline, concealed side zip closure, a slightly gathered empire waist, and a side slit hem. It's fully lined and heavier than I expected.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this dress (I figured it would be some flimsy summer dress), but it's so incredibly well made, the fabric is luxurious, and the design reminds me of a pretty, pretty princess.
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? All three of the items were great!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Armoire met expectations.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Let's talk about something else that gets increasingly more difficult with age: DATING, OOF! So, I don't know what it is about me, but I attract men who have an entire graveyard of skeletons buried in their backyards.
Whether I uncover bankruptcy filings (seriously, how do you charge up $2.5 million and expect it to be forgiven?), criminal wrongdoings (yeah, I found that domestic violence case and I'm blocking you too), or blatant lies about their current relationship status (does your WIFE know you're trolling bars for hookups?), I'm pretty flabbergasted by what I'm experiencing... and sadly I've had to resort to background checks after what I went through in the past.
I refuse to do online dating because I don't want people to know my business (says the girl who writes about her life online) and I've heard horror stories about married men and catfish, so I meet guys out in person at restaurants and bars, concerts, friend's birthday parties, etc. Not like it's that much better in person, but at least you can weed out fake profiles and sometimes see a wedding band imprint on the finger.
I probably mentioned this in the past, but D.C. has been called the "Psychopath Capital of the World" and it's quite accurate. I'm not sure what it is about men in the DMV, but they puff up their chests and make up the most absurd stories about themselves to seem cool and desirable, and it's really just sad.
And what's even more frustrating is how these guys now treat women like a piece of meat, or as if we have nothing better to do but drop everything and run to their side because they suggest last-minute plans. Here are three real-life scenarios I've recently experienced:
Guy #1 on a Tuesday at 11am: "Hey, what are you doing today? Come over to my place for a nooner and I'll cook you lunch afterwards!" What the hell is a nooner? I had to Google it. Oh, and despite turning him down every single time, he still keeps trying. I'm about to block him because this is so disrespectful.
Guy #2 at 11:30pm on a Wednesday night: "Are you out? I'm in your neighborhood. Come meet me out for a drink and we can have some fun afterwards. If I have too much to drink, can I sleep on your couch?" Um, I went to bed at 9pm so I could get up at 5am for the gym. And I'm also not 24.
Guy #3 (who I met at a steakhouse): "Wanted to let you know that I'll only be available for you during the workday. We can meet at a hotel, or wherever, but please just don't text or call me after work hours or during the weekend for obvious reasons. I want to have fun with you, but my wife can't find out." Block and delete! I am not a mistress. The NERVE!
Why have men become so brazen? Are there that many women out there who will knowingly date a married man? Ditch work and drive to the house of someone they don't know for a nooner? Or agree to let a drunk random into their home at 2am?
Now, I can't throw stones at glass houses because I had my own share of oops situations in my 20s in NYC, but has the hookup culture and the ease of ordering dates like food deliveries ruined the traditional concept of a relationship? Or has "female empowerment" taught men to treat women like we're just a late-night GrubHub order?
What have you experienced? Yes, I'm older and of course, my boomer attitude might contribute to my thoughts and feelings, but what happened to good old-fashioned morals and treating people with respect?
P.S. If you're married, but not very happily, trust me... the grass is NOT greener on the other side.
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 $62,318!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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