Good morning and happy weekend! I am going to a gala tomorrow night (it's legit this time), and I've either got to be super well-behaved and drive to my mom's right after or get up at 10am and drive home Sunday morning. The gown, which you'll see next week, has a plunging open front so I went searching for a lariat and a matching pair of earrings.
At first, I searched through Rocksbox and nothing caught my eye, then I checked out Switch and Vivrelle and didn't see anything I loved there either. I was willing to subscribe! I'm not sure if I just got a sneak peek of what's available (I searched the rented pieces too) and filtered through price ranges and what I discovered didn't thrill me. Most of it was the chunky Chanel costume jewelry (you know, the medallions) and the rest of it was logo jewelry which I'd never wear to a gala.
I even searched through their fine jewelry options and none of it was appropriate for the gala. Then I went over to Etsy and immediately found what I wanted, and I will show you the jewelry next week!
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 $63,884 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 Yumi Kim, Shoshanna, and Cynthia Rowley 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
Yumi Kim So Social Tulip Hem Racerback Dress, Retail Value $229, Armoire $156
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About the Designer: Surrounded by extraordinary women her entire life, including her mother who wore exotic prints and bold florals and proudly donned the classic Ao Dai (a traditional Vietnamese dress), Kim Phan was inspired by these bold women who gave her strength. When she moved to New York in 2004 and adopted a loving Yorkshire Terrier named Yumi, YUMI KIM was born.
Every piece has a story to tell. Coveted for its sunny color combinations and array of florals, the brand reflects the unique experiences that have shaped her life.
Why I rented it: A great option for the office that easily transitions from the conference room to happy hour, as long as it's layered with a jacket or blazer at work.
How I styled it: I paired this dress with LuvAJ Hoop Earrings, a studded leather belt, Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, Ferragamo Gavina Sandals, and the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour.
Size and fit: Yikes, I got the medium and it runs small. Rendered in a textural viscose and rayon blend, this sleeveless dress features a round neckline, racerback with zip closure, defined waist, and draped tulip hem.
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: It was really difficult to fit into at first, but once it stretched out, I was able to zip it up. It's pretty, but the fabric feels a little cheap.
Shoshanna Lifa Floral Silk-Blend Smocked Dress, Retail Value $398, Armoire $199
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About the designer: You may know Shoshanna as Jerry Seinfeld's ex, but she's also a clothing designer. Shoshanna Gruss is the founder and creative director of Shoshanna, her eponymous collection which debuted in stores in November 1998. Gruss revolutionized dress departments nationwide with the launch of her first collection.
Her dedication to fitting and flattering the female body while indulging in whimsical details were a refreshing change from the contemporary offerings of the moment. Gruss continued to make waves in the marketplace with the launch of her swimwear collection in the Spring of 2001. She was the first to pioneer a change in the swimwear industry by selling tops and bottoms as separates with lingerie-inspired sizing.
Why I rented it: I rented this dress because I thought it would be a great back-to-the-office option. Simply grab a jacket, throw on heels, grab your bag, and run out the door.
How I styled it: I paired this dress with a Burberry Patent Leather Jacket (from The RealReal), a wide B-Low the Belt Belt, Lele Sadoughi Pinwheel Earrings, my recently repaired Ferragamo Gavina Sandals, and vintage Electric Epi Louis Vuitton Mirabeau Bag.
Size and fit: Crafted in a breezy viscose and silk blend, this size 6 dress features shirred short sleeves, ties keyhole neckline with buttons on the front, a smocked elastic waist, a tiered ruffle hemline, and a beautiful floral pattern. The fit is true to size.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: It's a little matronly for me, but very pretty, comfy, and easy to wear. I definitely got some awkward stares from people in the office who probably thought I meant to get off at the Tyson's Corner Mall stop instead of the office.
Cynthia Rowley Cold Shoulder A-Line Dress, Retail Value $395, Armoire $276
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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.
Why I rented it: Despite featuring cut-out shoulders, I thought this dress would be another great option for the office.
How I styled it: I paired it with the Jimmy Choo Wedges that I just got repaired, chain-link earrings, and the Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Speedy.
Size and fit: I got the medium and it runs a little on the larger side. Crafted in crisp cotton, a vibrant abstract print adorns an on-trend midi dress. Featuring eye-catching cold shoulders, this style is detailed with a frill stand collar, elbow-length sleeves, side slash pockets, and a self-belt for a more defined shape.
Condition: Brand new with tags (winning!).
Honest review: While this isn't a dress I'd wear for a night out on the town, it's a great work day option, and I loved that it was brand new too.
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 office-appropriate attire this time and Armoire delivered.
- 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
When I moved back to DC in 2015, my life changed in the blink of an eye. I went from working in the glamorous corporate offices of Saks Fifth Avenue to a government compound in Maryland. After my first week on the job, I realized my NYC fashion girl wardrobe would never fly in DC, but I didn't want to start over with a totally new wardrobe. Someone in the office told me that in DC, you're not supposed to outdress your superiors, which was the silliest "rule" ever, and that I should tone it down. Say what?
So, I did go out and buy some subdued pieces, but I felt like a part of me was dying inside because pearls and pantsuits are not me at all. Eventually, I pulled a Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion and went back to dressing the way I wanted to and said to hell with everyone's opinions! That's what you should do too.
Well, I was supposed to go back to the office last week, but my badge approval was slightly delayed, so I started on Tuesday. It was like going back to school... so weird to meet people in person! I was talking to a few of my coworkers beforehand and they said they forgot how to dress for work! They were stressed over finding new blouses, blazers, and pants, but said they didn't want to buy new clothes, so I sent them to The RealReal.
I also told them about my revolving closet thanks to rentals and gave them my code so they could get started for less. One of the best pieces of advice I gave to everyone was to layer. You don't need to run out and buy an entirely new wardrobe, you can simply shop your closet and rent or buy new pieces to refresh your look.
Never underestimate the power of a (real or faux) leather jacket. The office gets cold... you'll need an extra layer. If your dress or top is sleeveless, throw on a jacket or blazer to cover it up! If your dress or skirt isn't the most appropriate length, wear a pair of tights during the day and take them off when you leave.
In the land of Ann Taylor Loft (that's DC) be an Anthropology! I think many people are still super hung-up on the old business casual rules which would require you to buy pleated polyester pants or some stuffy button-down shirt, but those rules are long gone, and now you're free to express yourself.
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 $63,884!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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