Happy Friday! It took me a while to find some more items by Armoire, but now I've got some pieces to review. I held on to two of the dresses and finally sent them back the other day, so I've got four pieces for now. Armoire is continuing to upgrade their brands and they've added more filtering options on their site, so they are heading in the right direction.
Also, a little update on ModLux.Rent. After I canceled the membership, they wanted the other clothes sent back pretty quickly so I didn't have enough time to take pics or review that set, but two of the items were too small, two were pretty Cynthia Rowley dresses and a shirtdress for work.
I've noticed Cynthia's pieces are all over the rental sites these days, and while I do typically like her clothes, I feel like she's sending her excess pieces and overstock that didn't sell to be rented out. A friend of mine was her Director of Comms many years ago in NYC and didn't really have good things to say about her.
Did you catch her daughter on The Bachelor during COVID?
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 $66,696 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
1 of 8
All four items by Tart, Tonya Taylor, One33 Social, and Yumi Kim arrived on time and in good condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner and neatly folded. I only got four items because I held onto two others.
THE GOODS
Tart Off-the-Shoulder Printed Dress, Retail Value $188, Armoire $98
1 of 9
About the Designer: TART Collections is the quintessential California clothing brand. Originally founded in 2004 by Dana and Jamie Finegold, our label specializes in women’s apparel that’s comfortable, ready to wear, and long-lasting in the world of fast fashion.
Launched with the goal of creating a timeless collection that would enhance a woman’s natural radiance and confidence while transcending her from day to night with ease. With TART, you don’t have to be a fashion guru or wear something uncomfortable to be stylish every day.
Headquartered in sunny Concord, California, our family-owned brand constructs every pattern and piece at an in-house design studio. This ensures that every item strikes a harmonious balance between exceptional quality and impeccable design.
Why I rented it: It's a great dress to wear around the building, run errands, and sit at the pool.
How I styled it: I added a vintage Etsy Belt, wore the Kendra Scott Maya set, and a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo Wedges.
Size and fit: I got a medium and fit almost perfectly... just a tiny bit snug. It's crafted in printed polyester in a ruffled and elasticized off-the-shoulder silhouette with elasticized waist, slit pockets, and tiered ruffle hem. It's lined, but still kind of sheer.
Condition: Good, but quite worn with some tears.
Honest review: I know it's really short and too young for me, but it's a great summer dress for the beach, pool or run errands.
Tanya Taylor Yvette Silk Smocked Dress, Retail Value $545, Armoire $180
1 of 9
About the designer: Tanya Taylor is an independent fashion brand based in New York City. Founded in 2012, the brand presents a unique and refreshing vision inspired by the city's energy, art, and the diverse women who inhabit it. Tanya's world is modern, artful, and liberating.
Raised in a creative environment, Tanya was encouraged to explore art from a young age. From taking art classes to painting vibrant murals on the walls of her childhood home, it all led her to find her purpose as a creative entrepreneur.
Taking an artistic, thoughtful approach to fashion, she intertwines the use of color, texture, and original hand-painted prints with uplifting and celebratory silhouettes into each size-inclusive collection, so all women have a way to express themselves creatively and confidently.
Why I rented it: I love Tanya Taylor (most of the time) and it looked like something cute I could wear around Nashville.
How I styled it: I ended up wearing this dress to tour Nashville the only day I was on Broadway, and I wore it with oversized hoop earrings, Ferragamo Gavina Block-Heeled Sandals, and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: I got a 6 and it was a perfect fit. This silk-smocked mini dress features girly flutter sleeves, a square neckline, a side zip closure, a smocked bodice, and a flounced hem. It's fully lined and comfy too!
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: Love! Don't want to send it back.
One33 Social Pleated Floral Mini Dress, Retail Value $365, Armoire $219
1 of 8
About the designer: It all started with three fashion industry veterans named Christine, Lara, and Kim who each had very different body types and senses of style. They recognized the need for an affordable, contemporary brand catered to their high fashion sensibilities. Why was it so hard to find quality apparel that empowers all women to feel beautiful AND confident? ONE33 Social's goal is simple: to help you celebrate each moment with glamour... without breaking the bank.
Why I rented it: Does this dress look familiar? I rented it last summer and since I couldn't find anything else to rent and loved it, here we are.
How I styled it: I wore this dress with a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood Block-Heeled Sandals, a vintage Chanel Bag, and oversized hoops by Cocoacentric.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and while it could be slightly more fitted in the waist, it was still a hit. It's comfy, colorful, and frilly and this fabulous butterfly-like dress features pleated wings, an open back with top snap and button closure, back-zip closure and it's fully lined. You would either need to wear it without a bra or buy one of the strapless, backless adhesive bras.
Condition: Excellent.
Honest review: I haven't had a chance to wear it out yet, but it's still just as great as last time.
Yumi Kim St. Martin Maxi Dress, Retail Value $258, Armoire $173
1 of 9
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: Honestly, again because I couldn't find anything else.
How I styled it: I paired this dress with Tabitha Simmons Floral Laser-Cut Pumps and Kate Spade Earrings.
Size and fit: This tiered ruffle maxi dress features a beautiful floral print and scoop neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, side smocked bodice, and a tiered skirt. It is fully lined and on the heavier side.
Condition: Feels a bit worn.
Honest review: Eh, mixed feelings. It's a bit high-waisted for me, and the bodice didn't fit me all that well.
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 wore everything a bunch aside from the Yumi Kim maxi.
- 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
The retail world is changing so rapidly, it's hard to keep up. A few years ago, I would've said designer resale is the best thing ever, but the prices are absolutely out of control. I just read that Chanel will continue to raise prices on their top-selling classic bags, and many other brands are following in their footsteps. So, that means once retail prices go up again, the resale industry will raise their prices too, and the quality isn't there anymore.
I have friends who refuse to buy any more handbags or clothing, and I'm right there with them. But if the retail and resale prices continue to rise, rentals will too. Do you think retail prices will eventually drop or is this our new normal? I keep wondering what's next for retail if people are outpriced in department stores, secondhand shops, and even thrift stores.
Have a great weekend every bun!
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 $66,696!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.