Happy Friday! We're back with Armoire. But before we get started, I resubscribed to RTR for a month, so when I went to the app the other day to check out their selection, I noticed something surprising. As of today, RTR has a total of 12,377 items to rent, but when I clicked on browse all, only 790 pieces were available. That's a huge chunk of their inventory! No wonder these rental companies are having issues—there's nothing to rent and people are frustrated.
Ugh, rant over. I went on a 6-day tour of south Florida two weeks ago and I wore one of the dresses I rented from Armoire and purchased a few resale items off The RealReal. I'll show you what I got (and will probably sell) at the end of this review.
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 $94,167 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
All three items by Farm Rio, Isabel Marant and MSGM arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.
Farm Rio Jungle Print Flounced Maxi Dress Retail Value $200 Armoire $140
About this designer: With over 20 years of history, FARM is Brazil’s most beloved clothing and lifestyle brand. The story began in 1997 in Rio at a local independent fashion market called Babilonia Feira Hype where founders Katia Barros and Marcello Bastos took their chances on launching a clothing line that embodies the feminine spirit and vibrant colors of Rio.
Brazilians quickly fell in love with the brand, the booth became a store, that grew into more stores, and now FARM is Brazil’s most recognized brand.
Why I rented: I wanted something beachy for my trip to Miami and Key West!
How I styled it: An easy, breezy piece to style! To wander around the island, I wore Croc sandals (they were so comfy, I just bought another pair in beige!) and the Fendi Fendista Crossbody. At night I switched out to a pair of Tabitha Simmons Laser-Cut Heels and the Chanel 19.
Size and fit: Crafted in crisp cotton, this tropical-printed dress features a sweetheart neckline, beaded shoulder straps, back zip closure, and a tiered skirt. I got a medium and it ran big, especially in the bust area. The straps kept slipping off too.
Honest review: Designers and their sizing... I wish we could go back to the days when we had universal sizing standards and didn't pander to people who disagreed with a number on a tag. It would make life so much easier for designers and retailers, and customers too. I recently rented four items by Farm Rio and a L in the one dress fit me like an XS (I couldn't even review it because it didn't even cover my butt), the sweater dress from Nuuly fit like a smaller M, and this dress fit like an L in an M. So frustrating!
Isabel Marant Hamili Puffer Sleeve Sweater Retail Value $845, Armoire $TBD
About this designer: "I never dreamed of being a big designer, I don't care about being known all over the world." Isabel Marant told the WSJ.
Marant began designing only for her friends, but following her collaboration with Christopher Lemaire, Marant chose to make fashion her profession, quickly establishing herself as a fixture of Paris’ ready-to-wear week. Her laid-back aesthetic is littered with rock girl references, tactile fabrics and a Parisian’s attitude to silhouette: long and lean or louche and short.
Marant’s designs both her main collection and her diffusion line, Isabel Marant Étoile, which are both sold all over the world. The brand also has nearly 40 directly-owned boutiques globally and an e-commerce site. However, the designer told W she approached own store expansion with caution, “When you have too many stores, everything is so important; if you have a failure somewhere, everything comes crashing down.”
Why I rented it: To fight the end of winter chill in style.
How I styled it: I wore this lovely top with a pair of leather leggings with mesh paneling, a shearling vest, and a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood ankle boots, and also the Veronica Beard flared jeans and Kat Maconie ankle boots.
Size and fit: Crafted in a virgin wool blend, this structured knit sweater takes mid-winter style to new heights. It features a round neckline, puffed shoulders, long sleeves, a reverse back-zip closure, and rounded hem with back slit. I ordered a medium and it was a perfect fit!
Condition: Very good, but torn in both sleeves (so maybe not very good then).
Honest review: If it weren't for the tears, I probably would've considered buying this sweater. It's warm, cozy, stylish and the neutral palate goes with just about everything!
MSGM Faux Wrap Mockneck Dress Retail $634, Armoire $65
About the Designer: In 2009, Massimo Giorgetti and the Paoloni group partnered up to launch the first MSGM collection. Giorgetti initially worked with three friends who eventually abandoned the project. The brand’s name, which takes inspiration from indie band MGMT, is also an acronym composed of their initials.
Giorgetti's creative process draws extensively from the current zeitgeist. Having grown up in Rimini in the years of beach and club culture, he is able to mix a variety of inputs and harmonize them into youthful, individual aesthetics. Colors and prints burst in his style as a visual interpretation of rhythmic accents and overwhelming beats.
Today, MSGM collections are available at over 600 multi-brand stores, department stores, and e-commerce platforms worldwide, and at flagship stores and shop in shops in the main international fashion hubs, including Milan, London, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul.
Why I rented it: I like the designer and the colors are fun!
How I styled it: Since it was still chilly, I wore black Sheertex tights, Kat Maconie ankle boots, and the Yves Salomon shearling jacket.
Size and fit: I got a US 10, and it was almost a perfect fit. Since Italian designers tend to run smaller, you've always got to pay attention to the size charts.
This cheery dress is crafted in a silky fabric with a mockneck, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, concealed back zip closure, wrap-detailed bodice, defined waist, and a gathered skirt.
Condition: Very good! The back zipper was a little off but otherwise great.
Honest review: I was all about that Rainbow Brite vibes! I really had to dig through the site to find this dress, and it didn't disappoint!
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 the most wear out of the MSGM and Isabel Marant pieces since Farm Rio was rented just for my trip.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Met expectations.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ok, some life updates and then I'll show you what I bought for the trip. Mr. HGL is the same and he's on my lap licking my shirt as I'm typing. He has mostly good days, and by good, I mean compared to how bad he was late summer and early fall. He's especially cuddly and loving, and always wants to be by my side. Rabbits are really fragile and give up easily, but he's my little Energizer Bunny and he keeps going and going!
I'm moving closer to Baltimore in about 6 weeks. If the commute to my office weren't such a nightmare, I would move to Baltimore, but the DC traffic on 95 and 495 are horrendous, and once the government makes people come back to work, it'll be even worse. I found a location halfway between Baltimore and Tyson's Corner, so it'll be about a 40-minute commute to my parents (without traffic) and 25 minutes to the office. Despite not being fashion, I'm really happy with my gig at Navy Federal. I'd like to stay there, kick this contractor stuff to the curb and become a full-time employee!
My dad's eyes have almost totally healed and he's very positive, despite the FTD diagnosis. He knows his brain isn’t the best and makes jokes about it (he calls himself "shit for brains" which my stepmom doesn't find funny at all), but that's our way of dealing with negativity. My new home will allow me to help out a bit more with doctor's appointments, visits and it'll just be good to be closer to my family. I considered moving home temporarily, but we're going back to the office twice a week next month, and I'm sure it'll be three times by the winter. The drive there would be an hour and a half (with traffic) in the morning, but at night I've been told by other Baltimoreans in the office that it could be over two and a half hours! YIKES. Without traffic, it could be just under an hour. Brutal.
Now, the trip to Miami and Key West. It was a blast, and apparently our mission was to sample lots of drinks at lots of different bars and restaurants. We first made a pit stop in Fort Lauderdale and then headed to Miami where we had dinner and drinks with my one of my best friends and former NYC roommate at Chotto Matte. In the photo gallery below, I'm wearing a Herve Leger Amelia dress from The RealReal. We stayed at the Esme and it was lovely! I'd absolutely stay there again. Just note that some rooms are basically the size of someone's large closet (but not mine).
The next morning we ventured out to Key West and made a pitstop at Harriette's where we had one of their famous muffins and a huge plate of biscuits and gravy. It's a downhome kind of place loved by locals and tourists that feels like you're brunching at your southern grandmother's house, and she hasn't updated the decor since 1965.
Over three long hours later (I was motion sick) we arrived at Amsterdam's Curry Mansion Inn and as soon as I walked through the front door I said, "This place is totally haunted!" So, I consulted my bestie, Mr. Google, and was correct! It spooked my “friend” 😉 and he was a little creeped out expecting to see the ghost of a woman folding clothes on the edge of the bed at night.
Oh, the island is full of roosters and chickens, and they had no issue cockadoodledoo-ing outside our window starting at 6am.
Since my sister visited Key West a few times, she told us to go to The Whistle Bar and hit the rooftop to see the naked people. So, we did and um, people really were naked! I gasped loudly, people stared at me, and I ran downstairs! The first and second floors were exceptional with live music and darts (I won!) and so much history.
Other notable places I visited and would suggest include Sloppy Joes, The Hemingway Home and distillery, Irish Kevin's, Captain Tony's (although it's dark and dingy and smells like ass), and Tattoos & Scars. I was told I missed out by skipping Green Parrot, but there are so many bars (over 300), it's impossible to hit even 10 a day without checking into rehab!
The other dresses I purchased include an Alexis Lace Dress for $18.75 and a Self-Portrait Floral Print Pleated Off-the-Shoulder Dress for $39.
If you'd like to visit Key West, just note that there aren't many options when it comes to beaches. It's more of a bar-hopping, party island than anything else.
OK, waiting on my RTR order so I'll skip next week and pick up the following! Enjoy your weekend!
CODE: 7MSA89 or MSAUNLIMITED50
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $96,688!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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