What I’m Wearing This Week: Armoire

Hoppy April, every bun! I'm trying to work out this move, and it's just complicated. After spending a long Easter weekend home with my parents and seeing some changes in my dad, I'm not positive I'm making the right move. Part of me wonders if I should go home for a few months, but then again, it'll make my life much more complicated too.

Life is never easy, is it? Anyway, I rented a lot of Yumi Kim because most of the items were brand new with tags, and this time they fit. Woot!

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 four items by Yumi, Farm Rio, Sachin & Babi and Yumi Kim arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.

Yumi Kim Robyn Ruffle Lace Mini Dress Retail Value $238 Armoire $TBD

About this 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: I know Yumi Kim typically runs small and short on me, but I was willing to give this a try (just in case).

How I styled it: I paired this frilly mini dress with black tights, Charlotte Olympia Suede Slingbacks, a Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, and a vintage Chanel Bag.

Size and fit: Due to my previous experiences with Yumi Kim, I rented a large, and it was a good decision since this dress has zero stretch.

Crafted in a dainty lace overlay, the Robyn mini dress features a mock neckline, puff shoulders, lace sleeves with single button cuffs, concealed back zip closure, dropped waist, and tiered skirt.

Honest review: I wanted to try this dress all winter, and once it was finally available, I jumped on it! I loved it and considered buying it.

Farm Rio Amanda Striped Mini Dress Retail Value $250, Armoire $TBD

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 it: I rented this dress for the Florida trip but didn't bring it with me.

How I styled it: I paired this beachy dress with Aster Maggie Drop Earrings, Nicholas Kirkwood Strappy Sandals, the Chanel 19, the Hermes Clic-Clac Bracelet, and a straw hat.

Size and fit: Crafted in crisp cotton, the Amanda dress is a rainbow of fun with colorful stripes, a mock-neck, three-quarter bell sleeves, concealed from button placket, self-belt waist, and a flounced hem. I rented a medium, and it was slightly oversized throughout.

Condition: Great. Just a little wrinkled.

Honest review: It's a fun, lightweight and colorful summer dress that's perfect for warm weather!

Sachin & Babi Laura Ruffle Hem Midi Dress Retail $177, Armoire $124

About this Designer: Sachin and Babi met as students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where they were instant friends. The two were cut from the same cloth, bonding over their common interests, ambitions, and upbringing in India. Friendship grew into love, and soon after, a company. Together, Sachin and Babi built a design and embroidery business, working for top houses including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Manolo Blahnik, among others. Sachin and Babi were one of fashion’s best-kept secrets behind-the-scenes until they set out on their own.

Driven by a commitment to incredible craftsmanship and a desire to connect with customers, Sachin and Babi launched our brand. By owning a family-run factory in Mumbai, we are able to control the design and production process from start to finish, cutting out the middlemen. The result: extraordinary clothing and accessories with tremendous value.

Why I rented it: Because it's brand new with tags.

How I styled it: I still haven't worn this dress, but I will wear it to work in the next week before I send it back. In the photos, I paired it with Karl Lagerfeld pumps, the Fendi Fendista Pouch (for nighttime), the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy (for daytime), Vince Leather Jacket, and Lele Sadoughi Spin Skater Earrings and Pearl Station Necklace.

Size and fit: Crafted in a silky fabric, this elegant midi dress features a watercolor floral print with a square neckline, wide shoulder straps, side zip closure, smocked back bodice, defined waist, thigh slit, and shirred hem.

I rented a size 6 and it seems to fit true to size!

Condition: Brand new with tags!

Honest review: It's beautiful and the perfect spring dress. I have no idea why I rented it in February... I guess so I could hold on to it for a month and a half. Whoops.

Yumi Kim Mellow Printed Mini Dress Retail $238, Armoire $190

Why I rented it: Needed another dress for the office, but I couldn't wear it because it was too big and short!

How I styled it: Honestly, I didn't get to wear it because it was too cold out and too short to wear anywhere, but had I rocked it, I would've paired it with my new-to-me Vince leather jacket, Ferragamo Gavina Sandals, Lele Sadoughi Crystal Lily Earrings, and the Fendi Fendista Pouch.

Size and fit: Crafted in a lightweight fabric with a colorful paisley print, the Mellow dress features v-neckline, gently gathered shoulders, long sleeves with banded and buttoned cuffs, internal and external side ties, and a wrap skirt.

I ordered a medium and it was oversized it the bust and waist.

Condition: Like new.

Honest review: I swear, these yo-yo clothing sizes are getting on my last nerve. Yumi Kim typically runs really small (sometimes I have to rent a large) and this dress was big. Fashion will always have a huge returns problem until the brands band together and create universal sizing standards. I'll never see that in my lifetime!

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 Yumi Kim dresses.
• Did they meet or exceed expectations? Exceeded expectations.
• What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Came back from the gym the other morning to find a thief eating my tissues!

Some days I think Armoire could takeover Rent the Runway, but they'll have to stock up on more designer goods! The fact that I can play musical closets with them is such a huge bonus!

Oh, I got another free month, asked my coworker if she'd like it and she never used it. Next time they send me one, I'll post about it on here, and the first person who comments can have it! I'm sure they'll send one out very soon...probably right before Memorial Day.

Stay tuned! I’ve got a good story for y’all next week.

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 $98,536.15!

What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!