What I’m Wearing This Week: Armoire

Hey, everyone. It's been a very rough week and I'm not okay. Mr. HGL's little body started to give out last weekend, and by Labor Day, he was struggling to catch his breath, so I took him back to Pender Vet and relieved him of his suffering. Many of you said he'd tell me when it was time, and he did.

Over the past two months, he had become utterly obsessed with being up high on the couch, and I swear he would've hung from the ceiling if he could. The vet thinks it's because he's a prey animal and felt sick for so long that he was too scared to be on the ground (a fox or hawk might break through the window and catch him). His litter box habits got even worse (basically non-existent), and he started peeing and having diarrhea on the top of the couch and on me, too. I also noticed his energy levels were slipping, and his appetite changed pretty drastically—I know rabbits aren't supposed to eat human food, but when I had some potato chips last weekend, he had zero interest. In the past, he'd stalk me and go crazy!

He fought a long, hard battle with Pasteurella and a fungal infection. He had the illness since he was around 2 years old and was never able to shake it. He used to snap back from it, but on Monday when I saw his blue lips and watched him struggle to catch a breath, I knew there was no way he'd survive a few more days and it would be a very painful death.

When I took him to Pender Vet, she was shocked to see his name on the emergency list—she couldn't believe he was still alive after all he went through last year. Ironically enough, I put him down on the same day I brought him home from his three-day emergency stay last year. By the time he went to the back room, he was so disoriented from lack of oxygen, he didn't even recognize me. He was too focused on catching breaths and didn't respond to my presence.

Here are his last few photos. As you can see from the flared nostrils and arched, strained positioning, he was having a really hard time breathing and in a lot of pain. I'm glad I was home LDW and able to put him down humanely. I would've completed crumbled had I returned from a trip to find him gone.

She asked if we should try another round of medication and while I considered it briefly, I didn't want to drag this out for another few weeks only for him to go downhill again. I doubt he would've come out stronger, and I didn't want to punish him with weeks of multiple meds. I knew he'd never shake this, and I started to feel like a cruel and selfish person. She agreed he wouldn't recover.

I couldn't sit with him through the process—it would've traumatized me—and my friends who have been through the same thing with their dogs and cats told me it's horrible to witness. I probably would've thrown up. I felt terribly ill in the vet's office and had to run to the restroom twice.

I am lucky there are many rabbit vets in this area, and they all work together and communicate. I took him to Stahl Animal Hospital for his checkup a few weeks ago and Pender had access to his health records.

He was my little bestie (and the best boyfriend ever) who got me through so much heartache in the past five years. I don't think I would've made it without him. He would've turned 8 on November 30th, so he lived a long and very loved-up life.

RIP Mr. HGL (aka Fluff, Fluff Puff, Mr. Hoppy Golightly). You will be missed terribly. ❤

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 $101,958 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 Steve Madden, ASTR the Label and Hutch arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.

Steve Madden Tori Draped High-Low Shirt Dress, Retail Value $89, Armoire $71

About the Designer: What began as a modest $1,100 investment in 1990 has developed into one of the most iconic brands in footwear. From a factory in Queens, NY, Steve Madden has revolutionized the shoe industry, merging years of experience with unique and creative designs. Inspired by rock and roll and his New York roots, his vision to provide on-trend women and men with an outlet to express their individuality is innovative, daring, and inspiring. Steve’s innate understanding of trends and unparalleled willpower have resulted in millions of customers worldwide and propelled his designs to the forefront of fashion. He has expanded the Steve Madden brand into a true lifestyle and destination for footwear, handbags and accessories, sold in over 80 countries worldwide. It’s about authenticity. It’s about embracing individuality. It’s Steve Madden.

Why I rented: I needed more work looks.

How I styled it: My office look? Simple! Tabitha Simmons Floral Laser-Cut Leather pumps, Kendra Scott Maya necklace, a pair of simple hoops, and the Givenchy Nightingale bag.

Size and fit: I got a medium and while it was a little blousy and roomy, the fit was perfect for the office. This dress features a shirt collar with front-button placket, short sleeves with folded cuffs, front-tie waist, draped skirt, and a high-low hem.

Condition: Great.

Honest review: While I lived in Steve Madden shoes back in the 90s, his clothing might be underrated. For the price, you get well-made, attractive pieces that won't break the bank. This dress was perfect for a day at the office, and it was cozy, and I loved the fabric too! Very silky.

ASTR the Label Rialto Cap Sleeve Dress, Retail Value $138, Armoire $110

About the Designer: Taking inspiration from the latest trends and affinity for all things feminine, the creative collective behind ASTR The Label aims to immerse their customers into a world of effortless beauty. Since 2012, the brand has stood as a wearable interpretation of attainable style for all occasions. Featuring distinctive looks that exude romance, ASTR The Label offers collections that are recognized for their quality and unique combination of contemporary sophistication, versatility and chic design. By catering to the fashion needs of the #ASTRBabe, our collections continually feature on-trend and thoughtfully crafted garments for the modern woman.

Why I rented it: The color and design caught my eye.

How I styled it: Mr. HGL was totally judging. I think he wanted to get on the couch, but didn't have enough energy. I paired this dress with Mignonne Gavigan Sadie Floral earrings, a vintage gold-tone belt from Etsy, and the Louis Vuitton Murakami Cherry Blossoms bag.

Size and fit: The fit was totally off. The back twist and cutout were awkward and kept riding up, I had to double-side tape the dangerously high slit to my leg, and the belly area was tight and unflattering.

I got a medium and this polyester dress features a V-neckline with snap closure, short cap sleeves, side zip closure, crisscross open back, gently gathered bodice and waist, asymmetrical hem, and a very high side slit.

Condition: Great.

Honest review: Cheaply made, thin fabric with an awkward open back and a way too high side slit.

Hutch Savvy One-Shoulder Bubble Hem Dress, Retail Value $330, Armoire $198

About the Designer: Launched in 2010 by New York native Daniel Saponaro, Hutch is a women's contemporary line designed in NYC and recognized for easy, feminine pieces that are bold yet flattering and versatile.

Opting for timelessness over trendy, as a rule, every style shows Daniel's vision and love for bright colors, conceptual prints, and a toned-down sexy sophistication. Now carried in over 220 boutiques nationwide, Hutch has been profiled by WWD and seen in magazines like InStyle and People Stylewatch.

For ten years, before launching Hutch, Daniel resided at luxury evening and contemporary companies alike, designing for Heidi Weisel, Samantha Treacy, Isaac Mizrahi and Thread Social, among others. Brooklyn born and a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and the Instituto Polimoda in Florence, Italy. Daniel lives in Brooklyn with his husband Kyle and their long-haired Dachshunds, Rusty and Moxley.

Why I rented it: I needed a cute going-out dress.

How I styled it: I threw on a pair of Mignonne Gavigan Micro Madeline earrings, a vintage belt from Etsy, and the Chanel 19 bag. I wore this for a night out to Balos in DC.

Size and fit: I ordered a 6 and it was roomy throughout. This mesh bubble hem dress features a one-shoulder neckline with side zip closure, gathered bodice, and a bubble hem. The material is very thick but lightweight, so you don't need a slip.

Condition: Great.

Honest review: Super cute, well made, and got lots of compliments!

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 equal wear out of every piece.
• 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

All three designers make really cute, economical pieces, but ASTR the Label is lacking in quality. All of their pieces are paper thin, and the fit is totally off. Hutch consistently seems to run big (the quality is comparable to price-point) and sometimes looks matronly, but Steve Madden hits the mark with everything I've tried.

So, what does the future look like? I haven't decided. Part of me wants to get a small dog like a King Charles Spaniel, but I am not sure how much free time I'll have for a dog. I know you're like, but what are you doing!? I will spend more time at home with my dad as his dementia progresses and I can't see myself driving an hour each way every day to take a dog out. Plus, dog walkers are expensive, and dogs are expensive!

Rabbits are like cats in the sense that they don't require much work and attention. I used to leave Mr. HGL for 2-3 days and visit my parents, and I rarely had to worry. Ok, they require work and attention, and I always had a video camera on him (and could leave and drive back quickly if needed), BUT my friends with dogs reminded me that I'd have to take the dog out for a walk a few times a day, and I couldn't leave it alone for long periods of time. They also said they get very expensive, very quickly.

More than likely I'll get rabbit(s) again and it'll probably be a bonded pair (besties), so they have each other. I always felt guilty that Fluff (what I called him in private) didn't have a friend. And if I got another rabbit, there would be two.

Either way, I won't make a decision until I'm past this grieving process and have had enough time to think clearly. I might foster a rabbit from a local shelter in the meantime. I've already trashed all Fluff's stuff so his illnesses don't impact another rabbit, and I will borrow my friend's heavy-duty upholstery cleaner to deep clean the couch (or "couch toilet" as my brother referred to it) and the rug.

As I go through the mental gymnastics, part of me knows I did all I could, and the other part wonders if I could've done more. I know it was only a matter of time before his body gave up the fight, but I feel guilty for putting him down. I wish it could've been different. And it makes me question many of my life choices as well.

But on a slightly positive note, I was sooooo sick of not being able to use my couch the past year and picking (and sucking) up about little 250 rabbit poops a day. And my poor couch got way too many golden showers! 🐰

I'm going to end this review now and go take a long walk. I feel sick to my stomach and need to clear my head. Enjoy the weekend. I'll probably skip next week to recover a bit more.

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 $106,232!

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