What I’m Wearing This Week: Armoire

Hoppy Friday! What a week, huh? I spent last weekend in Miami visiting friends and had a friend and her son come and check on D&G. They were enclosed, but baby Gabby managed to squeeze through an opening, so I switched my flight to early Sunday morning just to be sure everything was ok.

I had the video camera on them and felt better seeing that she'd come back in for food, the litter box, and to see her boyfriend, but was still concerned she'd destroy the place. They are still as cuddly and cute as before, but she does seem to be growing up pretty quickly! Her fur is changing colors, and she's gained a little weight.

In two weeks, I'm taking Dolce to the groomer I used for Fluff because the woman near me charged $98 and only trimmed half his body and asked me to bring him back in a month. Meanwhile, Darby charges $55 and does an amazing job! I tried to find someone closer because of the traffic, but it seems she's still my best bet.

The picture in the background of my shots is my favorite photo of Mr. HGL and blew it up because I still wanted him to be in my photos. Below you'll also see his paw prints and a guardian bunny angel from my sister.

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 $110,528 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 French Connection, Hutch, Steve Madden, and Cynthia Rowley arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.

French Connection Echo Crepe Strapless Dress, Retail Value $158, Armoire $134

About the designer: We were founded in 1972 and set out with the aim to create design-led, fashionable clothing. Today, we design contemporary clothing, accessories and homeware – everything you need in one destination. Signature dresses, responsible denim and relaxed staples are what we do best, so expect compliments. We offer eco-conscious pieces and accessible, quality products that stand the test of time, giving you confidence to look and feel your best every day.

In more recent years we have also expanded our portfolio into new exciting areas including men’s and women’s toiletries, sunglasses and opticals, watches, footwear and a growing range of furniture and home accessories.

Why I rented: It was brand new with tags, and a timeless classic.

How I styled it: I wore this dress to work (with a jacket) and then took it off to meet my friend Rania for dinner and drinks at Joon. If you live nearby and like Persian food, this place is a must!

I paired this dress with gold-tone hoop earrings, the Kendra Scott Maya Necklace, a vintage Etsy belt, Karl Lagerfeld pumps, a Helmut Lang leather jacket, and the Louis Vuitton Graffiti Speedy.

Size and fit: I got a 6, which fit like a glove. Crafted in buttery soft crepe, this strapless dress features a bandeau layered neckline, fitted bodice, and back vent.

Condition: Brand new with tags.

Honest review: Oh, I loved it! The fabric was buttery soft, and the fit was perfect! French Connection has some really nice pieces at a price that won't break the bank.

Hutch Juni Shawl Collar Wrap Coat, Retail Value $341, Armoire $325

About the Designer: Established in 2010 by New York native Daniel Saponaro, Hutch is a women's contemporary fashion brand headquartered in NYC. Renowned for its effortless, feminine designs, the brand is celebrated for creating bold, flattering, and versatile pieces. Every garment reflects Daniel's passion for vibrant colors, imaginative prints, and timeless elegance. The brand takes pride in its commitment to size inclusivity, ensuring that their fashion-forward styles cater to diverse body shapes and sizes. Hutch is now carried in over 350 boutiques nationwide and sold on Nordstrom, Anthropologie, RentTheRunway, Nully, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales starting in 2024. Hutch is not only loved by their customers but has been worn by A-List celebrities such as Lucy Hale, Iskra Lawrence, Mary Fitzgerald, and Shanina Shaik. 

Why I rented it: I thought it was fall, but alas, it's still summer here.

How I styled it: I just put it on for the pics since I couldn't wear the coat.

Size and fit: Crafted in ultra-soft wool, this cozy cold weather coat features an oversized shawl collar, long sleeves, wrap closure, self-tie belt with belt loops, side on-seam pockets, and a colorful animal print.

I got a medium and it was a little oversized, but you can adjust the fit with the belt.

Condition: Brand new with tags.

Honest review: The wool is ultra-soft and cozy, and the fit is excellent! Too bad it was still 80 degrees when it arrived (and it still is near 80).

Steve Madden Vivienne Mesh Midi Dress, Retail Value $69, Armoire $59

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 it: I've rented this dress in the past and considered wearing it to the University of Maryland's homecoming game, but it was too warm and dressy.

How I styled it: I paired this dress with the Kendra Scott Maya Necklace, a vintage belt from Etsy, a Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, Tamara Mellon Strapped Capretto Heels, and the Chanel 19.

Size and fit: I got a medium and this mesh dress is lightweight, cozy and sexy! It's designed in a body-hugging, midi length with turtleneck, long sleeves and raw-edge hem. It comes with a detachable slip and it's a pullover style.

Condition: Great!

Honest review: Sleek, sexy, comfy, and chic — also, I loved the color.

Cynthia Rowley Pintuck Cotton Dress, Retail Value $445, Armoire $350

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: I love Cynthia Rowley, and I had never seen this dress!

How I styled it: I wore this dress to work and beyond and paired it with a Pinko Jacket, AGL D'Orsay Pumps and a Louis Vuitton tote.

Size and fit: Crafted in lightweight cotton, this floral-print dress features a round neckline, short puffed sleeves with elasticized cuffs, front-button closure, pintucked bodice, self-tie waist, and a flounced hem. It is unlined and a little sheer, so I'd suggest wearing a slip.

I ordered a medium and the fit was true to size, if not slightly on the larger side.

Condition: Great!

Honest review: Even though it's fall, I was able to wear this lightweight dress multiple times. It's perfect for work and the weekend!

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 a ton of wear out of the Cynthia Rowley dress but couldn't wear the coat because it's still in the 70s and 80s in the DC area.
• 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

Going to keep it short this week and get back to work! See you soon.

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 $110,528!

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