What I’m Wearing This Week: Armoire

Good morning! I am recovering from the flu. I stayed with friends in NYC the first week of April, and the entire family came down with it while I was there. I figured it was a bad cold because the flu isn't even on my radar—I haven't had it since maybe college—so I wasn't concerned.

I got back, started to feel achy, and had chills and sweats—oh, it's perimenopause! WRONG. My friends never went to the doctor because they have kids, and it's just another day for them. Well, I needed answers... especially after the autoimmune scare so I went to urgent care and was diagnosed with strain B.

Meanwhile, I went to the office that week because I thought it was a cold. The doctor told me it's highly contagious, so I fear I might've started a trend at work that has nothing to do with fashion. When I told my friends their diagnosis, they felt terrible for making me sick, but it's not their fault! Sickness happens.

It wasn't bad enough for me to assume the worst, but I just feel bad for anyone I unknowingly infected. Glad to be on the other side of recovery.

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.

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.

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, Milly and Toccin arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.

French Connection Floral Paneled Crop Top, Retail Value $128, Armoire $96, French Connection Floral Printed Flounce Maxi Skirt, Retail Value $248, Armoire $186

About the designer: French Connection was founded in 1972 and we set out 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: The bold floral print caught my eye.

How I styled it: Obvi, I wore them together and paired the set with the Kendra Scott Maya necklace, leaf drops from Rocksbox, Karl Lagerfeld strappy pumps, a Vince leather jacket, and the Louis Vuitton Murakami Cherry Blossoms bag.

Have you seen the LV/Murakami relaunch? What do you think?

Size and fit: Crafted in a textured cotton blend, this set comes with a matching crop top with wide shoulder straps, sweetheart neckline, smocked back and side zipper. The skirt has a banded waist with back zip closure, smocking, and a flounced hem.

I got a medium in the top and a 6 in the skirt, and both are true to size.

Condition: Like new.

Honest review: I loved the set, even though the fabric felt and looked a little like curtains. My only complaints were the itchy tags and the uncooperative weather that made this summery set suddenly unwearable.

Milly Otha Sunset Stripe Midi Skirt, Retail Value $325, Armoire $244

About the designer: Milly is a mood — color combinations, mixed prints and an air of sophistication. MILLY fuses Parisian influence with a vibrant New York energy. From statement colors to optimistic silhouettes, stepping into MILLY is an occasion all on its own.

Why I rented it: I never rent skirts and this one seemed perfect for the spring.

How I styled it: I rocked this skirt with an Alice + Olivia leather top, a Pinko jacket, Amazon earrings, Ferragamo patent leather slides, and a vintage Louis Vuitton tote.

Size and fit: I got a medium and it was a perfect fit. This rainbow striped skirt is crafted in lightweight polyester, this pleated skirt features a banded waist, back zip closure, and a twirl-ready skirt. It's lined.

Condition: Great!

Honest review: Perfect for the office and a night out on the town. It was so breezy, I don't even think it would weigh you down during the hot, sticky summer days and nights either.

Toccin Shelby Houndstooth Sleeveless Mini Dress, Retail Value $277, Armoire $244

About the Designer: TOCCIN began with the mission to make women feel more confident, comfortable, and stylish. We honed insights from our years in the fashion industry, and as a couple living in New York, to design the right elevated essentials for women on the go. From luxurious knits to tailored blazers, to dresses for work or special occasions, our collections are designed for the lives women lead today.

Our intent is to keep women styled to a T all day long. Be sure to drop us a note as we’re always designing with you in mind.

Why I rented it: It's perfect for spring!

How I styled it: I never wore the dress out, but in the photos I paired it with the Karl Largerfeld strappy pumps (which were great until Gabby chewed them), the Vince leather jacket, and a Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Speedy.

Size and fit: I got a medium and this pullover design fit true to size. Crafted in a soft rayon blend, this sleeveless knit dress features a houndstooth print with a ribbed turtleneck, ribbed armholes, and a ribbed waist.

Condition: Brand new with tags.

Honest review: The dress comes with a matching cardigan, which was constantly sold out so I rented the dress alone, but it really needs the cardi to create the perfect set. The fabric is really soft and luxurious, and the cut is timeless, but I didn't love it on me.

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 ordered these summery items thinking maybe the warm weather is here to stay, but winter reappeared so I didn't get much wear out of anything.
• 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

Gabby got fixed last week, and she's recovering well. She spent two nights at Pender Vet, and they took great care of her, just like they always did with Mr. HGL. Dolce was frantic when he noticed his girlfriend was gone and searched everywhere.

I must admit it's nice not to have the gates up. He's mildly destructive, and she's Hurricane Gabby. She's back and must be separated from him for 14 days. I've been administering her medication, and it's a serious battle. I wrap her up in a towel or a "bunny burrito," and she kicks, squirms, slithers, and eats the towel to keep the syringe from entering her mouth. Whenever I pick her up and take her to the bedroom for her medicine, Dolce follows and watches me closely. He stands guard next to her enclosure all day and night, and they sleep next to each other against the clear wall of the playpen. It's really sweet.

VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $123,596!

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