What I’m Wearing This Week: Armoire

Happy New Year, every bun! It's been a long two weeks of eating, drinking, and running around. Since I temporarily kicked RTR to the curb, I rented a bunch of winter-perfect looks from Armoire and most of them were brand new with tags! I love being the first one to wear something. 😁

I left D&G alone for a few days over the break, but I had to drive back twice to fill up their food! They eat like they'll never eat again. Mr. HGL did not gorge himself silly, but Gabby doesn't know when to stop eating. She definitely gained a few kilos over the holidays.

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 $113,007 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 Staud, Black Iris, Milly, and Staud arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.

Staud Oaklyn Metallic Midi Skirt, Retail Value $295, Armoire $221; Black Iris Lady Lace Blouse, Retail Value $425, Armoire $289

About the designer: Staud, founded by Sarah Staudinger in 2015, is a Los Angeles-based fashion brand that has quickly gained a reputation for its chic, accessible, and contemporary designs. Staudinger, who previously worked as the fashion director for Reformation, created Staud to fill a gap in the market for high-quality, stylish clothing that sits between luxury and fast fashion.

Black Iris: Black Iris is a fashion brand co-founded by Candice Miller, Chloe Gosselin, and Aly Gradone. The trio launched the brand in 2019, focusing on creating timeless, vintage-inspired pieces with a modern twist. Their designs often emphasize feminine elegance, intricate detailing, and high-quality craftsmanship. Black Iris aims to evoke nostalgia while offering versatile, contemporary styles that fit seamlessly into a modern wardrobe.

Why I rented: It's unusual and unlike other items I've rented or purchased. As for the blouse, I love black lace!

How I styled it: Obviously, I wore them both together! I added a pair of Les Belles tights, a B-Low-the-Belt belt, Amazon earrings, a Balenciaga moto clutch, and Kenneth Cole Meryl Boots.

Size and fit: Elevate your wardrobe with Staud's Oaklyn metallic-effect midi skirt, a shimmering statement piece that exudes modern glamour. Featuring a high-rise waist with belt loops, side pockets, button and zip closure, and a front slit and fluid silhouette, this skirt is out of this world! I got a 6 and it ran large on me.

The Black Iris lace blouse combines romance and sophistication. Featuring intricate lace detailing, a mock neck, puff sleeves, back keyhole closure, and rounded hem. I got a 6 and it's a little short on me.

Condition: The skirt was brand new with tags and the blouse was in great shape!

Honest review: I got so many compliments on this look—two women at a Christmas party said I looked like a Barbie Doll. I loved both pieces so much, I considered purchasing both. But then changed my mind because the blouse was too short, and the skirt's metallic silver hue isn't very versatile.

Milly Ren Mesh Cutout Knit Dress, Retail Value $395, Armoire $316

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: It looked like a cozy and versatile design!

How I styled it: I wore this dress so many times and in so many ways! For the photos, I paired it with Amazon earrings, a vintage belt, Gucci studded leather jacket, Capezio fishnets, and Kenneth Cole Meryl Point Toe Boots.

Size and fit: Crafted in a stretchy knit blend, this versatile mini dress features a ribbed mock neck, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, a mesh shoulder cutout, and ribbed hem.

I got a medium, and it fit perfectly! It's a pullover design, but roomy enough not to ruin your hair or makeup.

Condition: Brand new with tags.

Honest review: Loved it so much, I considered buying the dress. But the resale value was too high and the quality didn't match the price.

Staud Crown Knit Maxi Dress, Retail Value $275, Armoire $126

Why I rented it: I wanted something cozy, warm and timeless for the colder weather.

How I styled it: I wore this dress at least 5 times and paired it with an Obi belt, J. Crew d'Orsay flats, Yves Salomon shearling jacket, and the Balenciaga Graffiti Bag.

Size and fit: Knit in a lightweight and soft wool blend, this retro-chic pullover dress features a polo collar, v-neckline, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, and ribbed hem with side slit. I got the medium and it's a perfect fit. My only concern is that it'll stretch out quickly.

Condition: Like new.

Honest review: Perfectly stylish, cute, cozy and an amazing color! I considered purchasing this dress, but the resale price was too high.

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? EVERYTHING WAS GREAT!
• 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

Have you ever dealt with Medicare? For the past three years, I've helped my mom with her plans, which are expensive and confusing! Between the alphabet soup coverage options, limitations, and crazy high prices, I'm terrified to retire. What will it look like then?

I got my mom set up on a supplemental plan that will cost her over $500 a month. Part A and B come from her social security check, and she pays the rest out of pocket. In the past year, a few of my friend's parents have had serious health issues that have landed them in the hospital for over a month, and the Advantage plans didn't cover much at all.

So, we went with a supplemental this time (her Advantage plan was canceled), and everything, including her prescriptions, are pricey. You'd think older people would have better and cheaper options, but they don't. The more I learn about Medicare and the possibility of ending up in an old-age home, the wider my eyes get.

On another note, I grew up with Luigi Mangione's family—the UnitedHealthcare guy. His aunt and uncle were big in my church, and I used to go to swim parties at their house. I don't know Luigi personally, but I know family members.

Funny enough, there's this one cousin I used to snicker at because he would show up to the opening of a toilet bowl in DC or Baltimore. I just found out he is a Mangione, too! Honestly, the Mangione's are a great family. Baltimore locals are baffled, shocked, and saddened for them. Everyone's trying to figure out what went wrong.

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 $114,362!

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