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What I’m Wearing This Week: Armoire

Mary Zubritsky
ByMary ZubritskySep 23, 2021 | 29 comments

Armoire
5 overall rating
8 Ratings | 22 Reviews

While many girls dreamed of becoming a doctor, a vet, or a teacher, I always talked about moving to New York City to work in fashion. And while I was able to move to NYC, and work in the fashion industry for over a decade, something was always missing — um, like a decent paycheck that could afford me all those luxuries! 

What’s the answer? Clothing and accessories rentals because you can explore designers, try before you buy, check out the fit, and discover everything your heart desires without a commitment. No more rummaging through the racks. No size searching. No disappointments. No dry cleaning. And best of all, more space in your closet! And if you absolutely love what you rent, you can buy it outright and call it yours. Brilliant!

INTRODUCING: WHAT I’M WEARING THIS WEEK

Intrigued? Yay! Join me each week as I search, explore, rent, and adore clothing and accessory rentals from Rent the Runway and Armoire. Every Friday, I’ll take you on a trip through my life (recovered from COVID in March, now fully vaccinated), where I’m going (90% of the places are outside, and I wear a mask), what’s missing in my closet, my current obsessions, what I’m excited to try — and maybe even buy.

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

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 retail price, and more. 

WHAT I’M WEARING THIS WEEK: ARMOIRE 

A bundle of clothing folded on the bed

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. 

Before I chose my clothes, I went through the plans and picked the one that seemed to work best for me. You’ve got the option of a 4 Item Capsule, a 7 Item Capsule, or Unlimited. 

Armoire Subscription Pricing and Plans

Armoire Subscription Pricing & Plans

This is a review of the Unlimited Plan for $249/month.

Use coupon code MSA7ITEM to get $50 OFF the first month of the 7-item Capsule Membership or MSAUNLIMITED to get $124 OFF the first month of the Unlimited membership.

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

WHAT I RECEIVED 

Dresses, pants and tops folded on the bed

The six items I ordered from Armoire.

From the time I signed up and chose my items, to the date they arrived, the entire process took about a day and a half which is quite speedy! The items arrived in a white plastic garment shipping bag. They were neatly folded and tied together with a welcome note.

THE GOODS 

David Lerner Vegan Leather Leggings, Retail Value $154

Woman in red top with black leather motorcycle jacket and shiny black faux leather leggings

David Lerner Vegan Leather Leggings

How I styled it: So, I know it’s not exactly college football attire, but I went to the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) and our school colors are black, red, yellow, and white. I slinked into the leggings, topped it off with an old Alice + Olivia blouse, a vintage Burberry Patent Leather Bomber Jacket, pearl-embellished leather ankle boots, and a Balenciaga Classic Studs City Clutch from like 2008. 

Size and fit: I’m tall (5’11”) with an athletic build and a 33” inseam, so I ordered a medium. The sizing was a little snug at first but quickly stretched out for a perfect fit.

Condition: They arrived a little worn in the seams.

Honest review: Well, I was self-conscious. I think I’m too old to wear these leggings. I love them and I think they’d look amazing on someone in their 20s, but I felt like I was trying too hard to look like a cool mom, and I could see outlines of rolls and dimples on my backside which was just not hot. 

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Striped & Belted Shirt Dress, Retail Value $395

Woman in striped blue and white dress with tan and beige leather jacket holding a bunny rabbit

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Striped & Belted Shirt Dress

How I styled it: It was the perfect dress for brunch in Leesburg at Shoes Cup & Cork, followed by antiques shopping in Lucketts, and wine and live music at Vanish Brewery. Since the dress is sweet and innocent (as if I am), I went light on the accessories, wore vintage Ferragamo sandals, and topped it off with a Helmut Lang color-blocked leather jacket. Mr. Hoppy Golightly didn’t go out drinking with me...he’s too young and guard bunnies sleep during the day and party all night.

Size and fit: I ordered the 6 and it was a little big in the chest and waist.  

Condition: Arrived in excellent shape. Didn’t notice any stains, tears, or any other issues. 

Honest review: Cute dress and I love Derek Lam, but I felt like I was going back to Catholic School. 

Black Halo Mock Neck Fit & Flare Dress, Retail Value $325

Woman in black dress with gold-tone studded leather belt and chain strap shoulder bag

Black Halo Mock Neck Fit & Flare Dress

How I styled it: I wore this to the Twilight Polo Match and since Middleburg is one of the fanciest parts of Virginia, I wanted to dress up a little, but still be understated and chic like Audrey Hepburn. I got all wrapped up in a studded leather belt from Etsy, a very vintage Chanel Classic Flap Bag, a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood sandals from a designer resale site, and a Hermés Clic-Clac bracelet which was a birthday gift from a special someone.

Size and fit: I went with a size 8 because I know Black Halo can run a little small and that was the only size left, but it worked out perfectly. It’s a slinky, stretchy, fit and flare design that features a mock neck and short sleeves. 

Condition: Arrived in good condition, but smelled a little like cigarettes. 

Honest review: Aside from the cigarette scent, I love this dress. It’s a timeless classic that’s easy to dress up or down, and you have lots of room to accessorize like a pro! 

3.1 Phillip Lim Vented Asymmetrical Hem Metallic Sweater, Retail Value $475

woman in sweater and bell bottom jeans with cell phone

3.1 Phillip Lim Vented Asymmetrical Hem Metallic Sweater

How I styled it: I wore this outfit to the Maryland State Fair and I was melting. Not because of the sweater, but I didn’t pay attention to the weather and the humidity was so intense, I felt like I was going to faint. Plus, deconstructed bell bottoms do not belong on carnival rides or at a 4 H exhibition hall that smells like cows, horses, and pigs. 

Size and fit: I ordered the medium and it was a little snug. One side is vented and it can ride up to expose your waist. 

Condition: Perfect

Honest review: It’s a sweater I would wear again and again. It’s casual, cool, and stylish, but next time I’d go a size up.

Joie Ruffled Silk-Blend Dress, Retail Value $348

Woman in black dress with rabbit clutch and heels

Joie Ruffled Silk-Blend Dress

How I styled it: I wore it to a family gathering at the Valley Inn in Baltimore where we danced the night away to a pop DJ underneath the stars. I paired it with a belt I got at a street fair in London, a Prada x James Jean Rabbit Clutch (obvi, I bought this because of my bunny), and a pair of Ulla Johnson Gladiator Sandals. 

Size and fit: A little oversized and flowy, but that’s just the boho design. It’s a lightweight, breezy, comfy dress that’s perfect for those sticky summer nights. 

Condition: Great, like new. 

Honest review: A frilly yet no-frills dress that is probably a little too young and short for me. 

Likely Sleeveless Split-Neck Gingham Sheath Dress, Retail Value $188

Likely Sheath

Image via Armoire.

How I styled it: I didn’t wear it.

Size and fit: I ordered the size 6 and it was tight around my hips. 

Condition: The dress, although adorable, arrived torn. Customer service was very helpful, apologetic, and offered to send me something else, I declined. 

Honest review: I love gingham, and the dress is very sweet. It just didn’t work for 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? Since last week was all about easy, breezy looks, the Black Halo, Joie, and Derek Lam dresses all worked very well. In fact, since they're simplistically chic and match with just about everything I own, I was able to wear each of the two black dresses more than once.
  • Did they meet or exceed expectations? After I subscribed, I discovered Armoire is more preppy and bohemian than what’s currently in my closet, but their rental items are on point for the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) areas. Luckily, I have lots of accessories, shoes, belts, and bags that I can mix and match with everything on the site to create a look that is ALL ME. 
  • What’s the return process like? It's very easy! Just place your items in the pre-paid garment bag, affix the return label, and send it back! 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Since this was my first time using Armoire, I now have a much better idea of their business model, styles, designers, and customers. Initially, I found navigating through the site a little complicated (and I think it could use some tweaking from a user experience standpoint to make it more seamless), but otherwise, I love Armoire. In fact, I’ve already hearted 17 additional items, and I can’t wait to give them a whirl and a twirl!

CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent. 

Use coupon code MSA7ITEM to get $50 OFF the first month of the 7-item Capsule Membership or MSAUNLIMITED to get $124 OFF the first month of the Unlimited membership.

VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far I've received styles with a retail value of $1,885!

Do you subscribe to Armoire? Let us know what you think down below!

Starting at $89.00
Active Deal
Get $30 OFF 1 month of the 7-item plan OR 50% OFF 1 month of the unlimited plan.
Use Coupon Code 7MSA89 or MSAUNLIMITED50
Subscribe Now

With an Armoire membership, you get exclusive access to an endless wardrobe of high-end brands (think Paige, Yumi Kim, Joie, DVF, etc) delivered to your door to wear and return when you want. No shipping fees, no dry cleaning costs, no late charges. The clothes fit all aspects of your life - from... read more.

Mary Zubritsky
Mary Zubritsky

If shopping were an Olympic sport, I’d be a gold medalist. And while my bank account often feels the crunch, I just can’t stop buying secondhand clothing and accessories, under-the-radar designer goods, stuffed animal unicorns (I have about 75), and toys for my pet bunny rabbit. After 20 years of city slicking in NYC and DC, I now have a car and love to tour the Virginia countryside looking for vintage shops, undiscovered wineries and breweries, historic sites, and Thai restaurants—I’m addicted to Thai food. I never leave home without a spare phone charger because I love horror movies and therefore have an irrational fear of being stranded somewhere with a dead battery. 


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29 comments

Alex

Looking great!

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Julia

The selfies look so unprofessional. So many people work at MSA. Get someone else to hold the camera.

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Mary K. Zubritsky

I have someone who has offered to take the pics for me, but I feel so silly and self-conscious! Eventually I might change my mind.

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Shannon

Excellent review! I love how you styled your existing pieces with the rental items and gave a fun narrative on where you wore each outfit. You look absolutely amazing in everything.

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Sara

This was a great review. Thank you so much. Best thing I’ve read on MSA since Liz stopped writing reviews

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Chris Hall

Great review! You look beautiful and the clothes are super cute! I would consider renting clothes but I work from home in the country and nobody ever sees me other than my husband and dog LOL. Thanks!

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Carol

I enjoyed the review and think everything looked great (love the black turtleneck dress!). The comments on this site can be so rude.

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Mary K. Zubritsky

Thanks, everyone. I haven’t worn shorts in public in over 10 years, and I am very self-conscious about wearing anything too short without a pair of tights. I’m not even wild about bathing suits! Luckily, it’s almost fall and everything will be longer and covered up, including my face with a mask whenever I go out…like I always do. I agree that a lot of the outfits are too young for me which is why I called it out in the first place. Thanks for reading and engaging! Excited to see what you think about next week’s rentals.

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C

Your response to the rude comments was graceful and demonstrated a lot of restraint. You look great and I thoroughly enjoyed your review. Really looking forward to more reviews from you (esp. fashion-related ones)!

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Mary K. Zubritsky

Thank you. I have very thick skin 🙂 and after all we’ve been through in the past (almost) two years, there are way more important things to worry about than other people’s opinions!

Sheri Hoffman

You look fantastic, Mary. You have such beautiful legs and they deserve to be shown off if you want to. I loved your review. I think several of these “ladies” are jealous of how beautiful you are.

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Missy

Dang these women are harsh ! Girl ignore the ninny’s u look awesome!

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Sherri

I really hate seeing women tear other women down. As long as it’s legal, we should all wear what we want – if someone likes what they are wearing and feels good in it, that’s what matters. Whether you think it’s appropriate or not doesn’t matter. You don’t like it? Don’t look.
I’m going to bite my tongue about the Covid comment, and hope that the writer doesn’t actually have a cavalier attitude and just didn’t phrase her comment in the best way.

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Snow

Wow some of these comments are rather harsh. If Mary is fully vaccinated (and caught Covid, which is the best case scenario in regards to immunity), what more is she supposed to do? In regards to the clothes, I think it’s awesome Mary is showing us complete outfits. I wear short skirts all the time and I’m 40. Not going to wear dresses that reach my ankles just because I’m older. I think Mary looks great!

Fun review! People need to lighten up a bit. We can only do so much. Enjoy the life that we have!

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Mary K. Zubritsky

Thank you! 🙂 Excited to see what you think of tomorrow’s RTR review.

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Lorif631

Agreed 100%, Snow. Some of these comments are truly mean.

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C

I agree, some of these comments are really mean and bordering on bullying. Women should not be tearing down other women (especially by making ageist comments). This review was fun and a nice distraction from the depressing news that we’re constantly inundated with.

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Kim

That is mean and unnecessary. She looks good.

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Cindy

Totally agree! She looks great! Can’t understand why people need to go out of their way to be mean.

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Caligirl

Loved your review…

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Vic

Beautiful clothes but too pricey for renting clothing.

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C

I appreciated this review. I completely disagree with the previous commenter who said this feels out of touch and “bougie goopy” (I also thought that comment was rather uncalled for since an actual human being with feelings wrote this review). For what it’s worth, some people actually enjoy fashion and like seeing self-styled, on trend outfits (rather than tired stitchfix mall-style looks that are prevalent in sub box reviews). Whether or not the items (or lifestyle) featured in this post are financially attainable for most MSA readers, fashion is a form
of creative expression and someone who partakes in it shouldn’t be mocked. Sub boxes are a luxury for most people, so I don’t think this post feels out of place on a site for sub box addicts. I will say the clothing items that I was most drawn to were things that the reviewer already owned (love the patent bomber and flared jeans, especially). Thanks for providing this reader with a fun escape for a few minutes!

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Tina

This review is not it. And yikes the comment about covid. Hard pass. And who wants to rent clothes that smell like cigarettes?

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amie

everything about this writer and post just feels so out of touch with what msa is/was. read the room- this comes across as trying too hard to be bougie goopy.

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Kim

I enjoyed reading your thoughts especially when you mentioned places in VA and MD that I have actually been to; however, I’m not too comfortable with renting clothing. The bunny is very cute too.

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Amy G

The bunny is very cute, but you shouldn’t hold a bunny that way — you have to support their back legs or they can panic, kick, and break their backs.
Also the whole “I’m over Covid so I’m going to live regardless” attitude is just . . . .

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C

She said she’s vaxxed, so as long as she’s taking appropriate precautions (incl. masking while indoors), I’m not sure what the problem is. Don’t get me wrong, I have a *huge* issue with ppl who aren’t doing their part to stop the spread (I personally can’t wait to get my booster and I will continue to wear a mask around all non-household members for as long as it remains necessary), but I don’t think it’s fair to assume the reviewer is being irresponsible here. We don’t really have enough info to judge, imho (unless I overlooked something in her post, which is possible). I agree with your larger point, however, that it’s really frustrating to see the number of people acting like covid is no longer a problem. I cannot even imagine how demoralizing that must be for healthcare workers. Stay safe ❤️

The Nurse

I agree with you, I’m not comfortable renting clothing either. IMHO, it bothers me that it’s been worn before by several/many complete strangers. Also, it seems wasteful to me. There’s absolutely nothing to show for spending that money.

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Cindy

Yikes, the thought of receiving a garment that smells of cigarettes – how gross! I enjoy these reviews to see the clothes but never in a million years would I subscribe.