Merry Christmas, every bun! Since everyone is coming down with Omicron, things seem to be a little cancelled this year (but can we please not cancel Baby, It's Cold Outside again?). My friends caught it, my family caught it, but luckily Mr. HGL is COVID free. Just like Ms. Claus, I've been running around the DMV delivering Binax and QuickVue at-home kits to all the good little boys and girls. Luckily, their symptoms are very mild and whether that's due to all the shots or not, it's good news.
As I mentioned last week, we're doing Armoire in two parts because Santa got run over by Rudolph and therefore shipments have been delayed. FA-LA-LA... please pass me some eggnog and Mr. HGL wants spiked carrot juice.
SIDE NOTE: Next week we'll be taking a break due to shipment issues.
Mr. HGL is super festive!
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 (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. 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 $19,792 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.
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
Sniff, sniff. This time I got dresses by Bailey 44, Maje, Ted Baker, Magashoni, Alice + Olivia, and Anna Sui.
THE GOODS
Maje Ryo Ruffled Glitter Collar A-Line Dress, Retail Value $420
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The backstory: Well, I wore this dress to a holiday party hosted by the woman who microbladed my brows. When I walked through the door and saw so many people crowded in an office, I decided to have a glass of champagne, quickly say hello, and get lost. It just didn't seem super safe.
How I styled it: I wore the dress with black fishnets, the mink jacket, a pair of platform pumps, my Chanel 19, and the vintage Chanel Gripoix bracelet.
Size and fit: I got a 6 and the fit's a little tight around the armholes. I would've loved to add a belt, but it's not possible with the back design.
Condition: Great condition!
Honest review: It's cute and festive, but I felt like it was missing something. It's trying to be Audrey Hepburn, but Maje got it wrong. Plus, the ruffles are stiff and a little uncomfortable.
Sui by Anna Sui Metallic Striped Sweater Dress, Retail Value $147
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The backstory: I went out to brunch with my boyfriend to Clyde's of Willow Creek and then afterward I suggested we go play darts! Little did he know, I grew up watching my dad play darts, and then I used to challenge all those Wall Street boys to a game of cricket back in the day. I found this awesome dive called Carpool on Google and I was instantly sold! We got there when they opened and owned the place, and then I kind of owned him. He won the 1st round, I won the 2nd, and we tied on the 3rd. I think it bothered him a little that I was crushing him in a dress ...silly rabbit, tricks are for boys.
How I styled it: It wasn't very cold out, so I paired it with my studded Gucci jacket, the Clic Clac (which I had to remove to make sure I scored a bullseye, or six), and a pair of flats.
Size and fit: I got the Medium and it's a heavy, shapeless design that looks clunky and bumpy no matter the size.
Condition: Great condition, no issues.
Honest review: I don't know why I keep going back to Anna Sui like she's suddenly going to make me fall head-over-heels in love, but Deja-freaking-Vu. The dress is kind of shapeless and dowdy. Not loving the metallic threads, and I don't find the design to be very flattering. That's it, Anna. We're done! I mean it this time.
Alice + Olivia Lace Embroidered Cut-Out Back Sheath Dress, Retail Value $348
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The backstory: Omicron killed my plans, but Mr. HGL was happy because that meant more head rubs and lettuce for him!
How I styled it: I planned on wearing it with Charlotte Olympia Suede Pumps, my very vintage Chanel, and this fun feather hairclip I scored at a polo match.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and it was slightly snug which may explain why I had to keep pulling it down, but the zipper still didn't fit properly. The lace is soft and stretchy which is good news for people who are allergic to stiff, itchy lace.
Condition: Good, but clearly worn.
Honest review: I have a love/hate relationship with Alice + Olivia. Sometimes I think her stuff is cheap and tacky, and other times I love, love, love (even though it's so overpriced). This dress had a lot of potential, but the cutout zipper design was lacking structure. I kept pulling at the sides to keep the back from gapping and the attached slip was bunching up too. Since Mr. HGL hopped off in protest, I sent it back.
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? Um, none of them.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Armoire met expectations.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sometimes I can't help but wonder whether rental companies receive products from designers because they're slightly defective, a designer fail or just serious overstock that can't be sold. I find that both Armoire and RTR end up purchasing items that are just a little off ...or maybe it's me. And many times, I've searched for the item on Google (when it's just too pricey on the site), and it's rare I can actually find them.
Before we go, here's a little bedtime story by Mr. Hoppy Golightly.
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the apartment
Not a creature was stirring, well except for Mr. HGL;
The carrots were hung by the litter box with care,
In hopes that Peter Rabbit soon would be there;
The bunny was nestled all snug in the bed,
While visions of bananas danced in my head;
When out on the bed arose such a splatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter
Away to the smartphone, she flew with a flash
Tore off the blanket and discovered the splash…
I peed the bed and it didn't feel like new-fallen snow.
What's up, doc? Ughhhh...Elmer, I'm over it now.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
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- Mr. HGL dreaming of a wet bed
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- Licking it up before I catch him…
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $19,792. What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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