Happy Friday! Last week I was in NYC for work and needed to take a break from fashion to focus on dogs and cats. Now, this was my first time in NYC since before the pandemic and it's a little depressing and eerie to see how empty the streets, shops, and restaurants are — and how many of my favorite places have shut down.
But on a positive note, I brought two of my Armoire rentals with me and they were a hit. And while I was a bit overdressed, there was this woman in my office who I quickly nicknamed "Audrey" because she reminded me so much of Audrey Hepburn. She is stunning and her outfits are absolutely to die for... I looked forward to seeing her walk through the door every morning.
Everyone at the office was so kind and welcoming. What a great crew!
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 $30,648 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
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All of the items by BCBG, ba&sh, Black Halo, Ted Baker, Alexia Admor, and Tibi arrived on time and in good condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner and neatly folded.
THE GOODS
Ted Baker London Raniaa Cowl Neck Slip Camisole, Retail Value $109
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How I styled it: I wore this top to the office and paired it with a leather pencil skirt, a studded leather belt, the studded Gucci leather jacket, and the Balenciaga Graffiti Motorcycle Bag.
Size and fit: I ordered size 6 and it fit very well, if not slightly big. This lightweight, low-cut tank features adjustable shoulder straps and a tonal polka dot design.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Retail price is $109, and the resale price is $84. Had it been cheaper, I would've bought it in a heartbeat because cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors and this is a super versatile top.
Black Halo Off-the-Shoulder Sheath Dress, Retail Value $345
How I styled it: I didn't end up wearing it at all because it's too small.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and hoped it would fit like the model, but it was tight. I could barely zip it up and when I finally was able to, I couldn't breathe!
Condition: Very good.
Honest review: Other reviewers said they wished it were as long as it is on the model, and I feel the same way. I wanted to wear it to the office but ended up taking it off and throwing it back into the rental bag to return.
Tiffanie Asymmetrical Sheath Dress, Retail Value $178
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How I styled it: I wore this asymmetrical dress to meet my sister for a pre-birthday brunch at Fiola Mare in DC. I paired it with the Prada Bunny Clutch and a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood Sandals.
Size and fit: I ordered the medium and this pull-over dress with a tulip-like hem fit quite well. I like the lines of the garment and the design.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: It's a really cute dress with an artful, scribble print. It's lightweight and comfy, but the material is quite thin so if you're like me and inhaled tater tots, chicken tenders, and a beer two hours after brunch, you just might wish for a heavier fabric. The price is right, but I sent it back.
Alexia Admor Gathered Shoulder Square Neck Sheath Dress, Retail Value $225
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How I styled it: I wore this dress to work and paired it with a wide leather belt, Ferragamo Gavina Sandals, the Gucci Studded Leather Jacket, Hermes Clic Clac, and my Balenciaga Graffiti City Bag. Since I was traveling, I was trying to pack lightly and combine looks and pieces to make life easier, and my load a bit lighter.
Size and fit: I got the size 6 and this sheath dress seems to run a bit tight in the chest. It's a beautiful color, I love the length, the puffed sleeves, and the square neckline.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I love this dress and I'm glad I found a designer I like who's not crazy overpriced BUT beware the retail prices for this designer are grossly inflated on Armoire and LeTote. I found the exact same dresses on Alexia's site for anywhere between $69-$89. Even the resale price on Armoire is $100 more than the online retail price. So far, the two dresses I've gotten from this designer were both really well made... if anything they're underpriced.
This experience reminds me of a few months ago when I discovered I could buy some brand-new designer items from the designer's actual store for less than the resale stores.
ba&sh Floral Ruffle-Tiered Maxi Dress, Retail Value $695
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How I styled it: I couldn't really wear this dress because it's a bit too formal for everyday and workwear, but I got it because I was curious. I paired it with Ferragamo wedges and a vintage Chanel Bag.
Size and fit: I got a medium and this tiered ruffle dress was actually quite large in the bust and shoulders. It features a concealed side zip closure, front chest snap, and a front slit.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: It's a great summer wedding or graduation dress that's frilly and fun with layers of ruffles. And while I'm a fan of the skirt portion, I found the bodice a bit too grandma for me. If you rent it, I'd suggest adding a cool belt to break it up and give it a little edge.
Tibi Striped Back Cutout Shirt Dress, Retail Value $595
How I styled it: I didn't end up wearing it because it's too short and I never paid attention to the cutout back. Also, the elasticized trim was kind of uncomfortable.
Size and fit: I got the medium and it's a little snug.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Yeah, no. I can't even take a picture in it.
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 wore the blue Ted Baker cami the most due to the beautiful color and versatility!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? I like almost everything I received but wish two of the items fit a bit better.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Last Saturday I went to Fiola Mare in Georgetown to meet my sister. Now, I am a social butterfly, and one of the things that crushed me the most about the pandemic was not being able to go out and meet new people. I love the energy, the stories, and interacting with others, and I'll talk to almost anyone! So, before my sister arrived, I was talking to the staff, including the general manager and three of the bartenders, but specifically, this girl named Anna. She recently moved to DC from Philly and asked why it's so hard to make female friends in this town. She said she's going on her 10th month and despite trying to network, nothing's working. I told her it's a common complaint and a lot of women have bonded over the difficulties of making new friends here.
We discussed why people leave their hometowns for cities like NYC, Miami, Nashville, and Los Angeles, and often it's to chase their dreams of working in the arts, movies, fashion, and music, but in DC it's really just the government. You can work for one of the big tech companies like Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, but for the most part, it's still supporting the public sector.
Every city has its own personality and vibe that's heavily influenced by the area's leading industries and DC is a buttoned-up, hush-hush, conservative (but not in the political sense) city where you're expected to color within the lines, keep quiet and never, ever outdress your boss or coworkers. Whereas in NYC, you move quickly, speak faster and you're more animated and boisterous in a notice-me manner. In LA, you move slower, dress to express yourself, and seem to have a more laid-back attitude about life. My point? Maybe the reason it's so much harder to make friends in DC is due to the government influence and the impact it has on creating a less social, more reserved culture. Or is it that people who are drawn to DC have the personality traits that best match someone who wants to work in the government? I can't figure it out! Where are my sociologists? This is a fascinating topic.
With so many people picking up and moving to new cities right now, there are many factors to consider. Truth is, you just might not fit in, and people might not like you because they don't understand or approve of you and your past, but that's no reason to change who you are in an attempt to get people to accept you. After the past two years of uncertainty and anxiety, it's about time we all go back to being unique individuals, respecting differences, and celebrating the life choices that have made us who we are today!
When I moved to DC, I toned down my personality, hid my designer duds, started dressing more preppy and even wore pearls just to fit in. But then I said screw it and pulled a Romy & Michelle at the end. If you don't get this reference, go watch the movie now.
Oh, did you notice the couch? Duh, of course, you did! Well, I got it at Value City, and wow what a deal! It's large and wide enough to fit two tall people, incredibly comfy, and a certain little bunny has fallen in love.
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 $30,648!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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