Digging myself out of the funk and I finally feel better. So, I'm writing this post from the Starr Hill Biergarten at Capital One's headquarters in Northern Virginia, and it's quickly become one of my favorite spots. They've got live bands, food, drinks, games, putt-putt, and a Wegman's. Oh, and I just stumbled upon this article in Travel + Leisure about my favorite spots in Northern Virginia. If you happen to make it to DC and decide to wander a bit, this is a great guide of all the wonderful things to see and do.
A little about this week's rentals... I was invited to some events in DC, but I had nothing to wear so I popped onto Armoire to see what they had going on and I found some pretty great items! They're using their investments wisely to focus on what they're supposed to do, and that's offering lots of clothing in many more styles, designs, and sizes, and they're finally buying multiples of each item.
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 $32,024 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
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All of the items by SWF, Eliza J, Milly, and Lily Pulitzer arrived on time and in great condition. Each item was fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and some were brand new too.
THE GOODS
SWF Celeste Ruffle-Trimmed Maxi Dress, Retail Value $269
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How I styled it: I got this dress as an option for a gathering, but I ended up not going because the stress from the past few weeks has really taken a toll on my mental health. I would've worn it with the Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, the vintage gold-tone Etsy belt that almost looks like bullets, and my vintage Chanel bag.
Size and fit: I ordered a medium and it's a little bit of an odd fit, but I guess the Kardashians would love it! It features a back button keyhole closure, a ruffle tie neckline, an elasticized waistband, fitted hips, and a flared, mermaid-like skirt.
Condition: Very good, but a little worn.
Honest review: Aside from being a bit fitted in the hips and almost too long for my long legs, I really loved this dress. The mustard color is great and not something I'd normally wear. I always assumed since I'm so pale, yellow is not a good color for me, but I guess a little tan goes a long way. They offered me a 25% discount to purchase this dress which would take the price down to $98, but I don't really have anywhere to wear it.
Eliza J Tie-Neck Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, Retail Value $168
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How I styled it: This was another option for one of the two events I didn't attend. I would've worn it with the Chanel 19, Rocksbox jewelry (I'll review this month's batch next week), the Hermes Clic Clac Bracelet, and the Nicholas Kirkwood Sandals.
Size and fit: I got the 6 and it's a perfect fit. I love that it's not super tight so there's space if I decide to eat 20 McDonald's McNuggets late night (trust me, it happens more often than I should admit). This empire waist, mock-neck frock features an extra-long necktie, puffed sleeves with ruffled detail, back-zip closure, slim-fitting waist, and an asymmetrical hem.
Condition: New with tags and the tags displayed a different retail price than the site. I guess it's the wholesale price, but it's almost $100 less than the price Armoire is listing online. This is the second time I've discovered this pricing discrepancy.
Honest review: I love the style and design of this dress, and the color too! If the discount were based on the price listed on the tag, I'd probably buy it. I think it looks way more expensive than it is. But the site says it's green and it's not at all, it's like a deep-sea blue.
Eliza J Embellished Cap Sleeve Top, Retail Value $98, Eliza J Shiny Floral A-Line High-Low Skirt, Retail Value $228,
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How I styled it: Eliza J must have a partnership with Armoire and I'm not mad about it. I think the designer's items are pretty classy and well-designed for the price point. I tried to google the brand and the retailers pop up so it's clearly a big fashion wholesale company, and as someone who also has lots of fashion wholesale experience, I get it.
Anyway, this was another option for one of my events and the skirt clearly distracted Mr. HGL with the swoosh-swoosh sound. If you've seen Runaway Bride, you may get my reference – ugh, it's also the story of my life. I rented both items because I wanted to wear them together and it just wasn't working. I think the skirt needs something a little form-fitting up top and the exposed back zipper kills the look.
Size and fit: I got the 6 in both the skirt and the top and while the skirt was a little big in the waist, the top was tight in the shoulders and I'm sure it has something to do with my swimmer's shoulders. The top almost feels like neoprene, even though it isn't, the oversized embellishments are stitched down and the exposed back zipper is a bit much. The skirt features a back zip closure, side slit pockets, box pleats, and a high-low hem.
Mr. HGL says: Make sure you get my good side!
Condition: The top was brand new with tags and the skirt was in excellent condition.
Honest review: I'm not the biggest fan of embellishments as I tend to think they make an article of clothing look cheap, but the skirt is great. If I need a long, dressy skirt, this is absolutely something I would rent again.
Milly Striped Knit Midi Dress, Retail Value $375
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How I styled it: I've been renting more form-fitting items to escape my frilly, ruffly obsession and force myself to try something different. I've worn this dress half a dozen times and paired it with flip-flops, sandals, a work tote, a clutch, statement jewelry, and more. This is one of those items you can dress down for drinks on the beach or dress up for a night on the town. It's quite versatile!
Size and fit: I got the medium and while it was a little tight at first, it eventually stretched out. This textured, striped dress features ribbed armholes and neckline and an exposed back zip closure. I'd say it runs a little small and the armholes are quite snug.
Condition: Very good, but a little worn.
Honest review: I wrote a comparison piece about Spanx vs Honeylove, and wore the shapewear underneath this week's shipment. I can see the difference it makes, and I even returned Spanx and kept Honeylove. But anyway, about this dress... love it. While it's a little heavy for the 90+ degree weather (I love summer) we're dealing with this week, it's really flattering and made of a slimming fabric that really sucks you in. Ok, maybe it's a little Freddy Kruger in Nightmare on Elm Street.
I'm tempted to buy it... or just keep it for three more weeks.
Lilly Pulitzer Asteria Ruffled Eyelet Babydoll Dress, Retail Value $238
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How I styled it: I wore this dress so many times and in so many ways. In these photos, I paired it with Ancient Greek Sandals and the Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Speedy Bag which is one of my favorite bags and designer collabs ever!
Size and fit: I got a medium and it's a little big up top. I wanted to wear it off the shoulder, but it wouldn't stay up. This cotton babydoll dress features a sweetheart neckline, ruffled shoulders, an empire waist with elasticized back, side slit pockets and it's fully lined.
Mr. HGL says: Maybe I can swipe this limited-edition Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Speedy Bag while she's not looking and sell it on Poshmark!
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Confession time: I've never tried on anything by Lilly Pulitzer! While I have friends who are obsessed with her prints, to me they've always represented my preppy hometown and I always tried so hard not to look and dress like everyone else there (this includes J. Crew, too!). Since this dress doesn't scream Lilly, I gave it a shot and I wore this the most out of everything else. Love 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 could find use for everything I rented this month, aside from the Eliza J top. Luckily, I have three more weeks to mull over this case and I won't send it back until they start dinging me as a reminder that it's time.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Exceed, for sure. Keep using those investments on extra clothing, Armoire. You're getting much better.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I just read an article written by a top London dermatologist about how skincare is a huge scam and there are only three "anti-aging" products you need. They are a daily moisturizer with SPF (I use the basic Oil of Olay that my Irish grandma swore by), an oil-based cleanser to avoid irritation, and you should apply Vaseline on your face every night and use it to replace eye creams. My skin is super oily, and I have rosacea (I'm on topical Metronidazole which helps a lot) so I'm not sure how well that'll work for me, but I'll give it a try!
I worked in beauty for many years, both as an editor and publicist, and I agree! I tried every product under the sun because I had to pitch, write or review them, and I went back to the drugstore brands with Olay as my go-to line. Now, I never smoked cigarettes and was rarely in the sun for about 15 years so of course avoiding those habits helped too, but with the current state of the economy, if you're looking to cut costs, I agree that kicking your $400 moisturizers and potions to the curb may be a great start.
Job Update: I'm going back to Capital One as a contractor to write for their retail credit card division! It's official, I've been Saved by the Bell and this role is kind of a no-brainer since I'm the target audience. I also picked up two more freelance clients just in case... since nothing is guaranteed anymore.
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent.
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 $32,024!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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