What I’m Wearing This Week: Armoire

Labor Day marks a difficult anniversary for me—it was the day I had to say goodbye to Mr. HGL. It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year without my little bestie. Every day, TimeHop serves me photos and videos of him, reminding me not only of how extraordinary he was, but also of how sick he had become. He had such a big personality and always insisted on being part of my fashion shoots—I just had to make sure I captured his good side.

Dolce and Gabby are still with me, but their personalities couldn’t be more different from Mr. HGL’s. They’re completely in love and wrapped up in their own little duo. Whether it’s destroying the couch, chewing the walls, or sharing a litter box (sometimes literally on top of each other), they don’t really need me—because they have each other.

Still, I can see how his trauma rubbed off on her. Every sound startles them, sending both running for cover. For a while, Gabby started warming up to me, but once I let them go under the couch, that became their hideaway. Now they mostly live in their own hidden world, only surfacing to chill for a short time before sprinting back into the shadows.

Now, my focus has shifted to my dad as his dementia progresses. He’s still with me, but I’m beginning to notice the forgetfulness, the confusion, and that blank stare that sometimes creeps in when I speak to him. At times, he responds and connects, but other times it feels like the words reach his ears without ever landing.

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.

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 

All four items by Hutch, 10 Crosby, Yumi Kim, and Black Halo and arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.

Hutch Alice Floral Print Belted Midi Dress, Retail Value $248, Armoire $212

About the designer: About the Designer: Established in 2010 by New York native Daniel Saponaro, Hutch is a women's contemporary fashion brand headquartered in NYC. Renowned for its effortless, feminine designs, the brand is celebrated for creating bold, flattering, and versatile pieces. Every garment reflects Daniel's passion for vibrant colors, imaginative prints, and timeless elegance. The brand takes pride in its commitment to size inclusivity, ensuring that their fashion-forward styles cater to diverse body shapes and sizes. Hutch is now carried in over 350 boutiques nationwide and sold on Nordstrom, Anthropologie, RentTheRunway, Nully, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales starting in 2024. Hutch is not only loved by their customers but has been worn by A-List celebrities such as Lucy Hale, Iskra Lawrence, and Mary Fitzgerald.

Why I rented it: Because it's brand new with tags!

How I styled it: Even though I never actually wore the dress out, I couldn’t resist styling it for photos. I paired it with Jimmy Choo patent leather wedges, a vintage necklace, Amazon earrings, and a Devi Kroell snakeskin clutch—simple but polished accessories that elevated the whole look.

Size and fit: I borrowed a medium, and it fit true to size. The polyester floral print felt light and breezy, and the cut was perfectly feminine: wide shoulder straps, a square neckline, a belted waist you can adjust to your comfort, hidden slash pockets (always a win), and a full skirt that gave it just the right amount of movement.

Condition: Brand new with tags.

Honest review: This is such a pretty, versatile midi dress and would be perfect for a spring wedding, garden party, or summer soirée. Unfortunately, the heat wave had other plans, and I didn’t get the chance to wear it out. Still, I’d rent it again when the temps drop—it deserves a proper debut!

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Elizabeth Peplum Jacket, Retail Value $495, Armoire $425

About the designer:  10 Crosby is the lifestyle brand that makes refined, timeless looks for every occasion. With wardrobe-defining statement pieces made for a casual world, our designs are equal parts substance and style. Named after the original flagship store in downtown Manhattan, the eclectic New York brand creates effortless chic for women everywhere. Lam is an American designer who grew up in San Francisco and launched his eponymous brand in 2003. Designing with classic femininity for every part of life is at the heart of our mission

Why I rented it: I needed another topper to battle office winter!

How I styled it: This jacket became my go-to office layer. I kept it tucked away in a drawer and pulled it out whenever a little breeze rolled in. The best part? It paired seamlessly with almost anything I was wearing—effortless versatility at its finest.

Size & Fit: I rented a medium and it fit well, though it might feel slightly snug if you’re in between sizes. The fabric is soft with a slight neoprene-like feel, giving it structure without being stiff.

Condition: Brand new with tags.

Honest review: An easy, throw-on piece that makes you feel instantly more put together... and warmer too. I’d rent it again in a heartbeat for the versatility alone.

Yumi Kim Remi Belted Linen Romper, Retail Value $218, Armoire $185

About the Designer: Surrounded by extraordinary women her entire life, including her mother who wore exotic prints and bold florals and proudly donned the classic Ao Dai (a traditional Vietnamese dress), Kim Phan was inspired by these bold women who gave her strength. When she moved to New York in 2004 and adopted a loving Yorkshire Terrier named Yumi, YUMI KIM was born.

Every piece has a story to tell. Coveted for its sunny color combinations and array of florals, the brand reflects the unique experiences that have shaped her life.

Why I rented it: I wanted to see what the romper hype is all about.

How I styled it: I kept it fun and easy—floral prints speak for themselves in summer, so I let the romper be the star of the summer show. I paired it with Jimmy Choo patent leather wedges, the Fendi Fendista crossbody, and the Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Graffiti speedy.

Size and fit: Knowing Yumi Kim tends to run small, I ordered a large. It ended up being a little roomy but still worked. The breezy linen fabric was light and comfortable, with thoughtful details: a collared neckline, short cuffed sleeves, front-button closure, adjustable belted waist, side slash pockets, and cuffed hem.

Condition: Brand new with tags. Winning again.

Honest review: This might be the first romper I’ve worn in public since college, and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the simplicity and playful design, and it was perfect for a hot summer day. A definite confidence booster and a reminder that rompers deserve their comeback moment.

Black Halo Jackie O Sheath Dress, Retail Value $375, Armoire $281

About the Designer: Black Halo Founder and Creative Director, Laurel Berman, has transformed the way women dress today with the iconic Jackie O dress; known for its versatility and ability to enhance a woman’s figure, it laid the foundation for the brand’s success as a leader in the contemporary dress market. Laurel's architectural designs summon a natural inner beauty and confidence that are both liberating and empowering.

In 2012, the brand debuted a cocktail and evening wear collection, Black Halo EVE by Laurel Berman, broadening its appeal to existing clientele while reaching a new audience. The brand has grown to include jumpsuits, two-piece dressing, and separates

Why I rented it: Because I still own one of the original Jackie O dresses from 2011!

How I styled it: I wore this dress to a work event in Winchester, VA, and it was just right for the day. I paired it with Tabitha Simmons laser-cut pumps and my Balenciaga Graffiti City bag—classic meets edgy.

Size and fit: I rented a size 6. At first, I was nervous it wouldn’t fit because the original version of this dress in a size 6 ran quite small, but this one fit perfectly. Crafted in finely woven stretch gabardine, the design is timeless and sophisticated, with a flattering draped neckline, tab sleeves, a pencil-length skirt, back vent, and a genuine leather belt.

Condition: Brand new with tags.

Honest review: I still own the original Jackie O. dress, which I scored at a serious discount back when I worked at Saks. Naturally, I was curious about the redesign—but sadly, it failed the quality test. The fabric was so cheap that it started gathering and pilling within five minutes of wear. What began as polished and elevated quickly downgraded into… well, a used tissue. So disappointing for a piece with such iconic potential.

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

Did you notice my teeth? They look a little gray right now because I started Invisalign. Back during the pandemic, when I was stuck in an abusive relationship with a white-collar criminal, I took it out on my teeth. I ground and clenched so hard that I gave myself chronic TMJ and migraines several times a week. Some mornings, I couldn’t even open my mouth to eat—I literally had to pry it open.

The grinding left me with pain in my cheeks and even down into the nape of my neck. When I finally went back to the dentist a few months ago, they told me my jaw was completely misaligned—and I could feel it. So, I agreed to start fixing it.

Thankfully, I have excellent dental insurance that covers most of the treatment. I’m now four weeks in, with about seven months to go. Wearing them 22 hours a day isn’t easy—cleaning alone takes about 15 minutes, and going out to dinner makes the whole process a little awkward. But I’m keeping my eyes on the final results… and the best part is, the migraines are already gone!

VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $130,112.00!

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