Back from my trip! I landed in Miami on Thursday night and headed straight out with one of my NYC besties. I needed a drink—badly—because that flight was unnerving. We’d been delayed forty-five minutes for storms, and when we finally boarded, the cabin felt like a sauna. No airflow, no lights, no explanation. The crew just told us to use the tiny overhead fans and assured us it would “cool off eventually.” The lights flickered, then turned off. The plane looked like it belonged in an aviation museum.
Then came the real fun: instead of climbing altitude, we just glided. For almost an hour, we hovered low enough to see city lights and suburban driveways. The pilot never checked in. The flight attendants—two twenty-something guys joking over the intercom—were more focused on each other than informing us of WTF was going on. Around me, people were starting to panic quietly. When we finally reached cruising altitude at 30,000 feet, I ordered a strong IPA and almost asked for two.
Once we finally landed in Miami, I wanted to kiss the ground. I couldn’t believe we never heard a single word from the pilot or the stewards. No apology, no explanation, just radio silence and recycled air.
Unprofessional doesn’t even begin to cover it. But at least I had my 7% IPA, which—somehow—tasted like survival.
My NYC bestie picked me up, and we hit the town. Or tried to. Miami was dead. She said it’d been empty for weeks, like everyone just collectively decided to take August off in October. The music was muted, the bars and lounges were empty aside from the staff, and the energy? Nonexistent. So, the next morning, we packed up and drove to Naples in search of life, a breeze, or at least a crowd.
Naples, however, was also... dead. And not just quiet—retirement quiet. Think golf carts, linen pants, and dinner reservations that end at 7 p.m. We met a few friendly transplants who pointed us toward “the fun spots,” but we still batted zero. And did I mention it was roughly 500 degrees? Between the heat, humidity, and humidity’s evil twin—frizz—I started to think maybe the plane wasn’t the worst part of the trip after all.
Anyway, we survived. My flight home was so much better—smooth skies, working lights, and a crew that didn’t treat communication like the CIA. Despite not loving chilly weather, it felt refreshing to land somewhere that wasn’t 500 degrees. I was hoppy (yes, pun intended) to come home to my tiny terrors, but they seemed annoyed at my return. What brats!
Still, Florida has me curious. I can’t quite shake the dream of palm trees and pastel sunsets, which is why I keep going back. Next stop: 30A, Rosemary Beach, and Destin—because if I’m going to trade stodgy DC for ocean blues, I want to find the perfect spot close enough to my office but far enough to feel like a permanent vacation.
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 three items by Steve Madden, Milly and Karen Millen arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.
Steve Madden Teagan Front Slit Denim Maxi Skirt, Retail Value $89, Armoire $80
About the designer: What began as a modest $1,100 investment in 1990 has developed into one of the most iconic brands in footwear. From a factory in Queens, NY, Steve Madden has revolutionized the shoe industry, merging years of experience with unique and creative designs. Inspired by rock and roll and his New York roots, his vision to provide on-trend women and men with an outlet to express their individuality is innovative, daring, and inspiring. Steve’s innate understanding of trends and unparalleled willpower have resulted in millions of customers worldwide and propelled his designs to the forefront of fashion. He has expanded the Steve Madden brand into a true lifestyle and destination for footwear, handbags, and accessories, sold in over 80 countries worldwide. It’s about authenticity. It’s about embracing individuality. It’s Steve Madden.
Why I rented it: I wanted to try another denim skirt.
How I styled it: I paired this skirt with an AFRM mesh top, B-Low the Belt belt, Gucci studded leather jacket, and these $39 Rothy knockoffs from Amazon that are very comfy!
Size and fit: I got a medium and it was a perfect fit! This cotton denim skirt features a belted waist, front button, and zip closure, lots of pockets, and a frayed hem.
Condition: Great!
Honest review: A casual, cool skirt that's totally versatile. But every time I try a denim skirt, I feel like a kindergarten teacher.
Milly Ruffle Chiffon Maxi Dress, Retail Value $525, Armoire $420
About the designer: Milly is a mood — color combinations, mixed prints and an air of sophistication. MILLY fuses Parisian influence with a vibrant New York energy. From statement colors to optimistic silhouettes, stepping into MILLY is an occasion all on its own.
Why I rented it: Needed some summery dresses for my trip.
How I styled it: Chanel bag + Ferragamo slides = instant vacation chic. Easy, breezy, done.
Size & Fit: I rented a size 6, and it fit perfectly—though it runs just a touch snug. The floral-print chiffon maxi features ruffled trim, a square neckline, a side-zip closure, and a subtle front slit for movement.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: Definitely made for Florida with its brilliant colors and romantic ruffles, but it wasn’t as casual or cool as I’d hoped. Then again, maybe that was just the weather… 🥵
En Saison Peregrine Floral Print Lace Dress, Retail Value $154, Armoire $139
About the designer: En Saison is loved for its easy, everyday styles. Balancing trend with classic design, the label’s airy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes have a playful, of-the-moment feel. From flowy dresses to puff-sleeve tops, En Saison’s latest styles are an easy addition to your closet.
Why I rented it: When I find something new, I go for it.
How I styled it: I just threw on the Ferragamo slides and a Valentino tote.
Size and fit: I ordered a medium, and I think I'm too tall for it. This pretty frock showcases a refined floral design complemented by lace-inset shoulders, a collared neckline with tie closure, long sleeves with elasticized cuffs, front button closure, elasticized waist, and tiered skirt.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: It's a perfect spring-to-summer or summer-to-fall transition dress, but the layers added 10 pounds to me! Then again, I lost like 7 pounds when I was going through all my trauma, so maybe that means I'm healed?
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 got equal wear out of all three pieces!
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? Met expectations.
- What’s the return process like? Place the items in the bag, seal it up, and that's it!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m still working through this pinched nerve, and while it’s slightly improving, there’s still a long road ahead. I haven’t worked out in weeks and honestly feel so gross—but I’ll get there. It’s classic me: sprint intervals until something snaps. In the past, it’s been fractures, tendinitis, ligament tears… so yes, I did this to myself.
What I can’t wrap my head around is why my body doesn’t heal like it did in my teens and twenties. I miss that bounce-back magic. These days, recovery feels more like an extended negotiation.
I think it’s time to consider other forms of exercise. I’d love to buy a bike, but I’ll probably wait until March. I keep getting ads for programs like like BetterMe and P'volve, but I’m not sure I’d love either. I’m not into spin, and group classes are just not my thing. I prefer quiet workouts—something I can do solo, in my own space, with my own rhythm.
I also have the Apple Watch which makes me curious about Apple Fitness and maybe even Alo Moves too. Thoughts on any of these alternatives?
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $136,958!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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