Good morning and happy Fri-YAY! I have a busy week ahead. One of my closest friends is getting married, and then I'm flying to Boston next week for a conference... assuming the flights aren't cancelled. Tiny terrors (aka D&G) will hold down the fort and probably throw a Secret Life of Pets party while I'm away.
One of the great things about rabbits is that you don't have to be by their side 24/7, and I can leave them for a few days without any issues. I have my automatic feeder set up and a camera on them to keep a close eye.
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 Avec Les Filles, En Saison, AFRM, and Karen Millen arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.
En Saison Nelly Faux Leather Midi Dress, Retail Value $218, Armoire $196; AFRM Kaylee Crewneck Lace Top, Retail Value $58, Armoire $46
About the designers: 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.
At AFRM, we believe in the transformative power of affirmations and understand that true beauty radiates from within. Our brand is not just about clothing; it's a celebration of self-love and appreciation. AFRM, short for affirmation, is more than a name... it's a philosophy, a lifestyle, and a commitment to empowering the beauty that lies within every individual.
Why I rented it: Honestly? It looked adorable on the model. I thought it would be one of those easy, universally flattering dresses I could style a million ways. Sigh.
How I styled it: I wore it to a work conference layered over the AFRM lace mesh top. Unfortunately, I spent the entire day directly under arctic-level air conditioning, so the look was cute, but I was shivering. I also paired it with these awesomely comfy and slouchy Frankie4 suede boots, the Yves Salomon jacket, and a vintage Louis Vuitton tote.
Size and fit: This medium dress is crafted from polyester and polyurethane, which is a nice way of saying plastic. It features adjustable spaghetti straps, a square neckline, an exposed back zip, a super-snug waist, and a flared hem with floral cutouts.
It fits like a small and gave me the sensation of being vacuum-sealed for freshness. It might stretch out eventually, but it was like breaking in your trash bag before you fill it.
Meanwhile, the AFRM top is a pullover lace mesh with thumb (or dumb) holes. I got a medium and it’s fitted, bordering on snug — cute, but I was one fried chicken sandwich away from regretting everything.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: I’m all about saving the animals, but clothing made from plastic isn’t the solution. This dress was cute in theory, but the fit was off, the zipper wouldn’t stay up, and the fabric felt like a high-fashion Hefty bag. 3 stars because I wanted to love it… but sometimes love is just not enough. You can ask my exes.
Avec Les Filles Fit & Flare Denim Bustier Dress, Retail Value $158, Armoire $142
About the designer: We’re AVEC LES FILLES, or “With the Girls”, en français. We launched in 2017 with a mission to offer trend-driven fashion that is distinctive and personal, yet versatile and accessible.
RETRO ★ STREET ★ RUNWAY
Our aesthetic style is based on three pillars: retro details, street influence, and runway inspiration. We are sure to have something that speaks to your authentic style. We are the culmination of “je ne sais quoi” style that Parisians innately possess. Born in LA, living in NYC, and inspired by Parisian chic, we were made for the world. We’re constantly evolving to fit your lifestyle, but we’ll always remain true to our values.
Why I rented it: I’m a sucker for a good denim dress... they’re timeless, a little flirty, and easy to style through the seasons. This one looked like the perfect piece for layering or wearing on its own, so it went into the rental cart.
How I styled it: The same AFRM top, Frankie 4 boots, B-Low the belt, a studded Gucci leather jacket, and a vintage Chanel bag.
Size & Fit: I rented a size 6. It felt a bit snug at first, but the cotton blend has just enough give that it relaxed and molded to the body after wearing. The dress features wide shoulder straps, a scoop neckline, a snap-belted waist, an exposed back zip, pockets, and a flared skirt.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: I loved this dress. The fit, the shape, the versatility… chef’s kiss. The only reason I didn’t end up purchasing it is the contrast stitching in the bust. Something about it just didn’t lie quite right visually. If the stitching were more subtle, this would’ve been a forever piece in my wardrobe.
Karen Millen Floral Print Belted Shirt Dress, Retail Value $299, Armoire $263
About the designer: In 1981 with a loan of £100, Karen Millen bought 1,000 metres of cotton and began creating white shirts to sell to friends. The rest, as they say, is history.
Four decades later, we’ve evolved into a destination for thoughtful styles with exceptional design, creative talent and craftsmanship we’re truly proud of.
The Karen Millen logo is an assurance of enduring style and the utmost quality – now and forever.
Why I rented it: Honestly, it looks like Zimmermann.
How I styled it: I paired this gorgeous dress with a vintage Matthew Williamson leather and fur coat, the Louis Vuitton Capucines, and a pair of NY&Co. heels I got from Nordstrom Rack.
Size and fit: Crafted in an ultra-soft cotton, this dress features a vibrant floral print, a classic shirt collar, puffed shoulders, long sleeves with buttoned cuffs, a front button closure, a waist-defining belt, and a beautifully full skirt. The fit runs true to size. The only note: the buttons were a bit fussy and required a moment of patience (or a deep breath and two hands).
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: Obsessed. Truly. The dress itself was giving “main character at a rooftop soirée in May with a glass of rosé and absolutely no sense of responsibility.” Unfortunately, I had nowhere to wear it.
Yes, I generally dress like it’s prom on a Tuesday, but this one felt just a bit off-season. I’ll absolutely rent it again in the spring when the vibes (and temperatures) catch up with my vision.
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 the most wear out of the denim dress!
- 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
Despite completing eight weeks of physical therapy (and staying committed to all my at-home exercises), my “pinched nerve” hasn’t improved at all. I’m going in for an MRI later today because, at this point, it hurts to sit, stand, or even exist. Not being able to work out has really taken a toll. I didn’t realize just how much I rely on movement to keep my mental health in check until I couldn’t do it. And I'm slipping back into a 2021 state of mind. I have no motivation to do anything, and all I want to do is sleep.
I’ve already gained back about five pounds, which is essentially the weight I lost the past few years while navigating an abusive relationship, my dad’s dementia diagnosis, and losing Mr. HGL. So technically, I’m back to my normal weight. But what I really want is to feel strong again—to go for a run, to feel connected to my body, to get that “I’m still me” feeling back. Currently, I’m unsure when that will be possible, which has been challenging to cope with.
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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