And just like that... Armoire pulls me back in.
Every time I think I’m ready to move on, Armoire ups the ante with brand-new styles that stop me mid-scroll. I mean, how am I supposed to say no to never-worn, fresh-from-the-rack pieces?
When I first started reviewing rentals—FOUR YEARS AGO, can you believe it?—I used to sort by price. What's the point in renting if you can't get the most expensive pieces? But these days I'm all about the new arrivals.
Why the switch? Simple:
- New = best fit
- New = no wear and tear
- New = I get to be #1 (if only for a moment)
Naturally, Armoire tempted me with a lineup of brand-new gems, and yes, I took the bait. So here we are—let’s talk about what showed up and whether they lived up to the hype.
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 Trina Turk, Milly, Yumi Kim and Michael Stars and arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.
Trina Turk Kissimmee High-Neck Maxi Dress, Retail Value $285, Armoire $228
About the designer: A genuine California local, Trina Turk is inspired by the Golden State’s multicultural mix, creativity, craftsmanship, architecture, and landscape--a synergy that permeates her contemporary, colorful aesthetic. Infused with bold signature prints and dynamic hues unique to each collection, Trina’s modern and optimistic outlook meld the best of classic American design with a California confidence, incorporating beautiful fabrications and impeccable quality for effortless élan and carefree glamour.
Founded in 1995 by Trina and her late husband, photographer Jonathan Skow, as a women’s contemporary line, Trina Turk has evolved into a print and color driven lifestyle brand, celebrating California style with eleven annual collections of chic women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, plus swimwear, eyewear, paper goods, a Mr Turk menswear collection, and residential goods.
Why I rented it: I thought it would be the perfect summertime maxi!
How I styled it: Since the dress does a lot on its own, I kept it simple: classic hoops, a vintage Chanel bag, and Saks Fifth Avenue kitten heel pumps. A reminder that understated accessories can still say, “I have taste… and probably a matching spritz.”
Size and fit: I rented a medium—and honestly? Who knows how it fits because it’s so billowy. It floats more than fits. The dress features a high neckline, slightly slanted armholes, a keyhole back button closure, dropped waist, and a tiered skirt.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: The dress is gorgeous. The colors are vibrant and perfect for spring, but for the swampy DC summer? Not so much. It’s way too heavy for 90-degree humidity. Bonus tea: I found the same dress listed on Amazon—and the price literally doubles if you're after the medium or large. Wild, right?
Milly Flowers of Spain Linen-Blend Maxi Dress, Retail Value $475, Armoire $425
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: Because it was brand new with tags, duh. And it's really pretty!
How I styled it: I wore this dress to the Baltimore countryside (it exists) for a father-daughter outing to Big Truck Brewery (highly recommend). Fittingly, a literal big truck scraped my car on a one-lane dirt road while I was wearing it. Thankfully, only my tires and side mirror took a hit—we survived the big farm truck, and the dress lived to tell the tale.
I paired it with Ferragamo Scarf-Tie Sandals, Mignonne Gavigan Hoops, and the Fendi Fendista Pouch.
Size and fit: I got a size 6 and… it was a puzzle. Crafted from a linen blend, the dress features a fitted silhouette with a tiered skirt, a criss-cross tie-back detail, and a zip-tie combo closure that required a full tutorial (or a second set of hands). Once on, it hugged in all the right places—except the back. More on that below.
Condition: Brand new with tags. We love to see it.
Honest review: It’s stunning—no doubt. But it’s heavy, complicated, and slightly unforgiving. The criss-cross back creates that dreaded back-fat effect if you're not standing perfectly still or haven't just done a juice cleanse. That said, it turned heads and made it through a minor truck altercation. So... it’s got range.
Yumi Kim Elena Sleeveless Maxi Dress, Retail Value $475, Armoire $425
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: Because it's brand new with tags—and that’s my love language.
How I styled it: Florals on florals with a touch of glam. I wore this flowy maxi with Ferragamo Patent Leather Slides, an Apple Watch (steps count even when you’re serving looks), and my trusty Chanel 19 bag. Casual luxury, but make it functional.
Size and fit: I ordered a medium and… it swallowed me. The straps wouldn’t stay up, the square neckline refused to square, and the fit was just off. It features adjustable spaghetti straps, a square neckline, concealed side-zip closure, dropped waist, slash pockets, and an ankle-length hem—so if could've been a stunner... if it actually fit.
Condition: Brand new with tags. Winning.
Honest review: Yumi Kim’s sizing is giving me whiplash. I used to size up to a large because everything ran small—now the medium is falling off? What is going on with designers? Gorgeous print, but the fit felt like it came from an entirely different size chart.
Michael Stars Demi Ribbed Dress, Retail Value $108, Armoire $92
About the Designer: What began as a collection of our iconic one-size graphic tees has grown into a wide assortment of timeless and high-quality apparel meant to endure and be passed on to the next generation. As a purpose-driven brand, we’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to support grassroots organizations in our local community and beyond through the Michael Stars Foundation. Our philanthropy focuses on equality across gender, race, and socioeconomic class. We also produce over 70% of our garments locally in LA to ensure quality production and fair wages, as well as a smaller carbon footprint. More than just being our home base, that West Coast effortlessness is a vibrant celebration of our California roots.
Why I rented it: Because it was brand new with tags and practically screaming, "wear me for a walk on the trail, the farmer’s market, or just to Trader Joe's." Also? Perfect for summer. Zero regrets there.
How I styled it: Since it’s a go-to everyday dress, I kept it casual-chic with Ferragamo Patent Leather Slides (because I’m fancy), Crocs (because I’m practical), an Obi Belt from Amazon (surprisingly genius), and my ride-or-die Balenciaga Graffiti Moto Bag.
Size and fit: The medium fit me true to size—slightly snug but not suffocating. It’s made from a stretchy cotton blend that will relax with wear, so expect a little give. Ribbed detailing is flattering. Ribbed armholes are whatever. Ribbed for your pleasure? Haha. Name that movie!
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: I bought it! Need I say more? It's the perfect summertime, throw-on-and-go dress. Effortless, flattering, and versatile—the kind of piece that earns a permanent spot in your "gotta run errands" section.
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
Off topic—but too weird not to mention: Has anyone else gone down the rabbit hole of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s cases, especially through The Conjuring movie series? I just read about the sudden death of Paranormal Investigator Dan Rivera while on tour in Gettysburg with the haunted Annabelle doll, and honestly… it gave me chills. I’ve seen every film in the franchise and have always been intrigued by the Warrens’ infamous museum of haunted objects in Connecticut. Road trip, anyone?
Maybe I’m extra sensitive to this stuff because of where I grew up. Our neighborhood felt like a real-life Poltergeist situation—doors slammed for no reason, things crashed upstairs only to find nothing out of place, and several neighbors reported strange happenings. After some digging (they literally dug up bones to make way for pools), we learned the land used to be a plantation and burial site for one of Maryland’s original settlers. There was even a twisted old tree on a sharp curve where multiple fatal crashes occurred. Eventually they took the tree down… and built a house right on that exact spot. I would NOT want to live there!
Do you believe in paranormal activity and what do you think really happened to Dan? Is Annabelle really cursed?! Side note: the movie is totally worth watching!
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $130,112!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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