Somewhere between holiday haze and January resolve, this review slipped quietly through the cracks. I only noticed because it was still sitting there in drafts.
In the meantime, I’ve been doing what writers do best when faced with uncertainty: sending things into the void. About 20 literary agent queries went out, met with a handful of encouraging replies, a few polite nos, and a whole lot of silence. Agents, like DC dating prospects, tend to reappear on their own schedules. Oh, that wife? She's just a friend. We only live together for the kids, but I swear I'm single (also, please ignore that ring around my finger... it's just an accessory). I’ll start pitching again next week, now that 2026 submissions are officially back open.
Friends who’ve survived this process keep reminding me it’s a long game. Nothing happens overnight. Work’s been busy, the DMV has been frozen solid, and my momentum has slowed into full-on hibernation mode.
Then there’s my body. Still hopping along with an injury, still learning the hard way that the wrong diagnosis can set you back more than time ever could. WHY couldn't we do the MRI at the beginning rather than wasting three months and nearly $1K? Doctors these days, I swear... my friends had to diagnose their parents using ChatGPT because the doctors were baffled. At first, the medical professionals pushed back, but then, surprise surprise... ChatGPT was correct!
I switched physical therapists after realizing I’d spent two months diligently rehabbing the wrong problem. Every morning, I wake up convinced today will be the day the pain disappears for good. Sometimes it does. Briefly. Then something small, like tripping over a tiny crack in the sidewalk, sets it off again.
I’m exhausted by it. I miss running. I miss moving without negotiating with my own spine. I miss exercise as therapy instead of therapy as homework.
So, in the spirit of returning to unfinished business and familiar comforts, let’s rewind to an Armoire rental from over a month ago. Because sometimes the best way forward is through something you already loved, but didn’t quite finish saying.
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 Maje, Ronny Kobo, and French Connection arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.
Maje Ruffinella Smocked Ruffle Dress, Retail Value $445 Armoire $356
About the designer: This is the story of a sensitive brand,
It reinvents the idea of the uninhibited Parisian woman,
a woman who is comfortable with her decisions,
choosing to be elegant one day, vivacious the next, and then funny, then mysterious, but always captivating...
A woman who is fundamentally free.
Above all, Maje is the story of a united family:
Judith Milgrom's family.
The soul of this tribe is what inspired Judith Milgrom to create a brand
that is evidently cross-generational, where women and their daughters
share the pleasure of dressing.
Now, she's bringing the Parisian woman
Because ultimately, isn’t the Parisian woman
the most cosmopolitan of them all?
From New York to Singapore, and Beijing to London,
Maje conveys a whimsical grace that transcends time.
Why I rented it: It was brand new, and I needed a festive Christmas dress in a pinch.
How I styled it: I wore this on Christmas and, unfortunately, didn’t take many photos. I styled it with Les Belles tights, Julie Voss hoops, a vintage necklace, a Chanel bag, and Kat Maconie ankle boots.
Size and fit: I ordered a medium, and the fit was true to size. Made from lightweight polyester, the Ruffinella dress features a V-neckline, long puffed sleeves with elastic cuffs, a smocked waist, and a ruffled, asymmetrical hem.
Condition: Brand new without tags.
Honest review: The fabric felt inexpensive and extremely staticky, and the olive green shade read much more drab in person than I expected.
Ronny Kobo Derek Ruched Twist-Front Dress, Retail Value $558, Armoire $525
About the designer: Originally from Tel Aviv and raised in Hong Kong, Ronny Kobo's interest in fine art, travel, and culture eventually led her to New York City, where she graduated with a master's degree from NYU. She speaks fluent English, Hebrew, and Spanish.
Ronny started off her career by founding her own line of accessories and ultimately launched the trendsetting apparel brand Torn by Ronny Kobo in 2009. Additionally, she held a seat on the board of Christie’s Auction House. Ronny Kobo's current collections are best known for standout prints, upscale versatility, and timeless silhouettes.
Why I rented it: I love Ronny Kobo, and this piece stood out with its distinctive, sculptural design.
How I styled it: I wore this dress to Joe's on a date, pairing it with NY&Co. d’Orsay pumps, a Louis Vuitton Capucines, and a vintage fox fur jacket.
Size & Fit: Ronny Kobo’s Derek dress is a runway-inspired style crafted from a stretchy yet body-hugging fabric. It features front and back V-necklines, a twist-front bodice, long ruched sleeves, a back-zip closure, ruched detailing at the waist and hips, and a curved hem. Fully lined, though slightly sheer in areas.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: I know I’ve been tough on designers and sizing lately, but this dress truly delivered. The craftsmanship, striking silhouette, and luxe fabric felt modern and elegant with just enough Kardashian-approved drama.
French Connection Emilia Wool-Blend Off the Shoulder Sweater Dress, Retail Value $138, Armoire $124; Maje Faux Fur Wool-Blend Coat, Retail Value $835, Armoire $232
About the designer: French Connection was founded in 1972 and we set out to create design-led, fashionable clothing. Today, we design contemporary clothing, accessories and homeware – everything you need in one destination. Signature dresses, responsible denim and relaxed staples are what we do best, so expect compliments. We offer eco-conscious pieces and accessible, quality products that stand the test of time, giving you confidence to look and feel your best every day.
In more recent years, we have also expanded our portfolio into new exciting areas, including men’s and women’s toiletries, sunglasses and opticals, watches, footwear, and a growing range of furniture and home accessories.
Why I rented it: Because it was absolutely freezing, and I needed a warm coat and a cozy sweater dress. Bonus points: both arrived brand new with tags.
How I styled it: Naturally, I wore them together. I finished the look with Amazon earrings, a Louis Vuitton Capucines bag, and Frankie4 slouchy suede boots.
Size and fit: The Emilia dress features a tall ribbed foldover, an off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, and a fitted silhouette. It feels like getting dressed in a cold-weather hug. You can wear it off the shoulders or styled as a cowlneck, though it didn’t always stay put, so I occasionally ended up with a bit of both. I ordered a medium, and it fit exactly like a medium.
The brushed-felt wool-blend coat by Maje features plush trim details, a detachable waist tie with belt loops, and a front button closure. I also ordered a medium, and while it fit well on its own, anything bulkier underneath made it difficult to button comfortably.
Condition: Brand new with tags.
Honest review: While the coat is lovely, it’s not worth more than $250. It isn’t even lined. The dress, on the other hand, was affordable, cozy, and versatile, but it began stretching out and developing pills after just three wears. Good quality pieces seem harder and harder to find these days.
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 loved the coat, the Ronny Kobo dress and the French Connection dress too!
- 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’ve been in a bit of limbo lately, the kind that makes you start eyeing maps and far-off destinations. So when the idea of possibly requesting a transfer to our Florida office in 2029 started floating around in my head, I did what any rational woman with vacation days, self-sufficient bunnies, and a carry-on would do. I booked a flight to Pensacola to see if the future I was imagining actually fit.
From there, I drove out to 30A to visit friends and spend the weekend doing what you’re supposed to do in Florida. Apparently, in January, that means being aggressively windblown in thirty-something degrees and hiding in bars rather than lounging in the sun pretending winter doesn’t exist.
Friends and coworkers had warned me in advance: you might not love it. Maybe you should become a snowbird? Have you considered Miami or West Palm Beach? I went anyway, determined to arrive with an open heart and an open mind. And in the end, they were right.
It’s undeniably beautiful. Snow-white beaches (or was it actual snow?). Water so turquoise it feels almost like an AI photo, but make it real life. People who are genuinely kind, chatty, and welcoming in a way that makes you wonder why everyone isn’t like this in DC. And yet… it didn’t feel like me. At least, not this version of me.
I toured Destin, 30A, Okaloosa Island, and Santa Rosa Beach. And something interesting happened the closer I got to Rosemary Beach. My energy lifted. My curiosity sparked. Is this it? But then reality gave me a check. Rosemary would mean a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the office, on essentially one main highway. Four or more hours a day in the car. A long-distance relationship with my own life.
At that point, I had to ask myself: if I’m already bending logic, why not bend it all the way? Would it make more sense to be somewhere like West Palm Beach or Miami, fly in, and grab a hotel two nights a week?
So where do I stand right now?
At this stage of my life, a move doesn’t make practical sense. Between aging parents and existing commitments, staying put is the right choice for now. This trip was never about an immediate relocation. It was about exploring longer-term possibilities and getting a feel for what the future might look like.
I also realized I’m in a bit of an in-between phase. I’m not quite the snowbird demographic, but I also don’t fully align with the younger crowds in some of the areas I visited. That perspective was helpful. It clarified what does and doesn’t fit in my life right now.
While parts of the Florida Panhandle are undeniably beautiful and relaxing, I feel more like myself in places such as Miami and Palm Beach, where I already have strong personal connections and a lifestyle that feels more natural to me.
Down the line, I could see the appeal of owning a small condo and splitting my time seasonally, but that’s a future consideration. Likely five or more years out.
For now, I’m heading back to Miami and Palm Beach later this month to run around with friends and pretend we're back in NYC. Hopefully, with warmer weather this time.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $150,026!
What are your thoughts about Armoire and rentals in general? Let me know what you think down below!
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