What I’m Wearing This Week: Armoire

I've slowed down a little bit with my Armoire rentals because they allow you to keep the items longer than any other rental company, and you don't have to send the pieces back at the same time. So, I've gotten a little greedy and selfish. Time to send the next three pieces back so I can get something new!

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 (as of today I've rented $101,958 worth of clothing), and more.

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.

ACTIVE DEAL: Get $30 OFF 1 month of the 7-item plan OR 50% OFF 1 month of the unlimited plan.
CODE: 7MSA89 or MSAUNLIMITED50

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 Sachin + Babi and Michael Stars arrived fresh from the dry cleaner, neatly folded, and sealed in a shipping bag.

Sachin + Babi Audra A-Line Midi Dress, Retail Value $695 Armoire $452

About the Designer: Sachin and Babi met as students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where they were instant friends. The two were cut from the same cloth, bonding over their common interests, ambitions, and upbringing in India. Friendship grew into love, and soon after, a company. Together, Sachin and Babi built a design and embroidery business, working for top houses including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Manolo Blahnik, among others. Sachin and Babi were one of fashion’s best-kept secrets behind-the-scenes until they set out on their own.

Driven by a commitment to incredible craftsmanship and a desire to connect with customers, Sachin and Babi launched our brand. By owning a family-run factory in Mumbai, we are able to control the design and production process from start to finish, cutting out the middlemen. The result: extraordinary clothing and accessories with tremendous value.

Why I rented: I rented it in green last summer and wanted to try it in a floral print.

How I styled it: I wore this dress to a dinner party in Georgetown and paired it with Karl Lagerfeld Strappy pumps, Devi Kroell Python clutch, a vintage Etsy belt, and a pair of Zara Cascade Summer earrings.

Size and fit: I ordered a size 6 and it was a perfect fit. Crafted in poly-faille, this ballerina-style dress features a scoop neckline, spaghetti straps, concealed back zip closure, side slash pockets, full skirt with crinoline lining, and gentle box pleats.

Condition: Excellent.

Honest review: Classy and elegant. Very 1950s!

Sachin + Babi Miranda One-Shoulder Bow Midi Dress, Retail Value $475, Armoire $332

Why I rented it: I needed a dress for a D-Day event.

How I styled it: I was invited to a D-Day event at the French Embassy, and was told to dress like the 1940s, so I quickly Googled dress styles and headed straight for the rental apps. I tried on the dress with a vintage Chanel bag, Nicholas Kirkwood Block-Heeled sandals, and Sierra Winter American Woman hoops.

Size and fit: I got a 6 and it fit quite well! Crafted in thick and stretchy crepe, this elegant dress features a one-shoulder silhouette and draping detail with an asymmetrical neckline, bow-detailed shoulder with back sash, side-zip closure, and midi-length hem. It's fully lined and very well made.

Condition: Like new.

Honest review: I didn't end up wearing it because it didn't hit at the midi length on me like it did on the model. I also rented something better from RTR.

Michael Stars Alajandra Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress, Retail Value $188, Armoire $150

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: Just looked like a casual cool, everyday dress. And I like the color!

How I styled it: Honestly, I just wore this to run errands and to take a long walk around the neighborhood and threw on my Crocs sandals. Otherwise, I wore it with gold-tone leaf drop earrings, a vintage gold-tone belt, Ferragamo Block-Heeled sandals, and the Louis Vuitton Cherry Blossoms satchel.

Size and fit: Rendered in super soft cotton, this flowy maxi dress is designed with adjustable spaghetti straps, square neckline, smocked bodice, defined waist, slash pockets, and a tiered maxi hem. It's a pull-on design that can be slightly constricting when you're walking.

Condition: Average. Quite worn.

Honest review: A good everyday dress to run errands and lounge around the house.

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 Michael Stars dress. Sachin + Babi dresses were lovely, but I had nowhere to wear them!
• 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

You may have noticed that Mr. HGL is back on the couch... I lost the battle. I blocked him from the couch using a room divider and a pet gate, but my little rodent was able to bypass all my traps and made it to the top. When I came home from work last week, he was perched at the window and looked at me as if to say: I win! So, I waved the white flag, threw the pee pads back on the couch and realized he's smarter than me.

I've tried to bribe him to use the litter box with some of his favorite treats, so each time he uses it, he gets one of his faves. It's only worked maybe 50% of the time, and now he just climbs onto the litter box and begs without even using it. He doesn't get the treat without a little pee.

Sigh, I guess I just need to remember that my little fluff puff is now an old man with health issues, and I'll do the best I can.

ACTIVE DEAL: Get $30 OFF 1 month of the 7-item plan OR 50% OFF 1 month of the unlimited plan.
CODE: 7MSA89 or MSAUNLIMITED50

VALUE BREAKDOWN: The Unlimited membership costs $249/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $101,958!

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