36 Comments
Jun 11Liked by Neelam Ahooja

this felt like a psychoanalysis of the row and it tickeld my brain in a way that i now understands why hockey fans needs to talk about their favourite sport. thank you for that.

Expand full comment
author

😂

Expand full comment

Every word - so well said.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you very much. 🥰

Expand full comment

I really want to be a slow burner, a waiter, an ok, I missed it-er. The alternative is so unpleasant. And without pleasure, what's the point?

Expand full comment
author

Yes a pleasure delayer vs a spontaneous shopper. ❤️

Expand full comment
Jun 7Liked by Neelam Ahooja

Such a thoughtful piece, so refreshing! Something I realized recently is I just have much more of an emotional tie to TR’s older styles, because I’ve spent more time with them in my head even things I’ve never owned. The newer items don’t always grab me. E.G. I do not care for the canal slides while I have a DEEP love for the canal loafer. & that’s despite it not being a shoe shape I gravitate towards compared with the newer soft loafer which should be right up my alley but I don’t really love?! I think I am just a slow shopper hahaha, and I am okay w/that!

Expand full comment
author

So true, the more time we have to think about pieces and the slower we shop for them, the more we appreciate them. We’re living in an instant gratification culture - and these pieces come at a steep cost.

Expand full comment
Jun 9Liked by Neelam Ahooja

I managed to get the mini envelope belt bag at last year’s sample sale in this gorgeous deep green I haven’t seen in many places - fell in love with it a few years back from your outfits. so many styling options! the wait from seeing it online when it first came out, to seeing you and others style it in creative ways and picturing it with my own closet, to finally getting it in person really makes me appreciate it more I think. Most of the time I end up wearing it in a totally different style than I had anticipated which is so fun and unexpected, and I think it feels special because of all that anticipation!

Expand full comment
author

And that’s the test of whether it’ll be a timeless piece - the noise around it settles but you still savour it. I have a couple of colours and use them to mix up basic outfits. I wanted the green lizard version but haven’t found it.

Expand full comment
Jun 14Liked by Neelam Ahooja

Wore the belt bag to work all week because of this! It’s such a fun finisher for an outfit, still makes me as happy as day 1 :)

Expand full comment
Jun 7Liked by Neelam Ahooja

Enjoyed this so much, Neelam! A deep calming breath in the fury! Loved the playlist as well - so happy to be a subscriber!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks Lisa, happy you enjoyed it. We all need to take a deep breath! 😅

Expand full comment
Jun 10Liked by Neelam Ahooja

The Row is so out of my budget and doesn’t fit my lifestyle but I do love your aesthetic and style. As a plus sized woman though I find I often can’t wait because if I do find my size, it’ll sell out fast.

Expand full comment
Jun 9Liked by Neelam Ahooja

Do you think one could size down in the Wilsonia blazer or best to take your true size? Looking to order online and want to avoid making a return! Thx

Expand full comment
author

I tried the size 0 and it was still large so I think you could, yes.

Expand full comment
Jun 8Liked by Neelam Ahooja

I joined your Substack very excited to be part of your subscribers! I just purchased two of The Row Beach sandals on sale. One is the "beige" which is more of a yellowish color. I am torn about returning them- what is your take on this color? It's an unusual color which is not a bad thing but not sure how versatile it would be. I also bought the black in that style. I saw these on one of your recent stories- that's why I purchased!

Expand full comment
author

Hi Karen, thanks for joining.

I’m moving these types of specific questions to chats - meet me over there.🥰

Expand full comment

Do I message you to get to chat?

Expand full comment
author

You have to get to your desktop to do that. It’ll walk you through it.

Expand full comment
Jun 8Liked by Neelam Ahooja

I’ve become a big fan of your posts and purchased many items you have suggested. There are 3 options on Substack. What is the difference between the three? Also, after I subscribe how do I access Substack is it a newsletter? I’ve been watching your You Tube videos and following your IG

Thanks for all your content it’s very good!

Karen

Expand full comment
author

Hi Karen, you can just become a subscriber and I will show up in your inbox when I have a newsletter to post. Or you can pay monthly for access to my private chats (there will also be some paywalled content soon). On chats, we have discussions about sizing and what we’re eyeing. It’s an intimate space. You can pay a yearly rate as well. Hope that helps! 🥰

Expand full comment
Jun 8Liked by Neelam Ahooja

Love the article, Neelam, and I'm thrilled to be a subscriber. You've definitely "influenced" me to learn about and appreciate The Row, as well as some other indie brands (La Collection). You're one of the few influencers I follow regularly because of your incredible style, honesty, and shared love of music. Keep up the amazing work!

Expand full comment
author

Oh Anna, thank you so much. I really appreciate the support. Finding a new voice here on substack and I’m loving it. ❤️

Expand full comment

Love reading all these well crafted and thoughtful reviews. I always look forward to reading them, a real treat!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much Rosey!! 🥰

Expand full comment
Jun 7Liked by Neelam Ahooja

So well said. It feels like such a race shopping the preorders and I find myself feeling some of those similar feelings when I see “everyone” wearing the new pieces.. just feels less special even though it shouldn’t. I’ve been finding a bit more joy in shopping the older pieces preloved. Just recently picked up the medium ascot in a gorgeous burgundy leather that I’ve been enjoying.

Expand full comment
author

I’m a big fan of seeking out those older treasures. They’re rare. And I think it’s nice to be out with something that few are carrying or even value.

Expand full comment
Jun 7Liked by Neelam Ahooja

I love all content you put out and we share the same love for our salpas. If you had to pick one thing from your Substack post today what would it be? Thank you for your thoughtful recommendations that are always so spot on and chic!

Expand full comment
author

I like the Wilsonia blazer so much. And the Sibem in grey that’s on TRR. They’re the ones I wear on repeat.

Expand full comment
Jun 8Liked by Neelam Ahooja

How does the blazer run? I’m usually an xs but net only has a 2🙄

Expand full comment
author

Ah! Sorry Brooke, blazer runs large! I’m an xs as well but took a 2. It’s big on me. 0 would have been better.

Expand full comment
Jun 7Liked by Neelam Ahooja

Neelam, you’re one of just several influencers I follow because, beyond your style, I enjoy your mindful approach to shopping, and how honest you are. So few others acknowledge the cost of things and talk about value, or cost per wear. I just watched your latest video on YouTube and you articulated all my thoughts about the Margaux clutch. Melrose had set one aside for me and I would have bought it if it wasn’t so large or cumbersome or impractical or $7k, even though I think it’s so chic. I don’t think any other influencer would have been so honest.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Duy. I appreciate this feedback very much. I want to be transparent but also want to be respectful to brands. Tricky balance but at the end of the day, I need to make sure I’m authentic. I’m sending the clutch back - I’ll wait for them to make a smaller one. 🤞🏽

Expand full comment
Jun 7Liked by Neelam Ahooja

You’re very thoughtful with your negatives — always noting that something doesn’t work for your stature, your lifestyle, your budget etc. I appreciate that you’re not going to yuck someone’s yum, as they say.

Expand full comment