I like The Row, but I think the only people that truly look good in the brand are the Olson twins (and the celebrities they dress). For everyone else, it just looks like a grey sweater no matter the quality. And I think that's because for the twins, that effortless cool-girlness is actually effortless. The Row is how they live so when they throw on an outfit to run errands, the rest of us swoon after the clothes, but it's them we want to be. Unfortunately, no amount of sample sale hauls will get us normies any closer.
I live in NY, and no, I didn’t go. I don’t buy into their hype. But this may be a more interesting story about The Row for you to cover- onetime Row lover and supporter (https://substack.com/@neelamahooja) Neelam Ahooja’s breakup with The Row. She writes about it on her latest Substack post. I am not privy to the details, but she hints at some undercurrents in her post. Does The Row only want upper east side rich ladies, models, and celebs to be representative of people who wear the brand?
I like the line and have bought into their hype, but I'm not sure I do anymore after watching all these hauls. I think that hype bubble may be bursting -- which is not going to help them become the next Hermes.
Thank you for sharing Neelam's story -- looking forward to reading!
@amyodell What I don’t understand is that if they don’t want to be “mass” why even have a sample sale so that the people who they don’t want to be associated with their brand can then wear their brand? Unless they are ushering in a new, higher price point for it that no one, except the uber wealthy will be able to afford. We shall see.
That last video might have killed my interest in ever buying another item from them ever again 🤣 brilliant. Live in NYC - skipped the sample sale bc agreed re:buying things you regret bc of the all the emotions you tapped into in your article. But that wisdom - just like wrinkles - comes with age 🧐😅
Odd ball comment- Banana Republic has been good! I was at the Palo Alto store & I didn’t need to hire a dog sitter - I did secretly 🤫 sneak in a wine in my corksicle (not so secretive I guess:) Loved this satin hammered drape top - I felt like Victoria Beckman might feel… maybe… sort of…I mean I had a moment. :) 🙌 and I didn’t have to wait in line. The only sample sale I’ve ever found exciting was watching Will & Grace at the Barney’s Sample sale. 😉
Honestly whenever I'm looking at the high end minimalist stuff now, I'm just like, "Is this brand making a stronger case for getting people's money than Banana Republic?"
So, and this is probably a completely different post. But, what happened to JCrew. Was it all Jenna? They were my staple. Then I don’t know what happened? But agreed!👍
I’ll second J. Crew for its men’s creative director, Brendon Babenzien. He and Olympia have breathed much-needed life into the brand’s prep aesthetic. Also, check out this book if you ever want to deep-dive on the “I don’t know what happened” piece - goes quite into depth on the company’s history and focuses on Jenna’s influence a lot:
Thank you!🙏 And thank you for the info on the guys department. I’ve hiked over there and I do agree with you, I think they’ve amped ⬆️ their game. Also I like the collaborations. I appreciate your perspective. Thanks!
Remember Daily Candy?!?!?!! I would get their emails rounding up all the sample sales going on in NYC and then map out all the sample sales I would go to that week during my lunch breaks. My best friend and I went to soooo many sales ... and yeah, most of the stuff I barely wore, but I did get a few good things. A cool Helmut Lang raincoat that I still wear. A Narciso Rodriguez coral-colored silk dress that will never fit me again but I can't bear to part with it. Oh, also I got my wedding dress off Gilt Groupe! BUT, I do agree with your general sentiment, that they are not something that needs to be revived!
What an interesting study in group psychology! I think people get swept up in the mania of a sample sale and buy something - anything - more as a souvenir of having been there than that "must have" piece for their wardrobes. It's group-think on steroids!
It’s the psychology of getting a “bargain” from what normally might be an inaccessible brand or price point for the person otherwise. It’s really only a bargain if you actually need it and wear it. I can’t count how many things I have purchased from Comme Des Garcons/Dover Street Market’s every 3 years or so “Market Market” sale that I didn’t need or didn’t fit quite right that I ended up donating or selling. Last sale, I sat it out. I decided I have everything I need and want and after seeing the online reports and in person reports from my friends, I was glad I did.
The lineup/tent thing has strong parallels to hype limited-edition sneaker drops pre-pandemic, as well as merch drops at Supreme back in the day. I was, and still am not, that committed to the cause. I’d love to be an armchair anthropologist just observing these sample sales.
Side note re: Banana Republic - I was shopping on their website last year and my wife caught a glimpse and was like “damn, when did BR get all these zaddies?” I then bought one of their knit polos.
I'll stand 10 toes down for sample sales. When I was youngee they were a way for me to affordable build a wardrobe esp since NYC doesn't have loads of stores like TJ Maxx. For a lot of smaller NYC brands they are critical for their survival. The key is not to run to a slae Just because it's an over-hyped brand like the Row. And focus on the sales for brands that align with your personal taste
Hermès does have sample sales: they don't call them that, just "sales", and they are invitation-only (it's not that exclusive) - but they are definitely sample sales. The markdown tends to be only 50%, but, y'know, in Hermès-world, that's a lot 😭
I agree on the BR: I was wearing a BR dress to a very formal event last week (the black version of this one, I think https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=772157012 ) and everyone wanted to know where it was from. Obviously BR's hit and miss, but the hits can be really good. The sad thing is that I know plenty of folks would sneer if they saw the label, whereas if The Row (or Khaite) made the *exact same thing*, it'd be worshiped.
YES to the items I’ve most frequently wasted my money on were purchased at a sample sale or Gilt. I’ve made a conscious effort to stop doing that, and instead spend a little more on things I really love. The last year has seen me make many more purchases on TRR. And that BR shirt dress is really good!
I agree with the assessment of the Row in this post but can’t agree that BR is a good alternative.
I took a gold toned silk charmeuse shirt dress from BR on vacation and packed it on top of a white cotton jersey dress (from the Row ironically). The dye from the BR dress RUBBED OFF all over the white dress while in my suitcase! Never seen anything like it. It only happened with the BR dress, none of my other clothes leaked dye. It’s a glaring sign of error in the mordant and color fast step of the manufacturing process. I work with fabrics and believe me, this is highly unusual.
Another example: After my husband wore cotton twill pants from BR once, one of the belt loops fell off! To have a belt loop, which should be sewn with successive short length stitches on both ends to secure, fall off from a mass manufactured men’s garment is legitimately crazy. Something is wrong with BR’s QA process, and my husband and I swore off buying from BR since. I really can’t recommend it as a viable alternative to anything, let alone the Row.
I’m still stuck on people paying three digits for a pair of black flip flops.
Oh same. Very much same.
When I told my husband “rubber flip flops for $690” he nearly fell off his chair.
I like The Row, but I think the only people that truly look good in the brand are the Olson twins (and the celebrities they dress). For everyone else, it just looks like a grey sweater no matter the quality. And I think that's because for the twins, that effortless cool-girlness is actually effortless. The Row is how they live so when they throw on an outfit to run errands, the rest of us swoon after the clothes, but it's them we want to be. Unfortunately, no amount of sample sale hauls will get us normies any closer.
I live in NY, and no, I didn’t go. I don’t buy into their hype. But this may be a more interesting story about The Row for you to cover- onetime Row lover and supporter (https://substack.com/@neelamahooja) Neelam Ahooja’s breakup with The Row. She writes about it on her latest Substack post. I am not privy to the details, but she hints at some undercurrents in her post. Does The Row only want upper east side rich ladies, models, and celebs to be representative of people who wear the brand?
I like the line and have bought into their hype, but I'm not sure I do anymore after watching all these hauls. I think that hype bubble may be bursting -- which is not going to help them become the next Hermes.
Thank you for sharing Neelam's story -- looking forward to reading!
@amyodell What I don’t understand is that if they don’t want to be “mass” why even have a sample sale so that the people who they don’t want to be associated with their brand can then wear their brand? Unless they are ushering in a new, higher price point for it that no one, except the uber wealthy will be able to afford. We shall see.
That last video might have killed my interest in ever buying another item from them ever again 🤣 brilliant. Live in NYC - skipped the sample sale bc agreed re:buying things you regret bc of the all the emotions you tapped into in your article. But that wisdom - just like wrinkles - comes with age 🧐😅
I love the plastic button comment.
The entire video 🤣🤣🤣🤣
The only good thing about aging! 😂
The “Forever 31” SNL skit deserves a mention here!
Odd ball comment- Banana Republic has been good! I was at the Palo Alto store & I didn’t need to hire a dog sitter - I did secretly 🤫 sneak in a wine in my corksicle (not so secretive I guess:) Loved this satin hammered drape top - I felt like Victoria Beckman might feel… maybe… sort of…I mean I had a moment. :) 🙌 and I didn’t have to wait in line. The only sample sale I’ve ever found exciting was watching Will & Grace at the Barney’s Sample sale. 😉
Honestly whenever I'm looking at the high end minimalist stuff now, I'm just like, "Is this brand making a stronger case for getting people's money than Banana Republic?"
And quite often, the answer is no.
So, and this is probably a completely different post. But, what happened to JCrew. Was it all Jenna? They were my staple. Then I don’t know what happened? But agreed!👍
Oh, I still like it! I think the creative director is super cool:
https://www.instagram.com/olympiamarie/?hl=en
It's also a pretty good place for kids clothes.
I’ll second J. Crew for its men’s creative director, Brendon Babenzien. He and Olympia have breathed much-needed life into the brand’s prep aesthetic. Also, check out this book if you ever want to deep-dive on the “I don’t know what happened” piece - goes quite into depth on the company’s history and focuses on Jenna’s influence a lot:
https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Prep-Inside-Story-J-Crew/dp/0063042649
Thank you!🙏 And thank you for the info on the guys department. I’ve hiked over there and I do agree with you, I think they’ve amped ⬆️ their game. Also I like the collaborations. I appreciate your perspective. Thanks!
Great perspectives! The men’s clothing - which I head over to - I think is pretty spot on. And the children’s, I don’t have really spend time there.
I should reframe my question as I did purchase four items from the JCrew Factory recently.
JCrew went through a phase… and it seemed a little chaotic. Sizing was way off (hey worked for me!) didn’t work for my petite mom.
That’s how the question should have been framed, then again who doesn’t go through a phase… am I right?
I'm so happy Banana Republic is back in the game
Remember Daily Candy?!?!?!! I would get their emails rounding up all the sample sales going on in NYC and then map out all the sample sales I would go to that week during my lunch breaks. My best friend and I went to soooo many sales ... and yeah, most of the stuff I barely wore, but I did get a few good things. A cool Helmut Lang raincoat that I still wear. A Narciso Rodriguez coral-colored silk dress that will never fit me again but I can't bear to part with it. Oh, also I got my wedding dress off Gilt Groupe! BUT, I do agree with your general sentiment, that they are not something that needs to be revived!
What an interesting study in group psychology! I think people get swept up in the mania of a sample sale and buy something - anything - more as a souvenir of having been there than that "must have" piece for their wardrobes. It's group-think on steroids!
It’s the psychology of getting a “bargain” from what normally might be an inaccessible brand or price point for the person otherwise. It’s really only a bargain if you actually need it and wear it. I can’t count how many things I have purchased from Comme Des Garcons/Dover Street Market’s every 3 years or so “Market Market” sale that I didn’t need or didn’t fit quite right that I ended up donating or selling. Last sale, I sat it out. I decided I have everything I need and want and after seeing the online reports and in person reports from my friends, I was glad I did.
I’m so tired of tik tok hauls and influencer culture.
Do I need to defend Capri pants again?
I love "Oceangate levels of pressure!"
Haha yes. You do.
The lineup/tent thing has strong parallels to hype limited-edition sneaker drops pre-pandemic, as well as merch drops at Supreme back in the day. I was, and still am not, that committed to the cause. I’d love to be an armchair anthropologist just observing these sample sales.
Side note re: Banana Republic - I was shopping on their website last year and my wife caught a glimpse and was like “damn, when did BR get all these zaddies?” I then bought one of their knit polos.
I'll stand 10 toes down for sample sales. When I was youngee they were a way for me to affordable build a wardrobe esp since NYC doesn't have loads of stores like TJ Maxx. For a lot of smaller NYC brands they are critical for their survival. The key is not to run to a slae Just because it's an over-hyped brand like the Row. And focus on the sales for brands that align with your personal taste
Hermès does have sample sales: they don't call them that, just "sales", and they are invitation-only (it's not that exclusive) - but they are definitely sample sales. The markdown tends to be only 50%, but, y'know, in Hermès-world, that's a lot 😭
I agree on the BR: I was wearing a BR dress to a very formal event last week (the black version of this one, I think https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=772157012 ) and everyone wanted to know where it was from. Obviously BR's hit and miss, but the hits can be really good. The sad thing is that I know plenty of folks would sneer if they saw the label, whereas if The Row (or Khaite) made the *exact same thing*, it'd be worshiped.
Came here to say this, there’s a yearly Hermès private sale in what seems to be every major city.
The Paris one is *enormous*. Timed entries, too, so no one camping in line (which would be very un-French anyway).
Omg I can’t stop laughing at that TikTok parody 🤣
YES to the items I’ve most frequently wasted my money on were purchased at a sample sale or Gilt. I’ve made a conscious effort to stop doing that, and instead spend a little more on things I really love. The last year has seen me make many more purchases on TRR. And that BR shirt dress is really good!
I agree with the assessment of the Row in this post but can’t agree that BR is a good alternative.
I took a gold toned silk charmeuse shirt dress from BR on vacation and packed it on top of a white cotton jersey dress (from the Row ironically). The dye from the BR dress RUBBED OFF all over the white dress while in my suitcase! Never seen anything like it. It only happened with the BR dress, none of my other clothes leaked dye. It’s a glaring sign of error in the mordant and color fast step of the manufacturing process. I work with fabrics and believe me, this is highly unusual.
Another example: After my husband wore cotton twill pants from BR once, one of the belt loops fell off! To have a belt loop, which should be sewn with successive short length stitches on both ends to secure, fall off from a mass manufactured men’s garment is legitimately crazy. Something is wrong with BR’s QA process, and my husband and I swore off buying from BR since. I really can’t recommend it as a viable alternative to anything, let alone the Row.