THE ROW MARGAUX HANDLES - on the inside vs the outside. And other matters.

[@kimmaguire3621]

Would love to see some Row inspired spring summer styling. How to get the look without the big coat!

[@NeelamAhooja]

Gotcha 😉

[@m1ssingc0rps3]

Hey Neelam, even though I'm a guy fan of The Row I still love watching your videos since no one is breaking down the brand's pieces in detail like you are! Thank you!

[@NeelamAhooja]

Oh thank you so much!! I really appreciate your feedback. :)

[@christiecruzxo2841]

Another thoughtful video and addition to the Margaux madness discussion! Your voice of discernment is needed here ❤ Ive been admiring the suede iterations from a far… I’m in no rush ! Like most things in life, the really exceptional things are worth waiting for! This is indeed a massive purchase, and I appreciate your honesty around that. It’s not normal to be buying a new $6,000 bag 2x monthly for review. If you can do that fantastic but if you can’t that’s where the bulk of us are at too. It’s an investment. Have a great weekend ❤

[@johnlaw8718]

Love that even though not all your RTW pieces are from The Row, you really manage to capture that vibe!!!

[@johnlaw8718]

I think the margaux really epitomises the quiet luxury movement which is proving to be more than a fleeting trend - although there’s fatigue in the market there’s always going to be a place & customer for it in fashion - there will come a time when the hype for the margaux dies down a bit but it’s the absolute core bag from Row and their version of the Birkin/Kelly, its longevity will depend on how Row continues to market it

[@NeelamAhooja]

@@johnlaw8718 And so far, they’re doing exactly what they need to do to keep the demand high. I’ve long considered Margaux to be their signature bag for many reasons. She’s a beauty.

[@elletaheri3362]

I purchased a Margaux 15 in Cuir in January and the leather was so extremely soft, it would mark and scratch if anything at all touched it, even soft things. As I was unwrapping the bag, my cell phone touched the outside of the bag and there was a permanent cell phone shaped mark. I know some bags look gorgeous with age but I think if it came in contact with any liquid or food, I don’t think it would be repairable. It was gorgeous but I didn’t feel like it would be practical enough for a long term daily use bag which is what I need, so I needed up exchanging for a black pebble leather 15 (thanks to your recommendation), and I love it. It’s still very soft, but also very durable so I can take her with me everywhere and not be worried.

[@edvina4459]

Luckily I am from the city where trends are not so popular. I never seen another person wearing a Margaux. I must admit, I unfollowed a lot of influencers and clicked “do not recommend channel” to clean my recommendations that are trend led. I have very few people I follow now and youtube recommendations are improving. Its just another way to tailor my online socials and keep my mind crisp and not too involved whats trending whats not and make my purchases in what I like. Thanks again ❤

[@NeelamAhooja]

That’s perfect and I love that you do this. And thanks for staying here. Although if someday my style doesn’t align either, you need to let me go too. Do you watch Mel Robbins? She’s a big fan of cleaning the feed. She has an “Unfollow Friday” theme. She cleans house every Friday and encourages others to do so too, even if it means unfollowing her!

[@edvina4459]

@@NeelamAhooja thank you for recommendation, I will definitely will check her out! I really enjoy your channel because you have a consistent taste and understanding in fashion. What I dislike is that some influencers making luxury fashion becoming like fast fashion. I want to invest into pieces that works for me years to come. So your reviews are very helpful! 🤍

[@teoleno4019]

I saw a youtuber with taupe colored Margaux bag. Not gonna lie, I like it a lot. Could be a nice work bag. It looks way more practical than any Birkin or other luxury bags.

[@gwenschwabauer5359]

Even after you advised getting the 15 over the 12, I thought I knew better and purchased the 12. When it arrived, I realized I would not be able to fit the things I like to carry and purchased a 15. I sold my 12 on The RealReal and I can confirm that the hype is real because it sold in one day at the RealReal listed price of $4,050. I earned almost $3,000 in commission. This took the sting out of buying the wrong bag. I agree with another commenter here about deleting most influencers. You are very down-to-earth and honest and I enjoy everything you post!

[@nitajoesplaytherapy4639]

Sometimes people who are loyal act like gatekeepers. I enjoy seeing people wear beautiful bags even if I have it. That's a gorgeous bag and if I had the coins it would be in my handbag closet rn❤

[@NeelamAhooja]

@@nitajoesplaytherapy4639 Sometimes people don’t want to carry the same bag as everyone else. I prefer to look around and see different things, that’s why I’ve parked my Margaux bags for now. It’s beautiful but it’s far too popular now and it’s devalued it for me a little.

[@janetinbenson]

Frustration among loyalists is so well said! I notice that many influencers that buy the Margaux already have a Birkin. They need content and where can they go after owning Hermès - it’s just idiots, trends and SM. Hopefully they will go away soon to a new trend.

[@abbycatherine8135]

Well said! It seems it's all about content and while they already have the "holy grail" Hermes bags, now they are jumping over to The Row.

[@RYK05130]

May I just say, I love all of your videos but particularly this one. I love how you take the time to go through why you buy the Margaux and all the emotions associated with it. It is a huge purchase…people justify the purchase because it’s the IT bag and why not. For me, I have had plenty of chances to buy as I have been following the inventory but I can’t quite justify the cost with my projected use. I have purchased way too many luxury goods because they were a hit and everyone had it, but really I never used them enough to justify how much I paid for them. Thank you for highlighting the financial impact and some thoughtful planning that goes behind the scene. I love the fact that you analyze your cause for purchase and the products carefully❤ Thank you!!!

[@NeelamAhooja]

You’re very welcome. And thank you for sharing your thoughts as well. 🥰

[@kpops168]

I don’t think they are sufficiently scarce to keep this going. I got one after looking for a few weeks form My Theresa and that was only recently. I love it but I remain objective - I do not think they have the craftsmanship or even the leather quality for this to be an heirloom. It’s a really nice machine sewn thin shaved (hence light) leather bag and the style is perfect for me. I’m planning on using mine till it busts…. I got it because it suits my style already and I’m very much looking forward to getting more pieces from the brand (coats in particular.) I only have access to this brand online in Australia the dark colours regardless of the retail platform make things very difficult to see properly and assess - that’s my only challenge otherwise I would probably own more of the clothing already. Hence I’m binge watching all your videos! 😂 Much appreciated!

[@NeelamAhooja]

@@kpops168 you’re welcome 🥰

[@shellys.4275]

You remind me so much of Julia Robert’s. Thanks for the great video. I have the Margaux 10. Unfortunate that there are knockoffs.

[@NeelamAhooja]

🥹That’s so sweet of you to say! I’ve had a few people tell me this recently and I’m incredibly flattered because she’s just so lovely. My husband doesn’t see any resemblance. 😂

[@eliiiizaaa]

Great advice on asking yourself why you want to buy something, but I think it is getting increasingly hard not to get influenced by others these days. I really respect your videos and advice because I think you have put in a lot of thought and care into building the right wardrobe for you and I would love to see a video that talks about how your style has evolved or how you have come to this point. Also a continuation of the capsule wardrobe series or even a sense of the type of outfits you put together for different scenarios would be incredible. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into these videos.

[@NeelamAhooja]

Will try to get more at this type of content. Thank you 🙏🏽 and I agree, so hard not to be taken in by all these videos including mine. I’m definitely culpable as well.

[@Christine-iw9do]

So Beautiful and classy !

[@kate4896]

Off topic, but I really loved your video on white tees and would love to see one on your fave black turtlenecks. They're such a staple piece (especially for layering)- lightweight ones for transitional seasons, heavyweight for winter, tight or relaxed fit, dress it up or down. Just like a white tee, you can't go wrong with a black turtleneck.

[@NeelamAhooja]

I can do one sure but just off hand what comes to mind are my Frances de Lourdes thin turtlenecks and I have a midweight one from The Row and a heavier COS one. Will mark this down as an idea for a video.

[@AE-nf8nz]

my friends used to jokingly call it my bowling bag and now its du jour of tiktok. i just hope people love the bag and the clothes too for what it is and not end up up hating that they bought into a trend they dont identify with and end up resenting these beautiful objects.

[@rockyhrndz]

I love your style! Do you decorate your house the way you dress?

[@claudiaguevara1789]

Hola Neelam . Disfruto ver tus vídeos , tu estilo me gusta aún más . Gracias

[@Jamie-Loves]

Well said and mom wisdom all the way. This is how Hermes has become the famous brand that It is. They say that “sex” sells, so does “scarcity” if you’re trying to sell a product, make it unaffordable and unavailable

[@bagsandlifestyle]

Based on seeing the bag in your video, it seems like the handles on the inside help them lean on each other easier for support. Also, the appearance of cleaner lines on the outside of the bag. It is beautiful!

[@NeelamAhooja]

I spoke with The Row and apparently that isn’t why. It’s as I mentioned, simply an indication of what category of Margaux it is. :)

[@windraaw]

I was really waiting for the full Winter 2024 review but this video is great too!

[@NeelamAhooja]

I wasn’t planning on doing winter until I get to the resee. Or until it gets closer to landing in store. Wish there was a way to poll here.

[@windraaw]

@@NeelamAhooja its okay 😊 its just that ever since you did that Spring ‘24 full collection review (which was my favorite video of yours btw), I’ve been waiting for you to do full reviews for another collection on youtube haha anyway, love ya!!

[@NeelamAhooja]

@windraaw Gotcha, and good to know. Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@edvina4459]

Thank you for your videos! I love your approach and style and 100% agree with your opinion.

[@NeelamAhooja]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@jhw0101]

People always want something that is hard to get, be it a bag, a watch, a restaurant or a car, it’s the chase that they are after, and the superiority that they get after obtaining it, the kind of I have it you don’t status. Once the scarcity is gone, the allure will disappear instantly. The brand plays the scarcity game too well is Hermes. The kind of humiliation some of those people go through to pay tens and thousands of dollars for a Hermes bag is mind boggling. At the end of the day, it’s just a damn bag. Hey it’s human nature, there will always be another chase.

[@NeelamAhooja]

💯 - often it’s the thrill of the chase. And yes Hermès knows exactly what they’re doing. Personally, I don’t really love their bags. I like the ridiculously large ones but not the smaller ones most people covet and in general, there are very few bags I want to spend upwards of $10k or more for. The Row Alligator backpack is the exception but I would never - unless someone was giving it away for peanuts.

[@lislourenco8630]

Thanks for the video! I love your hair btw.

[@NeelamAhooja]

Thank you ☺️

[@carolinamontibelli4496]

You mentioned that in the winter 2024 collection, the leather for the bags is very very soft. Can you please let me know in what month The Row is launching this collection? Thank you, Neelam!

[@uchennaogundu8615]

It's been a while, nice Long Black Skirt w/ Belt.

[@lisac4225]

OK I really think that you are totally in my brain because most of the time you do videos about what I’ve been thinking about and the Margot I have four of them now. Thank you very much Neelam 😅😅😅 but on further inspection of yours with the handles on the inside those are the ones that seem to have the suede lining even in the bucked leather or smooth leather, and they seem to keep their structure a little nicer I have two I guess what they call the soft leather with the microfiber or linen interior and while the leather is amazing, they still are softer structure so I’m probably going to have to hunt them down on the resale market because I do like the ones with the leather interior which I only have one of them. It’s the light colored pebble that happens to actually have leather on the inside, but handles on the outside, it’s so funny and I know that belted one has them on the inside but I actually like the two buckles on the outside. Oh my gosh have I said handles and buckles enough in this post😂😂😂 Thanks again for another great video.

[@NeelamAhooja]

🤣 thank you for this!!! 🤍

[@Lucretciela]

I don't think I would spend $9,000 or more on a bag that did not come strait from the brand, it's just not worth the risk. I recently bought the Margaux, obviously at it's peak. I knew it wouldn't be there if I waited any longer, and I was correct. The very next day after making the purchase, the bag was no longer in stock. In fact, I believe every single Margaux bag on The Row site was gone. I definitely lucked out. No doubt I would have been tempted to purchase on the resale market had I not snagged it last minute.

[@NeelamAhooja]

It’s shocking how quickly they evaporated. And it will be harder to secure going forward for sure.

[@ellenbeach3006]

I am interested in the Belted Margaux as well as the traditional one. Do you prefer one over the other? Does the belt interfere with gaining access to your wallet.....??

[@eliodigregorio1360]

On another note, do you feel like the brand has also changed the way they do business, in regards to sales strategies and customer service due to this recent boom? Maybe it was just a bad day but I have been a big fan of The Row for a long time and was super excited to go to the store while I was in London. I was COMPLETELY thrown off by the customer service. To say they were rude is an understatement. I was asking politely about specific pieces that I wanted to buy, shoes and RTW, and was met with very cold "no" and lots of judgement. I was asking if they had anything similar etc, trying to get any sort of help or assistance and nothing. They were just glaring at us. My friends and I were so thrown off we all left the store empty handed after we had all planned to buy something. To me that is not luxury. Just thought I would share my disappointment, hope that isn't a regular thing at the store, especially with the price points they offer.

[@Keybumpz]

Well said! 👏🏼

[@kathyguyle3569]

Hi Neelam, thanks for another great video. Were you ever able to find out the dimensions of the E/W Margaux bag? From some of the videos and pictures i've seen of people trying it on, it looks like the length might be around 15". tia

[@NeelamAhooja]

Oh yes I should have followed up - the base is 17”. It’s basically a short Margaux 17. I’m not on board with the E/W yet. I prefer the balance of the dimensions of the classic 17.

[@kathyguyle3569]

@@NeelamAhooja thank you so much 🥰

[@VincentLeow-z3q]

Hi Neelam! I'm wondering if you ended up getting Sisilia stripe-jacquard silk-crepe shirt in white and if so your thoughts on drape and sizing? Cheers, Vincent

[@NeelamAhooja]

Oh I really want that so badly but it’s sooo expensive and very white. 😂 Waiting to see if it makes it to sale but if I could, I would! It’s the perfect drape. 😢

[@VincentLeow-z3q]

🤩@@NeelamAhooja

[@dinavienna]

Do you prefer Margaux or belted Margaux ?

[@NeelamAhooja]

@@dinavienna I wear my belted more often

[@dinavienna]

@@NeelamAhooja thanks!!

[@ferranmensa3500]

100% agree with you

[@NeelamAhooja]

🥰

[@RobynA11]

I’m not sure I understand what ‘for the right reasons’ means when buying a bag, or anything for that matter. Wanting it is my reason. I apologize if that bothers brand loyalists, but it’s not really that deep. It’s clothes and bags, folks.

[@NeelamAhooja]

Oh yes, I completely get that. What I meant was, having purchased bags in the past simply because they’re trending, it might be worth taking a moment to see if you’ll still want it if it stops trending. It’s a steep price for a trend. Personally I love the bag - and will always love it. And it’s nice to see others appreciate it too! Then again, seeing it on more people and having it be recognizable was not why many of the first Margaux clients bought it. In fact, the opposite. Some people want to carry a bag that isn’t easily recognizable. And in that regard, it’s changed the experience.

[@NeelamAhooja]

I’ve seen people want something so desperately that they’re using three credit cards to make it work and that’s what happens with trend items. This is why I’m anti-trend most of the time. Trend pieces need to be accessible/affordable. Investment pieces like this are worth taking time before pulling the trigger. And if it’s not available exactly when you want it, that’s ok. It’s just a bag. Personally, I really appreciate the items I’ve had to a bit wait for.

[@nogo4022]

No need for the usual binary arguments. I happen to like the styles & am not particularly interested in anybody targeting me for being OLD, MANLY & FRUMPY. But I am aware of the breathless hype & astounding prices for fashion. It’s fashion, guys… not LIFE. Another example of the social media-fueled nonsense destroying what used to be an enjoyable way to express ourselves. Personally, I’d much rather spend $10,000 on a trip than a coat, but shrug if somebody has different values…just don’t shame my personal style.

[@dva5610]

It was over for me once I saw Tamara in The Row 😒

[@NeelamAhooja]

Definitely seeing the bag on more people now including big influencers who weren’t really looking at Margaux before.

[@janetinbenson]

I would like to say the same except I have a size 10. I do love it because I like the brand, after coming from PP Céline, I wanted unlogo bags but these pathetic influencer sheeps are so annoying.

[@ellenbeach3006]

❤🎉

[@NeelamAhooja]

🥰

[@ft_ph]

Always slow when speaking i have to play it at 1.5 speed

[@beiwind5548]

hei. I was sending you a question as PM on insta - it looks now that you was backing me, or is your insta blocked for Norway now? Why did you block me?

[@tube26love]

No, I don’t !!

[@missopinionated0000]

to me THE ROW is overpriced and now overhyped... its not worth it.. if you wanna look OLD AND MANLY AND FRUMPY 100% MANREPPELING buy THE ROW good quality or not.. my opinion

[@NeelamAhooja]

Agreed. A lot of high end brands are overpriced. However, as for old and manly, perhaps some pieces can come off that way but it’s all in how one puts it together really and how they carry the look. I like a little bit of sloppy and undone- but balanced.

[@elainebradleyceramist]

Am I supposed to take into consideration when choosing a handbag whether it would attract the attention of men? How retro!

[@dva5610]

Coming from the person wearing an oversized blazer …

[@missopinionated0000]

.. coming from someone with THAT profile pic.. ok @@dva5610

[@ShweMyaukMyauk]

It’s basically emperors new clothes