I love your posts so much. I just donated, because I’d rather pay you to tell me NOT to buy anything than buy one more piece of crap that I don’t need.
I have to confess that I ‘like’ your posts even before I finish reading them. And then when I’ve speed read the whole thing I like them even more than I thought I would. I’m going to buy that rolling TV stand when I buy a TV. I may have just realized the reason I don’t have a TV is because I didn’t know about rolling stands.
Uniqlo u neck women’s tee! It’s like a flashback to 1994 with excellent quality. Super thick, lovely drape, legit feels silky. I sized up one size and it’s also perfect on my broad shoulders/athletic frame.
I also absolutely love these tshirts! Sometimes they go on sale for $9.90 (from $14.90 ha). Definitely size up if you plan to dry them; I’ve found them to shrink!
I’ve not experienced that, but I never put them in the dryer. But I also own the white & navy long sleeve in my regular size and 1 size up because sometimes you just want a little slouch and sometimes you want a more fitted fit
Love this. I’m so very sceptical of the influencer recommendations and also weary of the whole ‘this is my personal passion project if you are in any way critical you’re tearing down another woman’…. I wrote blurbs for netaporter while doing a masters and I very certainly did not believe what I was writing. Obv I was being paid to sell things to people, as are the new breed of monetised Substack writers. I’m very uncomfortable with a retail space that demands total acquiescence from potential consumers. But many people doing the ‘this is what I bought from the row this week’ are closely guarding the idea that it is all sincere. X
i also spent years and years writing about and selling stuff i didnt believe in, couldnt afford, and definitely convinced other people to buy that couldnt afford either :/ can't stomach doing that anymore.
a retail space that demands total acquiescence ceases to be retail - it becomes a CULT! totally with you. a refreshing perspective, thank you Nicky!
I became so disillusioned by the phoney glamour of working on magazines/writing marketing materials that I did a masters in political economy, then a PhD. Now teach a sociology course on inequality and take the students on a field trip to the row store in London as part of the course. I still love clothes and style but as a conscious consumer! X
well now i am inspired! that sounds incredible. i would LOVE to be a fly on the wall in that row store. would love to hear more about your experience there.
Good idea to ask the students to write about it. They are genuinely ASTONISHED at the row prices and I find it grounding to see the perceptions of people who aren’t part of fashion bubble. Contrasting the price of a t shirt at the row with the incredible levels of poverty in London, particularly affecting children, where people are struggling to buy warm winter coats, shoes etc is thought provoking hopefully
All the lols but one of the Substack influencers just refused and refunded my subscription, apparently on the grounds of one comment I made on conflict between affiliate links and gushing recommendations making a reader a bit sceptical. Very weird as I like her writing and style 🤷♀️ also I wasn’t rude or aggressive. I apologised for any offence caused. It’s my thing, though, looking at inequalities in society and how material culture represents and reflects dynamics of inequality so I can’t help being interested
what! that is horrible. im so sorry someone did that to you! you must've seen through something they didnt want you to catch on to if they got that inflamed about it...who knows! people are strange 🤷♀️
whoaaaa that is WILD. I'm sorry, that must have felt weird and uncomfortable. Can you share your comment? I'm so curious to see what it was! What post was it on? (Sorry, I'm the nosiest!)
Me too lol. It was Earl Earl and either on Instagram or Substack I said something about being dubious about gushing recommendations given the financial transactions behind the affiliate links and brand relationships. I did apologise if I offended but said I’m concerned about a media/commercial space that demands only positive engagement. But obviously hit a nerve or something! Xx
Honestly tho, I have the same concern. How do I know someone genuinely loves at item if they’re being incentivized to tell me they do! It’s starting to feel so gross everywhere you turn. And the ways in which people mistake healthy debate or a necessary question for negativity - that’s not going to get us anywhere good either.
I agree! I’m in no way trying to undermine anyone or snark but Substack started off seeming like a refreshing break from instagram as a place people could publish long form writing and engage with their readers. Healthy debate about the place of affiliate links and brand sponsorship in this new media platform is important, I think. Whatever, I guess, but did feel weird to be essentially banned from subscribing for being just a tiny bit dubious. X
All the lols but one of the Substack influencers just refused and refunded my subscription, apparently on the grounds of one comment I made on conflict between affiliate links and gushing recommendations making a reader a bit sceptical. Very weird as I like her writing and style 🤷♀️
Ugh. I genuinely despise the fight to “monetize.” In a perfect world, everyone could get paid for their work but in a capitalistic world, it feels like we are in a cash grab booth and I am JUST NOT that excited to scramble for the bills.
Anyways, my two non-influencer purchases that are so great are (1) an apron! I kept splattering dinner on my nice-ass clothes and it took me too long to buy an apron to protect myself and (2) an ole fashion pedometer. I am a low tech girl at heart so I don’t need an Apple Watch and I don’t want to have to carry my phone around, but I do want to track my steps!
I know, i believe people deserve to get paid for their work but i also feel like bringing money into the equation so often kills integrity and creativity. something to constantly be figuring out.
an apron- what a novel idea. i can actually wear cute clothes and still cook! also i need more device free walks in my life. have a good pedometer rec?
I drink 2 liters of sparkling water a day, if anyone was going to get permanent stomach bubbles it’d have to be me!! Welcome back to the dark side. *They* say tap water is terrible for you anyway- how can we possibly win??
RE: Supergoop, if you like their glowscreen, the Kroger grocery store family (it's Kroger here but goes under different names in different markets) has a version that is maybe even better? More moisturizing and less glittery? And also a fraction of the price. They also have an unseen sunscreen version but I prefer a creamy texture. Just FYI.
Hear me out- the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen is WAY better!!! Available on Stylevana and similar sites at great prices- or buy the sunscreen bundle and try eight great ones. Not an affiliate (clearly) just passionate.
Hi! I love your newsletter. I just got talked into buying a white tee from Kotn from a friend who said they make great basics and it arrived and is tissue thin and so not worth $38. I prefer the GAP modern tee for $12.
I loved this so much. As someone who never stopped drinking an obscene amount of la croix weekly I’m just waiting for the horrible side effects to be revealed to me in some new study. I wish air bubbles in the stomach could stop me.
I feel obligated to share this...I started drinking Soda Stream a few years ago to the tune of 3-4 bottles a day and on my most recent dental visit, but dentist was like, WHAT IS UP WITH YOUR ENAMEL?? Apparently the pH of it is 3 (vs. 7 for perrier - she tested it herself). Just be careful!!
Just chiming in to let you know the Tangerine Ginger Topo Chico is also surprisingly delicious. Debating the merits of the rolling tv stand(!) for my small space, so thank you!
"While I am currently writing about and researching some brands and products I do believe in, I don’t purchase nearly enough to keep up with the overwhelming rapid pace of "what I bought this week" updates."
^ I resonate with this so much.
Regarding white T-shirts - I love the Everlane "Box Cut" tees. I think you can get 3 for $60? I usually place an order each spring. It's not as cheap as $12 but they are quite reliable! I find that they do shrink in the wash a bit so I size up from an XS to a M and they are the perfect boxy loose fit (but not so oversized that you look like you're wearing a pajama shirt).
I am definitely influenced. Topo Chico cheers. And I CONTINUOUSLY waffle on affiliate links (currently think it’s fine to add AFTER I’ve written the story but never seem to get around to it) and links in general — “mine is sold out but here’s one that looks good” — because sharing a dead end makes me feel I am letting someone down. I am very jealous of your clarity, and I am so grateful for your humor and authenticity 😘
just like with most things in life I don’t think it’s all black and white all the time. having followed your newsletter for a while you strike me as someone who truly knows what she likes and wouldn’t ever waver on that just for an aff link or higher percentage of sale. I’ve personally worked in an industry where I’ve sold products I didn’t believe in solely to make the money. this clarity came after PLENTY of time feeling really conflicted about doing that. I’m super grateful for you!
Man, my perfect white tee will never be reclaimed and refound. It was the early 1990s, and Grandpa bought them in bulk from Sears, and I would wear them after swimming at their house. V neck that was AA before AA invented it, somehow a not-annoying poly blend that wicked moisture and wasn’t to hot (they were meant to be dudes undershirt’s after all).
hahaha it really does make you realize how tumultuous their relationship is when youve experienced in every sq foot of your home. and great recs, thank you!!!
I love your posts so much. I just donated, because I’d rather pay you to tell me NOT to buy anything than buy one more piece of crap that I don’t need.
jill, you are so generous. the support means a whole LOT!! thank you so much. ❤️
I have to confess that I ‘like’ your posts even before I finish reading them. And then when I’ve speed read the whole thing I like them even more than I thought I would. I’m going to buy that rolling TV stand when I buy a TV. I may have just realized the reason I don’t have a TV is because I didn’t know about rolling stands.
that is so fun and sweet, thank you. yes maybe this is the missing puzzle piece from your life haha. forgot to post the link and ill update it in the post here too. you can tell people its an exotic, japanese made TV stand: https://www.amazon.com/WALL-Japanese-Free-Standing-Universal-Concealed/dp/B0BQWPBMPJ?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A2VBYTP2DCQGNG
thank you! I wanted to ask for the link but was afraid of compromising your Worst Influencer title.
😂❤️
Uniqlo u neck women’s tee! It’s like a flashback to 1994 with excellent quality. Super thick, lovely drape, legit feels silky. I sized up one size and it’s also perfect on my broad shoulders/athletic frame.
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E424873-000/00 **not an affiliate link, just a big fan 🙃
love a broad shoulder rec- thank you thank you!
I also absolutely love these tshirts! Sometimes they go on sale for $9.90 (from $14.90 ha). Definitely size up if you plan to dry them; I’ve found them to shrink!
I’ve not experienced that, but I never put them in the dryer. But I also own the white & navy long sleeve in my regular size and 1 size up because sometimes you just want a little slouch and sometimes you want a more fitted fit
Love this. I’m so very sceptical of the influencer recommendations and also weary of the whole ‘this is my personal passion project if you are in any way critical you’re tearing down another woman’…. I wrote blurbs for netaporter while doing a masters and I very certainly did not believe what I was writing. Obv I was being paid to sell things to people, as are the new breed of monetised Substack writers. I’m very uncomfortable with a retail space that demands total acquiescence from potential consumers. But many people doing the ‘this is what I bought from the row this week’ are closely guarding the idea that it is all sincere. X
i also spent years and years writing about and selling stuff i didnt believe in, couldnt afford, and definitely convinced other people to buy that couldnt afford either :/ can't stomach doing that anymore.
a retail space that demands total acquiescence ceases to be retail - it becomes a CULT! totally with you. a refreshing perspective, thank you Nicky!
I became so disillusioned by the phoney glamour of working on magazines/writing marketing materials that I did a masters in political economy, then a PhD. Now teach a sociology course on inequality and take the students on a field trip to the row store in London as part of the course. I still love clothes and style but as a conscious consumer! X
well now i am inspired! that sounds incredible. i would LOVE to be a fly on the wall in that row store. would love to hear more about your experience there.
Good idea to ask the students to write about it. They are genuinely ASTONISHED at the row prices and I find it grounding to see the perceptions of people who aren’t part of fashion bubble. Contrasting the price of a t shirt at the row with the incredible levels of poverty in London, particularly affecting children, where people are struggling to buy warm winter coats, shoes etc is thought provoking hopefully
Wow I love the field trip! Is it something you could write about - maybe with the students - it’d be fascinating to read
Yes agreed!! please write about this Nicky. would love to read about this.
All the lols but one of the Substack influencers just refused and refunded my subscription, apparently on the grounds of one comment I made on conflict between affiliate links and gushing recommendations making a reader a bit sceptical. Very weird as I like her writing and style 🤷♀️ also I wasn’t rude or aggressive. I apologised for any offence caused. It’s my thing, though, looking at inequalities in society and how material culture represents and reflects dynamics of inequality so I can’t help being interested
what! that is horrible. im so sorry someone did that to you! you must've seen through something they didnt want you to catch on to if they got that inflamed about it...who knows! people are strange 🤷♀️
whoaaaa that is WILD. I'm sorry, that must have felt weird and uncomfortable. Can you share your comment? I'm so curious to see what it was! What post was it on? (Sorry, I'm the nosiest!)
Me too lol. It was Earl Earl and either on Instagram or Substack I said something about being dubious about gushing recommendations given the financial transactions behind the affiliate links and brand relationships. I did apologise if I offended but said I’m concerned about a media/commercial space that demands only positive engagement. But obviously hit a nerve or something! Xx
Honestly tho, I have the same concern. How do I know someone genuinely loves at item if they’re being incentivized to tell me they do! It’s starting to feel so gross everywhere you turn. And the ways in which people mistake healthy debate or a necessary question for negativity - that’s not going to get us anywhere good either.
I agree! I’m in no way trying to undermine anyone or snark but Substack started off seeming like a refreshing break from instagram as a place people could publish long form writing and engage with their readers. Healthy debate about the place of affiliate links and brand sponsorship in this new media platform is important, I think. Whatever, I guess, but did feel weird to be essentially banned from subscribing for being just a tiny bit dubious. X
All the lols but one of the Substack influencers just refused and refunded my subscription, apparently on the grounds of one comment I made on conflict between affiliate links and gushing recommendations making a reader a bit sceptical. Very weird as I like her writing and style 🤷♀️
Ugh. I genuinely despise the fight to “monetize.” In a perfect world, everyone could get paid for their work but in a capitalistic world, it feels like we are in a cash grab booth and I am JUST NOT that excited to scramble for the bills.
Anyways, my two non-influencer purchases that are so great are (1) an apron! I kept splattering dinner on my nice-ass clothes and it took me too long to buy an apron to protect myself and (2) an ole fashion pedometer. I am a low tech girl at heart so I don’t need an Apple Watch and I don’t want to have to carry my phone around, but I do want to track my steps!
I know, i believe people deserve to get paid for their work but i also feel like bringing money into the equation so often kills integrity and creativity. something to constantly be figuring out.
an apron- what a novel idea. i can actually wear cute clothes and still cook! also i need more device free walks in my life. have a good pedometer rec?
Here’s the only one you’ll ever need and practically free 😉 (sub $10 hardly counts!) PULIVIA Pedometer for Walking 3D... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM3BF9SK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is brilliant! I am unhealthily obsessed with my steps and hate the Apple Watch.
We are the same! I love getting my 10K but I don’t want to rely on something like a phone/watch that will distract me in order to track it.
https://youtu.be/deHsXEuI8Ds?si=7nfqBBJATWaY2RCl this 2 minute video will show you how to make a no-sew apron from a T-shirt. They're great!
I drink 2 liters of sparkling water a day, if anyone was going to get permanent stomach bubbles it’d have to be me!! Welcome back to the dark side. *They* say tap water is terrible for you anyway- how can we possibly win??
Funny & lovely as always!! Xx
I know, right? the water trials we've gone through. I basically started replacing sparkling water with tap now - so happy to be back here with you :D
RE: Supergoop, if you like their glowscreen, the Kroger grocery store family (it's Kroger here but goes under different names in different markets) has a version that is maybe even better? More moisturizing and less glittery? And also a fraction of the price. They also have an unseen sunscreen version but I prefer a creamy texture. Just FYI.
no way! that is amazing. i will keep an eye open for that. too much glitter puts me off so this sounds great. THANK YOU!
Co-signed! I also love Kroger’s in house seltzer, especially cranberry lime and blackberry citrus 🤤
Hear me out- the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen is WAY better!!! Available on Stylevana and similar sites at great prices- or buy the sunscreen bundle and try eight great ones. Not an affiliate (clearly) just passionate.
(Rabbit hole to go down- why American sunscreens are wayyy behind the times…)
Easy: they're regulated as a medication here, and as a cosmetic basically everywhere else.
it's the worst...
agreed...i always stock up on european and korean sunscreens when i can get my hands on them
I also co-sign this recommendation.
oooh good to know! thank you!
Love the stick and the cream from Beauty of Joseon and I didn’t experience breakouts or eye irritation!
Or sentisenti or Amazon
Hi! I love your newsletter. I just got talked into buying a white tee from Kotn from a friend who said they make great basics and it arrived and is tissue thin and so not worth $38. I prefer the GAP modern tee for $12.
Keep up the great work. I love this newsletter!
Lee, I've followed you for YEARS and it's been so cool to watch your evolution -- I'm real flattered and I can't wait to read your book :)
also thanks for the GAP tee rec, been curious about kotn!
I loved this so much. As someone who never stopped drinking an obscene amount of la croix weekly I’m just waiting for the horrible side effects to be revealed to me in some new study. I wish air bubbles in the stomach could stop me.
hahaha well i am back to it so if we face any health problems in the future, at least we'll be filing that class action law suit together.
I feel obligated to share this...I started drinking Soda Stream a few years ago to the tune of 3-4 bottles a day and on my most recent dental visit, but dentist was like, WHAT IS UP WITH YOUR ENAMEL?? Apparently the pH of it is 3 (vs. 7 for perrier - she tested it herself). Just be careful!!
uh oh! good to know.
you are onto something with that rolling TV stand
right? unexpectedly one of the least regretful decisions of my life...
I went from "can't this be done with an iPad/laptop/phone" to "no this makes perfect sense" in a span of ten seconds
Just chiming in to let you know the Tangerine Ginger Topo Chico is also surprisingly delicious. Debating the merits of the rolling tv stand(!) for my small space, so thank you!
oh no way! i am going to try that, thank you!
Yes! The tangerine ginger is SO good.
"While I am currently writing about and researching some brands and products I do believe in, I don’t purchase nearly enough to keep up with the overwhelming rapid pace of "what I bought this week" updates."
^ I resonate with this so much.
Regarding white T-shirts - I love the Everlane "Box Cut" tees. I think you can get 3 for $60? I usually place an order each spring. It's not as cheap as $12 but they are quite reliable! I find that they do shrink in the wash a bit so I size up from an XS to a M and they are the perfect boxy loose fit (but not so oversized that you look like you're wearing a pajama shirt).
ooooh that sounds like a great one, TY for the hot tip!
I am definitely influenced. Topo Chico cheers. And I CONTINUOUSLY waffle on affiliate links (currently think it’s fine to add AFTER I’ve written the story but never seem to get around to it) and links in general — “mine is sold out but here’s one that looks good” — because sharing a dead end makes me feel I am letting someone down. I am very jealous of your clarity, and I am so grateful for your humor and authenticity 😘
just like with most things in life I don’t think it’s all black and white all the time. having followed your newsletter for a while you strike me as someone who truly knows what she likes and wouldn’t ever waver on that just for an aff link or higher percentage of sale. I’ve personally worked in an industry where I’ve sold products I didn’t believe in solely to make the money. this clarity came after PLENTY of time feeling really conflicted about doing that. I’m super grateful for you!
YOU WARM MY HEART - thank you. XO.
Man, my perfect white tee will never be reclaimed and refound. It was the early 1990s, and Grandpa bought them in bulk from Sears, and I would wear them after swimming at their house. V neck that was AA before AA invented it, somehow a not-annoying poly blend that wicked moisture and wasn’t to hot (they were meant to be dudes undershirt’s after all).
well if this isnt the perfect description of a t shirt. i am devastated that its lost. and im never going to forget the AA v neck visual now 😂
Sears jeans and white tees where the GOAT
Hahaha watching satc in diff rooms totally makes it something more!!!!
For tees Cos ones are always solid. I do like Kule albeit pricey...
Thank you for being the worst influencer!!
hahaha it really does make you realize how tumultuous their relationship is when youve experienced in every sq foot of your home. and great recs, thank you!!!
agree in the COS. I have found decent at Aritzia too.
ooo good to know TY!
I will forever stand behind COS' mens brushed cotton tee as the best!!