Obviously you do you, but if you have to stand a certain way, and fuss with a $1500 sweater to look good maybe it’s not a good sweater regardless of the label. And granted I’ve never touched this sweater. Maybe it feels like kittens. And that alone makes it worth it. I guess I’m just confused by the obsession.
Totally get it 😊 I think you should try the sweater on if you see in store even if you don't buy! Just to see the hype. It isn't right for everyone but I love it and love it on me, and I've learned that trusting my own desire (within the limit of my personal budget) is important. That's why I love that we can all share our own preferences on how we spend, and they are all so different!
If only. Im a size 18-20 and companies like The Row don’t make clothes for me. And even if the biggest size fits me, it won’t fit like it’s supposed to.
I do think that the price would trip a lot of people up, I know it would trip me up. But I have also spent more money on a belt than I ever thought imaginable and I get so much use and joy out of it. I think we each have our thing!
The review we all needed!! Love your writing and transparency Arhana!
As someone who has tried these three on, I totally agree that The Row version just has a density to it whereas the others are a bit more soft and lofty and spongey. I love your perspective that none are necessarily better than the other, but it just depends on what you instinctually resonate with. I’m so glad you re-tried the Ophelia and played around with the styling to get you to that moment of “sick.” - it’s such a good wardrobe unlock feeling!!
Thank you! I think that maturing in my personal style really just means understanding what I want and having the confidence to trust it. And exactly, higher cost does not always = better, it's a matter of personal preference!
Been meaning to comment on this since yesterday! Clearly this post helped me get dressed this morning lol so thank you! My MO for 2025 (and beyond) is to just buy the thing itself as much as it makes sense to do so, so that I am not constantly chasing a diff version of the item I really want and in turn, wasting time and money!!
Thank you for reading- I've been a fan of yours for a long time Sogole! and I've seen people buy "3 cos sweaters" in several colors that cost more than what I paid for my 1 row sweater that I love so much. I would rather have 1 I love (and fewer clothes in general) vs the same thing that isn't quite right for me in several colors. But that's why shopping is so personal!
YES!! The number of times I have bought the option that felt worse or wore worse only to end up reinvesting in the main thing again is a travesty! Obviously, always working within a budget, I try to get the thing I want the first time.
This reminds me so much of when Amy at Tibi talks about trying on your clothes. If they don’t look how you want them to, it could be that you’re not standing correctly or you aren’t wearing it with things you normally would! I love seeing that concept come to life (even if I personally cannot stomach a COS cashmere sweater at full price let alone The Row 😂)
Ha!!! Meighan it’s so true though. I have tried something on in a dressing room with my hair looking a mess and no make up and then I wonder if I don’t like the piece or I just don’t like the way I look in the moment!!
Thank you so much! The feedback from Kelly's lovely Substack community is helping me become brave enough to actually start writing on here instead of just reading and admiring 🙂
I'm going to throw another sweater option into the mix: boyfriend crewneck from Soft Goat. Incredibly soft and flattering but not too oversized (I'm petite). Feels substantial but not too heavy, which is great if you're in a warmer climate. Highly recommend!
I've been served so many of their ads but did not know if the quality lived up to the beautiful photos- thank you for the recommendation! And yes, the Ophelia is very warm, would not have purchased if I still lived in California.
Yes!! Maya I think you were the person I originally saw Soft Goat recommended by and their knits are at the top of my list (I really don’t *need* another sweater but dang it do I want one!)
Do I have a Sibem, yes. Do I still want an Ophelia, yes. What is the instance that I would wear one vs the other that would allow the ownership of both?!
They are different! The Sibem is lighter and more of a spring/fall sweater whereas the Ophelia is sooo delicious in the winter. And if you got another color they would be completely different 😊
Nancy, you are a words genius so I’m assuming I used this wrong 🙊 what I am trying to say is that there seems to be lore (meaning stories passed down) about the sweater and so when I hear the name Ophelia sweater it contains that lore for me…
Obviously you do you, but if you have to stand a certain way, and fuss with a $1500 sweater to look good maybe it’s not a good sweater regardless of the label. And granted I’ve never touched this sweater. Maybe it feels like kittens. And that alone makes it worth it. I guess I’m just confused by the obsession.
Totally get it 😊 I think you should try the sweater on if you see in store even if you don't buy! Just to see the hype. It isn't right for everyone but I love it and love it on me, and I've learned that trusting my own desire (within the limit of my personal budget) is important. That's why I love that we can all share our own preferences on how we spend, and they are all so different!
If only. Im a size 18-20 and companies like The Row don’t make clothes for me. And even if the biggest size fits me, it won’t fit like it’s supposed to.
I do think that the price would trip a lot of people up, I know it would trip me up. But I have also spent more money on a belt than I ever thought imaginable and I get so much use and joy out of it. I think we each have our thing!
The review we all needed!! Love your writing and transparency Arhana!
As someone who has tried these three on, I totally agree that The Row version just has a density to it whereas the others are a bit more soft and lofty and spongey. I love your perspective that none are necessarily better than the other, but it just depends on what you instinctually resonate with. I’m so glad you re-tried the Ophelia and played around with the styling to get you to that moment of “sick.” - it’s such a good wardrobe unlock feeling!!
Internal resonance feels like my current mantra!!
Thank you! I think that maturing in my personal style really just means understanding what I want and having the confidence to trust it. And exactly, higher cost does not always = better, it's a matter of personal preference!
Yes. And also with a curtain of hair like that, your sweater could be made out of gum wrappers. But you definitely deserve this.
!! Such nice words from 2 beautiful and stylish writers I have admired for a while! Thank you!
XOXO
HA!! Honestly, I’d give anything for her hair.
Been debating this sweater for so long,
I have a similar looking one I bought years ago but still might splurge 🤩
Frankly everything The Row feels very Allie coded to me anyways 😉
🤩🤩🤩
This is me enabling you 🙂
Been meaning to comment on this since yesterday! Clearly this post helped me get dressed this morning lol so thank you! My MO for 2025 (and beyond) is to just buy the thing itself as much as it makes sense to do so, so that I am not constantly chasing a diff version of the item I really want and in turn, wasting time and money!!
YES!! I have a “buy it right the first time” resolution after getting tired of replacing the item I bought as my consolation.
Thank you for reading- I've been a fan of yours for a long time Sogole! and I've seen people buy "3 cos sweaters" in several colors that cost more than what I paid for my 1 row sweater that I love so much. I would rather have 1 I love (and fewer clothes in general) vs the same thing that isn't quite right for me in several colors. But that's why shopping is so personal!
💯 - but I love leaning into GOOD pieces that yes, may be pricey but they stand the test of time!!!
I resonate with this mindset so much.
This is a perfect example of ‘buy the thing you want’. Great review!
YES!! The number of times I have bought the option that felt worse or wore worse only to end up reinvesting in the main thing again is a travesty! Obviously, always working within a budget, I try to get the thing I want the first time.
This reminds me so much of when Amy at Tibi talks about trying on your clothes. If they don’t look how you want them to, it could be that you’re not standing correctly or you aren’t wearing it with things you normally would! I love seeing that concept come to life (even if I personally cannot stomach a COS cashmere sweater at full price let alone The Row 😂)
Ha!!! Meighan it’s so true though. I have tried something on in a dressing room with my hair looking a mess and no make up and then I wonder if I don’t like the piece or I just don’t like the way I look in the moment!!
It looks amazing on you.
Thank you!! 😊
Great review and love your writing Arhana :)
Are you the sweetest ever?! 🥹 And, truly, the writing is SUPERB!
Thank you so much! The feedback from Kelly's lovely Substack community is helping me become brave enough to actually start writing on here instead of just reading and admiring 🙂
Looking forward to your Substack :)
Looooooove this!
😘😘😘
Love the breakdown -- thanks so much!
I'm going to throw another sweater option into the mix: boyfriend crewneck from Soft Goat. Incredibly soft and flattering but not too oversized (I'm petite). Feels substantial but not too heavy, which is great if you're in a warmer climate. Highly recommend!
I've been served so many of their ads but did not know if the quality lived up to the beautiful photos- thank you for the recommendation! And yes, the Ophelia is very warm, would not have purchased if I still lived in California.
Yes!! Maya I think you were the person I originally saw Soft Goat recommended by and their knits are at the top of my list (I really don’t *need* another sweater but dang it do I want one!)
Do I have a Sibem, yes. Do I still want an Ophelia, yes. What is the instance that I would wear one vs the other that would allow the ownership of both?!
They are different! The Sibem is lighter and more of a spring/fall sweater whereas the Ophelia is sooo delicious in the winter. And if you got another color they would be completely different 😊
Didn’t consciously know that this was something I was looking for in my life… but now I do! 😭
Great review.
Unfortunately the Canadian on is not made of cashmere.
That’s too bad! The listing said it was but I was relying on the authentication of Grailed to ensure it’s legit.
It may well be legit but it is made of cotton, polyamide, and silk. There is a photo of the material contents label if you scroll through.
This one is a medium at an insane price: https://www.mercari.com/us/item/m92741736732/?srsltid=AfmBOooGztfQdHJzvfRyi6-msgXi6etNlOwFrWGkRkGyW1ldL29wrI0cRfI&gQT=2
I found this one in a small on Grailed; it looks legit! https://grailed.app.link/wmdvgg26bQb
You are amazing at your searches! Thanks!
Ditto this one in large, it's from Japan which is pretty strict on dupes: https://www.mercari.com/us/item/m81684165625/?srsltid=AfmBOoolLgMlROmlcf7T3ObNbmQ76yMahxvnBeXNzeIMo-wCRyxg4NIucnk
Size L here in navy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/167211923965?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=XTMy8ZvCT0a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=3c8pmprpsui&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Excuse my ignorance -- what does "hold lore" mean here?
Nancy, you are a words genius so I’m assuming I used this wrong 🙊 what I am trying to say is that there seems to be lore (meaning stories passed down) about the sweater and so when I hear the name Ophelia sweater it contains that lore for me…
Thanks!