Poom.
A tribute to my friend with the greatest taste.
My friend Poornima, who we all called Poom, passed away this week and so I’m at a loss for what to write today. Every single memory I have of her fills my heart with love and awe; she was a pure ray of sunshine and strength.
We met in college, in what was supposed to be an easy A class, barely doing the work all semester until our lenient professor was replaced with the head of the department and we wound up scrambling not to fail. Needless to say, we were bonded from that moment on, and just one semester later, when I started dating Abe, I was thrilled to learn that she was already one of his favorite people, too.
Poom was by far the most chic and fashionable friend I’ve ever had. She knew about the Cosmo before they became popular on Sex and the City, but I will say she even looked elegant drinking a forty.
And so I thought I’d revisit her guest post that I featured 3 years ago, re-printed below. She told me that writing it inspired her to start her own Substack, Poomie. I love and miss her so much.
Name: Poornima (Poom) Dasgupta (she/her)
Generation: X
Sleepover Essentials: Scattergories, Carvel ice cream cake, and anything 80’s
Skin
I’ve always had relatively good skin - knock on wood - until last year, I started breaking out on my forehead. I believe due to the estrogen implant I got (perimenopause crap). So before I broke down and went to a proper dermatologist, I dabbled in Kim Kardashian's SKKN because I loved the packaging.
Well pardon my French but it didn’t do shit, and made it worse.1
So I eventually had to let it go and then my favorite gossip website Deux Moi suggested THE OUTSET by Scarlett Johansson and I’ve been addicted ever since. The cleanser, the moisturizer and now the blue mud mask, seriously amazing stuff. And completely clean and cruelty free of course.
Hair
I’m currently into Oribe products for my hair - expensive but cheaper hair stuff just doesn’t work for me.
Makeup
Glossier lip balm for everyday, plus Kjaer Weis eye balm. But going out makeup is Kulfi concealer under my eyes and anywhere needed, black mascara and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez lip gloss. Sometimes I’ll add Glossier blush and eyeliner for extra special occasions. A couple spritzes of Ouai Melrose Place perfume and that’s it.
Fashion
Ever since Marie Kondo came on the scene, I’ve cut down on everything, especially my closet. I love soft T-shirts (THE GREAT, American Eagle) Rag & Bone jeans, and Gap/Old Navy basics. Isabel Marant and Doen are my current splurges, topped off by my own jewelry and my Cartier love bracelet from my grandma.
But most days I’m in my 100% cotton Eileen Fisher PJs.
Poom was a fierce animal rights advocate and I’ve already made a donation to MaeDay Rescue in her honor, but any additional funds that come in from affiliate links this week will be added, too.
Update: The company has since shuttered.
Poom was my housemate in college. She gave me a cookbook her mother recommended when I graduated. I don't know why but I flipped through it tonight looking for inspiration, and decided to Google her and found your substack. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a light.
Oh no, I’m truly so sad to hear this news.