Long Live Q+A: Donni Founder, Alyssa Wasko Stein
New franchise with a very chic inaugural guest
Quick interruption! My Into The Gloss Top Shelf was published this morning. You can read it here x
I’ve been a fan of Donni since it was Donni Charm. Back when I worked at a boutique in Iowa over the summer, I begged to stock the truly revelatory scarves. We did. Everyone loved them. I bought one with my employee discount and that was that.
Cut to present day where it’s hard to scroll IG or compliment a friend on a casual cool outfit without realizing it’s Donni.
I’d describe it as 90s Nigella Lawson or the kind of thing Lauren Hutton would wear to the farmer’s market. In short, it’s the coolest brand with the coolest founder,
, who also happens to write a fabulous Substack. She gracefully agreed to be the first ever guest in the Long Live Q+A. After her answers, I’ll include my favorite picks from the brand, plus some secondhand items that would be right at home in the Donni universe.Item of clothing you think is always bought secondhand + some examples
For me: suede jackets (my favorites are random brands, Ralph always gr8 too), trench coats (Donna Karan), fleece pullovers + puffy vests (Lands End, Eddie Bauer).
Another really great Dôen jacket—are people sleeping on their outerwear?
Expensive and thankfully, it looks the part! I love the simple silhouette.
Under $300 and vintage RL, per Alyssa.
Guys, don’t freak out but this vintage suede jacket is under $30…
Another $28 coat, thanks to Alyssa’s suggestion!
Vintage fleece for under $20. Not to bury the lede, but there’s a whole letter dedicated to these bad boys coming soon.
Outfit combination more people should try
Sweats (or any lounge pant) and suede. Jackets or shoes. Can you tell I love suede.
We can get into it in another letter, but these Jamie Haller loafers are my favorite addition to my closet this year. I have two pairs…they’re like butter.
I mean, Donni does make the chicest sweatpants. These with the loafers and the fleece! Complete outfit!
Escapist IG/TT account you're obsessed with
Anything cooking/recipes or interior design. @edeneats @ruhamasfood and @springbysabrina are some of my favorites.
Skincare item you've used for over 5 years
Living Libations Best Skin Ever in Sandalwood and Mara Universal Oil.
Book you've loved enough to give to a friend
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Podcast episode you've relistened to
Fashion People on Barneys Revival and fashion at the DNC
Fav way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon
Farmers market with my family
Underrated style icon
Jerry and Elaine from Seinfeld circa 89-93. Kevin Costner. Also, Grace Adler from Will & Grace. She has some real bangers.
Fashion splurge that was worth it
Belgian Shoes. (Excellent post on Alyssa’s tips for finding them secondhand here)
Belgian shoes for under $100 on eBay.
A truly breathtaking color combination for sale on eBay, as well.
Your best-in-show tshirt
It is indeed Donni. We worked on her for a really long time and I love her SM!
You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, shop my Notion template, and as always, respond to this dispatch for my direct line x
Always in Donni. Love this feature on Alyssa.
Woah, Into the Gloss is back!? Thank you for the intel and congrats on being featured!