Long Live Q+A: Donni Founder, Alyssa Wasko Stein

New franchise with a very chic inaugural guest

Sep 05, 2024

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,

Alyssa Wasko Stein

, 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.

Vintage Ralph Lauren Suede Jacket Lauren-RL Fringe Western Tan Size M Women’s - Picture 1 of 22

Under $300 and vintage RL, per Alyssa.

VINTAGE 1960s Lined Suede Jacket Size 42 Men’s Western Jacket by Wickfield - Picture 2 of 6

Guys, don’t freak out but this vintage suede jacket is under $30…

DKNY Classic Donna Karan Coat Women’s Fatigue Green Cargo Pockets Trench - Picture 2 of 14

Another $28 coat, thanks to Alyssa’s suggestion!

Eddie Bauer Mens XL Vintage Pullover 1/4 Zip Jacket Fleece Green Vintage - Picture 1 of 14

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.