To get extra content, access to the Downtime subscriber chat, and the full archives, you can become a paid subscriber here. ❤️ Either way, thanks for reading! Trying on the Gap x DÔEN collaboration and my honest thoughtsSometimes, it's just worth it to splurge on the real thing.
Today’s post continues my column on rediscovering personal style postpartum and post-pandemic. The email is long and might get cut off; you can see it online here. For new readers: Hi, I'm Alisha, a new mom navigating style post-baby and post-lockdown. I'm no fashion expert, just sharing my journey here. My budget varies, from occasional designer splurges to budget-friendly finds. Recently, I've focused on collecting quality 'forever' pieces. If style content isn't your thing, feel free to adjust your settings here. Enjoy! When Gap announced the Doen collaboration, the internet when nuts…and so did I. Why did we collectively lose our minds? Doen is a beloved brand known for their delicate, cottagecore-adjacent dresses, but the price point lands on the higher end (most of their pieces are $300 and up). In my experience, the craftsmanship, quality, and detailing in their clothes justifies the cost. I’ve (very slowly) built up a collection, with about half of my pieces acquired secondhand. When Gap announced the chance to acquire some of that Doen goodness for less, of course everyone went wild for it. I knew that a mass brand like Gap could not possibly replicate this type of attention to detail and quality at scale. But in the chaos and scarcity of it all (collaborations tend to sell out quickly), I grabbed a bunch of things and flung them into my cart. I knew I’d only keep a few things I bought, but wanted to try as many things as I could. I’m only human! I thought I’d share my try-ons of everything with some honest reviews and my thought process behind what I kept and returned, and why. Let my mistake can be your resource. First, here is what I consider before I decide to return or keep something. These are the questions that I cycled through my head as I tried on each piece.
Cream Floral Midi Dress
My thoughts: This dress was the piece I was most excited to try on. I saw the pansy print and the tiny bow detailing at the front and my heart did a flutter. The silhouette is quintessentially Doen—romantic, elegant, and a little whimsical. Given my penchant for wearing romantic anything, it was a must buy for me. The overall look and feel - and these colors! - sold the dress for me. I liked that I can easily dress this up or down by switching up my shoes. I could easily wear this to an upcoming baby shower or a family brunch. I like that this is lined and I can easily wear my regular bra with it. I also currently don’t have a longer print dress like this in my closet; a semi-formal “occasion dress” if you will.
What could be better: To no one’s surprise, the fabric isn’t my favorite. According to the website, it’s 50% LENZING™ ECOVERO™ and 50% viscose rayon. Do I have any idea what this means? No. But I know that it doesn’t breathe as well as I’d like a sundress like this to breathe. This Doen dress is comparable at $258; the fabric on that one is 100% Viscose. Keep or return?: Keep. While the fabric could be better, I just love the cream color, the print, and the bow. Blue Floral Mini Dress
My thoughts: This mini dress is the same print but of course, a blue color and shorter length. Overall, a darling dress! In general, I love the combination of red and this shade of blue right now. Again, the tiny red bow at the front is adorable. What could be better: I don’t love a cap sleeve. I found this one to be a little too constricting for my arms. Keep or return?: I’m on the fence, but I’m leaning towards returning. I think it looks cute on me, but I can’t think of anything I’d wear this dress to. For more casual occasions, I’d most likely opt for shorts and a tee before reaching for a dress like this. I just don’t know if it will get enough wear to justify the purchase. I also think it perhaps leans a little too sweet for me. Blue Floral Separates
My thoughts: This top and the matching skirt led to an immediate “hmm, I’m not so sure” purchase. I love the colors and the print, but I’m not sure the top is right for me. I’m pretty averse to tops that cause me to wear a specific bra with it, and this would would require just that (or a layer on top…in the summer, that’s a no for me). I could see the skirt working better as a separate. I could pair it with a white or cream tee, a cardigan, or a lightweight linen-blend cream sweater that I already own. I’ve found myself gravitating towards the color red recently, and I could also see this pairing nicely with a red tee or tank. I don’t currently own any “fun” bottoms like this in my closet to switch up neutral basics or add a bit of whimsy to an outfit. Keep or return?: Returning the top, keeping the skirt. Oversized Denim Jacket
My thoughts: This denim jacket was an immediate YES for me as soon as I tried it on. I don’t own a denim jacket and I’ve been looking for one in the right weight, wash, and fit for years. This is perfectly oversized but not by too much. the wash is really gorgeous in person—a perfect medium wash. I like that the sleeves kind of balloon. I can easily pair this jacket with dresses or more casual outfits. Gah, I just love this piece! Keep or return?: Keeping it! Black Eyelet Dress
My thoughts: This dress was another immediate “meh” as soon as I tried it on. I was a bit surprised it sold out near instantly on the site. The whole look on me was giving “potato sack.” I think this would look better on someone taller. I do like the little embroidery detailing throughout, but…ultimately, I think I can find a better version of this somewhere secondhand. I also already own a casual black mini dress (from Doen actually, ha) that essentially does the same “job” for me in my closet. Keep or return?: Returning
Linen Blend Crochet Cardigan
My thoughts: I just got this cardigan in so I am on the fence. It’s obviously very breathable, given its crochet-like fabrication; the quality of the material is nice (a linen blend). I would style this with a cream or white colored bottom — I didn’t have time to style it properly here so I just wore it with a denim skirt I was already wearing. I love the little scalloped edge detailing all along the trim, and that peter pan type collar. The model had it styled unbuttoned at both the top and bottom like this, which I love (tip: screenshot how the retailer has styled a piece so you can keep it in mind for later!). I don’t currently own a lot of long-sleeved tops that are not tees or button-down shirts, which is the biggest sell for me on this piece. I’d most likely wear a top like this on a dinner date or any other “dressier-than-a-tshirt” occasion. TL;DR I need to brainstorm more ways to style this in order for me to keep it! Keep or return? What do you think? Leaning keep… My Overall TakeawaysI don’t necessarily regret shopping this collaboration. I saw something that got me excited (the floral print). I was pretty picky and critical in deciding what to keep and return. Of seven items ordered, I kept three. Overall, my lesson learned is simple: Sometimes, it's just worth it to splurge on the real thing. A $300 dress is on the pricier end for a casual dress (for me), but I’ve found myself reaching for my original Doen pieces again and again. I try to purchase them secondhand when I can. I think this is key if you love Doen. (Of course, if splurging on something like this is not in your budget right now, I respect that and obviously, I do not condone spending more than you can afford.) Which brings me to my final tip: Don’t miss Doen’s “Hand Me Doen” secondhand events!!! I’ve found so many gems through that program. You can also sell your pieces, which I have done. Their resale is good. I’ve found the inventory for these secondhand sale events to be pretty great. You should be able to sign up for alerts on their site; they don’t advertise them widely, if at all.
Links
P.S. The sandals worn throughout are my beloved wrap sandals. You can use Alisha35 for $35 off. Not sponsored :)
Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear what you’re shopping for and what else you’d like to see.
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srijeda, 22. svibnja 2024.
Trying on the Gap x DÔEN collaboration and my honest thoughts
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