From cultivating boredom to keeping up with kriyas, local designers are giving us plenty of ideas for passing the time while quarantining. Next up is Alyssa Wasko, the L.A.-based founder and designer of elevated essentials label Donni.
The brand began 10 years ago as a therapeutic way for Wasko cope with the death of her father, Donald. After creating comforting scarves for herself and friends, word spread about her wear-any-way-everywhere accoutrements and she turned her side project into Donni, full-fledged accessories label named after her dad. Now, the brand offers effortless ready-to-wear alongside her signature oversized wrap scarves.
"I have always believed in using creativity to cope or as a source of therapy, [such as] water coloring, making up recipes, and knitting. I have found those activities to be helpful in taking care of myself," Wasko tells us.
(no longer available; similar item here)
In addition to living in Donni's short-sleeved henley tee, Waslo says she's also whipping up "lots of scrubs and masks! I have made body scrubs with sugars, salts, shea butters, and masks with Greek yogurt and manuka honey," and her go-to ingredients include Dr. Bronner's organic virgin coconut oil, San Francisco Salt Co.'s Sherpa Pink Himalayan salt, and RA Cosmetics' African shea butter. "Overall, it's just been nice to make time to do these things that make me feel good when I normally wouldn't."
"I am also reading The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz and JFK Jr., George, & Me: A Memoir by Matt Berman," Wasko adds. "A little bit of bettering myself during this time and another for a little escape."
Shop Alyssa Wasko's quarantine reads, plus our fave Donni picks:
Donni Waffle Short
San Francisco Salt Co. Sherpa Pink Himalayan Salt
SF Salt Co. Sherpa Pink Himalayan Salt, $4
RA Cosmetics 100% Pure Shea Butter
RA Cosmetics 100% Pure Shea Butter, $8
Dr. Bronner's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Dr. Bronner's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, $21
Donni Short-Sleeved Henley Tee
(no longer available; similar item here)
JFK Jr., George, & Me: A Memoir by Matt Berman
JFK Jr., George, & Me: A Memoir by Matt Berman, $16
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
