As a longtime fan of vintage clothing with an eye for quality craftsmanship and statement silhouettes, I was immediately drawn to Italian brand La DoubleJ when I first discovered them on Instagram. Their bold, artistic prints and revival of rare retro fabrics spoke to my maximalist sensibilities.
After splurging on their floral Choux Dress last year, I was hooked. Fast forward and today my closet contains a vibrant collection of La DoubleJ pieces, which constantly draw compliments from friends, colleagues and even strangers!
So consider this your crash course into the beautiful world of La DoubleJ. After reading my in-depth 2500+ word review, you‘ll understand exactly why their vintage collections spark so much joy in me – and thousands of other devotees worldwide.
Overview: More Than Just Statement Clothing
While the brand first debuted in 2015 with a small capsule collection of dresses, La DoubleJ has since expanded into a full-scale lifestyle brand. Their product range now includes:
Clothing
- Dresses, gowns, jumpsuits and more in an array of silhouettes
- Blouses, tunics and shirts for statement tops
- Pants, skirts, shorts and jeans with retro flair
- Sweaters and cardigans for cozy vintage style
- Swimsuits and coverups ideal for seaside escapades
- Loungewear like robes, pajamas and sleep sets
- Outerwear including faux furs and patterned jackets
Shoes & Accessories
- Patterned heels, mules, sandals and flats
- Intricately decorated headbands and hair clips
- Vibrant jewelry sets and handmade beaded necklaces
- Structured handbags adorned with appliqués
- Scarves, gloves, belts and other small accessories
Home & Lifestyle
- Tableware like colorful ceramic dinnerware sets
- Ornate glassware and decanters for cocktail hour
- Sofa pillows bearing global motif prints
- Decor pieces including vases, trays and catchalls
- Stationery such as note cards and greeting cards
- Table linens like cloth napkins and placements
- Scented candles with custom floral fragrances
And that‘s just a taste of what they now carry! No matter your personal style, there‘s a playful La DoubleJ piece that allows you to incorporate a bit of artful intrigue into your daily life.
The Vintage Curation Process
But what exactly is a vintage "revival" piece, and how does La DoubleJ source these rare designs?
It starts with creative director and founder JJ Martin leveraging her network across Milan‘s fashion community to uncover unique archival fabrics crafted decades ago. We‘re talking intricately embroidered textiles, vibrant graphic prints and luxe materials sourced from all the top Italian ateliers and manufactuers.
By establishing partnerships with these heritage brands, La DoubleJ gains access to their coveted archives to recreate and reinterpret the past. The next step involves taking the extraordinary patterns, motifs and embellishments found among these vintage fabrics to inspire contemporary clothing and accessory silhouettes befitting of today‘s style sensibilities.
It‘s thanks to this meticulous design approach that each La DoubleJ item blends old world charm with a modern point of view. Every piece tells a story. And when it comes to fit and construction, they follow meticulous standards at the brand‘s Milan atelier to ensure flawless quality.
The result? Investment pieces with heirloom appeal that also support sustainability goals by giving forgotten fabrics new life. It‘s a win-win – especially for we maximalists!
My Experience: A Runway of La DoubleJ Reviews
As I hinted at already, I proudly own multiple La DoubleJ items spanning everything from dresses to jewelry to tableware. Here‘s a run-through of my genuine thoughts on specific pieces:
La DoubleJ‘s Charming Top Night Garden – Flawless Silky Perfection
The ‘Night Garden‘ top was the 4th La DoubleJ clothing piece to join my closet, and remains one of my favorite impulse purchases. Cut from fluid silk twill, I practically live in this billowy silhouette during summer.
The quality is superb – durable enough to pack on trips without losing its shape or sheen, yet the fabric still feels light and airy even on hot days. The contrast piping and bell sleeves make it an eye-catching addition to everything from jeans to skirts.
At $580 it‘s not cheap, but I‘ve easily worn my ‘Night Garden‘ top over 20+ times in the year since purchasing. So cost per wear? 100% worth it.
La DoubleJ‘s Bomber Cardigan – Cozy Yet Bold
I‘m always on the hunt for statement cardigans, so La DoubleJ‘s textured Bomber Cardigan immediately caught my eye while browsing Farfetch last fall. The soft organic wool blend makes it perfect for colder months – it‘s almost like wearing a fuzzy hug!
I love the reversible design and hoodie-style silhouette. Gold foil buttons add a hint of luxury. Plus it pairs nicely over dresses or with jeans. My only gripe? I wish it came in more colors and patterns beyond classic black. But at $795 quality, it will remain a forever piece in my fall wardrobe.
La DoubleJ Hair Clips – Unexpected Treasures
While better known for apparel and prints, La DoubleJ‘s accessory collections deserve more hype. I took a chance on their handmade Giant Pearly Bobby Pin hair clips and it paid off.
The iridescent resin makes these so fun for accenting updos. And the large shape means they actually hold thick hair in place all day unlike flimsier clips. They constantly draw compliments and make me smile catching my reflection. For $98 each they aren‘t cheap, but they do feel special.
La DoubleJ Ca‘ Aliza Tableware – Vintage Vibes for Dinner Parties
What good is a showstopping outfit without an equally eye-catching dining setup to match? I first bought the Ca‘ Aliza appetizer plates for a small dinner party…and quickly found myself returning to purchase more pieces.
The handpainted patterns and metallic accents make layers of color and texture pop against my dining table. While beautiful, they‘ve also endured countless trips through the dishwasher without fading over 8+ months of near weekly use. So yes, they are absolutely functional enough for everyday use despite their decorative appearance.
At $90 per salad plate and $125 per dinner plate, La DoubleJ tableware trends pricier than mainstream brands. But as statement and heirloom quality additions to my hosting arsenal, I consider them smart investments. No regrets here!
By The Numbers: La DoubleJ Review Breakdown
After sharing my personal favorites, let‘s analyze the La DoubleJ brand overall across some key metrics:
Quality : 5/5
- Materials used feel luxe – satin, silk, cashmere and intricate embroidery are common
- Clothing is well-constructed; most pieces feature clean finishing with sturdy seams
- Tableware has survived months of frequent use without deterioration
- Packaging is quite durable for shipping fragile items
Style : 5/5
- Silhouettes ranging from vintage-inspired to contemporary trends
- Diverse mix of colors, textures and eye-catching prints per collection
- Small details like contrast piping, fabric buttons and brooch embellishments
- Home goods follow cohesive style DNA – ornate patterns, metallics, embroidery
Value : 4.5/5
- Prices are admittedly on the higher end, with most dress and accessory items ranging $400+
- But quality of materials and construction does justify the investment
- Key pieces promise longevity versus fast fashion that will tear after 1-2 wears
- Sales around major holidays can drop prices by 10-15% at times
Sustainability : 4/5
- Upcycles rare forgotten fabrics that may have otherwise gone to waste
- Utilizes some eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester and wool
- Detailed info lacking on supply chain processes, ethical labor standards etc.
Customer Service : 5/5
- Easy ordering, shipping and returns through online store and third party retailers
- Responsive email support and friendly phone assistance based in Milan office
- Packages arrive fast and are always securely wrapped
Spotlight: What Real Customers are Saying
Between Instagram comments and third-party review sites, La DoubleJ receives glowingly positive feedback across the board. Here‘s what real life fans love most:
"The colors! The quality! The perfect fit! This dress was made for me. Worth every penny and I get so many compliments whenever I wear it." Mae D. on Influenster
"I never thought a caftan could look so chic! The fabric feels luxurious and the embroidery is a work of art. So many details to discover the more you look. I can‘t wait to wear this on our Mediterranean vacation." Sophia H. on Trustpilot
"This is my 5th piece from La DoubleJ and they always impress. The patterns and little decorative touches like the pearl buttons make their clothes true statement pieces. And the craftsmanship means each item really holds up over years in my wardrobe." Alexandra P. via Instagram
Clearly the vibrant energy and quality of La DoubleJ shines through across both clothing and home collections!
La DoubleJ vs Similar Brands
Of course, La DoubleJ isn‘t the only player when it comes to modern takes on vintage fashion. Here‘s how they stack up against some similar designer brands:
| Brand | Typical Price Range | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| La DoubleJ | $100 – $2000+ | High quality fabrics and construction, intricately designed prints and embellishments, well-curated small batches | Much pricier than mainstream brands, very limited sizing often only up to XL |
| Christy Dawn | $100 – $400 | Sustainably made in ethical LA fashion district factory, organic dyes, elegant feminine styles | Limited size XL, higher demand means some styles sell out fast |
| Farm Rio | $100 – $250 | Vibrant colors and tropical prints year-round, inclusive size range up to 3X | Most items final sale only, accessories less consistent stock |
| Johanna Ortiz | $400 – $2000 | Intricate romantic styles, flattering silhouettes, multi-size options | Very expensive, dry clean only for most pieces |
| Rixo | $100 – $500 | Retro-inspired occasionwear, swishy dresses and skirts for statement makers | Runs very small, often some negative reviews on poor quality |
While aesthetics and specific strengths vary across these designer brands, most share an upbeat energy and penchant for bold colors akin to La DoubleJ. Christy Dawn and Farm Rio offer more budget-friendly options, while Johanna Ortiz competes directly on luxe fabrication and delicate details.
Style Ideas: How to Wear La DoubleJ Favorites
As I‘ve demonstrated so far in this review, La DoubleJ‘s revival pieces allow you to infuse maximalist whimsy into any outfit. Here are my top tips for elevating their iconic statement styles:
The Cowlick Dress – This wildly popular silhouette comes in a rainbow of different prints. Balance the bold pattern by keeping the rest of the look minimal – neutral ankle strap heels, simple crossbody bag and bare legs work nicely. Or for casual wear, try cowboy boots and a jean jacket.
The Surf Suit – Take the active swimsuit stylishly from ocean to street by pairing with shorts or a sarong skirt. Top with the matching Zig Zag kimono for beach to bar vibes. And complete the look by pulling hair back with those giant pearly bobby pins!
Croisier Top – Make like an Italian screen siren in this decadent blouse. Tuck it smoothly into high-waisted trousers, adding a wide leather belt and red lip for a sophisticated date night ensemble. Or go full romance by styling with the matching Antila Skirt.
Zig Zag Lounge Pajama Set – For cosy weekends in, mix and match the cotton pajama prints for a custom bedtime look. Add fuzzy slides, a patterned headband and cup of coffee to finish this laidback vibe.
And the styling possibilities stretch even further when you consider layering across categories. An Ignacia Swimsuit peeking out from an unbuttoned Oversized Poplin Shirt Dress? Stunning. Or enameled bone china plates layered atop embroidered napkins for an eclectic dinner party tablescape. Dreamy maximalism awaits!
Want more style inspiration? Follow my La DoubleJ highlights on Instagram at @vintagemaximalist.
DIY‘ing Your La DoubleJ Goods
Of course, the creative experiments needn‘t stop once you get your hands on those vibrant double L pieces. I love customizing my latest La DoubleJ finds to make them truly one-of-a-kind. Here are some easy DIY ideas you can copy:
Add Trims – Sew colorful ribbons along the neckline or tie extra bows onto belt straps for a more personalized touch. I also sometimes stitch lace trim salvaged from other garments onto newer items. Vintage on vintage? The ultimate upcycle.
Get Crafty with Embroidery – Try your hand at embroidery by stitching favorite lyrics, initials or abstract shapes that speak to you atop solid colored garments. Housedresses, sweatshirts and even bags are prime for sparking creativity.
Print Clashing – For those bold enough to print clash, layer patterns over patterns for an eclectic outfit mashup. A floral dress under a paisley duster with zigzag tights? Groundbreaking.
So embrace your inner art teacher and let customization unleash even more of your innovative style. Get weird with it!
Final Verdict: La DoubleJ Sparks Unbridled Joy
If my lengthy soliloquy hasn‘t already convinced you, let me reiterate – La DoubleJ is hands down my favorite designer label for curated vintage pieces brimming with old soul charm. Between the high quality fabrics, precise fits tailored to actually flatter real bodies, and sheer vibrancy of styles spanning clothing to tablescapes, they deliver joy in every order.
Are pieces on the pricier side compared to mall brands? Sure. But you certainly get what you pay for – investment items made to last years rather than a few wears. And the hunt for rare archival prints combined with ethical manufacturing does come at a cost.
For fellow maximalists, nostalgics and creatives looking to infuse more artful intrigue into their daily life through dress and decor, La DoubleJ is a must. Let these pieces inspire self-expression and conversations wherever you go.
So skip fast fashion‘s cookie cutter offerings and indulge in the magic of La DoubleJ. Both your inner child and sustained happiness quotient will thank you.
Now who‘s ready for a trip to Milan to visit the new flagship boutique with me?
