This tight-knit little community has grown tremendously over the last several weeks, and while that’s a wonderful thing, it also means I’ve taken a little heat from brands gettin’ their feathers ruffled.
So now we’re going back through the archives for a fun midsummer, no-frills list of what’s worth it and what’s not… and I won’t necessarily call something a dhoop. I’ll explain if it’s worth it/better than expensive versions when appropriate.
And if you’re wondering why this is coming up, here’s the tea:
A $5 giant box of washing soda + a scoop of this Oxi powder (the one with bluing dots!) is your ticket to the whitest, brightest laundry of your life. It’ll last months and is the secret to easy alkalinity boosting. Cannot recommend this enough, and if you’ve benefitted from my laundry tips, please shout it out in the comments so people understand how important washing soda is! Read newsletter #34 to fully understand how to use it or I can happily remake a video.
Garnier Diamond Sleek ($7.64/free shipping) is not a 1:1 dhoop for ColorWow’s humidity shield, but it’s close enough if you’re working with a tight budget. Same overall technology, same parent company/manufacturer and ingredients library, and the main differences are ingredient concentrations of specific polymers and quats. If you live in a total jungle, I’d stick to ColorWow because it’s a bit stronger, but if you live with only moderate humidity? This is great.
Under $12 azelaic acid suspension?! This one is great if you’ve got redness, acne, anti-aging concerns, etc. I can get into this in a whole video if you want, but it’s a cheap way to get a 10%, no-frills concentration without getting a Rx (normally for 20%). And a little goes a long way!
Dove Palo Santo & Sage deo (currently on sale under $5): Nothing out of the ordinary with formula, per se, but the scent? Pssh. Excellent. It’s a damn shame this is a limited edition World Cup deo (honestly no idea what Fifa has to do with women’s deo, but whatever, it smells great). Will likely be off store shelves very soon, so scoop ‘em up. Showing it to you here.
Leather Honey ($17/free shipping). I use this on my leather club chairs, jackets, bags… you name it. Unsung hero. A little goes a long way and improves the quality of most leather items in a matter of seconds.
Quick note before we keep going… if I say a particular product is great, I mean that product. Please don’t use my recommendations as blanket statements/approval for entire brands.
I investigate each item individually, and many brands source from multiple places/manufacturers, so it’s nearly impossible for me to 100% love everything from everywhere (and I’d hate for you to spend your hard-earned cash on things that aren’t necessarily EXCELLENT).
Better than Reformation: This snug ON boatneck top ($8.49). Easily one of the best out there (ahem, newsletter #49), it’s made with a nearly identical blend of cotton and a tiny bit of spandex to give it a body-hugging fit that flatters sizes XS through 4X. And these linen shorts ($14.99): Loads of colors, sizes XXS through 4X. This is a linen blend that’s resistant to wrinkling and washes easily. This $8 (!!!) Amazon tank is also a direct pattern riff (different fabric composition/same stretch factor). Should I keep going with these? The $300ish European linen button-front dresses? They sure do look a lot like these $69 dresses made of the better materials in alternative color palettes. I own one of these btw, size down if you’re between sizes—and the neckline is semi-low, so be prepared to either be busty or add a little tank. I’ll follow up with more fall/winter items ASAP.
From newsletter #58: These reasonably-priced organic cotton thongs and organic cotton briefs, as well as this Amazon Basics offering that’s super cheap but surprisingly well-made with the right cotton/spandex composition (and under $2/pair!). If you’re going for the organic option, use code “BRYCEGRUBER10” at checkout for an extra 10% off (on top of sale prices/discounts). They did NOT sponsor me, I just requested a code for everyone bc I talked about the brand so many times!
Walmart is directly copying Doen styles in 100% cotton!!! I know, I know. Not every Walmart style is as excellent, but these particular SKUs are winners: midi cotton racerback dress ($27). Holy moly, the dress is GOOD, but you may need to size down in all these pieces because Walmart’s sizing scale is roomier than Doen’s. Cotton flutter sleeve sweater top ($24, comes in XS through 4X) and this cotton-blend puff-sleeve cardigan for $34 look more like it belongs on a high-end boutique’s rack.
This Splendid Puff top is a direct riff on the Doen broderie pieces that start at about $300. This one is below $100… but more versatile and gorgeous. And not that anyone asked, but I just think this brand is reliably wonderful in terms of styles and quality. More in newsletter #53.
FitFlop Delicato ballet flats, $100ish depending on color/size. Love these, have done 30k steps in a single day. Lots of support and cushy rubber bottoms! I think I might’ve sold out the best colors and sizes on ‘zon though, so you can also find ‘em here if you need more options with loads of other colors! Note: also love the MJ style, sizes 5 through 11.
Peche loafers, $138/free shipping. Currently the it-girl shoe of editors in New York—comfy, classic, really nice quality leather and suede. Easy to pair with denim and walk 20k steps without wanting to die. No half sizes. Moderately priced.
And these major Bottega dhupes: woven leather satchel ($154) and the handwoven tote ($154), which is available in loads of colors and either suede or leather.
This $10 citric acid hair mask is a dhoop for the $44 Redken (from the Glass Hair newsletter, number #38). Same parent company, manufacturer and ingredients library. The differences are so minor you’d have a hard time telling ‘em apart. If you need a refresher on how to use it, please watch this. I don’t love the bottle instructions.
If you like Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof ($29), try this Julep pencil with the same attributes/same South Korean production facility. The Julep is cheaper thanks to a bit more silica filler, etc. but it really makes no difference with the finish or wear—just clever labeling, IMO. Need more eyeliner dhoops? Read/bookmark newsletter #59. And try this $5 NYX formula if you like VB liners (same production lines and delivery, slightly different pigment levels and fillers).
If you like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($28): Try this $13 Kiko formula (you’ll notice the packaging looks almost identical, same manufacturer and a clever renaming of waxes so the ingredients look different).
If you like Anastasia BH Brow Wiz ($26): I want you to give this $11 NYX a whirl and report back :)
If you like Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter ($50!?), this ELF Halo product is $14 and nearly identical in every way except cheaper packaging and slightly more reflective particles. Test ‘em side by side and report back.
NIOD peptide serum is $62, but it’s a very, very, VERY close match to this serum from The Ordinary ($32). They’re both owned and produced by the same company with the same ingredients libraries (Deciem). The more expensive one has a slightly more sophisticated slip texture, but if the actives are your main concern (as they should be!), the cheaper one is 10/10.
I made a whole video about Trader Joe’s beauty dupes that may serve as a sort of cheapie bible. And a part 2 with even more dupes!
Upholstery solution cheaper than the Bissell Oxy stuff! If you have a Little Green Machine or similar device, you don’t need to buy the expensive Oxy solution (although it’s a nice product). This generic one is less than half the price and uses the same surfactants/ingredients system. Video on this here.
100% Egyptian cotton bedding sets ($85ish/free shipping). In prior newsletters, I explained that Egyptian cotton is extra long staple. That’s the good stuff that feels better against the skin, wears better over time and is more durable. Thread count is just marketing hype. It’s the material type and subcategory you want to focus on! More on that in newsletter #29.
Brooklinen luxe (from newsletter #52, under $200/free shipping. Feels like butter with loads of colors and prints to choose from, deep fitted sheets. Easily matches the texture, quality and material content of bedding 4x the price. Also LE Supima Cotton Set ($119 on sale/free shipping). Another sleeper hit from LE! (See what I did there?). Supima is extra long staple, smooth-to-the-touch, washes and wears exceptionally well and easily lasts for years. You can also monogram these.
Walmart cotton-linen blend quilt ($70ish/free shipping): Made of 89% cotton and 11% linen, this is a surprisingly high-end find from Walmart. Multiple neutral shades and sizes available.
ZEP for grout (large 2-pack for about $18/free shipping). If your grout looks dingy, off-color, or just… musty, a little bit of ZEP and a cheap brush like this will get everything looking fresh and crisp again in seconds.
From newsletter #48 (worth reading if you have time!), the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress (currently on sale from about $1800). This is basically the luxury hotel bed version of a modern hybrid mattress, thanks to a pressure-relieving top with supportive zoned pocket coils in the lower portion and reinforced lumbar support. I personally own one of these and love it. Brand offers free delivery/set-up, 120-night sleep trial, free returns, and oodles of other benefits. The brand’s mattress topper is also excellent, and pretty much just the top slice of the mattress if you want a much-cheaper upgrade to your existing bed. Plan your sheets accordingly because this adds a few inches!
These generic silicone baking mats are very comparable to Silpat, though slightly thinner. Under $7 each on sale rn, free shipping. I wrote about these endlessly when I was at Reader’s Digest and Taste of Home. Video coming soon.
Many people think this ena\meled cast iron dutch oven is supposed to be a dupe of Le Creuset. It’s not, though it obviously can be used the same way. It’s actually a GREAT alternative to the Lodge Cast Iron version—but like 60% cheaper. Please note both Lodge and AB have slightly thinner enamelwork compared to Le Creuset, which is why I didn’t compare ‘em to the French brand.
If you have hard water, it’s probably making your laundry look and feel a little weird. Faded colors, stiff fabric… the works. Read newsletter #54 and then try this specific Tide powder (higher alkalinity than other detergents on the market, lots of anti-binding agents and added enzymes) or this Charlie’s for sensitive skin (less anti-binding agents, but a good choice for those with sensitive skin thanks to a clean-rinsing, low-residue formula).
These $15 sheet pans rival Nordicware (easily) and are kitchen staples
Bear Hybrid mattress ($800ish for a queen, free shipping) is an excellent functional construction dhoop for the Casper Hybrid, which is about 60% more expensive. I talked about mattresses a lot in prior newsletters, so it’s worth digging through the last few from #48 and on to get loads of info.
Cuisinart mixing bowls w/lids ($40/set) are a direct dhoop for the $90ish Le Creuset set.
This Lands End Supima cotton towel bundle was my favorite overall value from newsletter #42 and is currently on sale under $84. Features 650 GSM, several pieces per set, loads of color options and excellent customer service/returns. And you can monogram!
In newsletter #25, I explained that most of the high-end hotels you know and love are white labeling their sheets, robes, etc. And most of ‘em are using this basic cotton percal\e bedding set ($52 a set!!!) as their standard. It’s cheap-ish, crisp and stands up to repeated heavy washing. You’re probably wondering why every color except white is available—and that’s because white is reserved as a hotel exclusive.
I also explained the high-end spa robes are typically made by Monarch Cypress and cost about $100 (way less than the $300ish to buy from the hotel). There’s also a unisex waffle robe under $70 that’s popular at Marriott and Four Seasons locations.
Westin Heavenly Sleep duvet dhoupe from $50/free shipping. VERY close match, affordable and easy to care for. This is a 100% vegan down alternative option. From newsletter #28.
The game-changing BK Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress (stays cool even if you’re sweating like a beast!) from newsletter #57.
Newsletter #45 dove deep into vintage high-end jewelry sources & vintage designer bags. I’m here to remind you of this Tiffany Hardwear Ball Bracelet $390 (free shipping) and this Chloe leather bag for $610/free shipping (OMG it’s so pretty!). This Burberry leather Maidstone bag is also 10/10 in my opinion. Reminder that only one of each piece exists, so if you like something, get it.
If you’re new here and missed my Aritzia/Old Navy and The Row/Eileen Fisher/Jenni Kayne/Quince pipeline content from a couple weeks ago, let me just put you on the tell you about the Reformation connection as well! The Doen dhoupes newsletter is also a good resource.
I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue.)
Reminder: because I talk about bedding so much (and what’s actually worth spending on), the people at The Mattress Shop partnered with me to give everyone a free month of paid newsletter access. That means you can use it to go back in the archives/deep dive, or just enjoy what’s to come.
This expires tonight though!
Obviously come back to this when you have some time, because this list should save you oodles of cash.
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