Living The Sisters Behind the Fashion Brand Dôen Share Their Everyday Must-Haves By Melissa Ozawa Melissa Ozawa Instagram Website Melissa Ozawa is the features editor at Martha Stewart Living. Editorial Guidelines Published on July 11, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Hilary Walsh Throw on a floral dress or billowing blouse from this pair's fashion line, and you can practically hear Joni Mitchell singing, "California, I'm coming home," and smell the flowers woven into a young Jane Birkin's hair. Influenced by their childhoods in Santa Barbara, siblings, Margaret Kleveland, CEO, and Katherine Kleveland, COO, design clothes imbued with "nostalgia and femininity," says Margaret. And a certain quiet strength: Rather than a traditional company, Dôen is a small collective of like-minded women; they produce five collections a year, developing all fabrics and prints in-house. The sisters, who have four young kids between them, have also harnessed social media to connect with fans the world over, who post and tag themselves wearing—and living in—their pieces. "We want them to feel how we feel in our clothes," says Katherine. "Self-possessed, confident, and super-feminine." And this female run organization is committed to helping empower other women. "One way is through the factories we work with; another is donating 100 percent of the profits from several kids' items to Room to Read, an organization that helps educate girls," says Margaret. Another is standing up for a women's choice by advocating for Planned Parenthood and for motherhood—take, for example, the imagery on Doen's Instagram account of a mother breastfeeding her child. In addition to ethical production practices, the sisters also believe in making quality, timeless items. The same goes for their personal style and shopping philosophy. "I plan to hand down my Love bracelets to my children during special moments in their lives," says Katherine. Here, the duo share the everyday essentials they invest in. 01 of 14 The Classic Bag Peter Ardito "I know I'll use this purse year after year, and it won't ever go out of style," says Katherine. Mark Cross "Laura" Bag, in Acorn Suede, $1,995, markcross.com . Expert Ways to Keep Your Handbags Scratch and Stain Free 02 of 14 Gentle Shampoo Peter Ardito "It leaves my hair super-shiny and not stripped of good oils. The formula is so gentle, I use it on my 4-year-old son," says Margaret. Sisters Balancing Shampoo, $28, sistersbody.com . What to Eat for Your Healthiest Hair Ever 03 of 14 Dreamy Dress Peter Ardito "This has me dreaming of summer evenings on my best friend's porch in Napa," Katherine says. Dôen "Adobe" Dress, $198, shopdoen.com . 04 of 14 The Forever Bracelet Courtesy of Cartier "My husband gave me one on each of the most magical days of our lives: our wedding, and when our children were born," says Katherine. Cartier 18k Gold "Love" Bracelet, $6,300, cartier.com . 05 of 14 Gorgeous Scent Peter Ardito "It reminds me of my youth at the Santa Barbara seaside, with orange blossom and hints of salt and vanilla," Katherine says. Le Labo Neroli 36 Perfume, $189 for 50 ml, lelabofragrances.com . Our Favorite Seasonal Fragrances for Summer 06 of 14 Floral Bikini Peter Ardito "I'm a huge fan of this women-owned company, and this style is my favorite. It's so flattering," Margaret says. Matteau Petite Triangle Top and High Waist Brief, in Lemon Berry, $135 each, matteau-store.com . 07 of 14 Rose Essential Oil Peter Ardito "I'll put some in my Vitruvi diffuser. It has a complex smell that is fresh, green, and floral," says Margaret. Gya Labs Rose Otto Essential Oil, $26 for 10 ml, gyalabs.com . 08 of 14 Botanical Book Peter Ardito "In her pioneering work, art and science intersect through a Victorian lens. Her cyanotypes show a deep love of botany," Margaret says. Sun Gardens: Cyanotypes by Anna Atkins, Prestel Publishing, 2018; $65, mcnallyjackson.com . 09 of 14 Shell Pendant Courtesy of Beatrice Valenzuela "It's feminine, hand-made, and intentionally flawed," says Katherine. Beatrice Valenzuela 14k Gold Concha Shell Pendant, $442, beatricevalenzuela.com . 10 of 14 Neutral Vase Peter Ardito "I love the way the round, neutral base can support a large bunch of cheerful blooms," says Margaret. Sheldon Ceramics Moon Vase, in Charcoal, from $68, sheldonceramics.com . 10 New Female Ceramic Artists We Love 11 of 14 Natural Cleanser Peter Ardito "It balances, cleans, and moisturizes, so my face never feels tight or itchy," says Margaret. Shiva Rose Pearl Milk Cleanser, $55 for 4 oz., shivarose.com . Shiva Rose’s New Book Will Turn You into a Goddess 12 of 14 Billowy Blouse Peter Ardito "My favorite top of all time. It's great in every color, but this one evokes a desert sunset," Margaret says. Dôen O'Keefe Blouse, in Wildberry, $125, shopdoen.com . 13 of 14 Go-To Cookbook Peter Ardito "We shop the farmers' market on Sundays, and work side-by-side as a family preparing meals from the book," Katherine says. Gjelina: Cooking From Venice, California, Chronicle Books, 2015; $35, indiebound.com . Make the Most of Your Farmers’ Market Produce with These Storage Tips 14 of 14 Foam Hair Mousse Peter Ardito "It gives my hair a natural, subtle wave," Katherine says. Ouai Air Dry Foam, $28, theouai.com . Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit