You look great in that jacket. It’s one of those colorful neutrals. Also, The Row jacket is a dupe. It’s a dupe of French work jackets. So maybe get one of those if you need to buy the OG?
But I’d keep the Zara. Some things they just do well…your new jacket is one of those things.
I was coming to the comments to say the same thing - and that they can be had on the used and vintage market with built in character, often for a song.
Here’s the ironic thing though, if I like the Zara first, and then go hunting for pre-loved, somehow that makes the pre-loved the ‘dupe’ according to my (maybe twisted) logic. Not questioning who copied who because obviously those jackets have existed forever, more than the thing I don’t love is hunting for a look alike when I like the ‘original’/what I experienced first.
I love this series!!! This resonated so much and I agree with KB - i dont think this is really a dupe! It's just a great jacket, especially at that price. Do you even need the Jolene? Are you sure you'd even prefer the Jolene?
I have to admit after I got the chance to touch the row pieces in person, I was so disenchanted. The quality is meh especially the leather and stitching. Just amazing scarcity marketing.
Mind blown. I’m NOT sure I would prefer the Jolene. Wow wow! Thank you.
I have not paid much attention to their clothes but now I’m curious to see them in person to see the quality. Definitely not my preferred style most of the time.
Oh my Lord, I laughed out loud so many times during this. I’d love to look like I know how to make matcha correctly!
I love the jacket and I think when you find something that you genuinely like, and / or when you haven’t been hunting for something to scratch the itch of the original, is it eventechnically a dupe? Not sure that makes sense in writing but hopefully you know what I mean …
if you’re not looking for dupe is it even a dupe?
Are you going to be itching for the original (sounds like no …)
I wore a 7 year old Zara top to my daughter’s graduation today and loved it. So no guilt on that front.
Anyway I love it. And have added it to cart hahah.
I think Sydney is very close stylistically to to LA so I’m not sure it even counts as “holiday”. Like your bag …. Same category. ❤️❤️❤️
your point is such a good one. If I wasn’t hunting for the Jolene, and I genuinely like this jacket on its own terms, is it even fair to call it a dupe? Maybe it’s just a good jacket
Also love the 7-year-old Zara top at graduation. that’s the kind of longevity I dream about when I buy something. Feels like this one could be that, too.
And great call on Sydney not being a true holiday break from LA! I like to say Sydney is half way between Honolulu and LA in vibe.
Good rule. It’s always a plus to know yourself well enough to make a rule like that.
Also, have you tried making your own bone broth? (Not me grasping on to one throwaway line…) I really don’t enjoy any but my own, and it’s so easy to make.
If the OG didn’t exist, would you still like the Zara one? If the answer is yes, enjoy it and wear with pride. It looks good. Zara just never agreed with my shape, I tried for many years and have given up 🤪
I have a JCrew version of this jacket that a bought last year. And like others have said all of these jackets are just copies of French laborer jackets. I do like how you’ve mixed it with those earthier colors
Babe, the number of lines that jacket crossed for me.. no fast fashion, buy no NEW clothes in 2025.. you (I) have 2 gorgeous vintage French chore jackets.
Ugh.
I’ve had it in strong rotation for past 6 weeks & don’t regret it.
Yes! I set up the boundaries largely to observe my reactions to them
I’ve LOVED buying “no new” for past 6 months.. (it’s been like quitting sugar or one of those experiences.. stultifying in the re-telling but interesting to experience).
Glad to have found you.
Oh, & I live in LA & I am woo woo..& as some of my FAVE pieces are exactly those that are “luxe versions of outdoorsy labor clothing” I will most def b buying the Jolene 😂
I hadn’t realized this was one of my most durable motifs until I was *faced with* buying the Zara jacket as my other *icon adjacent* is pretty sold out
So anyway. Yours looks great & if it hadn’t been in the title I’d never have found you 😘
Thanks for sharing your experience. And thanks for finding me and commenting! I’m all of those things also. Let me know if you’re down to connect with a Substack friend we will make a meetup happen some day.
Jade Fox brought this article to my attention and I’m so glad she did!! I’m personally guilty of “Label Dickmization” which is to say that I want to buy things because of who designed them and not, necessarily, because I actually want the item. It seems like- perhaps?- you are experiencing the opposite. Zara isn’t where you normally shop, The Row is known for its quality, etc etc. I love the jacket on you and for your lifestyle! So, as someone else said, maybe it’s more a question of “Do I like this jacket?” Asked in a vacuum. Obviously an impossible question.
“Label Dickmization” is truly iconic and I feel deeply seen, even if I’m currently experiencing the reverse. You nailed it: my hesitation was 100% about the label, not the jacket itself. I did ask myself if I liked the jacket minus all this context, and while I don't know if I would have liked it had I not seen Jolene first (like you said, impossible to answer), I did realize I liked it enough for that to not matter. Kept it!
I have so many thoughts! First off- I also own this Zara jacket and it’s great. Looks so so fab on you in all the ways you styled it. Second- and here’s the big point- I also generally try to avoid a ton of dupes bc ultimately I find myself wanting the actual item BUT in the case of The Row specifically, I make allowances bc a) it can be so, so, SO expensive and b) many of The Row’s pieces are actually “dupes” of long-standing items. For instance I’m 95% sure the Jolene was inspired by old French work jackets a la Le Laboureur. So it kinda makes me feel better about “duping” The Row since well, they’re duping too!! (PS you should keep the jacket 💙)
The fact that you own this makes me feel validated. Is that bad? Idk but peer validation is real and I’m not ashamed to admit it. And you’re absolutely right. I finally cut the tag off this jacket just now.
Keep it. I have Zara pieces that Ive had forever that I love. Not everything they make is crap. Their denim and their Z Collection stuff is actually great.
I can so feel your shopping tribulations, Asta. I’m very analytical about my purchases myself. But if you really like a piece, it’s in a quality that lives up to your standards, you don’t compromise on the fit, then you buy and you keep it! And as Danielle mentions in one of the other comments and as Laura has written a lot about - many of the hyped high end pieces are dupes or maybe even appropriations.
This is such an interesting piece! I love why people are drawn to pieces and this is fascinating, as you say you weren’t looking for a dupe, but fell for it regardless. It looks insanely good on you and your amazing use of colour. Tempted to try it myself! x
You look great in that jacket. It’s one of those colorful neutrals. Also, The Row jacket is a dupe. It’s a dupe of French work jackets. So maybe get one of those if you need to buy the OG?
But I’d keep the Zara. Some things they just do well…your new jacket is one of those things.
I was coming to the comments to say the same thing - and that they can be had on the used and vintage market with built in character, often for a song.
Here’s the ironic thing though, if I like the Zara first, and then go hunting for pre-loved, somehow that makes the pre-loved the ‘dupe’ according to my (maybe twisted) logic. Not questioning who copied who because obviously those jackets have existed forever, more than the thing I don’t love is hunting for a look alike when I like the ‘original’/what I experienced first.
No, totally. If I had one, I would keep the one I have. But if someone else is looking for one there are vintage options to consider, too.
Like me. Someone is me. I totally saw this and went back to my saved vintage finds and started looking at them again.
Ooh please share if you end up getting one. Exciting!
So well said and thanks for the reminder. It is indeed a classic work jacket.
I love this series!!! This resonated so much and I agree with KB - i dont think this is really a dupe! It's just a great jacket, especially at that price. Do you even need the Jolene? Are you sure you'd even prefer the Jolene?
I have to admit after I got the chance to touch the row pieces in person, I was so disenchanted. The quality is meh especially the leather and stitching. Just amazing scarcity marketing.
Keep it and enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!
Mind blown. I’m NOT sure I would prefer the Jolene. Wow wow! Thank you.
I have not paid much attention to their clothes but now I’m curious to see them in person to see the quality. Definitely not my preferred style most of the time.
You look so good in it and only serious fashion nerds would even clock that it looks like the row’s version. Enjoy it!!!
Yall are convincing me. I might take that tag off soon.
Oh … think you’ve definitely started something. ♥️ this. Zara if so not my vibe - but pretty sure I’m influenced. x
Yay! Can’t wait to see.
You have the kind of obsessive brain that I just deeply get. I love it and I love this jacket on you!!
Haha yes we are the same! Thank you ❤️
Oh my Lord, I laughed out loud so many times during this. I’d love to look like I know how to make matcha correctly!
I love the jacket and I think when you find something that you genuinely like, and / or when you haven’t been hunting for something to scratch the itch of the original, is it eventechnically a dupe? Not sure that makes sense in writing but hopefully you know what I mean …
if you’re not looking for dupe is it even a dupe?
Are you going to be itching for the original (sounds like no …)
I wore a 7 year old Zara top to my daughter’s graduation today and loved it. So no guilt on that front.
Anyway I love it. And have added it to cart hahah.
I think Sydney is very close stylistically to to LA so I’m not sure it even counts as “holiday”. Like your bag …. Same category. ❤️❤️❤️
your point is such a good one. If I wasn’t hunting for the Jolene, and I genuinely like this jacket on its own terms, is it even fair to call it a dupe? Maybe it’s just a good jacket
Also love the 7-year-old Zara top at graduation. that’s the kind of longevity I dream about when I buy something. Feels like this one could be that, too.
And great call on Sydney not being a true holiday break from LA! I like to say Sydney is half way between Honolulu and LA in vibe.
Keep it! Just buy good quality and forget about labels.💕
You’re right! Who cares about the label
If you are enjoying the way you feel in it, I say it is a win!!!
That’s what I’m realizing too!
It’s a gorgeous jacket that fits you perfectly. Did you get your true size or size up? It has just-right slouch.
Thanks! This is a large. My bust is 39’.
Good rule. It’s always a plus to know yourself well enough to make a rule like that.
Also, have you tried making your own bone broth? (Not me grasping on to one throwaway line…) I really don’t enjoy any but my own, and it’s so easy to make.
I have not but now I’m intrigued! I’ll give it a go once my travel calms down.
For me, ginger—lots and lots of ginger. So good. I always make it when I’m feeling poorly, and it may or may not help immunity, but it cheers me up 😉
Taking notes! I love ginger
If the OG didn’t exist, would you still like the Zara one? If the answer is yes, enjoy it and wear with pride. It looks good. Zara just never agreed with my shape, I tried for many years and have given up 🤪
It’s hard to answer that question BUT I can say with confidence I never wanted the OG. And yes I agree their silhouettes can be tricky.
I have a JCrew version of this jacket that a bought last year. And like others have said all of these jackets are just copies of French laborer jackets. I do like how you’ve mixed it with those earthier colors
Oh I didn’t realize JCrew had one too. Very cool! And thank you ❤️
Babe, the number of lines that jacket crossed for me.. no fast fashion, buy no NEW clothes in 2025.. you (I) have 2 gorgeous vintage French chore jackets.
Ugh.
I’ve had it in strong rotation for past 6 weeks & don’t regret it.
One transgression a year.. I’ll take it 😘
Amen to that! Honestly though, I’m all for space for grey vs black and white thinking.
Yes! I set up the boundaries largely to observe my reactions to them
I’ve LOVED buying “no new” for past 6 months.. (it’s been like quitting sugar or one of those experiences.. stultifying in the re-telling but interesting to experience).
Glad to have found you.
Oh, & I live in LA & I am woo woo..& as some of my FAVE pieces are exactly those that are “luxe versions of outdoorsy labor clothing” I will most def b buying the Jolene 😂
I hadn’t realized this was one of my most durable motifs until I was *faced with* buying the Zara jacket as my other *icon adjacent* is pretty sold out
So anyway. Yours looks great & if it hadn’t been in the title I’d never have found you 😘
Thanks for sharing your experience. And thanks for finding me and commenting! I’m all of those things also. Let me know if you’re down to connect with a Substack friend we will make a meetup happen some day.
Oh! Absolutely! I’ll DM you so I’m easier to remember when you’re back home xo
Jade Fox brought this article to my attention and I’m so glad she did!! I’m personally guilty of “Label Dickmization” which is to say that I want to buy things because of who designed them and not, necessarily, because I actually want the item. It seems like- perhaps?- you are experiencing the opposite. Zara isn’t where you normally shop, The Row is known for its quality, etc etc. I love the jacket on you and for your lifestyle! So, as someone else said, maybe it’s more a question of “Do I like this jacket?” Asked in a vacuum. Obviously an impossible question.
“Label Dickmization” is truly iconic and I feel deeply seen, even if I’m currently experiencing the reverse. You nailed it: my hesitation was 100% about the label, not the jacket itself. I did ask myself if I liked the jacket minus all this context, and while I don't know if I would have liked it had I not seen Jolene first (like you said, impossible to answer), I did realize I liked it enough for that to not matter. Kept it!
Huzzah!! I can’t wait to see you style it. And then you’ll make me want it with all the cool ways you wear it.
I have so many thoughts! First off- I also own this Zara jacket and it’s great. Looks so so fab on you in all the ways you styled it. Second- and here’s the big point- I also generally try to avoid a ton of dupes bc ultimately I find myself wanting the actual item BUT in the case of The Row specifically, I make allowances bc a) it can be so, so, SO expensive and b) many of The Row’s pieces are actually “dupes” of long-standing items. For instance I’m 95% sure the Jolene was inspired by old French work jackets a la Le Laboureur. So it kinda makes me feel better about “duping” The Row since well, they’re duping too!! (PS you should keep the jacket 💙)
The fact that you own this makes me feel validated. Is that bad? Idk but peer validation is real and I’m not ashamed to admit it. And you’re absolutely right. I finally cut the tag off this jacket just now.
Yay!!! When a garment is good- it’s good no matter!
Keep it. I have Zara pieces that Ive had forever that I love. Not everything they make is crap. Their denim and their Z Collection stuff is actually great.
Yes! This is actually very good quality. I can’t tell.
I can so feel your shopping tribulations, Asta. I’m very analytical about my purchases myself. But if you really like a piece, it’s in a quality that lives up to your standards, you don’t compromise on the fit, then you buy and you keep it! And as Danielle mentions in one of the other comments and as Laura has written a lot about - many of the hyped high end pieces are dupes or maybe even appropriations.
This is such an interesting piece! I love why people are drawn to pieces and this is fascinating, as you say you weren’t looking for a dupe, but fell for it regardless. It looks insanely good on you and your amazing use of colour. Tempted to try it myself! x