March 16, 2009

Seeing Double, Sometimes Triple: So Nice I've Bought It Twice!

My friend Dina from the fantastic fashion and beauty blog, Eye4Style made a recent entry about wardrobe duplicates and it got me thinking about the things I've loved so much that I had to return for seconds. Her post featured a visual of the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy in its many incarnations over the years. Bag collectors often buy multiple pieces from a collection in different color and shape variations.


Motorcycle and Turnlock styles in multiple shapes/colors

There are a few reasons to engage in this type of consumer indulgence. Repeat purchases are smart buys if you find something that fits you perfectly, or if you fall in love with a piece that will transcend trends but perhaps not last forever. Shoes are a good example. Lots of people have bought and rebought their favorite pair of sneakers or their comfiest ballerina flats. While soles can be replaced with the help of a capable cobbler, certain shoe uppers just aren't able to last forever and continue to look great. You can only polish for so long.


Shoes by Theory, Tory Burch, and Marc by Marc Jacobs

It doesn't surprise me that the bulk of my multiples are footwear. My first items I recall buying in duplicate (or in this case, quadruplicate) were pairs of Converse Chuck Taylors. I bought them in different colors (black, navy, pink, white), different heights (high top, low top), and different rubber trims/captoes (black vs. white). Since then there have been a few new shoe favorites added to my multiples roster.

Items in multiple colors or colorways will add versatility to an otherwise safe wardrobe. When I develop an ensemble that I really like to wear, changing the color of a component piece enables me to repeat it more often without becoming bored. I have the same cashmere boyfriend cardigans by Cece  in six different colors. Over the last few seasons, I picked up my favorite Marc by Marc Jacobs dresses in multiple colorways when they've popped up on sale.


Liza and Alessandra Pussy Bow (what a tragic name)
If it is something that you just totally love, available for a competitive price, then multiples can be a safer bet than introducing something entirely new to your closet. I don't even like to think about the number of risk purchases I've made that have sat with tags still attached, gathering dust. But I love my multiples!

When I found good deals on merino wool Design History cardigans at TJ Maxx, I bought them in three colors. I also do this with tshirts and corduroy pants. The American Apparel deep V in 50/50 blend and the JCrew Matchstick cords come to mind. Staple pieces like these see a lot of wear. They are able to last longer and stay nicer if I have a few in the rotation.

What types of garments, shoes, and accessories have you bought in multiple?

14 comments:

chris said...

Whenever I wear out my pair of Campers I dig around on the web until I track down a new exact same pair. I wonder if at some point I should just buy multiples since it works so well for others!

Haute World said...

I've done this with cashmere cardigans (in gray, black and light gray), various American Apparael items I use to layer with and I do have a weakness for Balenciaga bags, although I've never repeated the style and color. I also have multiple McQueen skull scarves in different colors. And I collect ballerinas in the same style. Damn, I collect more than I thought I did! But you're right, these are the items I use the most because they tend to be staples.

Stacy said...

Cute bow dresses.

Jesspgh of Consume or Consumed said...

Chris, If you find them for a good price or have a great coupon, you totally should!

The Haute-Shooper, I love hearing about your staples! And I'd love to see your bbags!!!! I only have the two I posted (city and day in gris fonce and black, respectively) but long for more.

Stacy, Thank you!

Thanks for reading, guys! xo

Anonymous said...

I just started doing this a few years ago, but I really only do it for "staples" like he perfect layering T, I will buy in every color. The fits just right cardigan and even the jeans in different washes if I love the way they fit!

Anonymous said...

Repeat buys are a staple in my closet. Honestly, if something works for you, if you love it, why not buy it in pink, as well? I typically don't buy things unless it's a good deal or I just have to have it...you know, like it makes my heart sing. If either of those are the case, I'll probably return for seconds!

capitolagirl said...

I do this too. And I love your saying Xo Nice, I've bought it Twice! I do it with tops, jeans and staples...but found a bag not too long ago that I loved so much---bought it in four colors.

Lisa said...

I do this with layering tees and camis--if the fabrication is great and it fits like a dream, I'll get them in several colours, or several in one colour like black or white.

Anonymous said...

i really only do this with t-shirts - when i find a style i like, i buy it in every color (i have 5 scoop-neck casual tees by james perse). i have a couple of the same style inhabit cotton cardigans, but strangely enough, i've never done it with shoes, or bags. although i'm tempted to get the blue alexander wang donna hobo to go with my bone...

Anonymous said...

Buying multiples can be a great thing! I tend to do it with black flats if I can afford to, just because I wear through them so quickly & it's hard to find a pair I like.

Basic, solid t-shirts. When I find one that is long enough, the right weight... all bets are off!

Jesspgh of Consume or Consumed said...

Thank you for sharing what you've bought in multiples, Starfashion, Beka, Capitolagirl, Lisa, Gretchen, and Ashe Mischief!

Tshirts, Jeans, and black flats are really smart things to buy in twos and threes because when you find the perfect fit/comfort ratio, then who knows when you might find it again?! Thank you for reading!

A Stylized Hysteria said...

I have loads of the American Apparel deep v's. To me, they are the perfect tshirt. Beyond that, maybe dvf wrap dresses? The real danger for me isn't multiples, but slightly varying versions of the same things. Black boots with slightly different heels or toe shapes. Or cardigans. It's easier for me to part with my money if I feel like the items look different from each other :)

Unknown said...

OMG I am a serial offender, a friend wanted to borrow a scoop back AA tee, I had 3 colour options. I have 2 pairs of the same brogues, 3 pairs of Converses and 2 of the same long cardigan. I think this is justified though, as they are not trend items, and can look different each time I wear them.

Jesspgh of Consume or Consumed said...

Najeema and KB, I think it's so funny that we all seem to collect or at least buy in multiples American Apparel tshirts! They really do have some good staples and once you find a shape you like, it's hard to resist getting every color of the rainbow!

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