Whenever I end up with an item that I really love and that also ends up fitting in really well with my wardrobe, I’ve always been tempted to get another one. It’s that annoying little voice of me that always ends up freaking out when I see a big line at Sprinkles Cupcakes: “They’re going to run out….!!” it screams. So when a jacket or pair of jeans ends up being the absolute perfect one, I always want to buy another. What if this is the last jacket manufactured on earth that will fit me just so, and I’ll wear this one forever and ever until it wears out, upon which I’ll be screwed because I just didn’t bother to buy another one?? What will I do then?
Over time I’ve realized that this viewpoint is largely wrong – there will be other jackets and dresses that fit me fine, and most clothing will end up falling victim to being so-last-season-trendy vs. getting worn out through excessive use. So now, I really really try hard not to buy doubles.
There are a few items however, which I loved so much that I had to break my “no doubles” rule. And I’m glad I did, because I wear them all the time! So here they are:
Diane Von Furstenberg Zarita Dress
I first gushed about the Zarita dress here, and I still adore it. I’ve worn both the black and gray multiple times, and recently recommended it to both a 50+ year old admin at our office, and my friend’s younger 22 year old sister whose idea of fun is still spending weekends shoving for turns around a keg . Fabulous for all and fits like a dream.
Buy it here in blue, black, gray and ivory.
Christian Louboutin Decollete Pumps
I lied here because I actually have three pairs, but I had to include my favorite Louboutin shoe. I have a soft spot for the Decolletes because when we were first dating, my husband said that he thought my black patent pair were the most beautiful pair of shoes he’d ever seen. Little did he know at the time how much they cost. Muhaha!
The Decolletes aren’t always comfortable the first few times but after a while they settle in nicely. Mind you, none of my 4+ pairs of shoes feels that great after 5+ hours of standing at a wedding. But the Decolletes are such a classic, sexy shape and are one of the iconic pumps that Louboutin has made, in my opinion. And, they are priced more “reasonably” than the platform styles.
Buy them here in black patent and camel patent.
C&C California T-Shirt Dress
I’m always looking for clothes that are as comfortable as pajamas yet are decent enough to wear outside. I know for many the solution is to just wear pajamas outside directly, but a slight office dress code and visions of my mother’s disapproving face generally prevent that.
Anyway, I first covered this C&C dress here. I initially bought the red one and then after a month or so realized that I was wearing it at least once a week, and wanted to wear it more! So I caved and bought the black. T-shirt dresses are so easy to just throw on, they’re comfortable, and are cool for summer. What else do you need?
Buy it here in pretty colors, and in black/white.
So now that I’ve shared my thoughts on doubles in the wardrobe – what are yours? Do you ever buy two of an item that you love, or do you resist the urge? And if you do have doubles – what are they?
41 Comments
Wei
June 29, 2012 at 8:52 amHi Kat!
I totally fall victim to buying the same things in multiples…esp cheap basics like at f21. I’ve also done it with other items in my closet, incl shoes!! Its like I can’t help myself. Glad I’m not the only one! 😉
Cheers ~
wei
M
New Petite
June 29, 2012 at 9:31 amI used to but I get bored easily! I never went back to the second pair I bought which I saved thinking I will so love it. So thats a lesson for me. I do get tempted, but I try and walk away!
Kat
June 29, 2012 at 9:51 amI find myself buying doubles in a pop of color, and classic black. I bought 2 nice tees with detail from juicy couture (nonflashy, no wording, thank god) in a rich purple and black. (just love how soft they are!) I buy cardigans in cream/gray/black, and countless black flats! I bought 2 pairs of Tory Burch Reva ballet flats because at that time, I always saw it black with gold hardware, and I didn’t like that. I bought it black with silver hardware (somehow was harder for me to find so I thought if I saw it in silver, i just HAD to get it), and now that I’ve worn my first pair to the point my toe can feel the floor, I’m glad I bought an extra one! Your CL heels are so beautiful, and so well kept!
Kat
happyfacekat.blogspot.com
kiwifashionblog
June 29, 2012 at 10:29 amI completely understand the reasoning of owning multiple of the same thing especially if the fit is absolutely perfect. However I tell myself that I could 1. change my mind 2. change my body shape/weight etc 3. trend can change, drastically…..so I never really buy the same things in multiple (except for socks and underwear haha).
Ammu
June 29, 2012 at 10:39 amI do – mostly because my look is pretty consistent and I am very picky so if something works, it makes sense to get in different colours. I recently picked up a Muji breton shift in two colours, and over the years I have bought my favourite Kain tees or Breton tees in different colours just because I wear them very often. Also, I decided to get bespoke trousers made last year, and given the price of making a sample to begin with, it made sense to get multiples. So I bought three pairs and I wear them constantly 🙂
Elle
June 29, 2012 at 11:05 amKat,
If you post about that DvF lace dress one more time I might just cave in and buy it at retail! I’ve been eying the nude since reading your post but just can’t justify paying so much for a lace dress (practical side of me asks: there are so many lace dresses out there, do I really need THIS one?) 😀
Katherine
June 29, 2012 at 2:37 pmLOL! It was available during the Saks/Bloomingdales FF periods – that’s the biggest discount I’ve found 🙁
Inés
June 29, 2012 at 11:10 amI have a crazy desire to do this – but in clothes, I tend to limit it to basic shoes that fit me really well, and things that I do need multiples of, such as camisoles to layer under work shirts. My biggest problem in this area is buying multiples of makeup, especially lipstick. I have this voice in my head that keeps on going… What if they discontinue the color? What will you do then? What if you lose one? – a little strange, I know, but it’s true! I thought I was the only one who did this.
The one exception I made was this Lululemon rain coat that looked almost exactly like a classic trench, which I bought in black and charcoal – it’s got the stylish look of a trench/belted rain jacket, but it’s made of breathable, wind/waterproof technical fabric which is great for the freezing cold rains we get in the fall up here in Canada. I’ve worn it both to dance class with athletic gear, and out with a pair of heels, and they always look great!
Katherine
June 29, 2012 at 2:00 pmThat trench sounds awesome and super versatile. And yes I’m the same way about makeup – a few of my favorite colors have been discontinued! But I always find a new one to like..
Prêt à Porter P
June 29, 2012 at 11:18 amI definitely do this with sweaters (esp. when I find a long one I like) and shoes. But even if it’s not the exact same item, a lot of my clothes and shoes are different versions of the same thing anyway.
Katherine
June 29, 2012 at 1:59 pmOh yes I definitely have multiples of sweaters..
Tasmin
June 29, 2012 at 11:18 amMy friend and I were discussing this issue about buying multiples. She disagreed, whilst I do like classic styles in an array of colours.
Elle from Elle's picturebook
June 29, 2012 at 11:36 amGuilty!! especially ltd edt makeup, jeans and tank tops! oh hosiery/lingerie too!
http://www.mstylepicturebook.blogspot.co.uk
Hermes/French style blog
Caise
June 29, 2012 at 12:05 pmthese nude heels <3
Aesthetic Alterations
June 29, 2012 at 1:10 pmAbsolutely–doubles are imperative in my wardrobe. When I began revamping my wardrobe, I vowed to stop the doubling (tripling) up, but now I think it’s the best decision since it saves time, heartbreak, and dollars. DVF wrap dresses, for instance–the Jeanne II is perfect for me. And nothing beats the Church’s loafers or flats for my feet, so I’ve doubled up on those–and plan to double up on the brogues and boots. I always buy multiples of the same jeans, and if a jacket is amazing once, then it will be even more amazing twice.
Mica
June 29, 2012 at 1:57 pmI agree that most of our wardrobes should be well edited with special, unique pieces that flatter our body types. That said, I hav eno problem buying several sets of jeans in the cut that’s most flattering. Same with shorts. I feel like the top is usually what sets the tone of the outfit, the trousers just need to be flattering and well cut. 🙂
Katherine
June 29, 2012 at 1:59 pmTrue, true Mica! I have multiple pairs of my favorite gray jeans – to me they are just the “basics”. Fabulous point!
TC
June 29, 2012 at 2:20 pmLOL! i absolutely believe in multiples; my shoes are the best examples, but i carry it to almost everything: prada guipure lace skirts, prada origami dresses, tennis shoes and rackets, etc…
i find it’s a good idea because my taste is fairly constant, but also because of today’s constant desire to tweak. if something is perfect for me now, the ‘improved’ version won’t be (i.e. my current tennis shoes don’t trigger my plantar fasciitis but the newer version does). even classic brands change their manufacturing processes, often resulting in an inferior product (i.e. blundstones, wedgwood). or they change the cut (slimmer one year, wider another). in the case of chanel, buying multiples is simply a good investment given their constant price increase.
of course, i can avoid all this hassle by going bespoke like my husband does for all his shirts and suits, but there are not a lot of truly bespoke services for women, unfortunately. if you know of any, please share.
Jyoti
June 29, 2012 at 3:29 pmI love seeing what you deem worthy of doubling up on!
I have a few basics that I’ve got doubles of– some good fitting tees, good quality camisoles picked up on sale, and a plain sleeveless jersey dress that fits me well. I think I’m rather boring that way. xD
Otherwise, at this point, I’m trying to be extra judicious in my purchasing habits. As I type this, I’m dreaming of doing some end of season shopping this weekend…
Fashion Blawger
June 29, 2012 at 3:37 pmI think I’m like you in how I follow the rule. But I preach it to my mom more harshly. She tells me she is afraid I am sending the What Not to Wear crew after her whenever she is considering buying multiples at a store 😀
I love the look of the Decolletes (and especially love that your H loved them) and it is good to know that they feel better after some use bc I swore them away after one use and think I may give them another chance now. But I like shoes that can be worn to, from, and during my 9-5 and that may include walking distances to court and between court rooms… so I am still iffy on them.
A Preponderance of Fashion
Sarah
June 29, 2012 at 4:04 pmI tend to buy doubles of things I love as well. I can’t help it, it’s a bit of an obsession! haha 😉
Keep calm and carry lipstick.
Amy
June 29, 2012 at 4:14 pmI love the DVF dress, and wear it all the time. I found so many occasions and ways to wear it, you’re absolutely right – it fits in all the right places, and transcends age – my mom, older sister and I all wear it.
I always buy multiples of Helmut Lang’s line. His clothes are the best fit for both me and my sister, and I’ve always noticed it gets the most compliments. 🙂
And if only the men in our lives knew how much all these multiples cost!
jenlovesbal
June 29, 2012 at 4:49 pmI tend to buy doubles of things I love too, even triples. lol.
Chloe
June 29, 2012 at 5:44 pmI do this a lot. When I find something I love I want to wear it all the time 🙂
anna
June 29, 2012 at 8:45 pmI only buy a few doubles. I do tend to favor certain brands and go back. I currently own two great pencil skirts from Express. They are perfect length for work!
christine brightside
June 29, 2012 at 11:06 pmThanks for showing the DvF “zarita” dress here once again, Katherine! Having started looking out for my wedding dress (+register office, +reception, +party dresses), I am now considering it as reception dress! ,-)
Katherine
June 30, 2012 at 12:40 pmIt would be PERFECT for that in ivory!
chanello
June 29, 2012 at 11:08 pmIt’s not DOUBLES if it’s in different colors!
😉
Katherine
June 30, 2012 at 12:40 pmHa! I like that interpretation 🙂
Anna
June 30, 2012 at 10:05 amI have doubles of simple tanks or shirts, I wish I had a double of my very favorite jeans that is not sold in the country I live, I would never buy doubles of fashionable items (a jacket or skirt) but I do have some of shoes. If the shoe fits… get another pair. The only actual same-colored doubles I do own, however are my plain tank tops in white or black, used for everything.
Lesley
June 30, 2012 at 11:22 amI have multiples of the J Crew vintage v-neck tees (like MANY colors..and my sister thinks it’s my “uniform”..wear it with shorts, wear it under a blazer or cardigan, wear it tucked into a skirt…etc.) and also a 3/4-sleeve shirt with a nice ribbon u-shaped neck line (flatters my non-existent bust and I don’t have to push my sleeves up when I wash my hands, which is about every 10 minutes). (:
Katherine
June 30, 2012 at 12:40 pmOh I have SO many of these – I live in the white ones!
lisa
July 1, 2012 at 6:00 pmi can’t help but notice how we both are talking about “doubles” of things that we’re obsessed with on our blog posts hahahah.. i have the same thoughts.. “OMGGG I’LL JUST DIE IF THIS RIPS/TEARS/STAINS/BREAKS IF I DON”T HAVE A BACKUP” muhahaha
i’m obsessed with your lace DVF dresses they’re so sexy and ladylike all at the same time!
and i DIE for your pretty pastel pythons!! UGH! they’re so amaze!
Cindy
July 1, 2012 at 8:17 pmI always think this but never end up buying doubles except for those basics that you can’t live without…and maybe a few pairs of shoes
chocolatecookiesandcandies
July 2, 2012 at 11:29 amI had a chuckle reading this. I’m just as bad with buying doubles though admittedly I’ve practised some self restraint when it comes to expensive items. LOL! So glad you caved in and bought the black t-shirt dress. I’m so pleased I didn’t chuck mine out.
hera
July 6, 2012 at 1:00 pmThat’s so sweet of you and your DH! He is cute saying those CL is the most beautiful shoes and now he knows exactly WHY, hahaha this is really cute!
You doubled that DVF dress?! You know I worn it out a few times already and you are right, it is such a men pleaser and now they don’t have sizes anymore. It was smart to stock them all up!
I don’t have doubles but I tend to buy things very similar, like everything look the same. That’s just a preference. I load up massively on plain black and white t-shirts though.
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Jess L
July 10, 2012 at 6:49 pmHi Katherine,
I feel like I’m always playing catch up on my blog readings (and I acquire a few more whenever I fall in love with a blogger that you interview).
Anyway, I am totally guilty of buying multiples (not even 2 but up to 5) or what I call “backups for my backups.” I tend to do this a lot with basic items such as favorite camis, t-shirts, bras and jeans and favorite shoes on some rare occasions. Does owning Le Pliage totes in multiple colors/sizes count too? hehe I keep all my extras in a separate drawer/area and one gets worn/faded I pull out a fresh new one and breathe a sigh of relief. 😀
Can you tell me how the CL Decolletes fit compared to the simple 100’s? I’ve been looking for another pair of neutral, classic pumps and I’d like not to get the nude version of the same. The simple 100’s were the most comfortable out of all the pairs that I had tried on.
~Jess
Katherine
July 10, 2012 at 9:54 pmJ you are too sweet! The Decolletes fit a little bit tighter than the Simples, especially if they are in patent. I go with my “true size” in the Simples, but half a size larger in the Decolletes. Hope that helps!
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