Sale PSA: A cashmere crop mockneck from Everlane, now $70, a pretty ruched floral silk dress from Veronica Beard, now 40% off, and a versatile puff sleeved top from Madewell, now under $35
I’ve been trying hard to kick a habit recently. Which is buying backups. Do you do this? With things you really, really love?
One of my friends does this, but with makeup. She’s a mommy friend and so I brought my kids over for a playdate and then we went upstairs, and WHOA! Her vanity was a heaven of Muji acrylic boxes. She admitted to buying backups OF backups of favorite makeup products, which kind of makes sense, given that many of mine have been discontinued. But I was saying that I don’t do that, I kind of just use my stuff up and then am sad when they don’t make it anymore, and then she was like wow, I admire your willpower, and I was like just wait, because well, my closet…
For example – these Everlane street shoes. I liked this black/white version they made so much that I bought two! Because it went on sale! And actually I’ve worn my first pair so much that I kind of…might need the other soon? The one I’ve been wearing is on the left, you can see how much dingier it is. So maybe it was good I had a backup? Now I’m confused.
I recently had to make myself NOT buy another one of these Baggu fanny packs (reviewed here). Okay I know it may not look super hot but it’s actually VERY good. I use it all the time. They were discontinuing the yellow and I liked the yellow so much that I wanted to get a backup! But…I resisted…it’s a freaking fanny pack!
Something I do regret not buying multiples of: a perfect eyelet Aritzia dress. To this day I have not found a better sundress but mine is all faded and no longer wearable. I washed it too many times. I’m also bigger (aka fatter). At the time I had even THOUGHT of this, I was like, “I should buy a size bigger for the future,” but then dismissed it as justifiably crazy. But really, I wish I did. But I suppose if I always did that then I’d have a whole closet full of regrets as well.
Okay – what about you? Do you ever buy backups? Like the identical item in the same color, just because you like the first one so much? I want to hear them all – the Zella leggings and perfect Madewell white t-shirts yes but also hopefully some other goodies? Please share!
37 Comments
Jaime
September 30, 2019 at 8:46 amI buy back ups – especially of shoes that I know that I will be unable to find when I need a new pair, (a favorite pairs it he Marc Fisher Zala pump with the brocade bee print, the Zella leggings (of course!), and my favorite black pants. Also, I have three of an Equipment silk shirt with a distinctive insect pattern on it that will never be seen again. I think it’s wise and I applaud you for it!
Jaime
September 30, 2019 at 8:47 amcorrection – “a favorite pair IS THE…”
Ariel
September 30, 2019 at 8:50 amI do buy backups for something I really like and enjoy using and it goes on sale. I limit it to only high-street price point though. Some staple pieces like your perfect jeans or perfect black skirts I think it totally makes sense. 😉
heebie-geebie
September 30, 2019 at 9:18 amI buy back ups, because I’m neurotic: if I have a unique beloved item, I’ll adopt a scarcity mentality where I can’t wear it for fear of wearing it out on insufficiently special occasions, which is so transparently dumb that I don’t know what to say, but there you have it. If I buy the back up, then I feel much freer to enthusiastically wear the first version as much as I want.
SBRNYC752
September 30, 2019 at 9:31 amThis! Exactly!
Brook
October 1, 2019 at 2:46 pmI second this. My problem exactly. I am trying to get better about just wearing the item and enjoying it for what it is but a back up makes this so much easier!
SBRNYC752
September 30, 2019 at 9:30 amFore sure. Otherwise, I find I don’t wear the original item because I’m afraid of ruining it/wearing it out. I have 6 (?) pairs of my favorite Athleta pants that I wear to work, at one point I had 6 pairs of my favorite Cole Haan bow flats (back when CH was still great) and wore through almost all of them. I have one pristine pair still in box. My favorite Kit and Ace scarf, Aritzia tencel tee, Uniqlo Heat Tech and fleece pieces. I almost bought a back up of my favorite Patagonia puffy jacket when it went on sale but held back ONLY bc space is so tight in my NYC apt as is. Oh and running shoes! Favorites for which I haven’t sprung for backups I annoyingly avoid wearing which defeats the purpose. Ugh.
Anna
September 30, 2019 at 10:19 amI do buy multiples/backups. Part of it is just sticking to what works and simplify things. I have four pairs of my favorite ballet flats: two in black and two in nudes. I have three pairs of my favorite jeans – I was so disappointed when my last favorite was discontinued and I didn’t have a backup. I also buy multiples of my favorite shirts. Different colors/prints of my favorite dress cut. I know I’ll never reach the day when I can wear the same thing for work every day but I’m all for simplying by sticking to what works.
Julia
September 30, 2019 at 10:36 amI bought two (!) backups for my classic flat black quilted Chanel pumps. However, as I have limited self-control I am rotating all three – so they are disintegrating more slowly, but at the same rate! Do you think it is better to use up your first pair, and move on to the back up? I just don’t think I have the self control for that.
Sharon
September 30, 2019 at 10:57 amI buy backups of favorite makeup items, like your friend. Mainly my favorite mascara and eye pencils. I have done the same for my favorite black Eileen Fisher pants, and various t-shirts and tank tops. All black and white…you can never have too many!
MJ
September 30, 2019 at 11:12 amI generally do not buy backups but when I love something then I look to see if they have it. If it’s in stock I buy it again. If not, I’ll peruse eBay to see if a new / good used quality item is available.
One thing I buy backups of is running shoes. I’m a marathoner and I have a pair that has been my work horse. These shoes are unlikely to go extinct soon as they are a classic but I stock up when I see a sale.
Isabelle
September 30, 2019 at 12:01 pmJust a thought, regarding your eyelet dress have you considered dying it or having it copied? If it’s black it’s easy to have the colour ‘refreshed’, either at home with a pack of Dylon or at a good dry-cleaners. Just be aware that synthetics so not take colour as well as natural fibres, and the stitching is often polyamide.
Alternatively have a dressmaker copy it, I did it with a perfect vintage 1950’s cotton dress and have enjoyed having it remade in a variety of colours and weights, with a little variation in the hem and sleeve lengths too.
I second the buying of dupes of basics with a perfect fit, also when it comes to cheap earrings! Then when you inevitably lose one
you can still use the other three….
Also great with underwear. Buy 10 of the pair you always pick first and ditch the rest.
Katherine
October 3, 2019 at 10:03 amI love this idea! I would love to find a local dressmaker
Sherry Frantz
October 11, 2019 at 2:23 amGood alterations folks are many times tailors who can copy dresses
Katherine
October 11, 2019 at 10:07 amThank you Sherry!
Diane W.
September 30, 2019 at 12:09 pmI buy back-ups/multiples of items I know I’ll wear a lot. When I find jeans that fit, I buy multiple pairs….enough to be able to wear them 2 seasons (or possibly even longer). As a “uniform” dresser it totally makes sense. This past spring, I bought new jeans in skinny leg, straight leg and full leg styles. All in multiples of 4 each. I also sometimes buy two of a specific tunic, sweater or shirt I like, but it’s nothing compared to my perceived need to have a good supply of jeans that fit.
Leslie
September 30, 2019 at 12:10 pmI don’t buy backups although I’m appreciating the practicality of it! I don’t with skincare/makeup ’cause I fear it will expire before I get to it, and just haven’t with shoes and clothes because I wear them to destruction or boredom and have moved on to something else I guess. But I’ll buy different colors of something that works, like clothes, bags, and shoes, just not at the same purchase, does that count? LOL!
Also, Kat, your shoes look great, I really had to look more closely to see the difference between the worn from the unworn. You take good care of your things, clearly!
Just read a money tip yesterday that when you buy something, take the same amount of the purchase and put it in savings, so I guess the backup goes to the savings account instead of the closet? I wonder if that can be a workable strategy for me? 🙂
MARTI EMBORG
September 30, 2019 at 1:11 pmI buy backups of my favorite Topshop t-shirts and I’ve bought many backups of black and white converses. I don’t know if that qualifies as a backup or a repurchase? I mean since I always have a pair on deck ready to replace a pair that gets worn out I would say it is a backup. Same with Lululemon leggings. They tend to discontinue certain colors and seasonal styles and I have sadly bought multiple backups (tags still on to this day…).
Katherine
September 30, 2019 at 8:41 pmWow! I am loving all the discussion! Anyone who said they are neurotic and/or has backups with tags hanging in the closet, I am right there with you..
Diane W.
September 30, 2019 at 10:37 pmMichelle Oka Doner is an artist who is well-known for wearing a specific dress that she has in various fabrics. https://lorriegrahamblog.com/michele-oka-doner-artist-and-that-dress/
The dress probably looked fashion forward when she found the original and the style still looks amazing on her. It’s often referred to as “that dress”……many articles have been written about it.
Elizabeth Brooks
October 1, 2019 at 4:04 amI buy “semi-backups” on almost everything I love, for instance I have the same Joseph wool skirt in three colors as it’s a fall/winter staple for me. And yep, I have some full-on duplicates of things that are uniform pieces for me: the perfect inexpensive ribbed turtleneck from Three Dots (I have three); my favorite black silk shirt (also three); Everlane silk tanks (three again! these go under all my suit jackets); two identical pairs of Weitzman 50/50 boots, one that’s a beater pair and one that’s dressier (I found them on sale, too, and the prices on these keep going up).
This isn’t as crazy as it sounds, especially with the silk stuff – because it’s fairly delicate, if I accidentally get a spot on a piece, I like having a clean backup. I tend to always be rushing to a meeting, and nothing is more frustrating than planning an outfit and finding a piece isn’t clean, or is out for cleaning. Duplicates have honestly made my life easier and it’s worth it.
Christina
October 1, 2019 at 4:40 amI definitely collect multiples/backups – especially sweaters and black pants. If I find the perfect sweater that fits just right, I’ll usually pick up several in different colors. I have several copies of my favorite black pants. My most unique backup is my favorite Hermes Trim II handbag. Hermes stopped making this style years ago so I search on the secondary market. I’m probably the only person in the world still carrying them. I have three in different colors – and I’m always looking to add more! It’s an obsession.
ALISA GABRIEL
October 1, 2019 at 8:38 amI only buy some multiples of things that are timeless, such as the perfect silk-cashmere and silk-cotton sweaters from Banana Republic. They are inexpensive so I know they won’t last forever and I don’t feel guilty about having the backups.
I still regret not buying a duplicate of a favorite white sleeveless pique cotton top. You would think it would be easy to find something similar — it’s just a cotton tank top for heaven’s sake — but it’s not. Somehow it’s the combination of the fabric weight, the detailing, and the fit that makes it perfect, and I have found alternatives but they’re just not the same.
Totally get it re: shoes. I have two pairs of Hermes Kennedy loafers (one black, one red) and hope to wear them forever. Also multiples of Bolides, but that’s another story!
Anonymous
October 1, 2019 at 10:11 amAbsolutely! If I love something I’ll repurchase in multiple colors, it just makes getting dressed for work so much easier. I have 3 Everly camisolesI tend not to buy duplicates of casual wear because I like to experiment with new trends.
Anonymous
October 1, 2019 at 10:16 amOops, I prematurely submitted my last reply. I was trying to say that Aritzia is one of my favorite places for workwear because they release the same designs in seasonal colorways every season (sometimes with slight changes). Some of my favorites are the Modesto trouser, the Conan pant, and the Arjun knit top. Personally, duplicates are very practical for my lifestyle.
Katherine
October 3, 2019 at 10:03 amI looked up the Arjun and now want to order!
Winnie
October 1, 2019 at 6:11 pm100% backups, especially if it’s an item where it took me to find THE perfect one. Ex. found the perfect block heel, pointy toe, perfect nude shade pumps which took me YEARS of searching to find. Now I’m regretting not getting a backup because it’s sold out everywhere! This is something I’ll surely wear for years to come and I’m upset that my current pair will eventually disintegrate.
I have 4 pairs of white jeans (2 of the exact same pair), 3 pairs of black pants, the same sweater in 5 colors because it pairs perfectly with leggings. Lets not even start on the shoes that I have backups of. I have a problem! Once I find that holy grail item that I love, I can’t let go.
Anonymous
October 1, 2019 at 7:04 pmWhat sweater please?
Katherine
October 3, 2019 at 10:10 amYeah I want to hear about all of these!
Jaime Stephens
October 2, 2019 at 11:23 amI completely forgot that I have six (yes, six!) pairs of identical Sara Campbell slim black pants. I can wear them all four seasons and I do!
Patricia
October 2, 2019 at 1:55 pmThis thread of replies gave me life! I feel justified and I am not alone. I buy multiples and always will!
Diane w
October 2, 2019 at 8:26 pmMe, too!
Jane
October 4, 2019 at 6:10 amSo glad I’m not alone! I buy backups and multiples all the time! I try to be thoughtful about it and consider whether I will really “wear our” something. But I also acknowledge that I like what I like and my tastes don’t change. And sometimes items are useful and well worn and I want to keep wearing it. I actually have had luck on the RealReal with finding back up items.
Pret a Porter P
October 15, 2019 at 4:07 pmI definitely buy multiples especially of very basic core items, like tees and underwear.
But rarely do “back ups.” I’ve done it for headphones, sneakers (my current pair were getting increasingly trashed, style was discontinued, so I found a pair on ebay). I’m not buying backups of fragrances anymore. I have a 10 year old discontinued massive bottle of Dior cologne. And since finding a “replacement” from another brand, I have a travel size that I use and bought a back up full size bottle last year that is still in its box. Now Sephora runs their sales much more frequently, that there was no need to “rush” it.
There’s shoes that are getting very worn down that I wish I had a back up of, but it’s not like I’m going to be naked and barefoot when the time comes to throw them out. And then I will find something new even if it takes months, years, or live without it.
Katherine
October 16, 2019 at 8:50 pmJust wanted to say HI! I miss your blog!
Rachel Bee
January 2, 2020 at 3:41 pmHaha Yay I can finally comment!
I literally will never run out of my favorite face powder, probably not my favorite blush either. In fact, I’ve been thinking lately I should toss the stockpile as it’s getting old since they were discontinued years ago 🙁
I have my favorite pair of blondo ankle boots in at least 4 colors – maybe more.
I would definitely stock up on my favorite wine if we had more space in our condo…
I’m not stocking up on any more clothing items after I bought a ton of some (zella leggings – I probably had a dozen identical pairs), then after kids I found other brands/styles to be more comfortable so now I’ve given all but one away.
Rena
December 10, 2022 at 8:46 pmI AM the back up queen. I have 6 back up hand creams, 2 eye serums etc. I searched for a year to find a back up of a discontinued perfect neutral everyday sandal.(I bought 2 extra )I have 8 pairs of havaiianas, I just bought 3 of the exact same Ann Taylor t shirt. Denim… my ass is literally covered The new ts are perfect. (Probably not as perfect as Michael stars shine in black) all my tops are black with 5%white or gray. I’m a 30 year veteran stylist, designer, retail merchandiser. And I’ve learned they run out of stuff and will NEVER make it again. If you think you can find a next favorite once your current favorite gets shabby… unlikely. I prefer to save a little stress and just get an extra. I mean it’s not like we are talking about 10s thousands. It’s just a few hundred for a little piece of mind that if you catch a snag or fall into some bleach, you have a ready made back up plan. No fast dashing to the store desperately trying to find a product that will always be inferior to your favorite ❤️ don’t even get me started on back up Publix groceries from the bogos. All is rotated. All is current, all is eaten 💛