Updated edit: A revelation, of a sort

I had destroyed a bunch of tops, and decided I needed new tops. So I bought some new (and new to me) tops.

Then I didn't wear many of the newly acquired tops. So I decided I needed MORE tops.

What I have finally realized is that I don't need "more tops". I just need to clone my most favorite tops. That way, I would have a top to wear when my favorite tops are in the laundry. I would also have a top to wear when the inevitable happens and I destroy a favorite top.

I've realized that I keep buying tops because I don't have enough tops in the cuts and shapes and colors and fabrics that I love, and I keep trying to find more of the shapes and cuts and colors and fabrics I like.

What a waste of energy and money! I should just get smart and find a talented seamstress who is also a pattern maker so I can have her create exact duplicates of my favorite tops.

Thank heaven I don't have this problem with my bottom half. Pants and jeans are much easier. Give me a skinny jean or a legging and I'm happy. (Of course, it's not quite that simple, but it's nowhere near as hard as finding tops.)

Now, I suppose I need to begin the hunt for a talented seamstress.

Edited to add the 3 tops I would start with.

The first is a tunic that I have had to relegate to lounge wear. The shape of it is just so loose and comfortable. The length is almost dress length on me, which makes it a pretty good companion for leggings. I also am in love with what it says on the side: I feel infinite. The fabric would be a problem, since it has been relegated to lounge wear because of teeny tiny holes.

Up next is a strange one. It is a linen and wool blend by Young Fabulous & Broke. This one needs a duplicate because I reach for it so often that I often find it isn't there because it is in some stage of the laundry cycle. This one could possibly be found on Ebay or some other site, but I would have to get lucky.

Last is my doo.ri top that I already ruined and replaced once (thank heaven for yoox!). The fabric seems good when I look at it and feel it, but both shirts developed small holes. This one I most definitely want to have clones made, but maybe in a better fabric. It doesn't drape, it has a bit of structure to it especially in the back, so a thicker, richer cotton knit should be fine.

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by cindysmith

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UNDER.LIGNE By DOO.RI Top

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5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear Cindy, having items custom-made sounds ideal - but it's not without risk and disappointment. I've have items custom-made, and was unhappy with all of it. And it was pricey too.

That said, you might be lucky, and the results are stellar. So my fingers are crossed for you!

Duplicate when you find the right top

Jaime

Veteran

And also duplicate as possible when you do find the right top. I totally relate to: I keep buying tops because I don't have enough tops in the cuts and shapes and colors and fabrics that I love, and I keep trying to find more of the shapes and cuts and colors and fabrics I like.

DonnaF

It's hard to find dupes when you thrift, right? Or even when you buy new, they can switch country of manufacture or fabric content so that it doesn't quite fit or hang the same. I should be grateful that I rarely destroy clothing and that mine lasts FOREVER because I have soft water, a cold dryer, and weather so cool that I rarely sweat I mean perspire.

christy

I’m quick to duplicate a top in a different color when I find one I love - especially layering tops to go under jackets because they are tricky for me to find. Sometimes I find the duped one doesn’t get worn as much, but often I’m very glad I did invest in the second one. Last NAS I bought a white v-neck top to wear under jackets that fit so beautifully that I quickly ordered the black as well. Both have been workhorses. On the other hand, I just donated the grey version of a different black v-neck top that didn’t get worn as frequently...so it can go both ways.

BrieN

I have found eBay to be my friend in this situation. I can often find a favorite item for sale a season or more after I purchased the original.

Jane

I’m nodding with you, I’m sure duplicates is the answer. But the problem with that is that you need to know it’s a workhorse before it isn’t in the shop anymore. I’m agreeing with Angie on the seamstress experience.

Cardiff girl

Jane has articulated the dilemma exactly.By the time you know you love it ,it’s not on sale anymore.But maybe identify what it is about the top you like and try and find something similar the next time.

Style Fan

Duplicating seems like an obvious solution but as others have pointed out there are all kinds of reasons why that might not work. I understand why people wear uniforms.

Bijou

Yes - destroying tops and trying to find replacements is a relentless quest for me too. Sometimes it is just the subtle things that make all the difference too. There is a certain cut that works on me and even a slight variation can cause the whole think to not work.. I just find tops and knits quite tricky to replicate.

nemosmom

Ha! I totally relate to this! Even when I duplicate, I find I wear/wash only ONE of the duplicates and “save” the others so they don’t get trashed! Then, I buy MORE tops so I don’t dip into my backup pile. Can’t win!

cindysmith

I'm in the midst of yet another work week from Dante's seven circles of he!!, so I don't have the luxury of time for individualized responses. That doesn't mean that I'm not reading every comment and chewing on all the ideas and commiseration, because you lot always give me such good suggestions and such a sense of solidarity in the face of fashion's inevitable cycles.

I have 3 tops that I know for a fact are serious workhorses. Like, these are the same 3 tops that I reach for again and again, and have done so for years and years. These are the 3 I would want to duplicate. The trick would be finding the right fabric, for sure.

I'll edit the post to include the three tops I am talking about, because they are definitely relevant to the discussion. There was a fourth, a MM6 yop that I loved loved loved, but thanks to a major oil stain it is no longer with me so I would have to hunt for an exact dupe for a seamstress to use for a pattern, because guessing would likely lead to dissatisfaction.

Anonymous

Yes to that! I need a shoemaker to dupe my hardworking favorites

Stagiaire Fash

This is going to sound silly, but how about a little note in your wallet for a while? You can only buy tops if they meet the style, color, and other criteria on the note.

Good luck!

Ginger

Is it possible to buy duplicates online from eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, or similar resale sites?

I sew a lot. I think I'm pretty good. It's quite hard to make duplicate garments that fit and feel exactly the same.

Also, taking a pattern from an existing garment is a pretty esoteric skill. It's not commonly done, and doing it well is even harder. It's very hard to take a good pattern from a garment that has been worn, because the shape changes and distorts. It's extremely hard to do that with a knit, because moreso.

I'm not trying to be discouraging here, I'm just thinking about why I wouldn't like to try this even for myself. If you DO want to pursue it, the good thing is that it's not something you need a local person for. Since no fitting is involved, in theory everything can be done by mail.

RobinF

Don’t you hate it when a favorite bites the dust? I’m agreeing with both the pros and cons of duplication, it can go both ways. And I find myself doing the same as you, buying what I hope will be a new favorite. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t. Sorry no solution for you, just commiseration.

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