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Do you ever stock up because it will never be available again?

gryffin

Veteran

I was reading Christina's thread on "Culling" which, by the way is fantastic if you haven't read it yet and Liz wrote "if one is good, eight is better." Which got me to thinking about times I've stocked up on an item, particularly one where you know it's availability will be limited. You see an item, it's a trend. You know it will have it's moment and be gone. However, it's something you love and know you would wear even and especially if it wasn't a trend...so you stock up. Has anyone ever done that? My current example would be the Rebecca Minkoff guitar straps. I wear a coach anabelle crossbody bag daily and the narrow strap is very comfortable except with prolonged wear which when I add the guitar strap. Since they are not bag specific I know I'll have them for the forseeable forever (so I needed gold, silver and a fun strap right?) Although having just been on Nordstrom's site it seems they are still going strong: Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Alexander Wang to name a few, so I guess everyone realizes how practical they are but I still anticipate a famine in the future. Anyone else do that with "of the moment" items?

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54 replies

Latest reply was from gryffin

Anonymous

Ha - I would be happy to sell my RM silver studded guitar strap to a good home! It was a complete impulse buy and really a dumb one for me. It's far too long to wear as anything but a cross-body, which I don't do. Kicking myself for that one as it wasn't cheap.

gryffin

Veteran

Lisa - you absolutely have to know yourself!! When I am traveling I wear my bag crossbody. It's perfect for that. Also I wear my bag straps a lot longer than most people since I tend toward bulky layers. Hey, I still have button covers (talk about dating oneself, hello 90's) and would not part with them for the world. Someday I will need them!! Spoken like a true pack rat at heart!! BTW have you tried that strap on a work related tote, computer bag or small luggage tote? I wonder if that would give it a second chic life? Just a thought.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have bought duplicates but I rarely get it right. I have yet to figure that one out. I bought 2 T shirts from J Crew that were golden yellow thinking I would wear the heck out of them. I loved the colour but I hardly wear them. I haven't been impressed with J Crew's quality. I did buy a pair of Paige jeans that I love and wore out. But I didn't duplicate. I kept meaning to buy a second pair. They don't make that style anymore (of course not).
I have bought many Three Dot T shirts and I wear them a lot. So that was successful.

Thistle

Veteran

Nope.

Been burned too many times. Yeah, occasionally a piece I wish I had a duplicate of gets worn to the point I wish I could buy it again.

More often, things sit unworn. Or never worn enough to justify the price.

Also, even basics like tees do change a little with time. So, it's always nice to upgrade to a more current style when something is showing wear than brand new.

gryffin

Veteran

I know style fan and thistle I'm weird like. I think you have to know yourself too. If your style evolves significantly with time any duplication could be a waste. My style imevolves but the aesthetic is very consistent. Like the EF skirted leggings. I'm not sure I can purchase enough before they are gone. Since they may never come again. But it would not bother me if I was the only one who wore them. But I know that's not typical.

Anonymous

YES. Yes, I do. Especially white cotton tee shirts and black pants. No regrets.

gryffin

Veteran

IKR sterling!! It's Liz's "if one is good, eight is better!!"

rachylou

Veteran

Yes, and it's so sad when you are on the last one.

Anonymous

Yep

gryffin

Veteran

That is the worst Rachel out. I should wear my back up Gibson riding jacket but if possible I default to the old one to save it "for good". If I didn't duplicate I'm not sure I'd ever wear the things I really love. Sad but true.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have duplicated more than I care to admit. I did it last year with the LNA cross-strap t-shirts (bought in black and white, and have definitely worn both, but black gets worn more. They're trendy but they are very me, so I'll wear them happily until they wear out.

I also duplicated this sleeveless top -- after wearing and enjoying the blue one, I saw that it became available in burgundy, and was in sale so I snatched it up. It's a distinctive top, but it's such a great simple summer dressier casual item, I couldn't resist.

I've duplicated pants and jeans a lot -- when I find something that works, I say grab it, since I'm not the easiest fit.

LNA V-Neck Strap Detail Cotton Tee

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Trouvé 'Double V' Colorblock Tank

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Tammyb

Oh my gosh that is so true for me- if 1 is good, 8 is great! I like to have a lot of choices. Minimalism attracts me, but I can't seem to pull it off

Liz

Veteran

Well, um, just to be clear and give credit where credit is due, I was actually quoting someone else on the thread who used that catchy phrase! And, in recent years I've come to the firm conclusion that, "If one is good ... wear it, be grateful for it, don't duplicate it. You usually only need one."

(OK, sometimes you need two or three, if it's a building block in your wardrobe.)

gryffin

Veteran

Janet - those are unusual tops and very beautiful. I can see why you duplicated. It's interesting you duplicated!! They are deceptively simple because they are not fussy but arresting and elegant. Enjoy them.
Tammy - I consider myself a minimalist because I like simple generally monochromatic unfussy clothes but that does mean I don't stock up on unusual pieces that I will want forever if that makes any sense.
Liz - too funny. Oscar Wilde said, "steal, and steal boldly!!" Sounds like you have good balance to the quantities you select!!

Greyscale

Veteran

I've been duplicating a few distinctive favorites recently because I know I won't find equivalents in the future. It's a new thing for me and I worry it won't turn out well -- what if I move on before the duplicate is needed? I mean, I've always duplicated basic tees and tanks, but now I'm seriously considering duplicating my most distinctive R13 crossover jeans because they're such a defining wardrobe item for me and they'll wear out eventually.

For me this is a sign that my wardrobe has reached some sort of steady point where I know my tastes and what I'll wear most. I think. We'll see!

gryffin

Veteran

Greyscale - that's exactly what I meant. Like the EF skirted leggings for me. So integral you can't imagine your wardrobe without them and timeless because they are so unique. I do believe we reach individual places of clarity, an assurance sartorially of what compromises "us" and it evolves but I do believe we like what we like. You know if it were me I'd have at least 2 as back up!! Lol!! Are they still making those jeans? I've always admired them.

unfrumped

Veteran

I am trying NOT to duplicate but we might have to review Angie's definitions. I have bought same pants in different color and fabric if I'm going to wear both in season- such as one neutral and one colored.
Now that I think about it , " in season" may be the key word. So if something fits great I might know I'll wear a black version at work and a fun- colored version for casual ( that's a simplified example) for the next 6 months.

I'm finding my feet changing a little each year as to fussy/ fit. , or my eye likes pants fitting little different, or proportions in my tops . So I'm less inclined to feel it's good to have items " in reserve" for when one wears out.
It does have risk. I maybe run a bigger overall wardrobe instead- so I'll have several silhouettes going. I might risk having my current fave black cropped pants give out and not be able to find something similar right away but I feel like I'd rather take that chance m, wear the other items more, & find something new and even different. Or bootcuts.
What I've found is that I've done better trying updated styles ( which also allows for changes in fit with, ahem, small changes in body) in things I have learned work well , PLUS the occasional lucky " break" into a whole new style. Or even color- not crazy changes but just, evolving, maybe even fine- tuning.

Anonymous

I'm here to take credit for my quote

It's an area I struggle with, as sometimes my duplication has been so helpful, and other times wasteful. I probably need to analyze further which is which, to help make better future decisions.

Style Fan

Veteran

Okay this never happens to me. I decided to do a search for the Paige Porter jeans after this post. They are on ebay! Brand new with tags for 1/3 of the price I paid. I will start a post re: this.

Joy

Veteran

I do best if I duplicate in the same color rather than a different one. I have gone through 4 pair of Dr Scholls silver metallic ballet flats and wish I had gotten a couple more pair, but the very same flats in cream and in an ainimal print are not worn nearly as much and still in my closet.
I bought 3 pair of the same Ponte pants in three different colors. The grey one gets all the wear. I wish I'd bought 2 or 3 pair of grey. It takes knowing yourself, as you said.

gryffin

Veteran

Unfrumped - I get it both ways. Little tweaks can be wonderful. Some pieces are more unique than others. I also have foot issues and gave back ups to some of my back up shoes. Foot happiness is key
Delurked - I am happy to give you credit. A girl after my own heart. I am very greedy w my really precious pieces. I hear you on sometimes duplication is wasted and I know this is so wasteful but I'd rather have the "just in case" and donate it then not have a back up. Sad but true
Style fan - lol!! You go girl!! We are with you!! Let us know if you find them!!
Joy - I so agree. It's like "Highlander" "there can only be one". I like identical duplicates except rare things like the guitar straps but I don't expect them ever to wear out. Multiple colors never work for me either

Anonymous

Tell me how you style and wear your EF skirted leggings.I have a pair that rarely get worn.

Christina F.

Veteran

I've done this and have been burned. But I'm also happy having three pairs of Birkenstocks in different colors (two styles), and knowing that a certain cut of Loft pants fit me. I guess the similarity there is that I find both comfortable shoes (flat feet) and pants/jeans hard to find. I've also duplicated a cardi in different colors that I know are basics that hold up well.

On the other hand, I decided I like Lucky Brand tops and now I have too many. They are all a similar vibe, but different styles and colors. Once I decided "boho lite" top was a new style preference of mine, I decided I wanted ALL THE THINGS. I've done a similar thing with waist surrrendering dresses, which I started being willing to wear last year. And with skirts with unique patterns... you get my drift.

So I guess I find duplication of functional items good, but less so of more unique pieces. Then I start the dreaded "splitting my wears," which I wouldn't mind except for my lack of wardrobe space.

I've actually forbidden myself from buying in certain categories now. We will see how tenable that is :p

gryffin

Veteran

Lisa I can pm you photos if you wan but basic premise if top that covers band but stops at least 2 inches above base of skirt. I wear them to work at least twice a week w long blazer. Also any tunic sweatshirt or sweater heavy or light that stops again two inches or mor above skirt but covers waist band. They are work horses for me but it's a look. You have to like the "mini skirt" vibe. Definitely rocking the cake song

gryffin

Veteran

Christina - yes certain duplications are better than others. It's more if you found "the boho lite top, the mother of all tops, would you buy that identical replacement. Because you'd never find it again. But I know what you mean it's delurked's math if 8 bring better than one. It can get you into trouble for sure

Aquamarine

Veteran

I do duplicate, and I'm still figuring out what makes some duplicates successful and others not so much. Just today I was wondering if I should duplicate a distinctive jacket I have. I'd be upset if somehow it got ruined. But will I still be wearing it in five years? So hard to know.

gryffin

Veteran

Aquamarine - that's when you really need to know yourself. I looked for the foreseeable forever before I found the perfect cropped tuxedo jacket by helmut Lang. I bought 2 slightly different. I'm so glad I did. I'd save them for good if I didn't have two. So one stays pristine for events and the other gets loved. But I knew I'd keep that for decades. If you love the hacket that much snd can afford it then you have to decide it you'll still love it. Only you know.

DonnaF

Veteran

I try not to duplicate fashion items, but the one thing I will/do duplicate is my decidedly unfashionable headband/adjustable ginourmous tinted visor with neckstrap. It is huge so even if it's raining my glasses stay dry, the strap keeps it from blowing off in the wind, and I can adjust it up or down. Due to the plastic, I know it will eventually get brittle and snap so I'm on my fourth or fifth or maybe sixth one. I've never seen visors quite so huge so I'm in fear that my local Korean supermarket will stop carrying them.

binkle

Veteran

The short story: I don't buy duplicates of the exact same item (anymore) but I will buy duplicates of a style.

The background: I have bought a duplicate item a few times, but it invariably backfires. I usually don't even use the first item enough to wear it out enough to be replaced. Or, I'm done with the style or fad or whatever, and then I still have a pristine duplicate (with credit card bill to match) looking at me accusingly. I've made plenty of impulse buying mistakes, but duplicating identical items is the worst.

The only times I've successfully duplicated are, first, my beloved wide leg pants, as there are usually long droughts of several years before styles rotate back around. And, a certain type of designer's boot that is the only higher heel I've ever enjoyed wearing.

And even in these cases, I'm old enough to know that there will always be something new in the shops to which I'll say, "Where have you been all my life!"

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