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It was a hard lesson, but duplication doesn't work for me

Anonymous

The idea of duplicating workhorses in your wardrobe makes so much sense. That is until you start running the numbers. I find that I don't wear the duplicate (whether exactly the same style/color or same style/different color) all that often. So all I have done is waste money on a garment I might wear a handful of times. I have proven this with cheap Gap white tee shirts (two of which have never yet been worn) and expensive slacks (that I duplicated in different colors). I wore the original and rarely remembered to wear the duplicate.

This surprises me because the emotional "logic" makes so much sense to me. If I have a favorite, why wouldn't I wear the duplicate as much as the original?

I bring this up for two reasons.

First, I am so happy with my new Kut from the Kloth jeans that I immediately decided that "I should duplicate them ... just in case." Just in case of what? May be I should wear my new jeans more than twice before I make emotional decisions like this?

Second, I noticed on Suz's thread regarding CoH jeans, she had the same issue with a duplicate in another color (taupe jeans). So it is not just me.

Not duplicating something I love is really hard for me because I am a "saver." I love the idea of having a backup in the event the first one becomes unwearable. This seems to be the only way I can give myself "permission" to wear things I love. I am working to overcome this way of thinking without having to buy duplicates to "save in care of ....".

I think this way of thinking goes all the way back to my childhood. My Mother always made us change out of our nicer clothes. Our nicer clothes became "company" and "event" clothes.

I admit I have some work to do to do.

Shopping

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Anonymous

Hi Sterling -- like you, I often buy duplicates. I'm a very picky shopper, and when I find something I like (usually after a long search), I'm so emotionally invested in it that I rationalize buying the duplicate as "insurance." Just as my homeowner's insurance is something I've never had to use, just knowing it's there gives me peace of mind. I don't duplicate every single thing I buy, of course, just the ones that have been the HEWIs. Peace of mind -- priceless!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Bravo. I was nodding along as I read this post, Sterling. I've duplicated too in the past. And yes - doesn't work for me either. I think it may be because I'm a "saver" like you.

Like you, I struggle to wear everything I have all the time. To counter that, I have a new shopping strategy now. I made a list of EVERYTHING that came to my mind about clothes I'd like to wear everyday, all the time. I took into consideration - budget, fabric, fit, colors etc. When I go to shop, I look for just THESE clothes and avoid anything that looks too pretty( and may become less worn as a result). And voila! I now have an excellent, on-trend, comfy but stylish wardrobe that I can wear all the time! I figured - why change the way your mind functions? Why not change the way you shop?

rabbit

Veteran

This has been my experience too. Also by the time the first item wears out, trends may have shifted enough that the duplicate is less current than something I would otherwise buy. If I'm wearing two duplicates at the same time, then both don't wear out for a long time -- usually to the point of looking dated.

I do sometimes buy near duplicates though, although there is some difference between them. I have two pairs of white skinny jeans of similar length -- one is a more optic white, one is more stream-lined/snugger fit -- they fill in for each other when one is (frequently) in the wash, but I also choose between them based on the cut of the tops and other colors I'm wearing that day.

Anonymous

Xtabay -- "Insurance." That was the word I was looking for!!! I have that same mindset, but I am going to try a new approach because insurance didn't work for me all that well.

Maneera -- what a GREAT, GREAT idea. I am going to do that today!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I find that duplicating in the SAME colour works for me. Duplicating in another colour works less well because I always wear the one more than the other.

I have two of those cotton white cropped pullovers. BOTH are workhorses. (In rotation at the same time).

I have two pairs of white KUT BF jeans. BOTH are workhorses. (In rotation at the same time).

I have two black T-necks - and you guessed it - BOTH are workhorses. (In rotation at the same time).

I duplicate the same shoes too (keeping a pair spare though - and do NOT have both pairs in rotation at the same time).

I just realized that all these items are WARDROBE ESSENTIALS. Bingo. That's the key reason to duplicate in my own style.

Sterling, you need to road test items for a while before you decide to duplicate. You need to bottleneck with the item in the laundry - a very good indication! - or wear out the shoes you keep on wearing. That's how I know to duplicate an item.

Shrunken Mock Neck Sweater

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KUT from the Kloth Women's Catherine Boyfriend Jean

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Merino turtleneck sweater

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CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Ankle boot

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Anonymous

Sterling I've come to the same conclusion.
It's incredibly rare that I actually truly wear an item out and I've always been able to find a replacement. Because I wear a small wardrobe over and over, a duplicate might seem to make laundering sense but I try to buy things that are easy to clean and last very well.
It'a a great feeling to find something you really love and I think sometimes what I'm trying to duplicate is that feeling, but it's not a good feeling to be donating not just one, but two of the same item when I'm done with it at the end of the season.

Chris987

Veteran

Loving this topic. Maneera your advice seems very wise....to actually think about the qualities/description of what you are looking for and sticking with that instead of randomly buying things you like. Don't change how your mind works, change how you shop. Perfect!!!

I'm trying to make exactly this change, and the hard part is being very analytical about what you want. I'm making some progress...for example I realized that if the words "cute print" come to my mind about something I should put it down and walk away.

I occasionally duplicate pants in a couple of colors because finding ones that fit is so difficult. But sometimes I'm not 100% sure I like doing it.

I also like Angie's idea of doubling up on exact items you wear a lot..the wardrobe essentials. For me anything white that I want to wear a lot could be in that category because they tend to need laundering after just one wear.

JAileen

Veteran

In winter I wear a long sleeve tee almost every day. I noticed that I looked forward to wearing the charcoal one most. So I bought five more, I think. I wore them every day, and was happy. So it can work out.

El Cee

Veteran

I am a bit like Angie in that I do duplicate certain wardrobe essentials like solid color tees, especially ones that work well for me. I most frequently do this with black, gray and white tees (backbone of my wardrobe). I do not "save" any tees as backup. All are in permanent rotation until they wear out. I also occasionally duplicate shoes (especially black ballet flats and loafers -- another essential for me)… and those I do "save" as backup. I have large feet (size 12) that are rather fussy, and comfy shoes are hard to find. And I sometimes duplicate jeans -- style, but not usually in the same color/wash -- as I pretty much live in denim (again -- another wardrobe essential). If I find a cut/style that works for me, I can enjoy wearing it in other washes and colors and give each of them plenty of love.

Anonymous

Interesting .... because despite the fact I wrote a post saying it doesn't work for me, I do duplicate a lot. I had forgotten about shoes. Like El Cee, I have difficult feet. When I find shoes that fit, I definitely duplicate those.

I too love Angie's idea of doubling up on exact items you wear a lot..the wardrobe essentials. This does make perfect sense. Jaileen's idea of duplicating charcoal long sleeve tee shirts makes sense to me too.

So maybe I need to rethink this strategy. Perhaps I was duplicating incorrectly and an adjustment needs to done.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I love duplicates. Thank for your thought process. As a matter of fact I just bought 2 more of the same top. I found in a local mall. I do this with denim because I work in jeans. I've had beautiful jeans I've purchased only to go back and purchase them again and they stopped making them.

Staysfit

Veteran

I am definitely a duplicator. I duplicate in the same color and in different colors. Items I duplicate most have been jeans, basic layering tops like white and grey tees and turtlenecks, and finally I have multiple of my favorite j crew cashmere long leave crew neck sweater and equipment slim signature sleeveless silk top. The last two are in multiple colors. I wear my duplicates. I wait to duplicate an item until I see that the item is something that I reach for frequently and or will create a wardrobe bottle-neck. I think this is a very personal situation and would vary on your needs.

jill58

Veteran

Sterling, I too have found the same thing--in fact I did it this winter with a dress. I bought it in black--loved it--so, decided to buy it in green. I have yet to wear the green and probably never will. I have also duplicated in the exact same color and for the most part, like you I wear the original while keeping the duplicate, "just in case." The only time any of this seems to make sense for me is with workout clothing where duplicates go into immediate rotation. Last summer I actually bought one style of sandals in three (THREE!!!!) different colors. I wore the original pair all summer.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Angie is onto something.

But...wait for it. Here I am going to confess, I actually asked YLF advice way back, should I duplicate my blue Racer jeans?

And Angie said not to.

This may be the only time you will ever hear me disagree with her advice for me, because she's never been wrong before and I doubt if she ever will be again!

I think I know why she said what she did, though. She was probably paying attention to the fact that I like to ensure my jeans capsule is fresh and updated; she knew that rises and styles come and go; and she (correctly) surmised that I might want a denim refresher. So why duplicate an older style?

What she couldn't know is just how perfect (for me) the fit and fabrications of this particular jean is. It's like the fantasy jean you always dreamed of but could never ever find in your entire life and then *bingo* there it is -- the jean you put on and always feel great in, no matter what you are doing .

But guess what? That fantasy jean is blue, not taupe!! So I, like a dummy, bought the taupe!!!

Oh well. Live and learn.

In fact, I do sometimes duplicate with great success either in same colour or different colour. LIke Angie, I just ensure the item is truly a wardrobe essential before I make that purchase. Some of the much-worn duplicates in my closet below.

Linen boatneck tee

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Linen boatneck tee

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Linen boatneck tee

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Vince Boatneck Tee

Sale

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Vince Boatneck Tee

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Linen drapey drawstring pant

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Linen drapey drawstring pant

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Camo boyfriend roll-up shorts

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Boyfriend roll-up shorts

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Vince Camuto Midi Tube Skirt (2 for $69)

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Vince Camuto Women's Cafe Stripe Midi Tube Skirt

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Vince Camuto Midi Tube Skirt (Regular & Petite)

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Anonymous

Suz -- it was your post on the Racer jeans that got me thinking about duplicates. A question for you. Does the J Crew linen boatneck tee shirt show your bra straps?

Anonymous

I love duplicates! I have duplicated the NYDJ ponte trousers (2 pairs charcoal + 2 pairs navy) I need for work and the jeans (2 pairs dark wash + 1 pair chambray + 1 pair soft white) I wear on weekends. I have also duplicated a drapey knit jacket (1 light navy + 1 purple + 1 charcoal) that is a fantastic 3rd piece for my cold offices. Lastly, I have duplicated a sheath dress I love (1 purple + 1 navy). I wear all of these items a lot & really don't care if people notice I'm duplicating or not. What's the difference between my duplicates & those of an executive who duplicates dress shirts or a person who wears t-shirts all the time? I sort of doubt that people pay that much attention. I switch up my tops, shoes & jewelry so it doesn't look like I'm wearing the same stuff all the time. I'm sort of a uniform dresser. I just don't wear suits. The reason I've duplicated these items is because of perfect fit, versatility and comfort. I do, however, understand why duplication would not work for everyone. It doesn't always work for me.

Gigi

Veteran

Good post...it makes us think.

I have to be extremely careful with duplicates. I need to go back over my spreadsheet of item wears and check to see exactly how often I am wearing them now. When I first started getting my wardrobe together, I was a duplicator, and I think that that was necessary then, since I didn't have a whole lot to wear! I know that I wear duplicates of wardrobe essentials (long- and short-sleeved t-shirts) quite a bit, simply because they go with everything, and I often don't have much else to pair with a particular bottom. I have discovered that when I do duplicate, I need to buy the items in contrasting colors or patterns (for instance, one light and one dark, or one solid and one patterned). If I buy two light ones or two dark ones, I am sunk, because they are more or less interchangeable in my mind.

Now that my wardrobe is more well stocked, I do need to revisit the idea of duplicates. I did duplicate a top in December (a spring/summer top), both in dark colors (I made an exception for two darks because I knew that the black top would be very versatile, but there was a teal that I HAD TO HAVE). It will be interesting to see how that one works out (it's been too cold to wear them lately).

I can relate to having childhood experience affect duplicating. We didn't go shopping much, and I was very hard to fit, so when I found something that worked, we duplicated, in twos or even in threes. This was how Mom shopped for everyone, not just me, so it's how the entire family is. I never thought of duplicates as "back-ups," since I wore all the duplicates at the same time out of necessity (otherwise I would have had nothing to wear), but I can relate to the feeling of safety that it brings to have an item in duplicate.

Sally

Veteran

I have success with duplicates because I really only duplicate the basics like Angie does. I have piles of black leggings because I go through them and wear them out. I also have a black singlets that I have duplicated and I think I might buy more.

There are things I wish I had duplicated. I love black pointed flats and twice I"ve bought a pair and worn them until they are scuffed etc and I can't wear them anymore and then I have trouble looking for a replacement. I don't like ballet flats. I like the pointed ones that are quite open on the side and sometimes they are really hard to find so I think I should stock pile them when I get a good pair because I know I will wear them with everything.

Anonymous

My mother used to make 2 or 3 dresses for me from the same pattern but with different fabric. This was only done with the dresses that flattered and that I loved. I never minded or even thought twice about it.

LaPed

Veteran

I'm on Team Duplicate, actually. Too many times I've found the *perfect* X and not been able to find a replacement when the item reaches the end of its life. I'm not a hoarder and my wardrobe is relatively small. I duped a pair of jeans earlier this year because the price was so good and the fit perfect. I overdyed the second pair with a soft black, so they're a nice blue-black now (the original pair is dark indigo). These jeans form the backbone of my dressy-casual capsule so its nice to have a little functional variety (and now all my old black jeans are shorts or crops, because the dyed pair is a suitable replacement).

I also have *lots* of duplicate breton tops, several brands, because they're such a staple for me. They're what I wear when I don't want to think, so it's nice to have enough colors to go with anything in my wardrobe. Nice to have different weights for different seasons and more layering options.

I think duplicates can work well for those who tend toward uniform/signature dressing. There was a time in my life when I would have gotten bored with the repetition, but right now quick and effortless is where I want to be!

Joyce B

Veteran

I agree with La Pedestrienne that sometimes having duplicated items can be a relief as they make dressing easier. They do take a little of the magic away from the initial item and you need to decide on them before they run out of merchandise.
I have successfully duplicated layering turtle necks, which I wear. I also duplicated my ponte pants and some booties but I only wear the originals on those. Sometimes it works for me and sometimes not.

Penny

Veteran

Interesting thread - I agree that duplicating may not make sense for everyone or all items. My favorite items to duplicate are beloved jewelry (e.g., the simple silver abstract studs I wear almost daily) and shoes, because those are the items for which I most appreciate "insurance" or expect to have difficulty replacing when they wear out.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sterling, you asked: "Does the J Crew linen boatneck tee shirt show your bra straps?"

My answer -- no. But I think you would need to try it on. Because I have square wide (not broad) shoulders so a lot of fabric is taken up with those. Someone with a more sloping shoulder line might be bothered by slippage.

Mine are a couple of years old now, also, and they may have altered the cut; I haven't checked. I guess that is another point in their favour -- they are wearing very well. I wear mine a lot. I always wear a cami under the white one but the darker ones I can wear without.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I tend to duplicate, but have made mistakes shopping this way. With some exceptions, I almost never wear the duplicate item as much. And if I wait too long to duplicate something (after deciding it is a real workhorse), it can be hard to find.

Bonnie

Veteran

I have duplicated with success. I have a hard time finding tees I like, so I tend to buy several in different colors. I will also duplicate tees in the same color when traveling so I can wear the same topper and pants several times with a clean tee.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have had success and failures with duplication. Duplicating the *exact* item has been more successful for me than duplicating in a different color. It is also more successful for me when I go ahead and use both in rotation (don't save one) so that I don't have a laundry bottleneck (meaning I will wear the item I love more often) and I don't save it to the point of it no longer being a style I want to wear.

This has made it easier for me to get dressed because I tend to pick favorites on many days when I'm feeling indecisive (okay, most days are this way) - having 2 of my favorites allows me to wear them more often.

ETA: things I duplicate most are jeans, shorts, simple tees as these are my most worn items.

Anonymous

I can't think of a time when I've had a failed duplication. This is probably because the things I duplicate are the things that I wear a lot. Like Angie, I don't want bottlenecks in the laundry.

Roxanna

Veteran

I am queen of duplicates - my motto used to be 'if the shoe (or top or dress) fits, buy it in every colour!'

I think this is because I am drawn to the ease of uniform dressing and I favour abundance in my wardrobe. This used to be even more true as i loved colour - I literally have 10 of the same skirts, 15 of the same sweaters, 10 of the same blouses and 8 of the same shoes in my closet in a rainbow of colours that I used to pair together based on my colour mood. But as i am moving more to neutrals now, I don't buy as many duplicates.

I also found, like you, I was buying duplicates as 'insurance' ('what if I never find this perfect an item again?!') that I rarely wore. I am more careful about duplicates now and don't automatically reachj for them as I used to.

cheryl

Veteran

I am a fan of duplicating. In fact last summer i bought the same top in three colors and it just so happens it was three different shades of green. Olive, emerald and lime. Pretty funny when I think about it. They all got equal wear because they were so comfortable and I always felt good in them.

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