I do sometimes double up on things like tops that need to be washed a lot and I really like. And hats if I find myself wearing one all the time because they tend to get squashed. When I have two I feel more free to wear the first one.

Instead of duplicating you could get these:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....kR6uDjGtPw

I don't duplicate at the time of initial purchase. The closest I've come is if, a season or two later the item is still around and mine looks worse for wear, then I might duplicate. Rare happening. Usually though, I'll just look for a new fun thing the next time around

I have been giving this a lot of thought and your input has really helped.

First, I considered what I have successfully duplicated in my closet. That would be Equipment shirts (in a few colors), Kut ponte skinnies (grey and black), the Joie cashmere tunic (different colors), and Gap BF jeans in different washes. All of these items get (or got) wear, and the skinnies get worn at least once a week each. I consider these "basics" for me.

Next I thought about items I utterly adore that are also workhorses. Those would be the Gidigio boots, the Theory Lanai, and a couple of my cashmere sweaters including the POW! sweater. These are items of which I never tire and dread wearing out. They are part of a uniform for me.

Then I pondered where my style is going. My basics are rarely basic - the Gidigio boots are a good example of *my* basic black boots. Also I have come around to being more narrow minded about my own style again, which is part of the reason I'm struggling with the whole 2014 idea. I have always liked what I like now, and haven't seen a lot that I want, even though I enjoy the thrill of a new item.

Finally I thought about why I love these jeans so. Really it's because they fit a lifelong HEWI that I never even recognized because they didn't exist. I've spent my life combing thrift stores for the perfect comfy best up jeans. Trust me, a million pairs have come and gone. That's why I was so quick to jump on the Gap BF wagon - and thankful because even those have changed since the original ones came out.

I'm not sure whether I will keep the second pair but they clearly fit my uniform and my aesthetic. I was dreading but looking forward to taking these camping and with two pairs I would not have to worry about that kind of wear. I don't know if I will tire of them. I need to think more about whether I've ever tired of items I adored this much. Is it true love or just a flash in the pan?

Thanks for helping me hash it all out as it's a good way to work out where my closet is going and why. Apparently there is more to this decision than just a pair of pants!

Another option

http://www.sassandbide.com/ebo.....her-1.html

Oh love those Anna! Is it crazy that what I love most about these is that they are sweats? I think I'm really a guy. Or as I said to a friend yesterday who couldn't believe they were sweats, maybe I'm giving up in style.

I wouldn't duplicate something as unique as these! I am sure I would get sick and tired! But basics on the other hand I would duplicate. Even handbags and shoes but always in different color.

You need to think about it. Because only you know if you would get bored of it!

ETA: If it was a different wash, I would be the first one to say yay

Another thought - are you only thinking about it because of the mailing error? Would you have gone and bought a second pair on your own right away?
I might go the route of waiting it out, and like Suz said, eBay will be there if you really just have to have another a few months down the road if/when they sell out. Especially at this steep price I'd be inclined to err on the side of caution.

That is a good question, Mo, and my first thought after receiving the original pair was whether I should get a second pair... Weird, huh?

Neel, I guess my eternal dilemma is defining what a "basic" is for me. I still don't feel that is a much represented category in my closet. For example, "stocking up on basics" isn't something I do.

Seems like things you've duplicated have always been in a different color way. . .I would wait to see if those sweats come out in a slight variation like maybe a shade of gray. . . .

I rarely duplicate exactly, although I do sometimes buy 2 different colors or washes of things. I have managed to hunt down exact replacements for certain old favorites by trolling eBay, sometimes years later. My problem is that I can't usually tell until after a while whether something will be a favorite.

Also just adding that sweats may not have the longevity of jeans because they are knit while jeans are a thicker woven. You can probably get an idea of how permanent the print might be by looking at it, but I would consider the washing and how these might look if the print fades or they bag in the knees more.

Una - I am a huge duplicator so take it from whom it comes. Although my style does evolve, I have a very clear aesthetic which is more internally than externally driven. I get the feeling that your core style is very consistent athough from my vantage point, you seem to have a great sense of adventure, fun and experimentation when styles appeal to you which I totally applaud. I think the most telling statement you made was: "Really it's because they fit a lifelong HEWI that I never even recognized because they didn't exist." If something is that perfect within it's niche and you really love it and you can afford to duplicate, I don't think it can be a mistake, but reference that with what I would do. I've never regretted the duplication of anything that was truly central to my style and happiness. That being said, I am sure there in a little voice in your heart. It really knows what you want to do, what makes you comfortable. I would listen to it. That's all that really matters!! good luck, whatever you choose to do is right!!

I never duplicate. But there have been times that I wish I would have. I just never realize how much I love something until I have had it for a while.

I have never successfully duplicated. I tend to fall out of love with the item before I have to reach for the second.

But your mileage may vary for sure. I feel like I am on a much earlier part of my style journey and don;t know myself all that very well yet.

I duplicate on things that are foundations/basics for me...jeans, tees and camis...because I want these items to be clean and ready whenever I need them. At least for me, these are really background items, not the things that people notice and remember when I wear them.

On "style" items I will often replicate in a different color(s)...blouses, shoes, dresses, etc...because I like that they suit my style. These are the items that people notice, so I don't want them wondering why I'm wearing the exact same top or whatever on Thursday that I wore on Monday.

So, I suppose the question I would ask myself would be, "are the pajama jeans foundation/background pieces for me, or are they a "style" item that gets noticed."

A few years ago I found a pair of sandals that fit well, looked good and were comfy enough for long walking, so I doubled up. The first pair are getting a little beat up (from all of the walking), but I am still saving pair #2.
I actually tripled up when I found a pair of pajamas that I liked, but they came in three different colors, so I bought one of each.

This is such an interesting thread. I've duplicated, but usually the color is different. I think for me, I usually like one item better than the other; they are always slightly different in fit. I try not to duplicate anymore since it hasn't worked well for me. I just buy one, and if it works out really well, I might buy another item in another color online before it's gone.