If you love it, buy it twice? 😍
Style tip 👉 When you find something that fits well and that you wear often, buy it in another color. 😆 I’m not embarrassed to admit that I still do this with a few of my most often-worn basics.
jacket (similar) | sweater | charm necklace | lariat necklace | bracelet | jeans | sneakers
A casual cashmere sweater
I’ve probably purchased this J.Crew crewneck in half a dozen colors over the last three years. It’s one of the few casual cashmere sweaters I’ve found that’s not too long for me, and it’s lightweight so I can wear it well into Spring. The fit is relaxed enough to do a French tuck, without being oversized. This bright, warm green is one of my very best (and very favorite) colors! 💚
Is it the highest quality cashmere on the market? No, but it washes well and retains its shape, and doesn’t pill any more than some pricier sweaters I’ve owned. (And this sweater comb takes care of those.) These cashmere sweaters are only discounted occasionally, so I’ll always try to give you a heads up when they are.
I’m wearing size Small.
I bought this fuzzy trucker jacket from Banana Republic just about a year ago, thinking it would be a “novelty” piece. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that I wore it almost daily for months. It just seems to go with everything! And it’s warm, but not too warm for mild Spring weather.
It’s now sold out, but I found a few on Poshmark. And here are some similar styles:
Details…
I mentioned in my weekend newsletter that I am absolutely smitten with these new French Kande FK Petite necklaces. They layer easily but look good worn singly too. What I love about that adjustable lariat necklace is that it clips in place, so you can “set it and forget it.” Both necklaces are also available in silver.
I decided that my home manicures will only get better if I practice. 😂 Nail color is Chanel “Gitane.”
I’ve been waiting for years for Vince to offer these sneakers in a warm brown. Last fall they finally added one in tan suede which I snapped up, and more recently this croc-embossed leather in a yummy caramel. These are just as comfortable, and a perfect for when I want a more refined look than the suede. (I’d suggest ordering ½ size down from your usual shoe size.)
Do you ever buy items in multiples?
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If I find something I really like I will buy two of that item, not necessarily in different colors but the exact same thing.
I am smitten with Kettelwell Colours. My color consultant recommended them as it is almost impossible to find my tonal warm colors most of the year. I straddle spring and autumn, but lean toward autumn. I now own multiples of several of their styles that suit my color & style. Since I’m shopping entirely on line these days its nice that shipping (orders over $100) and all returns are free. I’ve had to return some styles that haven’t worked for me but I have had more successes than disappointments. And when I love an item I buy multiple colors. Their inventory is very low right now. They cut back last year due to the uncertainty of the market during the pandemic but we are told the spring summer collection coming out in March will be big. I recommend them to anyone who has trouble finding their flattering colors.
Last time I checked their shipping/returns to the USA were sadly kind of burdensome. I will go and look to see if that’s changed!
They’ve changed their policies! Flate rate shipping of $20 for orders under $100. Free shipping for orders over $100. And returns are free. I am dying for some of their summer colors that I cannot find anywhere else.
Lisa how do you find Kettlewell sizes compared to US sizes. I am interested in ordering from them.
I haven’t ordered from them yet! The shipping and returns were too much before. Maybe Sue knows?
Hi Lisa, I’ve only purchased a couple of jackets and tops. I find the jackets run TTS, and the tees run TTS but are (mostly) a snug fit. If you want more oversized on tees, I’d suggest sizing up. Quality is excellent, IMO.
I own several of the JCREW Tippi merino wool pullovers in different colors. They are a workhorse in my wardrobe. I’m a petite and yet find the arms and length fit me well and although they are lightweight, they are warm. When we travel (ed) at least one made its way into my suitcase because they’re so versatile – easy to dress up with a scarf or piece of jewelry, wear over a button down shirt, as a layer of warmth.
Could you share where you purchased your glasses frames. I seem to remember you did that once before. I could. To wear your color. It might find something for a summer palette. I recently have had to give up contacts which I wore for thirty years. I would like to develop a glasses “wardrobe”. I wear mostly tortoise. Did they come narrow for a narrow face.?
Hi Elaine, these were from SEE Eyewear. They are my favorite eyewear store! This particular frame was a limited edition, so may no longer be available. (I have a small, narrow face, so yes, some of their designs do accommodate that.) You can check their website to see if there’s anything similar. They have stores in a few US cities, so you may be able to visit one near you to try in person.
Hear hear to the “buy it twice” for favourite items. I am similar to Robyn, and buy the exact item again. Never have I regretted it but frequently wished I had done so with other favourites that then became unobtainable. I am learning my lesson although there are still those items that I don’t identify as favourites until it’s too late! I still live and learn……
Sara, that’s why I buy two. As sure as I find something I like it’s going to be discontinued.
I have great difficulty finding wearable shoes, but many years ago I found a design I really liked, and, over time, purchased it in all six available colours. Which was brilliant, until the day I got dressed in the dark and wore one black shoe, and one navy!
LOL!
Why not? Mismatched socks are a thing. Just think of the possibilities!
Helen,
Can you please share the brand of shoes that work for you? I also have picky feet & like to try any recommendations.
Thank you,
Elle
Hi Elle, I’m going to be sharing some new shoe finds for finicky feet soon, stay tuned! 😉
Can you please include some stylish shoes with removable insoles if such things exist? I do have a bootie from Blondo that meets that criteria but find that most shoes that have this feature are not sturdy enough/real leather so that excludes Rockport, some Clarks, Naturalizer. Am also aware of Munro but not a huge fan of most of their styles. Thank you
Thank you!
Ellie I am not sure what your foot issues are but I have “finicky” feet (prior neuromas and plantar fasciitis) and I walked all over Europe and the African bush in Clark’s boots, New Balance neutral support sneakers, Allbirds sneakers, and Gucci sneakers. In winter, I have Ugg’s “combat” boots which are brilliant. For flats, amazing,y, the Frances loafer from Madewell is great. Everlane day boot is the most comfy right out of the box and are made in Italy unlike much of their items. I also have one pair of dressier Manolo Blahniks with reasonable height heels and I hate to say it but they form to your feet and feel like slippers! Hope this helps.
Thank you, Jan. I will definitely look into your suggestions. My feet have gotten wider with age & I now need a medium width that runs wide. Many old shoes are too narrow. Also, the padding on the bottom of my feet seems to have worn out, if that’s possible!!, so I need to add some cushion & support in everyday shoes.
Two brands that work, at least for winter, are La Canadienne boots & Merrell light hikers.
I have some spring shoe shopping ahead ! Thanks again for the helpful list.
Love the sweater color on you! I probably should think about buying multiples of things I like to wear because those are the things I reach for in my closet.
Jeans!! If I buy jeans that I love and they fit well, I always buy a second pair.
You just described 80% of my wardrobe. I have just a few staple styles in 4 or 5 brands, so I know what fits. For me, it’s all about color. I rarely buy a completely new style — usually it’s just a new color in a style I already have. I am a serial cardigan collector — I have several dozen, all the same brand. Prints, florals, colors that are not quite in my pallet — I wear (and love) them all!
Hi Susan,
I’m 61 and this is something I’ve done for decades too. My mom always bought in multiples and I picked it up from her. Jackets, cardigans, pants, tees, blouses shoes, boots and sandals. Usually 2-3 of each item in different colors or prints, always one in black. Earrings too, the same style in silver and gold. Scarves as well. Ha, I hadn’t thought about it much, it seems to happen automatically and certainly makes life easier! One of my favorite multiples is something you recommended the lightweight long Halogen cardigan from Nordstrom. I have it in 4 colors, it’s a staple in my wardrobe.
p.s. thanks to your suggestion, we’re hooked on “Call My Agent”. 🙂
I buy multiples for some basics – Chico’s has a t-shirt with 3/4 sleeves that they put out each spring – I buy a few and they are a staple of my casual wardrobe. I also have a couple pairs of ecco tennis shoes which I find to be sooo comfortable. And, as Sandra mentioned, jeans – when you find that pair that fits you have to be a loyalist (mine are Chico’s girlfriend)!
I am a believer in multiples. Often I will buy one and then by the time I realize it is a workhorse, it will be on sale in other colors. My moto jacket from The Reset is an example. I have 3 of them in various neutral shades from chestnut to ecru. I am not a bog Talbots fan but this season was quite different. They had some nice merino wool sweaters and I bought turtle necks in 3 colors. They had a wonderful quilted jacket with an amazing fit, perfect multiple season wearability for me and perfect colors for my palette so I bought 4!
Definitely do this for all types of items! I have found it to be a great time saver, and it offers me a great working wardrobe. I found Liz Claiborne dress pants about 10 years ago and bought them in every color they had – they are still going strong and are my work pants. I will not need to purchase any more between now and when I retire in a few years. I love Chico’s Girlfriend jeans and Brigette and Juliet pants for casual and for travel and have both in multiple colors. This works for me for casual looks and is great for travel. I have multiples in different colors in tanks, turtlenecks, sweaters, blouses, and cardigans. In terms of clothing, if I like something I purchase in black, white, gray, and camel/oatmeal then consider my accent colors colors like pink, red, burgundy, and blue. In shoes, I generally often purchase in black and nude. I love Sam Edelman Loraine loafers and have in 6 pairs in various colors in leather, moc croc, and animal print.
I have bought multiples in different colors of jeans, and white T-shirts, because they are hard to find in the right thickness and fit, plus they discolor and need replacement often.
I’m glad to see you get a lot of usev out of your trucker jacket. I bought a similar one in the fall sales, so I hope to get just as much use out of mine when spring arrives. I bought that color because like you, I am looking for more color in my closet.
Yes, do it all the time, and always have! I usually don’t even get a different color, but the same. For me, I think the strategy comes from being a petite and having more limited choices.
For me it’s Rollie Derby shoes. They are super lightweight, come in a multitude of colours and patterns. These are the only shoes I can wear without socks and look more refined than sneakers. They are an Australian company that ship internationally. Worth checking out @rollienation.com
When I was working about 40 years ago, a coworker bought a sweater that I really admired. She said she liked it so much that she bought another one. I said, “Wow! I didn’t know you could do that!” I promptly went and bought myself 2 sweaters too! We laugh about that to this day. But it really makes sense. If you find a fit and a fabric you like. buy more if you need them. It saves a lot of time shopping by doing this. Sometimes I’ve found a luscious color that I know I will wear a lot; so I will buy another one just like it.
My main multiple is a 3/4 sleeve split neck pima cotton tee from LL Bean, which I own in a half dozen (or more) colors. They keep their shape and color well. I wish it was offered in cream and not just white, but I found one from Lands End in a slightly different style.
Oh yes I do, although I have become a bit more careful. First I try out one item before I buy more colours. I found that this is wise.
Your green sweater is lovely. Not suitable for me (too tall) but for you it is perfect.
Glad you got your sneakers in brown now.
Greetje
I’m late to this party but will add a definite “yes” vote to the tally if anyone’s keeping track. There are 4 things I routinely buy multiples of (often at the same time) given the opportunity: V-neck tee-shirts (especially white ones), sweat shirts, jeans & loafers. Oh, and slim-fitting but not overly tight leggings in a good solid fabric — guess that’s 5 things! My craziest buy? Four pairs of identical jeans in a make & style I love that I bought at a closing out sale at 75% off. My husband thought I’d lost my mind, & then — at the same sale — discovered HIS favorite jeans at the same discount & bought the 2 last pairs & wished they’d had more 🙂 He wears mostly black tee-shirts & will buy multiples if he finds ones that fit. He’s very tall & wide-shouldered & most tees are too tight or skimpy on him, so he’s learned my trick of grabbing well fitting ones when he finds them. In the end, it pays off!
Love “Lupin”, enjoying “Call my Agent” and not finding “Spiral” as good as in the past. So we’re definitely on the same wave lenght.
As to buying more than one. You betcha. When I find a brand and a style that works, I definitely purchase more than one, two or three. I mean not at once but I’m always on the look out for different colors and patterns.