Style Style File

Do You Buy Backups?

Sale PSA: A cashmere crop mockneck from Everlane, now $70, a pretty ruched floral silk dress from Veronica Beard, now 40% off, and a versatile puff sleeved top from Madewell, now under $35

I’ve been trying hard to kick a habit recently. Which is buying backups. Do you do this? With things you really, really love?

One of my friends does this, but with makeup. She’s a mommy friend and so I brought my kids over for a playdate and then we went upstairs, and WHOA! Her vanity was a heaven of Muji acrylic boxes. She admitted to buying backups OF backups of favorite makeup products, which kind of makes sense, given that many of mine have been discontinued. But I was saying that I don’t do that, I kind of just use my stuff up and then am sad when they don’t make it anymore, and then she was like wow, I admire your willpower, and I was like just wait, because well, my closet…

For example – these Everlane street shoes. I liked this black/white version they made so much that I bought two! Because it went on sale! And actually I’ve worn my first pair so much that I kind of…might need the other soon? The one I’ve been wearing is on the left, you can see how much dingier it is. So maybe it was good I had a backup? Now I’m confused.

I recently had to make myself NOT buy another one of these Baggu fanny packs (reviewed here). Okay I know it may not look super hot but it’s actually VERY good. I use it all the time. They were discontinuing the yellow and I liked the yellow so much that I wanted to get a backup! But…I resisted…it’s a freaking fanny pack!

Something I do regret not buying multiples of: a perfect eyelet Aritzia dress. To this day I have not found a better sundress but mine is all faded and no longer wearable. I washed it too many times. I’m also bigger (aka fatter). At the time I had even THOUGHT of this, I was like, “I should buy a size bigger for the future,” but then dismissed it as justifiably crazy. But really, I wish I did. But I suppose if I always did that then I’d have a whole closet full of regrets as well.

Okay – what about you? Do you ever buy backups? Like the identical item in the same color, just because you like the first one so much? I want to hear them all – the Zella leggings and perfect Madewell white t-shirts yes but also hopefully some other goodies? Please share!

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37 Comments

  • Reply
    Jaime
    September 30, 2019 at 8:46 am

    I buy back ups – especially of shoes that I know that I will be unable to find when I need a new pair, (a favorite pairs it he Marc Fisher Zala pump with the brocade bee print, the Zella leggings (of course!), and my favorite black pants. Also, I have three of an Equipment silk shirt with a distinctive insect pattern on it that will never be seen again. I think it’s wise and I applaud you for it!

  • Reply
    Jaime
    September 30, 2019 at 8:47 am

    correction – “a favorite pair IS THE…”

  • Reply
    Ariel
    September 30, 2019 at 8:50 am

    I do buy backups for something I really like and enjoy using and it goes on sale. I limit it to only high-street price point though. Some staple pieces like your perfect jeans or perfect black skirts I think it totally makes sense. šŸ˜‰

  • Reply
    heebie-geebie
    September 30, 2019 at 9:18 am

    I buy back ups, because I’m neurotic: if I have a unique beloved item, I’ll adopt a scarcity mentality where I can’t wear it for fear of wearing it out on insufficiently special occasions, which is so transparently dumb that I don’t know what to say, but there you have it. If I buy the back up, then I feel much freer to enthusiastically wear the first version as much as I want.

    • Reply
      SBRNYC752
      September 30, 2019 at 9:31 am

      This! Exactly!

    • Reply
      Brook
      October 1, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      I second this. My problem exactly. I am trying to get better about just wearing the item and enjoying it for what it is but a back up makes this so much easier!

  • Reply
    SBRNYC752
    September 30, 2019 at 9:30 am

    Fore sure. Otherwise, I find I don’t wear the original item because I’m afraid of ruining it/wearing it out. I have 6 (?) pairs of my favorite Athleta pants that I wear to work, at one point I had 6 pairs of my favorite Cole Haan bow flats (back when CH was still great) and wore through almost all of them. I have one pristine pair still in box. My favorite Kit and Ace scarf, Aritzia tencel tee, Uniqlo Heat Tech and fleece pieces. I almost bought a back up of my favorite Patagonia puffy jacket when it went on sale but held back ONLY bc space is so tight in my NYC apt as is. Oh and running shoes! Favorites for which I haven’t sprung for backups I annoyingly avoid wearing which defeats the purpose. Ugh.

  • Reply
    Anna
    September 30, 2019 at 10:19 am

    I do buy multiples/backups. Part of it is just sticking to what works and simplify things. I have four pairs of my favorite ballet flats: two in black and two in nudes. I have three pairs of my favorite jeans – I was so disappointed when my last favorite was discontinued and I didnā€™t have a backup. I also buy multiples of my favorite shirts. Different colors/prints of my favorite dress cut. I know Iā€™ll never reach the day when I can wear the same thing for work every day but Iā€™m all for simplying by sticking to what works.

  • Reply
    Julia
    September 30, 2019 at 10:36 am

    I bought two (!) backups for my classic flat black quilted Chanel pumps. However, as I have limited self-control I am rotating all three – so they are disintegrating more slowly, but at the same rate! Do you think it is better to use up your first pair, and move on to the back up? I just don’t think I have the self control for that.

  • Reply
    Sharon
    September 30, 2019 at 10:57 am

    I buy backups of favorite makeup items, like your friend. Mainly my favorite mascara and eye pencils. I have done the same for my favorite black Eileen Fisher pants, and various t-shirts and tank tops. All black and white…you can never have too many!

  • Reply
    MJ
    September 30, 2019 at 11:12 am

    I generally do not buy backups but when I love something then I look to see if they have it. If it’s in stock I buy it again. If not, I’ll peruse eBay to see if a new / good used quality item is available.

    One thing I buy backups of is running shoes. I’m a marathoner and I have a pair that has been my work horse. These shoes are unlikely to go extinct soon as they are a classic but I stock up when I see a sale.

  • Reply
    Isabelle
    September 30, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    Just a thought, regarding your eyelet dress have you considered dying it or having it copied? If itā€™s black itā€™s easy to have the colour ā€˜refreshedā€™, either at home with a pack of Dylon or at a good dry-cleaners. Just be aware that synthetics so not take colour as well as natural fibres, and the stitching is often polyamide.
    Alternatively have a dressmaker copy it, I did it with a perfect vintage 1950ā€™s cotton dress and have enjoyed having it remade in a variety of colours and weights, with a little variation in the hem and sleeve lengths too.

    I second the buying of dupes of basics with a perfect fit, also when it comes to cheap earrings! Then when you inevitably lose one
    you can still use the other three….

    Also great with underwear. Buy 10 of the pair you always pick first and ditch the rest.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 3, 2019 at 10:03 am

      I love this idea! I would love to find a local dressmaker

      • Reply
        Sherry Frantz
        October 11, 2019 at 2:23 am

        Good alterations folks are many times tailors who can copy dresses

  • Reply
    Diane W.
    September 30, 2019 at 12:09 pm

    I buy back-ups/multiples of items I know Iā€™ll wear a lot. When I find jeans that fit, I buy multiple pairs….enough to be able to wear them 2 seasons (or possibly even longer). As a ā€œuniformā€ dresser it totally makes sense. This past spring, I bought new jeans in skinny leg, straight leg and full leg styles. All in multiples of 4 each. I also sometimes buy two of a specific tunic, sweater or shirt I like, but itā€™s nothing compared to my perceived need to have a good supply of jeans that fit.

  • Reply
    Leslie
    September 30, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    I don’t buy backups although I’m appreciating the practicality of it! I don’t with skincare/makeup ’cause I fear it will expire before I get to it, and just haven’t with shoes and clothes because I wear them to destruction or boredom and have moved on to something else I guess. But I’ll buy different colors of something that works, like clothes, bags, and shoes, just not at the same purchase, does that count? LOL!
    Also, Kat, your shoes look great, I really had to look more closely to see the difference between the worn from the unworn. You take good care of your things, clearly!
    Just read a money tip yesterday that when you buy something, take the same amount of the purchase and put it in savings, so I guess the backup goes to the savings account instead of the closet? I wonder if that can be a workable strategy for me? šŸ™‚

  • Reply
    MARTI EMBORG
    September 30, 2019 at 1:11 pm

    I buy backups of my favorite Topshop t-shirts and I’ve bought many backups of black and white converses. I don’t know if that qualifies as a backup or a repurchase? I mean since I always have a pair on deck ready to replace a pair that gets worn out I would say it is a backup. Same with Lululemon leggings. They tend to discontinue certain colors and seasonal styles and I have sadly bought multiple backups (tags still on to this day…).

  • Reply
    Katherine
    September 30, 2019 at 8:41 pm

    Wow! I am loving all the discussion! Anyone who said they are neurotic and/or has backups with tags hanging in the closet, I am right there with you..

  • Reply
    Diane W.
    September 30, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    Michelle Oka Doner is an artist who is well-known for wearing a specific dress that she has in various fabrics. https://lorriegrahamblog.com/michele-oka-doner-artist-and-that-dress/
    The dress probably looked fashion forward when she found the original and the style still looks amazing on her. Itā€™s often referred to as ā€œthat dressā€……many articles have been written about it.

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Brooks
    October 1, 2019 at 4:04 am

    I buy “semi-backups” on almost everything I love, for instance I have the same Joseph wool skirt in three colors as it’s a fall/winter staple for me. And yep, I have some full-on duplicates of things that are uniform pieces for me: the perfect inexpensive ribbed turtleneck from Three Dots (I have three); my favorite black silk shirt (also three); Everlane silk tanks (three again! these go under all my suit jackets); two identical pairs of Weitzman 50/50 boots, one that’s a beater pair and one that’s dressier (I found them on sale, too, and the prices on these keep going up).
    This isn’t as crazy as it sounds, especially with the silk stuff – because it’s fairly delicate, if I accidentally get a spot on a piece, I like having a clean backup. I tend to always be rushing to a meeting, and nothing is more frustrating than planning an outfit and finding a piece isn’t clean, or is out for cleaning. Duplicates have honestly made my life easier and it’s worth it.

  • Reply
    Christina
    October 1, 2019 at 4:40 am

    I definitely collect multiples/backups – especially sweaters and black pants. If I find the perfect sweater that fits just right, I’ll usually pick up several in different colors. I have several copies of my favorite black pants. My most unique backup is my favorite Hermes Trim II handbag. Hermes stopped making this style years ago so I search on the secondary market. I’m probably the only person in the world still carrying them. I have three in different colors – and I’m always looking to add more! It’s an obsession.

  • Reply
    ALISA GABRIEL
    October 1, 2019 at 8:38 am

    I only buy some multiples of things that are timeless, such as the perfect silk-cashmere and silk-cotton sweaters from Banana Republic. They are inexpensive so I know they won’t last forever and I don’t feel guilty about having the backups.

    I still regret not buying a duplicate of a favorite white sleeveless pique cotton top. You would think it would be easy to find something similar — it’s just a cotton tank top for heaven’s sake — but it’s not. Somehow it’s the combination of the fabric weight, the detailing, and the fit that makes it perfect, and I have found alternatives but they’re just not the same.

    Totally get it re: shoes. I have two pairs of Hermes Kennedy loafers (one black, one red) and hope to wear them forever. Also multiples of Bolides, but that’s another story!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    October 1, 2019 at 10:11 am

    Absolutely! If I love something I’ll repurchase in multiple colors, it just makes getting dressed for work so much easier. I have 3 Everly camisolesI tend not to buy duplicates of casual wear because I like to experiment with new trends.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    October 1, 2019 at 10:16 am

    Oops, I prematurely submitted my last reply. I was trying to say that Aritzia is one of my favorite places for workwear because they release the same designs in seasonal colorways every season (sometimes with slight changes). Some of my favorites are the Modesto trouser, the Conan pant, and the Arjun knit top. Personally, duplicates are very practical for my lifestyle.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 3, 2019 at 10:03 am

      I looked up the Arjun and now want to order!

  • Reply
    Winnie
    October 1, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    100% backups, especially if it’s an item where it took me to find THE perfect one. Ex. found the perfect block heel, pointy toe, perfect nude shade pumps which took me YEARS of searching to find. Now I’m regretting not getting a backup because it’s sold out everywhere! This is something I’ll surely wear for years to come and I’m upset that my current pair will eventually disintegrate.

    I have 4 pairs of white jeans (2 of the exact same pair), 3 pairs of black pants, the same sweater in 5 colors because it pairs perfectly with leggings. Lets not even start on the shoes that I have backups of. I have a problem! Once I find that holy grail item that I love, I can’t let go.

    • Reply
      Anonymous
      October 1, 2019 at 7:04 pm

      What sweater please?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 3, 2019 at 10:10 am

      Yeah I want to hear about all of these!

  • Reply
    Jaime Stephens
    October 2, 2019 at 11:23 am

    I completely forgot that I have six (yes, six!) pairs of identical Sara Campbell slim black pants. I can wear them all four seasons and I do!

  • Reply
    Patricia
    October 2, 2019 at 1:55 pm

    This thread of replies gave me life! I feel justified and I am not alone. I buy multiples and always will!

    • Reply
      Diane w
      October 2, 2019 at 8:26 pm

      Me, too!

  • Reply
    Jane
    October 4, 2019 at 6:10 am

    So glad Iā€™m not alone! I buy backups and multiples all the time! I try to be thoughtful about it and consider whether I will really ā€œwear ourā€ something. But I also acknowledge that I like what I like and my tastes donā€™t change. And sometimes items are useful and well worn and I want to keep wearing it. I actually have had luck on the RealReal with finding back up items.

  • Reply
    Pret a Porter P
    October 15, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    I definitely buy multiples especially of very basic core items, like tees and underwear.
    But rarely do “back ups.” I’ve done it for headphones, sneakers (my current pair were getting increasingly trashed, style was discontinued, so I found a pair on ebay). I’m not buying backups of fragrances anymore. I have a 10 year old discontinued massive bottle of Dior cologne. And since finding a “replacement” from another brand, I have a travel size that I use and bought a back up full size bottle last year that is still in its box. Now Sephora runs their sales much more frequently, that there was no need to “rush” it.

    There’s shoes that are getting very worn down that I wish I had a back up of, but it’s not like I’m going to be naked and barefoot when the time comes to throw them out. And then I will find something new even if it takes months, years, or live without it.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 16, 2019 at 8:50 pm

      Just wanted to say HI! I miss your blog!

  • Reply
    Rachel Bee
    January 2, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    Haha Yay I can finally comment!
    I literally will never run out of my favorite face powder, probably not my favorite blush either. In fact, I’ve been thinking lately I should toss the stockpile as it’s getting old since they were discontinued years ago šŸ™
    I have my favorite pair of blondo ankle boots in at least 4 colors – maybe more.
    I would definitely stock up on my favorite wine if we had more space in our condo…
    I’m not stocking up on any more clothing items after I bought a ton of some (zella leggings – I probably had a dozen identical pairs), then after kids I found other brands/styles to be more comfortable so now I’ve given all but one away.

  • Reply
    Rena
    December 10, 2022 at 8:46 pm

    I AM the back up queen. I have 6 back up hand creams, 2 eye serums etc. I searched for a year to find a back up of a discontinued perfect neutral everyday sandal.(I bought 2 extra )I have 8 pairs of havaiianas, I just bought 3 of the exact same Ann Taylor t shirt. Denimā€¦ my ass is literally covered The new ts are perfect. (Probably not as perfect as Michael stars shine in black) all my tops are black with 5%white or gray. Iā€™m a 30 year veteran stylist, designer, retail merchandiser. And Iā€™ve learned they run out of stuff and will NEVER make it again. If you think you can find a next favorite once your current favorite gets shabbyā€¦ unlikely. I prefer to save a little stress and just get an extra. I mean itā€™s not like we are talking about 10s thousands. Itā€™s just a few hundred for a little piece of mind that if you catch a snag or fall into some bleach, you have a ready made back up plan. No fast dashing to the store desperately trying to find a product that will always be inferior to your favorite ā¤ļø donā€™t even get me started on back up Publix groceries from the bogos. All is rotated. All is current, all is eaten šŸ’›

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