repeat offender

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I've found that my clothes have fallen into a very consistent vibe over the past few years. New buys for my wardrobe tend to be variations on a theme, or upgrades of existing items. For better or worse, I could reach for almost anything and my overall look would be pretty much the same, haha. Dressing is easy, and quick.

I noticed a consequence to this a couple weeks ago, when quick as lightning, I bought two tops online. One is a long-sleeved cotton shirt, and one is a navy cotton pullover. After the dust settled over the transactions, I realised I had gradually become the kind of person that buys the same kind of things repeatedly.

I have always consciously avoided that, the only exception being when it came to jeans (I kind of went insane in 2005-2007). For instance, I declare myself a Breton stripe lover, but I only have two striped tops.

But in the last two years, I've developed a weakness for nice button-downs. It started with a blue and white striped shirt I bought in 2009, and ever since then I've been steadily acquiring them, telling myself I was building up a small selection of basics. I've certainly wandered past the 'necessity' border and into 'want' territory - I keep seeing variations in stripe and material I want to buy - a skinner stripe, a softer fabric, a cuter check, an irresistible combination of blues.

Another thing I can't stop eyeing lately is lightweight pullovers, which is plain silly considering the weather here. After buying that great grey sweater in April, I've bought another sweater. this time in navy. And I had to fight the urge to buy a cream one from Steven Alan that's on sale at La Garconne.

What can't you stop buying?

Comments

Um.... stripes! I have so many it's become a running joke in my family. I bought a checked shirt the other day and my dad was like "but its not stripy?" Haha. I am very predictable :)
Amanda said…
Black sweaters. For some reason I feel I need several different black sweaters at once even though they all seem to look exactly the same.
Fleurette said…
Haha, you're not alone! I can relate to everything you write. I think my weakness is striped tops, and I think button-downs are gradually becoming items that I "want" and don't "need" – but hey, I think we've developed a consistent style.
Alexandra said…
I constantly find myself picking out the same prints, cuts, colours etc. Breton tops are my biggest weakness!

http://herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.com/
Kate said…
my friends make jokes about my constant stripeyness. apart from that, brown shoes and fairisle scarves. i always look the same from a distance.
yanqin said…
la fille mal gardee: my family says the same thing! I don't own a lot of stripey tops exactly, but I wear them often and it surprises them when I wear anything else.

pret a porter p: but your black collection never feels 'monotonous' to me.

amanda: I especially feel that way when I think I'm looking at a "better" or "more perfect" version of something I already have.

Fleurette: Yes, but I also occasionally I think I still get bored with my "perfect shirt" and start looking for more "perfect shirts", hahaha. I think learning to be content is never-ending!

Alexandra: I think dfinding the perfect amount of variety without becoming extravagant is what I;m striving for. Of course, the ideal number is subjective.

Kate: There was a period of time that I wore so much black trousers and some kind of white top that someone asked me if it was an office dress code....
miss sophie said…
stripes? check. buttondowns by steven alan? check. i'm entirely happy with these two repetitive streaks in my closet. although i do have a vintage stripey tunic top that's entirely made of mini sequins for party occasions. so i do have variations on my striped tops!
Lindsay K said…
Consistency is key for me too. I wear the things that I love the most. Both shirts are lovely.
Unknown said…
well you just named one of the items!!! ;)
L.L. said…
I was cleaning through my closet the other day and I was shocked at the amount of blazers I have but I still do not have a plain black one.
yanqin said…
miss sophie: That sequined top sounds incredibly glamourous. I've always liked basic, utilitarian shapes glammed up.

Lindsay K: So true, and yet I'm often tempted by things that appeal to me although I will not wear them, like all the long skirts in the shops.

If Jane: A basic we all should have!

L.L.: I had that feeling recently when I cleared out my shoes....I did not know I had four pairs of sneakers.
hannah-rose said…
the neverending search for perfection! I'm always buying knitwear - slightly oversized, a little bit drapey, long sleeves to push up. That's all I want. I have so many oatmeal knits it's ridiculous. And yet I only really have one tight jersey black maxi which I wear all the time - wouldn't it be much more prudent if I was to buy more of those? And actually necessary? Who knows, who knows. the weird happenings of my wardrobe.

great post. i think we all feel the urge for certain items. Urge - and weakness. it's like recently with my favourite sydney cafe. I've been there 3 times this past week. Excessive? Maybe. But it's just so good!!

X
son said…
i like the title. mine's knitwear - cardigans particularly. ive become alot better at catching myself but still catch myself buying em. at least its one of the most worn categories in my wardrobe, which is a tiny consolation.
yanqin said…
hannah-rose: I know that feeling, I was so slow to buy a pair of black trousers that I knew I would wear often, and yet I'm always eyeing up pullovers. Certain items just have more romance and allure than others, whatever my rational mind says.

son: I love knits too, unfortunately I can't count them too much as frequently worn items, haha.
Anonymous said…
i have the same addiction i'm afraid
just check out the below post :)

http://conspicousconsumption.blogspot.com/2011/05/deli-kzn-ceyizi-vol-2-sucker-for.html

i love your style...

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