May 3, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Multiples









































Today I'm sharing one of my favorite tricks for making getting dressed easier. It's buying multiples - but not the same item, different color - a different item, same color! For example, I recently had a shopping client who wanted a white pencil skirt for work, so we also added white jeans to her closet, because any outfit we created with the skirt, would also work with jeans. I also do this with shoes. I have five versions of cognac shoes (my favorite shoe color) - the boot, the pump, the wedge, the flat and the sandal. Sound excessive? Well, it actually makes things really easy. I always have a matching shoe, because most outfits match all five pairs of shoes - it's just a determination of which heel height I want to go with, based on the practicality of my day.

That's how I wound up with these red shorts. They were an exact color match to my favorite red pants, so I immediately scooped them up. These are two of my favorite outfits, so being able to convert them into spring/summer outfits with shorts was a no-brainer! Have you ever tried this trick?

ps. As you know, I was recently sent a box of clothes for the Lauren Conrad blogging contest. Most of the items weren't my size, so I returned them in exchange for Kohl's store credit. I used it to buy the red shorts, along with these lavender jeans and mint shorts, which I'll be posting outfits with soon! :-) (I also got these blush pumps, but I'm still deciding.)

Inspiration photo: my outfit in Europe last September
Shirt: Ralph Lauren outlet, $20 (similar, similar)
Shorts: SO c/o Kohl's, $12 (pretty sure these are my shorts, in the orange color)
Belt: H&M, $18
Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshalls, $50 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120
Rings: LOFT pink ring $11, My Stella & Dot website $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49, My Stella & Dot website $59
Right bracelets: Banana Republic $10, Kohl's $9














































Inspiration photo: my outfit for errands last summer
Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $14 (similar)
Shorts: SO c/o Kohl's, $12 (pretty sure these are my shorts, in the orange color)
Belt: Vintage c/o RogueRetro, $15
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot website, $79
Rings: LOFT pink ring $11, My Stella & Dot website $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Right bracelets: Banana Republic $10, Kohl's $9

68 comments:

  1. That's a great trick/tip J! I will definitely start using that strategy on my next shopping day :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love how versatile the color is!  Adorable outfits :-)

    Maria

    www.daintyanddecadent.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. So cute! I am on the hunt for white pants and already own white shorts too. :) Love the red shorts. I went into a store yesterday and found a pair of green shorts that were cute I might purchase to for a grad gift to myself! lol  http://www.fashionatabargain.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can we please pause for a moment and celebrate your new camera once again?  SOOO much better!  I love the blue, red, cognac color scheme you've got going.  I need to search my closet and see if I can make this work.  Thanks J!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the tip! You look super cute in both looks :)

    Chioma
    Chocolattesbox.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have the LC pumps in black and I LOVE them. they have such a nice silhouette which you often don't find in cheaper shoes, and they are pretty comfortable. I have been debating buying them in blush as well. 

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am new to your blog, and I love it! So many great ideas!  One question though, where is the blazer in the upper left picture from? I really like it, and have been looking for a camel blazer forever.  Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's great advice, J! I bought that Lauren Conrad gray jacket. I'm actually wearing it today on a dreary rainy day.
    Niki
    www.fashionatforty.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. jseverydayfashionMay 3, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    Thank you! And I love that jacket! Not so practical for Florida, however, so I took it back. :-(

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love this idea!!! Will definitely take this into consideration.

    ReplyDelete
  11. jseverydayfashionMay 3, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    Thanks Kate and welcome to the blog! :-) That blazer is from Express, I got it on super-clearance for $25 last July!

    ReplyDelete
  12. jseverydayfashionMay 3, 2012 at 9:49 AM

    Awesome, thanks for the heads up! They seem really comfy, and I was excited they actually make a 9.5 (most companies don't).

    ReplyDelete
  13. jseverydayfashionMay 3, 2012 at 9:50 AM

    Yessss! I totally agree. :-) It's also fun to see how blonde my hair was!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Constanze SchmittMay 3, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    Amazing outfits! :D

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love these outfits! Super rude question but what size did you get in the orange shorts? I am a similar size to you but I haven't bought juniors clothes in ages.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love it. I never thought to buy the "same" item just in a different color or style. Great idea, Thanks :)

    http://kikiscornerfunfashionandfrivolity.blogspot.com/ 

    ReplyDelete
  17. I wore almost the exact same outfit yesterday! Just coral instead of red shorts and a chambray shirt! I also just acquired a pair of Colin Stuart heels at your suggestion for my basic black pump, $15 new from someone on Ebay, they're amazing! You're the best J!

    ReplyDelete
  18. this is such a BRILLIANT idea. i would have NEVER thought of this. you've totally inspired me today!

    ReplyDelete
  19. J! Two things - I'm in love with that vintage belt, and your hair is looking absolutely beautiful these days! 

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think I don't do this often enough (buying multiples) - love the first looks especially b/c I'm a sucker for preppy pieces! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. jseverydayfashionMay 3, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    Thanks Kellie! I got a size 7. I'm a size 2, and in the other two juniors bottoms (lavender jeans and mint shorts), I bought a size 3. That was the only size they had in the red/orange shorts, but they work b/c I'm wearing them slung really low around my hips (makes them less short that way!). Most juniors run pretty true to size, but for these shorts I would def recommend sizing up a size or two! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  22. jseverydayfashionMay 3, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    Yay, that's awesome! I'm loving Colin Stuart, hope you love them too! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. jseverydayfashionMay 3, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    So sweet Holly, thank you! I'm definitely digging my natural shade better than the blonde I was rocking all those years. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Super cute..great idea..I love all the color! :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I too am so inspired by this idea. So simple, yet totally brilliant! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great idea! Your legs look amazing- workout post is a must!

    Tiffany
    http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I never thought to do multiples by color. What a great idea. It would make dressing easier and expands the avalable combinations in my closet. I love the red pants, chambray shirt, and camel jacket outfit. So very classic. And by the way, a girl cannot have too many shoes - even if they are all in the same color!

    ReplyDelete
  28. That's a perfect idea! I love that first outfit with the tan jacket!! I can't wait to go out and immediately do this! 

    ReplyDelete
  29. Such a great tip! I've been looking for the perfect pair of colored shorts. Love the mint ones you got! I might just be heading to Kohl's soon :-)

    www.daisyraeboutique.com
    www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is a great idea! Perfect for summer :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love this! You really show how versatile these pieces can be, love it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I totally do that!  Regarding both the nude shoes for every occasion and different items in the same color.  I've been doing it more lately wondering to myself, "Is this okay?  Almost seems silly."  But then I think about how, like you said, it makes things sooo easy.  I loved both of these outfits on you originally, and of course again with the shorts.

    Audrey
    www.puttingmetogether.com 

    ReplyDelete
  33. WoW. I've never thought of it that way. I always buy multiples of the same item in different colors. Way to make me think, J!

    ReplyDelete
  34. great conversions, never thought about doing that!

    http://gandacummings.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love this! So perfect for changing seasons and traveling! 

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a simple concept, but I had never thought of it like that before!  Thanks, that helps so much!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I totally do this! I have warm weather and cold weather version of a bunch of outfits.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I have never tried this, but I might now!
    work-it-blog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love those shorts! I'm going to have to head to Kohl's; I always find good deals there!

    ReplyDelete
  40. simplysarahstyleMay 3, 2012 at 3:13 PM

    love all of these colors, and that's an awesome idea too!!! 
    Sarah
    sarahsavvystyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  41.  J, What a genius idea! Probably like most people I've always thought well if I already have a white pair of jeans then I should probably try black shorts to get more of a variety. Your idea makes a lot more sense because if you really love the white pants then you'll probably end up wearing white shorts a lot more.  I am definitely  going to try and build on this rule, especially with my shoes! Thanks for the tip!
    -Camille

    ReplyDelete
  42. Somehow the same color/different item idea has never crossed my mind!  Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I want your legs! :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love love love the 2nd outfit up top!  I have similar shoes, but in black and love them with shorts and a button down!  You look great!  xx

    http://icetodiamonds.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great! I love your posts... Have a nice time. Xoxo V.V.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love buying multiple items in the same color! I agree that it really does make getting dressed a lot easier. And you're outfits are adorable! As always:)

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love the shirt and shorts combo, I plan on wearing it when it gets warmer here, and your shoes looks super comfortable!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love this idea! Why hadn't I thought of this! Love your looks!

    xx Sarah
    http://fromcoasttocloset.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  49. What a great idea... I am a new follower and I am loving all of your ideas!  I'm slowly trying to build a stylish wardrobe (on the cheap) after making do with the same old stuff for the past ten years!  

    ReplyDelete
  50. jseverydayfashionMay 3, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    Thanks so much Rhonda! Welcome to the blog! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Good thinking. Love the red pants and shorts outfits!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Keep the blush pumps! I have them and also wasn't sure at first (on the fence about the whole platform heel thing), but they are pretty comfy and I get loads of compliments when I wear them!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Such a great idea! I need to remember it for future)

    http://tri-skelos.blogspot.com/ 

    ReplyDelete
  54. Where are your red jeans from?

    ReplyDelete
  55. jseverydayfashionMay 4, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    They are cords - I got them at Gap two Christmases ago!

    ReplyDelete
  56. That is great advice! I usually end up buying the same thing in all the colors. I never thought of same color different piece. Will definitely switch it up now!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you as always for the fabulous inspiration! I had a blue polo shirt like the one in the photo sitting in my closet unworn for 3 years. I went out this afternoon and bought the cutest pair of red shorts like ones above (on sale) and BOOM! My new favorite outfit for the summer. I'm going through my whole closet this weekend and giving everything a "J" makeover.  Thank you, thank you. 

    ReplyDelete
  58. jseverydayfashionMay 4, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    I love to hear that! So glad you got some ideas that you can use! :-) 

    ReplyDelete
  59. Are the victory sandals natural or the brown color?

    ReplyDelete
  60. You know, I'm actually having a hard time telling for sure, and my shoe box doesn't say. I'm about 90% sure they are the brown color though. The video of the lighter ones look almost nude, and these are definitely more brown than that!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love the idea of buying different items in the same color.. genius!! 

    ReplyDelete
  62. That is actually the smartest idea!! My mom used to tell me to buy 2 items of the same type but different colors, but the same color for 2 different types of items will indeed make it work!!! It is so simple yet so not obvious! thanks for the tip!!! That will most likely help with simplifying my wardrobe!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I love cognac too.  I think this is very smart.  I just bought a pair of slacks (hoping they last more than a few wears) and have really been wanting a white skirt, too.

    ReplyDelete