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
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49, My Stella & Dot website $59
Right bracelets: Banana Republic $10, Kohl's $9
That's a great trick/tip J! I will definitely start using that strategy on my next shopping day :)
ReplyDeleteI love how versatile the color is! Adorable outfits :-)
ReplyDeleteMaria
www.daintyanddecadent.com
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/
ReplyDeleteCan 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! You look super cute in both looks :)
ReplyDeleteChioma
Chocolattesbox.blogspot.com
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!!
ReplyDeleteThat's great advice, J! I bought that Lauren Conrad gray jacket. I'm actually wearing it today on a dreary rainy day.
ReplyDeleteNiki
www.fashionatforty.blogspot.com
Those blush pumps are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And I love that jacket! Not so practical for Florida, however, so I took it back. :-(
ReplyDeleteLove this idea!!! Will definitely take this into consideration.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate and welcome to the blog! :-) That blazer is from Express, I got it on super-clearance for $25 last July!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, thanks for the heads up! They seem really comfy, and I was excited they actually make a 9.5 (most companies don't).
ReplyDeleteYessss! I totally agree. :-) It's also fun to see how blonde my hair was!
ReplyDeleteAmazing outfits! :D
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteI love it. I never thought to buy the "same" item just in a different color or style. Great idea, Thanks :)
ReplyDeletehttp://kikiscornerfunfashionandfrivolity.blogspot.com/
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!
ReplyDeletethis is such a BRILLIANT idea. i would have NEVER thought of this. you've totally inspired me today!
ReplyDeleteJ! Two things - I'm in love with that vintage belt, and your hair is looking absolutely beautiful these days!
ReplyDeleteI think I don't do this often enough (buying multiples) - love the first looks especially b/c I'm a sucker for preppy pieces! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks 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! :-)
ReplyDeleteYay, that's awesome! I'm loving Colin Stuart, hope you love them too! :-)
ReplyDeleteSo sweet Holly, thank you! I'm definitely digging my natural shade better than the blonde I was rocking all those years. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute..great idea..I love all the color! :)
ReplyDeleteI too am so inspired by this idea. So simple, yet totally brilliant! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Your legs look amazing- workout post is a must!
ReplyDeleteTiffany
http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com
very helpful!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThat's a perfect idea! I love that first outfit with the tan jacket!! I can't wait to go out and immediately do this!
ReplyDeleteSuch 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 :-)
ReplyDeletewww.daisyraeboutique.com
www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
This is a great idea! Perfect for summer :)
ReplyDeleteLove this! You really show how versatile these pieces can be, love it! :)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteAudrey
www.puttingmetogether.com
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!
ReplyDeletegreat conversions, never thought about doing that!
ReplyDeletehttp://gandacummings.blogspot.com
I love this! So perfect for changing seasons and traveling!
ReplyDeleteWhat a simple concept, but I had never thought of it like that before! Thanks, that helps so much!
ReplyDeleteI totally do this! I have warm weather and cold weather version of a bunch of outfits.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried this, but I might now!
ReplyDeletework-it-blog.blogspot.com
I love those shorts! I'm going to have to head to Kohl's; I always find good deals there!
ReplyDeletelove all of these colors, and that's an awesome idea too!!!
ReplyDeleteSarah
sarahsavvystyle.blogspot.com
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!
ReplyDelete-Camille
Somehow the same color/different item idea has never crossed my mind! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI want your legs! :)
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeletehttp://icetodiamonds.blogspot.com
Great! I love your posts... Have a nice time. Xoxo V.V.
ReplyDeleteI 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:)
ReplyDeleteI love the shirt and shorts combo, I plan on wearing it when it gets warmer here, and your shoes looks super comfortable!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Why hadn't I thought of this! Love your looks!
ReplyDeletexx Sarah
http://fromcoasttocloset.blogspot.com/
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!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Rhonda! Welcome to the blog! :-)
ReplyDeleteGood thinking. Love the red pants and shorts outfits!
ReplyDeleteKeep 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!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! I need to remember it for future)
ReplyDeletehttp://tri-skelos.blogspot.com/
Where are your red jeans from?
ReplyDeleteThey are cords - I got them at Gap two Christmases ago!
ReplyDeleteThat 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
ReplyDeleteI love to hear that! So glad you got some ideas that you can use! :-)
ReplyDeleteAre the victory sandals natural or the brown color?
ReplyDeleteYou 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!
ReplyDeletethank you for your sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of buying different items in the same color.. genius!!
ReplyDeleteThis is SO smart!
ReplyDeleteThat 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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