Should You Buy It Again?

Back in 2014 I purchased my very favourite cropped black leather jacket. It’s travelled the world with me. I wear it to work and for play. And it was the jacket I wore in our Parisian photo shoot with Carla Coulson – which means it has featured regularly on Distant Francophile.

Simply put, I love my leather jacket. And while I hope it lasts forever, a part of me knows that is unlikely, given all the wear it gets.

I knew I was going to have to buy it again.

So a while back, I started searching for my jacket, but in a different colour. I was particularly keen for a lighter shade – the sort of colour that would work for cooler spells in warmer months.

The independent boutique where I bought my first jacket no longer stocked the brand. I’d established that fact a long time ago. So while I stalked on-line retailers, I also direct messaged the manufacturer. And I was sad to learn that my jacket was now quite difficult to come by. These days, it is only produced in limited runs.

Late last year, I thought I’d snagged the jacket – but a website glitch meant that I got my hopes up for no reason.

I abandoned my search for a while but never gave up on the idea of owning the jacket in another colour. Every now and then I’d do a bit of Google searching, knowing that more and more retailers set up on line every day.

Then, a few weeks ago, I found my jacket. It was in a store in a suburb on the other side of Melbourne. Their website suggested they had the jacket in black, cognac and a colour called donkey. And it appeared all the shades were available in my size.

Burned by my previous online hiccup, I mounted a field trip. And I’m pleased to report that after years of searching, I found my jacket. Turns out that donkey is a taupe-y sort of colour and just what I was looking for. It was even on sale!

I’m writing this post in Canada, not at all concerned that I am travelling with two similar leather jackets. 

Now regular readers could well be thinking ‘Now hang on a minute Janelle. You often recommend we curate our wardrobes, cleansing them of multiples and filling our closets with good quality, unique and classic pieces. And now you are telling us that you have doubled up on a jacket?’

The answer to that question is an unapologetic yes. 

French Women Have Worked This Out

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not suddenly suggesting that you rush out and fill your wardrobe with 10 pairs of black pants and 10 matching white shirts. 

I am however suggesting you follow in the footsteps of French women. (I promise there is a reason all those French style books exist).

After years of study, I’ve learned what women all over France seem to know intuitively. Knowing and accepting yourself are the keys to great style. At every stage of life, true style requires dressing for the woman you are today. Dressing for your colouring, shape, and life as they stand right now.

You need to understand which pieces suit your lifestyle, look great on you and make you feel sensational when you wear them.

And when you find a piece that works for you shouldn’t be afraid to invest in it again – whether you go for an identical piece or buy it in one or two colours.

My Top Tips For Deciding If You Should Buy It Again

So how can you tell if a piece is worth hunting down in order to buy it again? 

Here is the super simple five point criteria I use.

The item is:

1. Flattering when it comes to fit and colour.
2. Timeless – it won’t date.
3. Versatile enough to take you anywhere.
4. Powerful. You feel amazing when you wear it.
5. Good value for money. The cost per wear of the original item gets lower and lower.

Have you ever gone hunting for an item of clothing? Do you have your own criteria of repurchasing an item? I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And until next time – au revoir.