Back Pocket Post: My Zara Haul!

Blogger wearing Zara
Back in September, I was contacted by Zara to participate in the launch of their online store in the US. Squee! Zara has always been one of those stores that I loved, but actually didn't own anything from. Since I don’t live near a Zara, I was relegated to visiting them in fabulous travel destinations. And it always seemed some other trinket or must-have piece of clothing would take precedence and I’d return home Zara-less again. And I’ll admit – over the past couple of years, I had kinda forgotten about them! But, when I got that email (well, first I thought it had to be a mistake – I honestly thought this…like, they had transposed some letters in some other girl’s email who has a fashion blog with like a million visitors daily and gotten me instead), of course my interest was piqued again. Normally I get a little annoyed…or ok, jealous, when all these blogs I read have girls touting their latest killer handbag, “courtesy of Foley & Corinna” or their fabulous dress, “courtesy of Miu Miu” – and I’m not saying I still don’t feel that way. But I can’t hate too much now, since I AM ONE OF THEM. Check out the items I picked below.

Polka Dot Blouse
The email claimed that I was “an influential person in the fashion community” – what the what!? Why thank you, Zara – you made my year! I didn’t know the background of the company, but a fashionable friend filled me in. Apparently it was started by a young Arab woman who graduated with an engineering degree. After a couple of years in that industry, she got burned out and wanted to do something different – so she opened a store, Zara, and the rest is history. They have stores all over the world, but until last month, those in the USA couldn’t shop online.

Let me tell you about the experience. First, it was very flattering, and they sent all of us this great postcard book of photographs representing each of the 50 states. Those of us included in the launch were invited to shop online a day before the site went live to the general public, and get some free merch! For a day I was actually above the general public - ha ha! Again, this whole time I’m thinking it must be a mistake – that my code would be invalid and/or that my items wouldn’t get shipped or something to negate my excitement. But, 2 days later (yes, only 2 days!) my package arrived. It was very beautifully wrapped - everything about the site just exudes class.

Organic Striped Tee
I was also very impressed with the quality of the clothing. The tee I got (left) was a very thick and sturdy knit, but incredibly soft. And yes, for those of you rolling your eyes at me getting ANOTHER Breton striped tee, don’t – this one’s organic, so it’s different! Ha ha. But really, I’ve realized I kind of treat those shirts as my neutral. A thin, navy stripe is my version of basic black, and I pair them with everything. My favorite one I’ve worn to death and it’s starting to look a bit threadbare – even my mom suggested I put it down! Hopefully this one will become my new favorite. The green blouse above is supremely cute in person, and zips up the back! Polka dots are very on-trend for fall, but at the same time, it’s a very classic top. I can see it taking me from work to cocktails for years to come.

High Heeled Mocassin
And the shoooooes! I don’t know if you can tell from the picture, but they have a triangular heel – to die for! I’ll admit I did jump on the heeled loafer bandwagon, but wanted to get something a little wacky. It was between those and the silver beauties at right, which are also to die for. I just may have to order them anyway, since I wear oxfords so much. One thing that I wish they did was carry shoes in ½ sizes. I ended up going a full size up from my normal size based on reviews I read and the fact that I’d rather my shoes be too big than too small. So, they are a wee bit big, but nothing some Dr. Scholl’s can’t fix I’m sure.

Patent Bulcher
It was extremely hard to pick my items – Zara really has something for everyone, with several lines each for man, woman and child, and very reasonable prices. I don’t mind paying a little bit more for something that is higher quality, and Zara is definitely that. They have definitely made a regular customer out of me. I love that this brand really gets it – they echo the runway trends without outright copying them (hello, Forever 21) because they still meld everything with their existing aesthetic. The result is really stylish, really wearable clothes that you won’t find at every Target and Old Navy on the block. (And for the record, I did get these items for free, but the love letter was all of my own doing!)
All photos courtesy of Zara.com

Currently listening to: The Guess Who