Sunday, November 25, 2012

ChiChi Chic at Zara

My Birthday was this week and my siblings took me to dinner!
 
Leopard Print & Color Block Coat
 INTRODUCTION.  Hi lovelies! I’m really excited about this weeks’ Spotlight Site, Zara.com. This is the first site I've reviewed for you that I have VERY mixed feelings on. On one hand, I feel like Zara really encompasses my personal style. Zara is in my price range, they have the quality I’m looking for and most importantly the look I’m trying to achieve! Also, Zara is eco-friendly and Animal –friendly as well. If you check out their information page they explain that Zara as a company focuses on saving energy, recycling, they use eco-friendly fabrics, make PVC-Free footwear, and transport using biodiesel. They also do not sell products tested on animals and only use animal hides that come from food farms. On the OTHER hand, I have recently read some very disturbing articles about Zara's point of view on the American Market and why they have absolutely no plans to expand their physical stores to American shores.
Studded Platform Sandal

STYLE. Zara is so fabulous. I think it's chic, modern, and very smart. The garments are cool and collected. When I'm wearing a piece from Zara, I feel posh and confident.

PRICE. Quite reasonable. An occasional coat may cost $300 but generally their most of their pieces, like dresses and jackets, run between $75-$150.

Puff Sleeve Dress
WEAR-ABILITY. Zara is not a juniors line at all. I wouldn’t call it mature either, because that word, to me, implies frumpy. Zara is very cool, very chic and I think their target market is probably women ages 25 to 40 years old. However, that doesn’t mean women who do not fall into that age range cannot wear Zara. There are plenty of age appropriate garments for everyone.

SIZE&FIT. They run small! I recently read an article about how Zara caters to a European body type. The article also said that Zara has been quoted saying that they will not be expanding their stores into the U.S. because the American Market is basically to fat and not fashion forward. This obviously offended me. I love Zara's style and collection but after reading that article I actually returned my latest purchase from them. I will be writing a paper on European Sizing Vs. American Sizing for my Fashion Merchandising class and I will be sure to post it. I plan to reference this article about Zara. HERE is the link to the article I read. 

QUALITY&CONSTRUCTION. I think the quality is very beautiful, however I have read many, many reviews with complaints of "inferior products" and "poor construction." I have only been shopping with Zara for a few months now, but from what little I have purchased, I am please with the quality.

SHIPPING&RETURNS. Very simple to understand, typical and standard policies. Shipping is free both ways unless you purchase express shipping, which is $10. Returns are simple. You may return your garment to one of Zara’s store or you may ship it back. They provide a pre-paid packaging slip inside your original package.

Skull Print Coin Purse
RECAP. "Wearing garments from Zara.com makes me feel eloquent and cool. I imagine, I will be a loyal client for a long time. As I said before, they have garments for any age group but I think they should be the first stop for an incredibly chic 30-year-old woman. Fabulous Company! Don’t miss it!"- This is the recap I wrote BEFORE reading the article about Zara's sizing. I am very torn on whether or not I will remain a loyal client or not. While I do love their products, I feel as though the company certainly doesn't love me back. Also, as a plus sized, American girl, they do not value me (or my $$$) as a client. I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts on Zara, good or bad! Please, don't be shy about leaving a comment, I'm dying to hear some other opinions.

 
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XoXo,
Scottie

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