I can’t even tell you how obsessed I am with Zara at the moment. Friends have always sung its praises, but it wasn’t until very recently that I started to get onboard. I have a suspicion that this is probably something to do with the fact that I’ve recently dropped a few pounds; their sizes aren’t exactly inclusive. A Zara large comes out as a 14, which is the size of the average UK woman nowadays. Their size guide says that an XL is then a 16, and an XXL an 18, but I can quite honestly say I’ve never found any item in an XXL in their store, and often the only options (even online) are S, M, or L.
Anyway, I’ve managed to shed a few recently, and my newfound ability to fit into - and even look nice in(!) - Zara’s inventory is giving me some of the willpower to continue my healthy eating regime. A vast amount of my recent purchases have been brought from there, and most of the stuff I’ve put back on the rack are now on my “barcode scan history” portion of the app. I wanted to show you guys what I’ve been loving but am not quite confident - and/or advanced - enough to be posing for outfit photos. So I’ve put together a little collage above, and thought I’d do a quick run-through of what I’ve got (or want) and why.
Black shirt dress (item code: 2183/243)
This is probably my ultimate favourite of recent purchases, which is hilarious because I very nearly didn’t try it on. I’ve been obsessed with shirts recently - I’m loving how easy they are to wear, and how I can smarten them up for work or wear one more casually for an off-duty, but still sophisticated, look. This is long enough to wear with tights, but leggings and/or jeans also work. The long sleeves are great for this in-between weather, as I can wear it alone and then put a cardigan on top if I get too cold. It’s slightly pricey at £29.99, but I’ve already reached for it enough times to make me sure it’s worth it. Also, it’s super-soft and not so sheer that I have to wear anything (bar a black bra!) underneath.
Oversized hooded sweatshirt (item code: 4873/274)
I picked this up on a bit of a whim as it was near the changing rooms, which is a scenario that normally ends up with me either returning the item or regretting it. However, I’ve worn this a few times since I got it and while I think I probably got caught up in how much I loved everything I was putting on, it will still serve me well for the colder months. The selling point was definitely the Vetements-vibes I was getting from it; I’m hoping to channel off-duty Kendall Jenner in it! I just wish I looked a little thinner underneath, as the bagginess is a bit overwhelming at times.
Printed velvet dress (item code: 8119/131)
I absolutely loved this, and would have taken it home if it hadn’t been just under £50! Considering there were coats in store for only a tenner more, it seemed excessive and unreasonable to spend that on a dress. I’ve included a photo of myself in it (right) to contrast my bigger chest to that of Zara's model; I think it looks great on both of us!
Knit cardigan with zip (item code: 2162/102)
I own a lot of black cardigans, because I’m always looking for the perfect one, and I was drawn to the zip on this one, which makes it different (and slightly edgier) to the rest of my collection! I’ve had it a few weeks now, and worn it probably almost every day. It’s so cosy and comfy; baggy enough to be flattering but not so much that I look like I’m wearing a sack. I’m seriously considering buying another one for when this one wears out, as the price (£19.99) is also pretty reasonable!
Lace midi dress (item code: 5149/231)
I was pleasantly surprised with with how nice this looked, as I’ve tried these two-layered dresses before to find that the inner slip is far too clingy. In that case, even the looser top part can’t save my figure! But this was quite flattering, and not too fancy for me to consider wearing it to work. I haven’t bought it yet, as I’m hoping it’ll be reduced at some point soon; my priority at the moment is more basics pieces.
Poplin shirt (item code: 1971/152)
The only reason I didn’t snap this beauty up was purely because of the sheer amount of white shirts I’ve bought recently! I’m absolutely obsessed with them, but I couldn’t justify spending another £25 on adding this one to my stack. I’m finding shirts in general so wearable, and because I wear a lot of black, white gives a nice contrast within an outfit. Again, I may have to wait and see if this one makes its way into the sale anytime soon!
Knot blouse (item code: 7915/201)
Having just re-found this item online, I’m a bit bummed to see it’s now been reduced to £12.99! I bought it at around £25, but haven’t yet worn it because it does draw attention down to the belly - which, at the moment, is a problem area for me! I suppose that’s just life, and it makes me more hopeful that other items I’ve left behind will be cheaper in the future. However, it’s sure to become a staple because of how casual and wearable it is, whilst also being a little different and special due to the twist front. Most other tops with a tie-front style have stuck out so much that they've made me look quite chunky, so the streamlined look of this drew me in. It’s also worth noting that I had to size down to a medium, as the style bagged-out a bit in the large.
