Latest & Greatest #14: New Zara Finds!

Latest and Greatest

New Zara Finds


I love all things avant garde but I also appreciate good quality basics. Because in a pinch, those are what I reach for most often. Even if I’m wearing a jacket with built-in hip panels, I’ve most likely paired it with sturdy wedges, a black t-shirt and a simple skirt or skinny jeans.

I was a little late to discover Zara in part because Portland doesn’t have a location and I relied on shopping in-person when I was in New York or ordering online (always difficult when you’re not super familiar with a brand’s fit). One of my first Zara pieces was over a year ago when Joey bought me a neon yellow sweater for my birthday which I wore literally a few times a week (and still wear all the time)!

Anyway, I feel like I’ve finally hit the holy grail of basics and I wanted to share. I placed an order a week ago for these boots and this shirt and they are both the bomb (can I say that without sounding very 90s?)

First of all, the wedge boots — they fit exactly to size, the quality is amazing and they are made in Spain (if I’m paying upwards of $200.00 for shoes, they better not be stamped Made In China). Let’s back up to abut five years ago — I’d spotted the perfect Jil Sander wedge boots with crepe soles on Ebay but they were WAY out my price range and I let them go. Well, that could only mean one thing. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and I am STILL obsessed and thinking about those damn boots! So when I spotted these babies on the Zara site at a fraction of the Jil Sander price, crepe wedge soles and all, I made my move.

New Zara Finds


Onto the shirt. I have tons of skirts, jackets and dresses but seemingly no shirts! When I shop, I want fun! Excitement! Intrigue! But let’s get real, shirts are kind of important. I like mine simple and type-covered and this one delivers.

All in all, Zara has really impressed me in delivering good quality basics and accessible prices. No, this post isn’t sponsored — I just want to make more of an effort to share what I love when I feel it’s worthwhile!


So tell me, Where is your go-to place for basics? Because I am definitely in need of more.

While I’d like to imagine wearing sequins and fancy dresses down the street every day, it’s just not my reality.

14 Responses to Latest & Greatest #14: New Zara Finds!

  1. Melinda says:

    In Houston before this summer, I used to go to Zara at the Galleria (which in Houston Time, is about 45 min – 1 hour away from me on a GOOOD Day). The location and time wasted was horrible to go to Zara for basics.

    Fast forward to this summer and the opening of the FIRST TWO H&M’s in Houston! You heard me right HOUSTON was without an H&M for years!! I used to buy all my basics at H&M in college and when I moved home, I went through an H&M withdrawl! But now that the H&M is closer to my home, a piddly 10-20 min. drive, I spend most of my time there buying basics.

    On a good day, I’ll head into Old Navy for a quick run through, if I find some basics that catch my eye, I’ll purchase them, but I don’t really spend time there. I tend to look at stiching and buy a size larger of Old Navy Clothing, just to be on the safe side, as the ones I buy tend to shrink when I only air dry them…must be the Houston Heat.

    Finally, you can all kill me for this. The Arizona section at JC Penny’s, good tank top basics for a good price…price will always sell me. I’m on year 5 of some of those Arizona pieces!

    Melinda

  2. girl6_nyc says:

    I have a love hate relationship with Zara. Their quality can be hit or miss but I do love how they’re so spot on with “copying” the trends. Their linen tees are the absolute best and their wool mix blend jackets are great.

    Another place i like for basics is Uniqlo (which have an online shop now) and J Crew.

    Love your shoes, I have a very similar pair from Coach. Ive been wearing them to death for the past month. They’re a bit equestrian inspired. Here they are:

    http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/Product-farah_bootie-10551-10051-Q1555-en#113978

    Also I have been reading your blog for years… literally. I have to say I really admire your work and life. And once I found out youre a Virgo (me too 8/29!) that made me love you even more!

    Keep up the excellent work!

  3. Michelle says:

    I know I should buy more good quality basics, because they form the staples of your wardrobe. But I seem to avoid doing it, somehow it’s way more fun and exciting to buy frothy things. My most worn basics are skirts from American Apparel, good quality department store black tights, plain tops from chains like Cotton On. We have a Zara here but I still haven’t gone to check it out – it’s out in the suburbs.

  4. Ruby says:

    I buy 3 black shirts from H&M annually and wear them layered with everything! They fade after a year, but who cares since they’re dirt cheap? Joe Fresh and Anerican Apparel are okay but I find that their colours fade faster. Aritzia is another great option, but for basic sweaters.

  5. Chantelle says:

    Oh gosh, I love Zara as well. It’s just so impeccable and breezy sometimes. Also, many of their pieces are done incredibly well, it just takes time and practice to spot them and purchase!

  6. Rachel says:

    I really hope Portland gets a Zara someday soon! Zara’s quality is way better than H&M’s, in my experience. It’s one of those places that I really miss from San Francisco. It would fit right in downtown, don’t you think? I’d take a Uniqlo, too (another great place for basics).

  7. veryvivian says:

    zara is essentially FIT’s unofficial outfitter. Makes sense for this school! still I get alot of basics at American eagle with all the junior high school children and make up for it by shopping Jcrew sale or outlet!

    • Shauna says:

      veryvivian: I’ve visited the FIT campus and I could totally imagine this being the case! Zara’s clean lines, affordability and quality make it the perfect fashion school wardrobe.

  8. Ali says:

    I love Zara. I don’t like how their prices are so different between countries though… I always make sure to hit Zara when I’m travelling but I’m surprised how much the prices change… so far I’ve found it’s cheapest in Spain (of course), UK and Japan, slightly more expensive in the rest of Europe, more expensive again in Australia and I’ve just moved to the Philippines where it is REALLY expensive! especially in relation to other things here.
    thank goodness for their sale racks. that’s how I’ve ended up with so many pieces from Zara!

    • Shauna says:

      Ali: I didn’t realize that because I’ve only shopped at U.S. Zara locations! It’s the same way here in the U.S. when it comes to Topshop. The prices are soooo inflated!

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  10. Yumi says:

    Can you please tell me where you got your zig zag carpet? It’s so Twin Peaks and I am in love!

    Great style as always, the shoes are perfect.

  11. Helen Armfield says:

    Zara, H&M and M&S for basics, and for pretty much most non-basics too. Buy an extra suitcase when you get here in January and go shopping. I’d suggest looking in the H&M and Zara on both Kensington High Street and in Chelsea over the Oxford street locations (I’m spoilt here in Milton Keynes as both stores here have good edits). M&S it has to be Marble Arch – the store is so large (turnover) that each is technically a seperate store for business purposes.

    Whilst you are here I’d also suggest looking in on John Lewis – the Peter Jones location on Sloane Square is a design destination in itself :-) – they stock a nice range of brands not seen in standalones. Oh, and the Creed T-shirt guys in Spittlefields at Shoreditch. Actually, whilst you are in Shoreditch I think you’d also love WeAdmire.net on Great Eastern Street :-)

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