What am I missing about Zara?

[CambridgeBlue]

Countless threads on here recommend it as the place for everything from jersey blazers to bags and that's backed up by lots of style bloggers raving about it but I just can't find anything nice in there, ever!

I've actually got some vouchers to spend but I went into the local store (quite a big one) at the weekend and came away empty handed. I tried loads on but the fabrics were horrible (even silk felt nasty), the colours really unflattering - dull and too bright at the same time - and every time I picked up what looked like a nice item it had some weird detail or tacky embellishment. And what's with the gold on everything? It all felt very badly made and too fashiony for me but not cheap enough to reflect that.

Where am I going wrong? Where are all these nice basics and must buys that everyone talks about? Still need to spend the vouchers but at the moment I'd rather hang on to them, there's nothing I want in there even if it's effectively 'free'.

Glad I'm not the only one, I am baffled when I see it recommended so often! Cashmere sounds a good bet though, surely you can't go too far wrong with that...?

I am dressed head to toe in zara today not usually though! I do buy a few things there every year though

These pieces you are seeking are in France. UK Zara - horrible. French Zara - lovely classic basics.

Yeh the French Zara is better. I don't get the H&M love I think the same criticisms that apply to Zara apply to H&M x10.

I saw their cashmere but as I am deeply suspicious of the quality of their clothes I would much rather get it from John Lewis or Uniqlo for the same price. I had a good look round during the week and nothing really grabbed me. I tried this shirt but it was awful and made me look like a square. It was also massive which makes a change! I am a 12 and the medium was too big.

You should try the Zara in the Metrocentre. It always smells of eggy farts so I don't go in very often.

Twinklestein, re: Zara vs H&M, I really wouldn't know as I haven't been into an H&M for many years, but I do remember them being dirt cheap in London 10 years ago. I was a bit surprised by the prices in Zara today (not cheap), but I might be out of touch with H&M prices, too.

H&M is still really cheap. Haven't bought anything for me this year as I'm pregnant. But got DD summer dresses there for £2.99 each. I remember looking some some basic vests for adults for £3.99.

I agree op. I've never found anything worth buying there.

The quality has gone really downhill, I agree.

Massimo Dutti is their sister company and I think they're fab. I got a beautiful navy wool coat last year which I am sadly too pregnant to wear this year.

I bought a charcoal grey wool overcoat in Zara last year, and a big scarf. They are both beautiful. But i think overall the quality is terrible. Poorly stitched polyester crap. And I can't wear their jeans or trousers. They don't cater for ample bums!

I agree - most stuff in Zara leaves me cold. Occasionally I spot a decent bit of knitwear but overall I find the colours (far too much mustard and sludge green) and the "trying too hard" styles to be pretty vile.
Zara Home is quite nice though.

I quite like their jeans. Could you not use it in Zara Home they do nice bedding which lasts well.

Zara does nothing for me. I find the quality to be very poor and the Birmingham branch is v unpleasant to shop in. I only have one thing from there which I have kept and worn for longer than a few months, and have bought v little from there overall. I never even bother going in there now.

I've found Zara pretty good for my big boobs. I always love their winter coats too.

Beautiful and VERY uncomfortable shoes- clothes rip after one wash- basically cheap stuff.

I always find something I like I'm Zara, but I go through and touch / squint at, almost everything. I'm wearing a Zara jacket and Zara silk blouse, today. They have faux fur scarves and snoods in at the moment that are tremendous value for money. Their down coats are great, too. Much warmer than Uniqlo's. I rarely buy their scarves, as most are synthetic. However, their stament necklaces are hard to better.

Can't Gordon wrong with cashmere? Oh my word, where do I start....

The fashion world seems to be awash with cheap short fibre cashmere that pills and looks shit as soon as you breathe on it. Once. From a distance.

Don't go there. If it's not Brora or John Smedley and £200+ it's likely to be appalling. And I'm not normally one for spending £££ on anything.

I join Remus on her assessment of the Birmingham branch. Shame, was a good place 5-6 yrs ago.

Pirate - I'm afraid I can't agree with you. While £££ brands seem to use long and soft cashmere fibres, there is an interesting article by a mag affiliated w The Economist (can't remember it's name), that said that the Uniqlo and Pure Collection cashmere is very high quality for the price (ie long fibres and a good weight per garment). That aligns with my experience of their cashmere, too. It's not terribly different from my Brora cashmere, although the Pure cashmere is a bit better than the Uniqlo.

Shoes and bags!

I buy quite a bit in Zara, tho I was there the other day and saw nothing. I find them v good for jackets and bags, less so for shoes, some tops but you have to pick carefully. I do agree the quality is poor enough at times. And like a pp said, you have to keep an eye, stock turnover is fast. And yes, they can be 'no hips need apply', dagnammit.

Well I have hips and ample bum aplenty so definitely a no go!

I might look at the cashmere - I've got a lovely jumper from Uniqlo which has worn well so don't agree that you need to spend 3 figures. Home stuff is a good idea although not sure where sells it near me - may look online.

H&M is another one I just don't get yet people always seem to find good bargains - I think it's the layout of the shops, I can just never be bothered to hunt out the good stuff and it all seems pretty poor quality although at least it is cheap unlike Zara.

I agree with Pirate about the cashmere!

Belinda thanks for that. I did have some uniqlo cashmere about 8 years ago that was indeed good for the price, if somewhat thin. But then, 8 years ago M&S cashmere was good VFM too and now it's appalling. Perhaps I'll give uniqlo another try. Pure, not so much; I've had the same problems, and as John Smedley outlet does cashmere for cheaper I know where I'd rather spend my money :)