Zara Tartan Blazer

When I saw all these great pictures of some beautiful Black Watch over at What Kate Wore, I was reminded just how much I like tartan.  I used to wear it quite a bit - years ago - but haven't in such a long while.  Perusing Zara's blazers (again), I came across this one in New Arrivals and thought it might be just the thing.

It crossed my mind that it might be too over-the-top, but once again Zara got it just right.  In normal light it is almost - almost - subtle.  But it is definitely still Tartan.  I have the flash on it in the close-up.  The fabric is smooth and feels pricier than it is.  The construction and fit are nice.  I'm wearing my usual Medium.

Also! I've recently noticed no international transaction fees from my credit card related to my online Zara buys. Zara must have changed something with their banking.  It never made sense to me that orders were processed that way, ordering from a US site with the items appearing to ship from a US address.  At any rate, looks like it's changed - good news!

Zara Tartan Blazer

Here is how I wore it for our Danish "Little Christmas Eve" (the 23rd):

Zara blazer, ON bank in black, F21 denim, J Crew Brewster Boots (years ago)

xoxo

Zara Blazer with Golden Buttons

Another blazer win for Zara this season.  This one arrived recently and again I am so happy with it that I have a very similar one in navy on the way.  The textured fabric is a silky soft cotton/linen/polyester/elastane blend.  It is fully lined with extra buttons sewn inside.  The care instructions say Do Not Wash/Do Not Bleach/No Tumble Dry.  Made in Morocco.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark wore this one in London recently - you can see pics here and here.  If anyone can point me toward another Mary style blog - maybe a Danish one? - I'd love it... it appears stylishmary.com has closed.  I do read The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor already which is a really fun blog if you are interested in what the royals are wearing and like to look at tiaras.

Zara Blazer with Golden Buttons   Ref. 7531/750

I have found Zara's *free* shipping process to be very fast and efficient. My orders have all arrived via FedEx in about three days or so and they email order and shipping confirmations and tracking numbers.  They appear to ship out of Massachusetts but there is a foreign transaction fee from my credit card - this percentage varies by cc company - mine is 1%.    

xoxo

Zara Red Blazer with Gathered Shoulders

**updated 2/6/13 with pictures at end of post to help show the shade of red of this blazer**

My red Zara blazer (Ref. 7659/682) arrived yesterday and it is just as I'd expected.  Actually, I like it even more than I thought I would.  I was a little concerned that the slightly puffy "gathered" shoulders -- while perfectly fine for a 30-year-old Duchess -- might be a bit much for a *ahem* slightly older mom of three who is not dressing to be photographed at public engagements.  No... Zara got it just right for the rest of us too.

The red looks to me to be a true, velvety red.  The fabric (polyester, viscose, elastane), while not high end (it's a $99.90 Zara blazer), does not at all appear cheap in my opinion.  The smooth, flat weave is just right in this color... nice medium weight. The golden buttons add just a smidge of regal shine and they've included two extras sewn into the lining.  It was sold out there for a sec but is back in stock in all sizes except XL as of this morning.  Mine is a Medium - my typical size in Zara tops.  I usually buy Smalls or 4s in JCrew, Banana, etc, for comparison.

I'm so happy with this one, I have the Blazer with Golden Buttons on the way.  I'll let you know how that one works out when it gets here.

You can see pics of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing this blazer at the London Olympics at What Kate Wore here.  I'll be putting together some Polyvores soon.

Happy Friday!

xoxo

*update 2/6/13*

I've added a couple of pictures below so you can better judge the shade of red of this blazer.  Here it is against a Louboutin sole, Converse sneakers, and Revlon nail polish in #680 Revlon Red:

 with flash

without flash

My First Zara US Online Purchase

boat neck (lower neckline in back), 3/4 sleeves, exposed back zip - love it

Zara "silk lace top" #3658/218

made in Turkey

requires a cami

I placed my first Zara US order on Tuesday evening and my top arrived today, nicely wrapped in tissue, in a not-quite-shipping-box-weight box but the box was wrapped in dark blue plastic and arrived in great condition. Quickly too for free shipping, I think. They included a sweet little bracelet with a Zara charm in a fabric drawstring bag. (It says "Thank you for following us on Facebook", which I don't, so I imagine they are just sending them out with some of their first orders.)

It appears to have shipped out of Massachusetts, and that is the address on the return label. Because of this, and because this is the new US site and prices are listed in US dollars, I was surprised to see "Zara Dublin" on my online card statement, with a foreign transaction fee tacked on.

Anyone else in the US place a Zara order? Received it? What do you think?

little glitch with the sewing at the neckline...

going to try to press to make less noticeable

xoxo

Zara Goes Online for US Shoppers Tomorrow

**update: Couldn't wait. Just ordered the lace top. Anyone else?**

I'm so excited for this launch! I'm going to be shopping the Vancouver BC Zara later this month, but since I only get there about once a year, I'm sure I'll be utilizing the online store before too long too.

If you're ready to shop and would like to get your order in a little early, visit See Chloe Shop - she has a link to shop six hours before the official launch on her post here. (www.zara.com/dearamerica) (And you get free shipping.)

Here are just a few of my current picks:

dress with elastic waist $89.90 USD

pic from Zara

boat neck top $59.90 USD

pic from Zara

silk lace top $39.90 USD

pic from Zara

xoxo

Zara Goes Online for US Shoppers {and I tried on Kate's blue dress}

I'm still out of town but wanted to share the big news I heard on Twitter this morning, courtesy of @LuckyMagazine. Zara is going online for US shoppers (September 7th, according to fabsugar.com). I love shopping Zara (will try to post recent purchases in Copenhagen and Atlanta from the new collection soon) but the closest to me is Vancouver, BC... which I can get to maybe once a year. So this is happy news.

When I was in the Atlanta store recently, I happened upon that pretty blue pleated dress Duchess Kate wore as she left for her honeymoon (on the sale rack no less). It was too big at a size L and appeared to be missing a belt but I gave it a try. I added a belt from another dress and it really just about worked but then I noticed a lipstick stain smack dab in the front and decided it was not meant to be. I did buy a couple of blouses.

Starting next week I will have lots of travel, shopping, and outfit posts to share. I also was able to shop an L. K. Bennett in person (cue choir singing). It was fabulous. Reviews of three shoe styles coming up.

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo