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| Gratuitous display of a new coat on my new dress form Zara coat with gathering on the shoulder (Ref. 5274/043), sz XS J.Crew Factory Multistrand Dotted Pearl Necklace (old) |
It certainly took me long enough but I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the dress form that Annie recommended from PB Teen. It’s actually the same one that she bought a while back so please check out her blog post as well in case I’ve missed any details. She was sweet enough to share a 15% off promotion code that she wasn’t using and I had a $100 gift card so I only had to shell out an additional $80.
The dress form came in a huge box and it was carefully packaged inside. It arrived in three pieces so the assembly was very easy. You will need to secure the base to the body and the knob on top of the neck piece. No tools are required so I was able to put it together by myself (the box is huge so my fiance brought it upstairs during his lunch break but he wasn’t there when I got home). Unlike Annie’s experience I had no complaints about the condition of the one I received. The dress form has little gray marks on the white finish for a shabby chic feel. Overall I’m really excited that I have something nice that I can use to display my clothes.
Next up is my recent Zara haul. For some reason their spring and summer pieces really speak to me even though I don’t shop at Zara much during the fall/winter.
Below are the items that are in my ‘yes’ pile:
(Thoughts and intervention are always welcome.)
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| Zara coat with gathering on the shoulder (Ref. 5274/043), sz XS |
This coral coat has a slightly more feminine cut and fit than my crewcuts bow coat which is straight up and down since it’s meant for a child. They’re both similar in weight so it’s light jacket perfect for spring/fall. The sleeves are 24″ long which is a good sleeve length for me and the shoulders measure approximately 13 3/4″. It wasn’t as easy to measure the shoulders due to the gathering on the shoulders combined with the light shoulder pads.
| Zara top with contrasting piping (Ref. 2507/041), sz XS (see another view here) Zara cotton blazer (Ref. 2382/761), sz XS (see another view here) |
When I first laid my eyes on this blazer in real life I couldn’t help but notice how large the lapels were. However, once I tried it on I think it drapes rather nicely on the body. I also wasn’t sure about the buttons which look like brushed stainless steel but they seem to work with the style. The sleeves measure 23 1/2″ and the shoulders measure approximately 14″. I had a slightly difficult time trying on the contrast black and white top (in the picture above on left) because the opening for your head is on the smaller side. It’s white so if you get makeup on it then it’s game over. I think it would have helped if there was a zipper in the back. I am definitely thinking about returning the top for this reason.
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| Zara combination jacket with zips (Ref. 2282/852), sz XS (see another view here) As seen on Anh of 9to5chic.com |
I saw this tweed jacket online and totally had grabby hands for it. Then I saw it on Anh a few days ago and I definitely had to try it on in store. The sleeves on size XS measure 21 1/4″ so they’re bracelet length sleeves on me. This seems to be as intended/designed based on where the sleeves hit the model in the stock image. The shoulders measure approximately 13 1/2″.
Here are the items I returned right away:
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| Zara fantasy diamond top (Ref. 7521/724), sz XS |
The beading on this top was very pretty but it was way too sheer. I think some people don’t mind their bras (and belly buttons) peeking through but this top is definitely not within my comfort zone.
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| ZARA floral lace top (Ref. 1639/050), sz XS |
I love lace so as soon as I saw this new arrival online I was a little click happy and received it in the mail the next day (I really love Zara’s free shipping and prompt deliveries). The floral lace pattern is really adorable but unfortunately it was not a comfortable fit on me because it pulled at my arm/armpit when I moved around.
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| Zara boat neck striped sweater (Ref. 5747/164), sz S |
This striped sweater was too roomy so I took it right off. I should have known better and not ordered it to begin with.
i dislike boatnecks! i would have ripped that top off too! =)loving the coral coat! need to go try that on, except there's really no need for me to wear that in socal =(
lol… Thanks Miriam. I think the coat is lovely for fall too.My office is like an ice cube in the summer so maybe I'll keep it around even if I can't wear it outside anymore.
The orange coat is fantastic!!magnefiestaofmumbai.blogspot.in
I'm very happy you got the dress form:) She will definitely come in handy and will get a lot of use. Love the coral coat, white blazer and white coat on you…eeks! I say return the black/white top.
The orange jacket is cute, but I think could use some slimming around the waist. I love the white blazer though without alterations!
Oh I love the white blazer. SO chic and pretty. I think I might to see if my local Zara has it in store! Yay for the dress form… now I totally want one to, haha. My husband would kill me, he'll be like "whyyyyy". Why not right!? :)xo, Yi-chiaAlways Maylee
I love the orange peacoat! And that dress form is perfect!! xo – SheilaWina $30 Target giftcard!!
Nice haul! Love that orange coat. Great blog you have here. I'm your newest follower 🙂 Would you mind checking out our blog & following back via GFC and Bloglovin'? Looking forward to your next post! xxsixthtractate.blogspot.com
Thanks Deepali!
Thanks so much Annie! <3 You are so good to me! I'm definitely returning the b/w top.FYI. I also got the white skirt you sent me which was too big on you. I can't believe the 00P ran so big. Can't wait to show ya. 😉
Thanks Lisa! Sometimes it takes me a few tries to make up my mind about something. It's crazy how your mind can change from day to day.
Hi Jess, very cool picks. Would you say (generally speaking) that Zara runs large or small, and for reference how tall are you? The white blazers are very crisp, and look great on you. It's too bad the tops did not work out because I really like them on you too. Especially the cap sleeve lace top, it looks like it could be dressed up or down really easily. I've been trying to add variety to my wardrobe. I've been finding cool things at Anthro lately, and will take a closer look at Zara too.
Thanks Yi-chia! A white blazer is essential for the spring/summer. 🙂 I hope you like it.My fiance kept on asking me why too but I'm so happy to have her. She's good for blog sales and days when I want to share something without inserting myself in the picture. hehe
Thanks Sheila. It's funny that both you and @lisacng:disqus described the coat as orange based on my picture. I swear it's coral in real life. lolI would recommend getting a dress form. So happy I finally got one and a pretty one at that. 🙂
Thanks Mary Irene! I'm 5' 2 1/4"… yes I like to include that quarter inch whenever I tell someone how tall I am. Every bit counts. lol Zara tends to run bigger for their blouses and bottoms based on my experience. For coats/blazers and more trendy/classic tops they tend to run TTS. e.g. The white top with black piping and lace top you like. The cap sleeve lace top is adorable for sure. I wish I could shop at Anthro but based on my past experience I found that things ran big on me. I recently learned that they now carry petites so I may have to give them another chance.
Thanks Crystal and Sue Anne! The coat is actually coral in real life. I appreciate the follow and I have followed your blog as well. 🙂
I appreciate that you are not in with the total sheer trend. I think it's important to wear functional, comfortable clothing. I applaud you for respecting your comfort zone. Both of the first two jackets are so pretty. I love them. Great new dress form, too. What a great investment.
Definitely getting the white blazer for work…. Work it mo' ! http://Www.arewa.ca/blog
awesome post!www.glamourgirl-bg.blogspot.com
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you're my height! I also include the quarter inch for good measure! Agree about Anthro. Tops are no problem for me, but forget about pants. When I get a chance to get away from work for a bit, I am going to try on their petites. Having said that, I have had decent luck with the ankle length trend that's going on everywhere. They seem to fall right at the spot on my leg that I like. I see white blazers in my future soon too 🙂
Thanks so much, Kate. 🙂 For me, sheer tops are okay only if they look appropriate paired with a nice cami underneath.
Very good to know! 🙂 There is a gorgeous one by Theory that I spotted at Bloomingdales but it was $$$.Anthro is also on the pricey end for me. lol In college my best friend (she was an international student from Japan) purchased a top from there for $200+ and said she'd wear it as much as she could to make up for the hefty price tag. I looked at her like a deer with headlights.
Its perfect for me I like the professional outfit you shared here. http://www.sevenwholesale.com/product-templatezoo.shtml
I would never pick up an orange coat off a rack but on you, my dear, is quite amazing. What a beautiful coat! Makes me want to go out and get it despite it being the start of spring!exploringmystyleblog.blogspot.com
Thanks Lauren! It's a light jacket perfect for chilly spring days/nights.
Hello! Just wondering if you would ever sell the Zara combination coat? 🙂