The Budget Babe's Windy City correspondent, Chantal Baros, previews the latest spring fashions from Zara at their exclusive press event. —BB
by Chantal Baros
Last Wednesday I attended a press event at the Zara flagship store on 700 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago for a preview of the Spring/Summer 2011 collection; and it was fantastic! The new collections for spring were marked by interesting details, beautiful fabrics and pops of colors to herald in that warm weather we're all craving. And best of all, Zara brings us runway-inspired fashions at great prices with most pieces under $100. Needless to say, I wanted to buy everything.
What's hot at Zara? Everything. Fresh, bright colors are the best way to start working spring into your wardrobe. Bright colorblocking seems to be the focus and the electric blues, emerald greens, fresh oranges and hot fuchsias look fantastic on tailored clean pieces. I was impressed by how each collection seemed very cohesive and wearable with lots of options for dressing pieces up or down. Also look out for awesome tiered shirts and dresses, and kimono style tops seem to be a big trend this spring too.
What really caught my eye? Zara has created several really interesting leather pieces for the new season, including a leather shirt, red leather pants and an amazing black leather mini skirt. I loved these pieces in person, they felt amazing and looked great. I also really loved their Studio collection which has so many fantastic higher end options (still an amazing deal though). Definitely an easy way to look extremely chic and fashion forward. And, as always, I love Zara outwear: All their trenches, leather jackets and blazers are tailored and detailed impeccably for such a great price.
While I loved looking at all the new clothes what really surprised me about Zara was what an amazing company they are. Being able to talk to the lovely ladies from Zara was informative- and I was so excited by what I learned! As if their amazing fashions at an awesome price wasn't reason enough to love Zara, they are also extremely sensitive to us (the customers) and I LOVE that. Zara takes very seriously the requests and feedback of their customers, stores are restocked with items customers are looking for, and get this, items are made to please customers.
The stores are restocked every two weeks with new merchandise and the clothing is not mass produced—rather, production, modification and fabrication of new patterns or designs is based on customer feedback and demand. They also avoid mass production to create some degree of exclusivity, and each store is treated individually based on what the store manager is telling Spain the costumers are liking or looking for (awesome). This level of involvement isn't limited to the women's fashion (including shoes and handbags!), but is extended throughout the entire store, so even your man and your kids can be extremely fashion forward, current and unique.
Check out some of their newest fashions for spring online, and if you can, visit one of their beautiful boutiques - you won't be disappointed! —Chantal Baros
Scroll down for more photos...
A ZARA rep shows off spring's punchiest colors.
Photos and article by Chantal Baros for TheBudgetBabe.com
While I loved looking at all the new clothes what really surprised me about Zara was what an amazing company they are. Being able to talk to the lovely ladies from Zara was informative- and I was so excited by what I learned! As if their amazing fashions at an awesome price wasn't reason enough to love Zara, they are also extremely sensitive to us (the customers) and I LOVE that. Zara takes very seriously the requests and feedback of their customers, stores are restocked with items customers are looking for, and get this, items are made to please customers.
The stores are restocked every two weeks with new merchandise and the clothing is not mass produced—rather, production, modification and fabrication of new patterns or designs is based on customer feedback and demand. They also avoid mass production to create some degree of exclusivity, and each store is treated individually based on what the store manager is telling Spain the costumers are liking or looking for (awesome). This level of involvement isn't limited to the women's fashion (including shoes and handbags!), but is extended throughout the entire store, so even your man and your kids can be extremely fashion forward, current and unique.
Check out some of their newest fashions for spring online, and if you can, visit one of their beautiful boutiques - you won't be disappointed! —Chantal Baros
Scroll down for more photos...
A ZARA rep shows off spring's punchiest colors.
Photos and article by Chantal Baros for TheBudgetBabe.com