Zara now selling online. You interested?

Zara Launches an Online Store

Hat tip to Matthew N. and “there’s more to life than J. freakin’ Crew” jlc for the style tips.

Here’s the issue with H&M and Uniqlo.  They don’t sell online (yet) so not everyone has access to them.  That was especially the case with the Spanish fashion giant Zara, who until a few days ago, also didn’t have an online store and only had about 50 locations in the U.S.  Most of which are clustered on the coasts (15 of them are in LA and NYC).  So if you were in flyover country, you most likely had no idea what the hell a “Zara” was.

That changed on Wednesday as Zara took the huge step to selling online, and celebrated with a pretty slick “Dear America” photo lineup which features one shot from each state.  Nice tribute.  Well done.

Zara is more modern and fashion centric than minimalist and timelessly stylish.  Certainly inexpensive, but there’s a lot of synthetic materials flying around.  Feels a little like a grown up ASOS since they’re selling drop crotch pants and all.  Here’s a few early picks.  Be ready with your take in the comments…
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The Shoes:  Vintage Oxford – $99.90 | Brogue – $99.90

Finding a pair of interesting, slightly dressed up shoes you can wear with jeans and chinos on your downtime can make a big difference.  The Vintage Oxford looks like they could fill that role perfectly if not do some duty with real dressed up stuff.  Believe it or not, the Brogue comes with a leather sole.
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The Coats:  Herringbone Coat – $169 | Sheepskin Collar Coat – $229

The Herringbone coat is simple and straightforward.  It’s also a good example of how Zara tends to run with their materials:  30% Wool, 50% Poly, 20% Acrylic.  For the sheepskin collar double breasted jacket, I know… I know…  And no I didn’t hit my head.  Maybe less than a tenth of you would even consider it.  But it’s got an old Hollywood luxury feel to it.  This seems to be what Zara excels in.  Stuff that’s maybe just a step over the line for many, at a relatively affordable price.
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The Trench:  Double Breasted Trench w/ Hood – $189.00

And this could be about as perfect as a trench gets.  The hood looks like it buttons off?  Maybe?  That’s key.  2/3 cotton with the rest poly so the water should bead up instead of soak in.
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The Work Bag:  Buffalo Leather Retro Brief – $189.00

The detachable rucksack  conversion straps in the back are unnecessary and it’s going to be a little bulky for many, but overall not a bad looking leather brief for under $200.
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The Sweater and Shirt: Merino Wool Sweater – $59.90 | Contrast Twill Shirt – $49.90

And this is where Zara might struggle.  $60 is pretty standard for a Merino Wool sweater, and sales can drop them much, much lower at other stores.  Fifty bucks is no small asking price for a button up shirt, but at least it comes with some different details like the contrast at the placket.

Your turn guys.  What’s your immediate reaction?  Does Zara’s look appeal to you?  And for the fellas who actually do have a Zara near them, how often do you shop there and what’s your take on the quality of the clothes?  Leave it all in the comments section below…