It’s rare that I head to the Mall – especially on a Saturday. Normally it is just too chaotic and uninspiring to bother. Worse still when the Falcons are at home Lenox Mall can be packed to the seams with visitors so I tend to veer clear. However, this morning my Husband suggested I had some time to myself while he took the children and his Dad for a long walk along the river with the dog. Well I’m not going to say no am I?
After creating my wish lists over the past week I knew I wanted to step into Zara in particular to see if they had any of the jackets I’d been lusting after online. Surprisingly they did, so first I tried the TRF biker jacket. I am on the look out for a simple black biker jacket and thought this might fit the bill nicely. However, I’m always wary of pleather trim – the quality can vary dramatically. TRF sizing is normally TINY – I always need a large in the jackets – except for today. The large was huge – but on trying the medium that was too snug in the shoulders. Still it was quite a nice jacket – lovely soft fabric and the pleather is not too bad at all. If the fit was right I may have walked out with it – I still really like it looking at the photo.
Next I tried on the TRF sheepskin jacket. This was definitely going to be on my order list but now I’ve seen it in real life I’ve changed my mind. I thought it looked pretty cheap and the lining shed every where – all over my black dress! Again the sleeves were really long in the large size.
I was also going to try this and took it to the changing rooms but once I saw how much fluff this was leaving every where too I quickly placed it back on the rack.
My final try on in Zara was this sweatshirt. It must have been a return as there was only one in the store. I really liked it but the fur had been stitched down in one spot on the neckline so it looked odd.
I left Zara contemplating why I was in there in the first place. I have so much Zara in my closet now and I know much of it was bought on a whim, or because the price was good. At 42 should I really be spending my money on quick fixes – especially when it comes to coats and jackets? Again I wondered why my rationale when it comes to boots is so different from other items of clothes? What makes it so easy for me to buy a pair of Newbury boots and yet be reluctant to spend more than $200 on a coat?
While I mulled this over I decided to head over to Bloomingdale’s to see if Charlie was working at the AllSaints concession. This week I’d had a quick look at the AllSaints site to check out their pricing – it is significantly higher than Zara. I am still trying to understand their strategy. In the UK they are a high street brand, but their prices are so high in comparison to other high street brands. Here in the US they are fortunate that they are well differentiated, offering edgy designs that few other high street/mall brands can compete with. Their quality also tends to be exceptional – in my opinion anyway! Still I think they are expensive and I always need to be strategic when buying AllSaints.
I ended up trying on the Monument Jacket with leather sleeves. I have wanted an AllSaints Monument coat for so long now and have never been able to justify it. Partly because most are a longer style and warm for Atlanta, and then also because of the pricing – they’re not cheap! The shorter jacket is stunning – gorgeous wool with perfect leather sleeves. It fits snug which I find really unusual for AllSaints. This is the UK 14.
As I stood looking in the mirror, slowly falling deeper and deeper in love with it, I realized that all the jackets that I have on my wish list, plus a couple that are still hanging in the closet with tags on them, amount to more than the price of the Monument jacket. With that sudden realization the deal was done. The Monument jacket is now mine. Investment vs. instant gratification.
As is this sweatshirt…
No more purchases from Zara for a while – the gratification I got from these more considered purchases was far greater.
Yesterday I had my roots done and my hair shaped by fabulous Lauren at Plum Salon – it’s always such a treat to go there – I could chat to Lauren for hours! These trousers were a complete deal off eBay – $18 off a seller in China and they were free shipping and arrived within 2 weeks! I wore a black TopShop cami with them.
I realized today it’s yet more black and leopard print. The dress is the cold shoulder, batwing dress from Asos, the sandals are Nine West and the belt is Jessica Simpson from Zappos.
Oh I almost forgot – remember the Ted Baker dress that Avril sent to me? Well look what I saw today – more gorgeous London taxi dresses along with phone cases, scarves, bags and sweaters – just DIVINE and great gifts!
Okay – now off for a lovely lunch out with my Father-in-law and then I’m cooking shrimp and grits tonight – it’s a major diet fail over the next week or so!
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Love that monument jacket, so glad you got it. Not a fan of any of the Zara looks, have to say I often find it over-rated, and, in the UK, over-priced.
Unfortunately I think AllSaints are getting more and more expensive too – I wish they were more attainable – $100 for a sweatshirt still seems a lot to me – but it is gorgeous:)
Love the All Saints sweatshirt Joanna & all the leopard print you’ve been wearing….those trousers are fab & such a bargain……can’t see me keeping away from Zara though….totally addicted I’m afraid!!! x
It’s very you Jane – maybe you should try it knowing your love of all things leopard too:)
I’m so pleased you got the jacket. It’s stunning and you’ll feel great every time you wear it. I really, really like the sweatshirt too. Great purchases.
I know – your post resonated with me – trying to make better decisions as well. I love AllSaints from what I hear though they are trying to go more and more into the ‘Luxe’ market whatever that is – meaning their prices are only going up and up:(
I think you made the right choices here. The jacket and sweatshirt from Allsaints is way (gosh I sound like a teenager) more flattering than the Zara offerings. Besides, if you wear a sweatshirt with a furry front, I’d have to tickle your tum.
I’ve sent loads back to Zara this season. I’m loving Whistles though. Ouch.
Ha – I don’t need anyone tickling my tum thank you! I’m very happy with my choices – I feel quite grown up about it all. x
Really loved the Allsaints sweatshirt, and your leopard print trousers (in ‘getting hair done’ photo).
Can I ask you about harem pants. I must say first, after seeing you looking so stylish in yours via your column, I tried them for the first time this year and am a complete convert! Love them! My Q. is, do you think they can they be worn in autumn/winter? Would love to hear your opinion.
Love Lxx
Hello!!! Oh YES!! Harems can be worm all year round!! I love them with ankle boots and I have some heavier jersey ones which are great in cooler weather. Zara also did some lovely sequinned ones last year which are perfect festive party trousers! You may still be able to find them on eBay. Mango also sell great harems and ASOS do sometimes too! x
I wholeheartedly agree! Hope you don’t mind me saying Joanna but I have a pair of the Zara sequin harems in a large that I’m going to sell (I have the medium that I’m keeping) I love them with a black roll neck or cashmere jumper.
Of course not – leave your eBay page here – I’m sure folks would be interested! You need to put a Tictail page on AllWornOut that you can all use instead of eBay and avoid fees! xx
I’m glad I’m not the only person for whom boots exist in their own dimension. It’s like $100 for boots is = $20 for everything else. I minimize with everything else, but boots… Oh dear. I like to prioritize boots I guess, but it does get a little out of whack. I spend so easily on shoes, but not on a high quality winter coat I need! I’ve made the same discover too, that so many quick buys could have equaled that investment I’m afraid to pull trigger on (non-boot, naturally, for which I’m quick-trigger).
Although…I did like that Zara coat on your in the first picture. I avoid pleather generally but it looks great. Now I am extra eager for that kid-free time I’ve been waiting for, to get to Zara.
For a smaller budget, I’m curious to hear what you think of Zara boots? Or other copies of the Acne and Rag and Bone Newbury boot?
Hi!! Thanks for your comment! Zara do have some great boots – be careful though as the leather on some can be cheaper and harder – leading to very sore feet! The fit can also vary significantly – I’m normally a 39 with them but sometimes need to size up or down. As for copies of the Rag & Bone Newbury – I’m not sure where you are located but there are a couple of really great options here: House of Fraser ship internationally and these are a dead ringer for the Newbury boots http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Dune+Nins+back+zip+ankle+boots/D421061,default,pd.html
as is the VInce Camuto Hadley which is widely available in the US – just try googling it – I found it here http://www.shoptheshoebox.com/hadley-bootie/47122
Sam Edelman also do great boots – really good quality and available via Amazon or Zappos. xx
I TOTALLY love your outfit – the black skirt and belt are amazing!!!!!
Thanks Fiona – I’m never sure about skater skirts – I always feel like I’m going to leave it tucked in my knickers:)
I love reading your blog and love your Boden recommendations. I’ve been pining after the Rag and Bone Newbury boots for a long time and am finally going to order them. How is the sizing? I always wear a size 8 (8 1/2 in running shoes)….any idea what size I should order? Thank you!
Hi Kristin!! Thanks so much for commenting – so glad you enjoy reading! You will not regret the Newburys! I think they are very true to size – I am normally a US 8 or 8.5 or a Eur 38 or 39 – with the heel height I knew I didn’t want lots of extra space so I always order the 38.5 – it’s perfect and great that they do half sizes! I would maybe go for a 38 if you are always an 8? I do 9s in running shoes as my feet are quite wide. Hope this helps and let me know what color you get! xx
Based on your sizing recommendations, I ended up ordering 38.5 black Rag and Bone Newbury boots. I can always exchange them if the sizing is off….or, if I can’t pull off the higher heel!?! Thanks…and stop teasing me with amazing boots and shoes 🙂
That top jacket is really you, really cool. Funnily enough when I wrote my last article and a Fashiontherapist visited my wardrobe she said that fit was the most important thing to focus on and too often when I make cheaper purchases I like the material or colour or pattern and then never end up wearing stuff because the fit is off….
You’re so right – I will sometimes compromise on fit but always, always regret it! Tailoring is definitely worth paying for!
I love my biker jacket and this one is gorgeous – definitely had to fit though:) Sounds like a productive stroll around the shops!
Good buy in All Saints … love the jacket … not entirely convinced on the sweatshirt … but to make up for that, can I say again that I LOVE THE JACKET 🙂 I think you’re absolutely right about Zara. I went in there last week for a browse and there wasn’t a single thing that took my fancy. That has never happened before .. but Massimo Dutti! Now that’s a different story!!!
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