What a pretty store! O.k., so I wonder why Zara and the like aren’t in the U.S.. Any ideas? Too much competition? Unions? Store fronts too expensive? Trade tariffs?

There are plenty of Zara’s in America Joey, but not in Seattle. Soon, I hope. There are also H&M’s, French Connections and Mexx’s. Again, not in Seattle. But we are less than three hours away by car from Vancouver, BC and most of the thrifty Euro shops are there. I should organize a Spring 2008 Vancouver shopping trip!

How do I get a list of their other store locations – preferably in America – I checked the internet but could not find a list – any help? I won’t even tell you where I live because trust me, we don’t have these type of store here – but does somewhere like Chicago have one? Or just on the coast and in Canada.

I love, love, love Zara! Thank goodness there is one in Vancouver. I can’t get enough of that place!

We are lucky enough to have two here in San Francisco, thank goodness! I do miss Bershka, Blanco & Massimo Dutti….I guess I’ll have to travel more often to Europe

H&M is expanding across, the u.s. but I think their quality is suffering as they do so – just can’t mass-produce enough for all those americans without cutting corners somewhere?

I remember visiting it in London and NY a few years ago and being very impressed at the style/$$$ ratio. So I was thrilled when they opened one near me, but when I visited, it was a lot more cheapy feeling than I remembered, and I haven’t been back.

French Connection is no cheaper than BR, and BR’s Monogram collection is actually pretty nicely done. BR also has a much wider ranger of sizes than any of the European brands.

What really saddens me is that La Redoubte is French and affordable and carries my size but has none of the flair that makes Euro design interesting.

H&M has been a favorite of mine for so long now. Fabulous pashimas, jewelry, headbands, and sunglasses all for under $10…you just can’t go wrong
You’re right, Banana Republic has lost much of that trendy edge, and it really doesn’t compare to the super-chic Euro stores.

That’s just not fair.

edit on my post: pashminas not pashimas haha

I agree though I haven’t been to Europe so obviously would not be able to compare. It’s getting to where I don’t really want to be in the U.S. anymore with the constant pressure from the media to have a fashiony look (ie the whole Project Runway thing) yet everywhere I go people dress like slobs and I don’t find that many cool things at the lower end stores that I like to shop in… so though I feel I dress ok I know my look would be better if I could find cool stuff at a reasonable price. I am one of the rare people who actually does not want to buy high end fashion. I’m a budget fashionista all the way. It’s like a very subtle punishment living in the states– everyone will deny it but it is true— and I am so, so tired of it.

Oh my goodness, how I fell in love with Zara when I visited a friend briefly in Madrid! I swear I found all of the Zaras and H&Ms during that week in the city. My clothes I bought from Zara (and Sfera!) are still my best pieces in my wardrobe 2 seasons later.

Being in Europe clarified and improved the way I perceived my personal style/aesthetic, but back in suburban US, it’s so hard to try and find things I like. :sigh:

I live in Europe and shop at both Zara and H&M. They are cheap and fashionable, but very busy. It is common to queue for at least 30 minutes, as there is never any staff. I will only buy from these stores if I really love something, otherwise I will pay a little more at other stores and not waste time queuing. The quality of clothes at these stores is also reflected in the price. If the clothing is a cheap price it is usually cheap fabric, the buttons fall off and the seams come undone. Great for clothes that only last a season. I think Banana Republic is much better quality and better priced for clothes that will last for many seasons and not just a few wears.

You are spot on Karen. I’ll add that there is zero customer service at H&M and Zara as this is not what they are about. No one will help you with sizes and it’s hard to return items. I too have never NOT stood in a queue in these chain stores in Europe. I’ve often mentioned that you need to watch H&M’s quality and Zara’s quality in definitely inconsistent. The quality at Spanish rival company Mango is generally better. But by the same token it’s always worth taking a look at these affordable Euro stores because of the strength of their innovative designs, especially if you are on a budget. There are items that you need to pay a little more for and items that you don’t need to spend money on. Your wardrobe can be a mixture of the two.

BR is famous for its quality and service hence the higher prices. But their ladies wear designs have lacked flair for a while, even though you can end up getting something fabulous there. They also have very deep ranges and size curves which means that you’ll spot someone else wearing what you bought fairly frequently (if you live in America). The size curves and ranges are generally narrow at Euro stores which gives you immediate exclusivity. But this can be equally frustrating because they often run out of your size. I appreciate the wider choice of chain stores in Europe so that there is something for everyone’s pocket and style. Innovative and great design should not need to come at a penalty price, and from what I’ve seen so far you pay dearly for interesting design details here in America, unless you are shopping at a Euro chain store!

I’m so glad I found this blog last month! I had just come back from Madrid, and 2 days ago I had no idea where to shop and what to buy! Now I’ve got a great spring jacket from Zara I kinda wished I went to Mango though. Maybe I will some time in the future, because I’ve fallen in love with Madrid (minus all the smoke in the restaurants. ew.)

I luuuuuv Euro fashion! There style is kinda like ours-not that i go to Europe too often but ive seen the styles frequently in America. It’s chic and awesome and fabulous! Th ankle strap ballet flats are so pretty but its not as popular in America. I need to gout and buy some.

I live in Paris and I absolutely LOVE Zara! It is so feminine, stylish and is never ever vulgar- which seems to be more and more common these days unfortunately (more shops selling sleezy vulgar stuff!) The prices are affordable for the cuts & styles they have on offer. Another brand you mentionned which I really love as well is Massimo Duti.
I do some shopping at H&M too, but the real downside is the quality there… often dissapointing, and a piece can last for only a season sometimes…
In regards to Karen’s comment about service & staff, well (and I’m only speaking about Paris really) I think that issue is everywhere in Paris, not only clothes shops. Restaurants, supermarkets, etc etc… lack of staff everywhere. Waiting in long queues seems to be totally normal, and the French seem to have an outstanding patience on that! I was quite surprised when I first moved to France to be honest! I think the expectations of service differ in Europe vs the U.S, and even the culture is different. Americans believe in the customer always being right, whereas over here it can quite often be believed that the customer is wrong!

wooo i went their!!!