Oh I hear you, Jonesy. Zara can be so VERY frustrating. You could punch them in the nose. They seldom have my size either (unless the stock is brand new) and it's a hit or miss *for sure*. And their online site is a bit of a joke.

You know, Zara in Europe and Asia is so much better - more sizes and a better selection of merchandise and style direction. AND it's cheaper. Especially in Spain. Of course the service is about as bad as it gets, but most Euro stores have bad service (when compared to the US and Asia).

I will continue to support Zara because they are one of the most successful retailers in the world, and I tend to love their merchandise & style direction. And they NEVER advertise - highly thought provoking. Their company is 85% run by women and the majority of them are below the age of 46. I have been in the Rag Trade for 20 years so this really impresses me. It's that intermittent reinforcement that keeps me going as far as the merchandise goes!

BUT!! I support your break up 100%. You need distance. I was like that with J. Crew for years - but we are back to having a pretty serious relationship

Poor Jonesy! Shake it off!

Will you still wear the bird print blouse you bought end of summer/early fall? I totally dig that on you.

Safe travels home from DC.

Uh-oh, I just placed an order (tempted by free shipping)... It's been hit or miss with me too, and I may have ordered those same pants as you! Which means I'll be able to wear them as a maxi-dress. I hate that they don't have measurements or any real description on their site and that the sizing is so erratic.

Hugs to you in the break-up recovery period, and let us know what you find on the rebound!

Jonesy, I totally hear you. Perhaps not for the same reasons, but Zara and I have never really got along that well. It's one of those brands I almost make myself like them (nonsense, right?) because everyone raves about it.

True, I have recently scored a great scarf there AND some of my favorite basics are from Zara (namely, turtlenecks), but overall I just don't find them reliable when my taste is in question. I struggle with size to start with, I have once been bitterly disappointed by the fabric quality of some cute button-downs and have never trusted them that much again, and I find some of their accessories way too overpriced.

My sister, on the other hand, loves the brand. Perhaps the fact she's 2 sizes smaller play some part as she has more chances of finding something, but when I shop I just don't count on them and everything I ever bought there were just lucky finds.

I've had good luck with Zara overseas and bought a lot of my summer wardrobe there. I agree though that the sizing in the US is off. I think it is the way they try to translate European sizing into US sizing.

I'm just getting back to this thread! Thanks so much for chiming in, everyone. Break-ups can be so hard :).

Angie, I hear what you are saying about them being female-owned--that is awesome, I agree! I'm also fascinated that their sizing and quality is better in Europe. Maybe they will eventually get their act together here, or perhaps distance will make my heart grow fonder...

Heather, you have an amazing memory! Yes, I'm going to keep that bird blouse in rotation :). Una, I hope you have better luck than I have had with your new order! Ornella, at least you have gotten some fab turtlenecks out of the deal, but it's sad that they have let you down in other areas, the rats...Kiwi Nicole, I appreciate your insight about them trying to translate the sizes into U.S. sizes. Something to ponder.....

Jonesy, Zara DOES SO WELL, that I doubt they'd expend the time and energy improving their American market. But we can keep our fingers crossed