Zara purchases, K/R? - YouLookFab Forum

hi!

Inspired by so many successful Zara purchases, I bought a dress and a combination of top and skirt and I thought it would have been interesting to share in case you're looking for some spring / summer pieces.

Apologies for the lack of styling, I wanted to quickly try them during lunch break! The stairgate is to protect the latest foster cat, she had an ear infection which affected her balance.

The dress is in a cream and blue pattern, with broderie anglaise and tiered a-line shaped. The material is 100% cotton and very light,

I am sure that on the right shape it would look amazing but it is not for me and will be returned for a variety of reasons. I did not like how it fitted me (I am pear shaped) and was also not impressed with the broderie anglaise, it was mainly see-through holes! In this particular piece, the patterns did not align well and I know this would eventually annoy me so much that I would not be wearing the dress.

A very interesting detail was on the back, the top half was not attached to the skirt and when worn it gave a "cape-effect on the back", which I thought it was very nice! So, off it goes... and I'll wait for the sales and will pick one of the dresses that I really like.

I have been looking for a top and skirt combo for a while and decided to try this option. This is a bit of a curveball as I don't have any skirt yet but I think the combination could be worn in different styles when travelling. The material is viscose, I am not sure how it would work with hot weather. The sleeves of the top are long (I always have to shorten the sleeves!) and I like that the top can either be left outside (so that one can either have a balloon top effect) or placed under the skirt with a belt to make it look like a dress. The skirt is a-line and has an elastic band, which could be tightened in the next months...

What do you think, is it worth keeping the top and skirt or should I return and continue the search?

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11 months ago

Star

Veteran

I vote KEEP! I really like the combo but it is really my style. I love the silhouette, the pattern, the colours. It looks so fab together and will make excellent separates as well. I find viscose cool in summer heat but does need to be put in a laundry bag or hand washed.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The blue anglaise dress looks like it had great potential, Minaminu! A pity it did not live up to expectation.

The set has great potential too! Needs a sleeve hack as you mentioned - and I'd like to see the skirt a little shorter, if that suits you. The items have a lovely shape on lovely you! On trend. Elegant. I vote KEEP.

Viscose is a natural cellulose fibre that works extremely well in high heat. It DOES crease and can be prone to shrinking. So make peace with the crease - and launder carefully

cat2

Fun set. The pattern is really interesting.

kkards

Bummer that irl the blue/cream dress didn’t work.

I like the black and cream, but i think the skirt might need to be slightly shorter.

Suz

Oh, thank you for showing these! I was curious about the blue dress (have it in my Finds) and was considering it myself because I liked the cape detail. But it sounds like it might not be the best quality overall. Glad to hear your experience with it.

As for the set, I vote KEEP if you make the small changes Angie suggested -- it looks really versatile and suits you. I like the pattern a lot. It is unusual and interesting without being "in your face." It's even better that it is adjustable for size.

slim cat

I like the print on the skirt/top set and would imagine it working as separates as well ( top and black pants, blue sweater and skirt ... ) .
The length of skirt and sleeves could be changed to better proportions - very promising.
Pity about blue dress - cute.

Minaminu

thanks Star! Handwashing is not my forte, I invested in a laundry bags a long time ago and I am sure they have increased the life spam of many delicate pieces!

Angie, I agree that the dress had great potential! Who knows, maybe another forum member will buy and it will be a great purchase! Would you say that the skirt length should be ankle length?

Cat2, the pattern is quite interesting and I am hoping that it will be used in different outfits.

KKards, thanks! It seems there quite some consensus to reduce the skirt length too, I'll try to pin the skirt too and will ask Mr Minu as well for his opinion and help.

Suz, great minds thinks alike! I guess this dress would be very similar to the Zara dress that you also returned. Shame as it had great potential!

Slim cat, thanks for the cool outfits ideas! I can see that there are many votes to shorten the skirt too!

Minaminu, to my eye - about a 3 inch hack on the skirt. Let me know what you think!

I have a "delicates" cycle on our washing machine. Maybe you do too? Cold water wash. Sorted!

ChristelJ

Ooh, I really like the pattern on the skirt set. So many ways you could style it.

Btw, I bought this anglaise dress at Zara and it's GORGEOUS. Apart from the sleeves, the entire dress is lined. That helps

Zara

Embroidered Midi Dress

Top Pick

oh thanks Angie!!! Much appreciated!!!! Will try to pin and report!

As for washing, I don't want to open pandora's box but I am one of the few people who check the instruction label before buying a piece! Delicate cycle in the washing machine inside a laundry bag, washing liquid for silk and delicates, cold water, low spin and strictly air drying. I may be controversial but instead of fabric conditioner, I use white vinegar (or sodium bicarbonate) which leaves no odour but works very effectively as a conditioner! Ahem, I did mention that I like doing the laundry?!

Well, Minaminu! Count me as impressed with your laundry skills

Irina

Love the set and agree on shortening the skirt.

Sal

I like the set - I agree re the length being shorter - it’s very sophisticated and elegant and I suspect versatile.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I love the skirt and top outfit! I imagine it will be fun to play with the drawstring on the top, blousing it a little higher, doing a high-low look, or leaving it straight as you show here. What a cool looking outfit on you. I also like your idea of wearing the top and skirt separately. Lots of potential looks.

phoebe

Active Member

Very nice set and I am agreeing that a little more wrist and ankle would make it even better

Brooklyn

I love the set on you. I really like that the pattern on the top runs in a different direction from the pattern on the skirt. It’s a great detail that makes it more interesting. Personally I would also get a lot of wear out of the skirt as a solo item too. I vote take about about 8-10 cm off the length of the skirt.

Irina, Sal, Phoebe, thanks! It's interesting to see so many votes for shortening the skirts!

Firecracker, amazing ideas!! thanks!!

Brooklyn, thanks and well spotted the pattern changes! You often do nice outfit combos with skirts, will keep an eye for inspiration!

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