Zara Melbourne - Preview & Store Opening Party

How lucky am I to have been invited to attend the preview of the very first Melbourne store?

I was lead on a tour through the store with a small group of bloggers, enjoying a glass of champagne and  shopping before everyone else!

Each section was explained in detail by the head office staff and I learned some facts along the way -

• the Studio collection at the entry of every Zara store is the iconic pieces of the season, the best sellers and also the best quality merchandise
• Zara has catered for Melbourne's love of black and included lots of black stuff just for us
• Zara is all about colour this winter, even if Melbourne doesn't love it
• Black and grey colours means playing with texture, especially for the guys.  I was very impressed with the men's section.  Men's high street fashion is virtually non existent in Australia and Zara had a full floor of well priced, up to date fashions for the man in your life.
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The store itself is huge with great street frontage and is thankfully not cluttered.  I've been to many stores around the world (isn't that the highlight for Australians when heading overseas - to go to EVERY SINGLE Zara store since we've been so deprived for so many years???) and some stores, while having the entire range, are tiny making it a painful experience of rummaging.  The store here is logically set out and a pleasure to peruse.  Everything is styled perfectly and trends and occasions have their own little spots - the casual, the layering pieces.. the party pieces.  And there's plenty of winter and summer items on offer.

It's been weeks since the Sydney store opened and apparently the crowds are still insane, so I really enjoyed the opportunity to browse and try things without crowds.

I did find the prices $10-$60 higher compared to international Zara online store, but that seems to be a trend in Australia.  Still plenty of things under $100, including dresses and shoes.

I must admit I did find it strange walking down the street with a Zara bag.

I tried lots and lots on, but in the end only walked out with the above blouse (I really wanted a similar one in orange but wasn't brave enough).  I tried to steer clear of the "very Zara" pieces for fear of wearing the same thing as every other girl this winter.  I'll let it die down a little bit... right?  $119 for 100% silk.

And in case you weren't following my every step on Twitter while I was there tonight, here's some iPhone photos.

Crowd control!

First glimpse

I almost felt like I was in Europe

The orange top was calling my name... $139.  The coat was $220.

Gorgeous accessories - the leopard clutch was $159

Men's floor.

Some more men's

Brights, butterflies and champagne

Can anyone explain to me why Zara scarves are some of the most expensive items?

LBD

Colour blocking

Ballet flats for little girls... too cute!