Good news. We no longer need to trek to the city to pick up fashionable bargains. Zara is officially open at Westfield Chatswood. Hip hip hooray!

If you’ve never heard of Zara, then I’m not sure what rock you’ve been hiding under. Zara is a major European high street fashion label that originated in Spain, and now has a sort of cult following.

Zara first hit out shores a few years ago, and within three minutes of opening 80% of the stock was gone!

Due to not having any major advertising campaigns (word of mouth is their main source), they are able to keep their marketing costs down dramatically, which means better value clothes for customers!

I ventured to the new store at Chatswood yesterday. In comparison to the crazy chaotic city store it was actually a pleasure to shop. The layout of the whole store is very spacious; it even has enough room for mums and their prams (which I saw in the plenty!).

I didn’t even have to wait for a fitting room! If you’re brave enough to shop with baby in tow, then check out the last fitting room on the ground floor. It has enough room to swing a cat!

I found the sales people very helpful and obliging. This is very unlike the city store, where the usual answer is, ‘if it’s not on the floor we don’t have it’, without checking.

The great thing about Zara is that new styles are hitting the floor every couple of days, so it’s always worth popping in.

Their trend pieces are very inspiring. If you love black, then you will love the current stock. Black was the main colour theme for their Autumn/Winter collection mixed with textures such as leather, sequins and lace.

BLACK, BLACK & MORE BLACK

Zara stocks heaps of basics at reasonable prices. My favourite is this casual blazer in a jersey fabric for only $99! And yes mums, you can just throw it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle.

Another great buy is this beautiful red wool coat for $159.

THIS RED COAT IS $159

To ensure you have a pleasant experience, try to hit the store early morning on a weekday to avoid the cues.

Or, for an even better experience book a Personal Fashion Stylist (like me!) who will show you what styles and colours suit you individually.