6. Zara Baby

It’s with a giggle that I listen to the lady beside me explain to a fellow queuer the reason why she’s here. My son (pointing to the languid two year old beside her) wants a new pair of new shoes and asked me to come to Zara. Of course.. A pair of new booties for you and some of those perspex wedge heels for me!

‘Here’, is the much eagerly anticipated opening of the Zara Sydney store. I arrive around 11am – although rumor has it the first person to queue was at 3am, eye off the queue and decide they’re must be a better way. 10 minutes later and via the 3rd floor rather than the 1st I’ve passed the cheery chap passing out apples from the ‘Zara tree’ and I’m wedged between frantic shoppers, mannequins and beautiful, beautiful clothes.

Bohemian, brights and classic attire. I’m mesmerised and feeling rather fidgety wishing I’d left the credit card at home in what I can only describe as an almost spiritual experience and every shoppers dream. Fashion forward, quality and price competitive are the first words that come to mind when I think of what I saw earlier today. A leopard print blouse with puff sleeves and delicate gold buttons securing the high necked collar is at least a third of what I’d expect to pay elsewhere. Classic camel boots with (again!) gold hardware and bright blue and pink skirts sit alongside a cherry tomato coloured satchel with you guessed it, a gold zip and latch fastening make they’re way into my arms.

A sales rep is swarmed bringing new stock to the floor as carefully folded clothes become piles and I’m clutching my treasures to my chest trying to style a jacket, co-ordinate my cam and negotiate the queue at the same time whilst I’m becoming wary of a nonchalant but serious looking male in a black jacket eyeing me off. Weary and unwilling to be kicked out of Zara with a zero alcohol reading I wish my wannabe purchases goodbye with the comfort I’ll see them again soon.

Written by A L F I E A N D E L L E for Breakfast With Audrey