“Your dressing sense is so Zara!” – the words that made me reconsider my everyday style. Don’t get me wrong, Zara is one of my absolute faves, but when your style becomes so predictable that your office colleagues start noticing – it’s time for a change. Sophistication with a hint of sass – that’s something Zara and I have in common. *Wink* But I knew I needed a wardrobe makeover. That’s when I went around my office, seeking some ‘Zara-like’ online stores, and boy, was I inspired!
If you’re still stuck between Forever 21 and Zara, there’s so much you have missed out on, but not anymore…
1. NiHao! Fashion
NiHao! Fashion began as a Facebook page but after receiving a tremendous positive response, it now has a physical store in Church Street, Bangalore, and an online store of its own with delivery across India. Their apparels, bags, even the wide range of Korean Makeup is what makes them stand out from the rest of the high street. Our pick? These frayed hem lush-worthy pants are so chic!
Price: ₹ 1,499. Buy it here.
2. Street Style Store
On an office break, I happened to visit the Street Style Store in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi. That’s when I found out about their online presence. I spotted these candy-coloured brogues, they instantly became my favourite for this season! Wear them with your blacks and whites, and let the compliments follow.
Price: ₹ 599. Buy it here.
3. Stalk Buy Love
Ruffles, corset, gingham checks – I knew Stalk Buy Love had everything I needed when I saw this midi dress in their Fall edit. There’s something about this dress which, I’m sorry, but even Zara can’t match! Bring out your ballet flats, a handheld bag, a hat (if you will,) and you’re ready for high-tea with the chicas.
Price: ₹ 1,899. Buy it here.
4. Bunaai
The desi girl in me misses a touch of tradition at Zara. When my friend introduced me to Bunaai, my Diwali dilemmas were sorted. She reported – “I ordered a yellow gotta patti dress just four days before my friend’s wedding and it got delivered just in time. It’s really amazing and the texture of the cloth is also good.” What impressed me was that they make sure they’ve something for every type of women here!
Price: ₹ 2,100. Buy it here.
5. SheIn
This trench coat is what you call ‘Zara and affordable’. Started by a small group of friends in New Jersey in 2008, SheIn has become huge today! They ship to over 80 countries worldwide, including India, and we’d like to thank them for that. A warm cup of hot chocolate, black boots, and this trench coat spells out the perfect winter vibe!
Price: ₹ 2,470. Buy it here.
6. Vajor
According to our Senior Fashion Writer, Srishti, “For Vajor – cute packaging, good quality of products and size is never a problem. Plus, they have really cool indie stuff which makes it the best place to shop Indian high street fashion”. It’s a big deal when the fashion writer says so herself. I’m thinking a beige trench and sneakers to go with this jumpsuit, what about you?
Price: ₹ 2,445. Buy it here.
7. Diaries Of A Nomad
Had it not been for the few Bengali friends that I have, I would’ve never enjoyed the September festivities the way I do now. Diaries of a Nomad offers fashion with rural roots. A chanderi saree with handwoven crochet border, ah, this is definitely my pick for this year’s Durga Puja.
Price: ₹ 4,900. Buy it here.
8. Lulu & Sky
I could buy this pleated midi skirt just for the love of pastel shades. Launched in December 2016, the newbie Lulu & Sky was co-founded by mompreneur Kalyani Chawla with a vision to make “international off-the-ramp fashion affordable.” Zara! What’s Zara? Am I right?
Price: ₹ 2,325. Buy it here.
So ladies, what’s on your bucket list?
