The happiest place on earth.

Last night, after MUCH anticipation (and a whole lot of renovating), international clothing chain Zara finally opened its gleaming glass doors. 700 of Melbourne’s nearest and dearest were invited to the shindig, myself included, and we were privy to a guided tour of the store, interesting tidbits about the way in which Zara organises itself and 3 floors of the most up to date fashion in the land.

Starting with womenswear on the ground floor, moving to kids and mens on the upper levels, Zara certainly knows what she (or he) is doing. With fashion hitting the shop floor just three weeks after catwalk trends are interpreted, you too can be wearing a little bit of modern loveliness like Kate Middleton.

Womenswear, Level One

If last night was anything to go by – or even Sydney before it – the Melbourne Zara clothing will be walking of the racks in no time. It really is everything you dreamt of and more.

Pricing is good; not unlike the Sportsgirls, Portmans, MNGs and Cues that line our High Streets; and you can put together an outfit for $100 for $500. It’s all about what you want, what you can afford and best of all, what’s on trend.

Kids and babywear, Level Two

So what was on my Zara receipt? Lucky for me this is not my first Zara experience, I was broken in a few months back in Paris and trying things on seemed like a waste of perfectly good shopping time (not to mention champagne!) so I prayed sizing was the same and went for broke.

A skirt I lusted after in Paris, three tone and very 50s, was there before me in my size, $59.95. A lovely cream top the right thickness for Winter, $79.95. Adorable 50s print dress $69.95 and striped Maxi on the recommendation of StyleMelbourne Editor Sarah Willcox, $69.95. All up $279.80 and one happy fashionista.

Traditional Black Menswear, Level Three

The colours popped last night – Melbourne’s traditional black was a rare commodity – but the kids seemed not to care with royal purple, hot pink and iridescent yellow flying off the shelves. Word is the Melbourne store will be incorporating more black into its collections but the need remains to be seen. Perhaps Zara is just what this little town needs to inject some life into a (fast becoming) drab winter wardrobe.

Colour for the boys, Level Three

There will be a lot more to say on Zara if the twitter and facebook buzz is anything to go by. I was pretty fascinated by the whole Zara juggernaut last night too and await the press release with baited breath (they turned on the music during the tour making it very hard to hear!).

Bags for the girls, Level One

If you want to brave the crowds (and the cold), Zara is worth a visit. New clothing drops twice a week, fashion interpretations three weekly, helpful smiling staff (we’ll see how long this lasts) and an amazing range that will easily blend with your current wardrobe.

Just don’t end up wearing the same thing as your bestie. Happy Shopping!

(All pics taken on iPhone4. Excuse the quality! Fancy cameras do not fit in small bags.)