I have a love-hate relationship with Zara. What I love are the clothes and the prices of the clothes, yes, that’s a given. What I hate is how I end up buying nearly every damn cute and affordable item the brand makes. (Tell me something more relatable?).

I usually do a big Zara haul at the start of each season, to upgrade my wardrobe with on trend items, and then sporadically buy individual pieces in between. Last week, my major summer Zara shopping spree occurred (from the comfort of my own couch no less), and since I purchased everything online without ever seeing the pieces IRL, I knew that I’d end up returning at least a few things. Of my 22 new summer Zara finds, here is what I’m keeping and what I’m returning, along with a full review of each item from my shopping shenanigans. Enjoy!

I love this top so much that I also bought it in white. It’s a little difficult to see in this photo but there’s a ruching detail on the sides that feels so chic. The jeans however, didn’t work for me. There’s just a bit too baggy and I honestly didn’t want to deal with getting them tailored.

I bought this for the happy lime color, but I kept it for the quality ribbed fabric.

Regardless of the fact that I won’t be going back to an office anytime soon, I’m still stocking up on button down shirts. I love the way this one looks knotted at the front but I’ll also throw it over a bikini as a cover up. I’m equally as into this twisted-front skirt. I have a feeling I’ll be wearing this one a lot this summer.

I like the idea of this top in theory, however the length on me felt a bit awkward. It was too long to be considered a crop top and too short to tuck into trousers or jeans. Alas, I decided to return this one.

However, I would like to acknowledge that the back detail is very cute. Tall friends should try this one out!

This easy basic was an immediate favorite. I love this periwinkle shade but will probably end up buying the dress in one of the other four colors too. This will be my go-to for those days where I go straight from the beach to an outdoor dinner.

I love wearing linen dresses in the summertime and this one just shot straight up to the top of my list. I have no idea where I’ll wear it since it’s not quite casual enough for everyday but I’m excited for it to make it’s debut, ideally styled with a pair of colorful strappy sandals.

Not yet convinced? I took a shot of the gorgeous strappy back just in case.

This dress landed in the return pile because it lacked any shape and I was drowning in the fabric a bit too much. The size pictured here is an XS for reference.

I’m sorry but I couldn’t figure out how to tie this top, so I simply had no choice but to say goodbye. The jeans sadly also didn’t work out due to my height yet again. I’m still on the hunt for a pair of slit jeans meant for us short girls (I’m just under 5’4”).

This white cropped top worked out much better. It’s a cotton material but much more interesting than your average tee thanks to those fun side ties.

Hello, my new favorite vacation dress. Now all I need to do is plan one. Please note, I will be getting the straps shorted slightly to avoid my current side boob situation.

I’m a big fan of dresses with scrunched fabric like this (see blue dress above), so yes I did choose to keep another one. Not to quote The Devil Wears Prada, but “they’re just so different.”

This top was a bit more of a sports bra look than I anticipated. I didn’t feel like I needed it so out it goes. The shorts however, I Needed with a capital N. They’re even cuter in real life if you can image.