Saturday 30 January 2016

Blu Studios

Buttery metallic leather, luxuriously soft suede in beautiful earthy tones, strong gold hardware…swooning already? All hail Blu Studios- the latest addition to the WSd treasure trove.

This sumptuous British brand specialise in hand made leather bags and accessories, striving to combine ‘contemporary luxury with everyday wearability’.

Chloe Kent, who personally designs and manufactures every item, originally met Sarah at the Clothes Show when Blu Studios HQ was based at Chloe’s dining room table. Now Chloe works from a small studio in the centre of Norwich, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is her dedication to this independent business. A trained fashion designer, Chloe told WSd that her accessory line was actually a happy accident… “I was in fact creating a backpack for my boyfriend and discovered how much I loved it. I've always enjoyed working with more challenging materials and leather is a material that requires precise technique and patience, even on the most simplistic of designs”. 

We have a gorgeous selection of Blu pieces in store…

Add a Galactic touch to your outfit with the Metallic Leather Backpack (£160). This beauty is ultra spacious and includes handy internal pockets. A full suede lining adds lashings of extra luxury, while the magnetic fastening and drawstring feature make it a secure choice for city exploring.


Available in micro, midi or maxi size the Blu clutch selection is dreamy. What better way to brighten up your wardrobe than with a flash of molten metal? The Metallic Leather Midi Clutch (£60) is a must-have plush statement piece. Pair this wonder with the Neon Rose denim boiler suit (£39) for a hint of gilded colour.

The classic clutch has been given an injection of crisp colour with gorgeous forest green, strong and elegant navy and delectable deep berry shades. Contrasting coloured suede adorns each lining adding to the supreme quality of every bag.



Even your flats for the way home will fit in the maxi clutch! (£80) Style it with the Vero Moda Maggi white shirt (£32) and denim skinnies (£40) for an ideal day to night look.




The micro clutch is the ultimate make up bag (£28). The coin purse is made with the same precision, fully lined in contrasting leather or suede & is only £10! Available in suede black or metallic... 



The tote bag (£140) is perfectly proportioned for all your day-to-day needs. Blu’s suede tote is an ideal companion for travelling or makes for a super stylish laptop bag.


Blu is passionate about dedicated craftsmanship and ‘shunning the norm of mass production’. The ethos is clear in the skilled design and impeccable artistry of every single piece. Only the highest quality materials are used, with luxurious leather at the fore.

We absolutely adore the philosophy of this brand and the simplicity yet superiority of design. A Blu bag, whatever its form, will have a fab and lasting impact on your accessory game, so pop into WSd HQ for some suede swooning and leather lux.

Why not commission your own bespoke Blu piece? Keep your eyes peeled, as the Blu made to measure service will be launched at WSd HQ very soon.  We’re very excited to be working with Blu studios and collaborating on fab future projects. Watch this space!

Rachel x






Saturday 23 January 2016

♥ Valentine's Gift Guide ♥

Those wilting bouquets and boxes of chocolates only last for so long, so we’ve put together a little Valentines gift guide of things that just keep on giving. Send your honey the WSd blog link for that oh so subtle hint or get some inspo for a little gift for your bestie. Whether you’re single or smitten, Valentine’s Day is just a fab opportunity to show some extra love…
As one of the most familiar shapes used as a symbol of love, the heart has to feature in our list. There are so many different theories regarding the origin of the symbol but Fab. by Fabienne have got things spot on with their heart keyholders. We have a gorgeous selection of colours in store (£16-£20).





Bring a smile to date-night prep with a Lola and Gilbert pouch (£13).






Make it obvious with a beautiful Letterbox Lane print. If you can’t find the words then the ‘Loved Beyond Measure’ print will say them for you (£15 unframed, £20 framed). Give them a daily reminder that they’re perfect with this Basil and Ford pear print (£10).





The Sniffy Wiffy bath and massage oil (£7) is a luxurious blend of olive, sweet almond and wheatgerm oil and makes the perfect addition to a romantic night in. Or why not run your loved one a warm bath with a few drops of this gorgeous oil. Add a Parkminster candle(£5-£18) for the complete atmosphere d’amore…Check out our blog post on Sniffy Wiffy.





How romantic is this jasmine scented  Parkminster votive? Presented in a scarlet box, bearing the message 'You Light Up My Life', this candle is the epitome of Valentine's day (£6).





Nothing says Valentines Day quite like a piece of jewellery. Orelia have created a gorgeous gift card and necklace combo (£18) that will give your beauty a little unexpected surprise when they open the envelope. We have a stunning selection of Orelia at WSd, including fine necklaces, bangles, earrings and rings (£8-£28). Each piece can be gift wrapped in store; all ready to present to your loved one.







If you want to give a gift with a more personal twist then reach for an Oswell and Rose hand stamped aluminum bracelet. The motto of this gorgeous brand is ‘wishes and love in creations to wear’ so you know your bracelet has been made with heaps of the stuff. No two bracelets will ever be the same- as unique as the lucky recipient (£8.95-£20).



Who is more deserving of love than your bestie? The Oswell and Rose friendship bracelets in store make fab and thoughtful gifts (£4.95). Each bracelet comes with a sweet little card and wish legend. So whether you’re both wishing for your prince or just plenty more epic adventures together, you’ll both look fab in one of these wonders.


Photo Credit: Oswell and Rose 

Photo Credit: Oswell and Rose 



For the boy look no further than Hornigold Threads for ultra cool sweaters (£38), baseball tees (£25) and beanies  (£15).






Who better to turn to on Valentine’s (and any other occasion for that matter) than Heart Vintage UK, creator of up-cycled vintage tea plates. We have an adorable selection in store with some truly heart melting quotes (£18 with wall hanger).





We have a fab selection of cards in store from a host of talented creators. We just love Emily Coxhead and her gorgeous designs. Don’t mind us while we dig a spoon into a jar of chocolate spread at the sight of one of her latest seasonal creations… (£3)


Photo Credit: Emily Coxhead 



Oh Squirrel has created ultra fun cards with badges attached for every Valentine’s Day vibe. Whether you’re ‘Big Spoon’ Little Spoon’ or just feel like saying ‘Bollocks to Valentine’s Day’… they’ve got you covered! (£3.50)


Photo Credit: Oh Squirrel 



Hand made greeting cards from the amazing I do Love Letters have also arrived in store and they are most definitely pulling at our heartstrings. (£4)





Inspired by the original postcards of the early 1900s, the Timbergram is a unique wooden postcard that can be treasured forever! (£4)





How about a WSd gift voucher or VIP styling session voucher for a super stylish surprise?

Spread the love and drop us a comment- which pieces from our selection are you lusting after?

Happy Valentine’s Day beauties!

Rachel x

Ps. we’re open 11-4 on Valentine’s Day if time hasn’t been on your side…



Saturday 16 January 2016

Feeling the Pinch

January is a tough month. Party season is over and all you can think about is a beautiful beach as the current weather decides to succumb to its cruel winter credentials. Jeans and purses are beginning to feel the pinch and Instagram is just one long feed of gym pics and avocados…

Well here at WSd HQ we’re taking a stand against the January blues and embracing all that this month brings. As Sarah says, "It doesn't cost a fortune to layer up against the weather when you use the sale to work a current look". Here's our picks...

When your budget is tight its important to make clever investments and a tailored yet cool jacket will see you through the season and beyond.  For a sartorial pick me up the English Girl Jungle Rock Tuxedo Jacket is a must (was £85, now £59). With its slouched and relaxed fit this piece will work with your fave jeans, a cozy roll neck and boots for a casual (and warm!) daytime look. Or rock it with leathers and a luxe cami for an evening soirée. When things start to warm up, sling your tuxedo over a basic tee for glamorous grunge.
Have a serious think about the gaps in your wardrobe that need filling. Go for pieces that can be re-worked in a whole variety of ways. The Uncivilized Batwing top, now just £19 (yep that’s right) is a wardrobe essential that will prove its worth season after season. Sarah kept the cold at bay by pairing this staple with a beautiful Becksöndergaard Rodney wool and silk scarf (£65) and added some glam with a statement necklace. The Vero Moda Biker PU leggings (now £28) not only work as a fab partner to this top but will also be your go-to trouser of choice for a very long time. These babies have a wondrous lining that keeps you oh so warm and quite literally work with anything. Wear them with a long shirt and brogues or just a casual jumper and cool kicks.

Equally sling the Batwing on with Uncivilised coated luxe joggers (were £70, now £35) and a pair of Sol Sana Tab loafers (were £99, now £50) and you have yourself the perfect run around outfit.

No matter the season, denim is the ultimate essential. The fabulously tailored Uncivilised Pagan playsuit (now £37.50) totally holds its own in the denim stakes and is a great investment that won’t go out of style. This cool one-piece makes getting dressed a dream! Style a la Sarah with the Becksöndergaard Tajimi beaded collar (was £39 now £30) and for braving the cold, the Mink Pink Oh Deer faux fur bambi bomber, now just £39!  



Banish morning wardrobe rage with a dependable jumper. The Vero Moda Kia wool blend alpine knit (Now £25) can be worked in so many ways, it’s warm and cozy and it makes just enough of a statement. Reach for the Uncivilised Ritual Joggers again for an ultra comfort combo or pair with a statement skirt for a cool contrast.

For an added pick me up we have a gorgeous selection of inspirational quote necklaces from Oswell and Rose in store (£10).
Or how about a print from Letterbox Lane (£10-£15) to remind you how fab you are…
We haven’t got all the answers (soz about the beach) but embrace the epic WSd offers to make savvy updates to your wardrobe and brighten those blues!

Don’t forget the WSd team is always on hand for styling advice. Keep an eye on Facebook for a weekly style tip!

Rachel x
);