Saturday 24 September 2016

Welcome to the new year...

So I’m back from a week in beautiful Sorrento where I enjoyed the last drops of summer sun…and way too much pasta and ice cream! I’ve returned feeling refreshed and ready for the new year. New year huh? Well perhaps its because I come from a family of teachers but to me September has always had a sense of new beginnings about it.  Schools have re-opened their gates, freshers are getting fresh again and Strictly is back. Another wondrous thing about September is the need to re-evaluate our wardrobes…its time for boots, coats and cozy knits. Well   it’s a new term at WSd HQ too and the fresh AW16 drop has got us super excited for the season ahead.  Here’s our pick of newbies that are sure to inject you with a sense of renewal for the bronzed autumn months ahead. Grab your new stationary and take note…

Scotch & Soda is a new kid on the WSd block but this uber cool brand has unsurprisingly settled in like a dream. Autumn is synonymous with a concoction of textures and the Scotch & Soda collection is making texture building easy.    Green is a colour of ‘balance and harmony’ and it only takes one look at the Scotch & Soda pleated skirt (£100) to feel restored. In luxurious billiard green this silky skirt will bring a feeling of opulence to your look. Pair with the Scotch & Soda Striped Lurex Cardigan (£130) with its fabulous shimmery undertones for a perfect duo that gives you ideal layering options. Simply team with the Moda in Pelle Chiara pony skin heels (£99) for your go-to sartorial uniform.





Pleated skirts were also spotted at the Chloé show during Paris fashion week. Ok they were slightly OTT but we can totes take a little inspiration from the runway and add a drop of wispy frivolity into our everyday lives. Designer Clare Waight Keller paired the tiered skirts with laid back sweatshirts, proving that sporty and luxe go together like gin and tonic. Style your pleated skirt a la Sarah with the MINKPINK Hey sweat (£45) and the Veja Esplar low-rise pumps (£82).


WSd HQ is a currently a treasure trove of super soft and sumptuous knitwear from scarves to jumpers, and quite frankly we’re lusting after every piece. But what do you add to knitwear to bring some playfulness to the cosiness?  Why Love Stories of course. The latest ‘Darling’ bralette (£45) and ‘Russell’ briefs (£35) from this luxe brand are making the underwear trend impossible to keep under wraps. How about teaming with the Somedays Lovin Bonnie cable crop knit (£52) for a hint of underarm ‘Golden wave’ material. If you dare to bare then the side split detail of the Vero Moda jumper dress (£34) will reveal a sparkle of glittering disco pant. If you’re not quite ready to commit to knitwear, then slip the MINKPINK military shirt (£55) over your Love Stories bralette and allow the latter to peep from the neckline to strike the delicate balance between seduction and elegance. 




In its Fall 2016 Fashion Colour Report, Pantone conclude “along with anchoring earth tones, exuberant pops of vibrant colors also appear throughout the collections”. This is mirrored in WSd HQ with spicy mustard yellow and tantalising berry mixed amid warm taupe and military green.

For a helping of mustard reach for the Vero Moda Louisa scarf (£26), Hudson Algoma boot (£125), Becksöndergaard grid socks (£7) and Crafted Jewels agate necklace (£20). Get your serving of berry goodness with the Vero Moda drill jumper (£34) Becksöndergaard suede clutch (now £55) and the Hudson Mimi boot (£150).
Remember that a ‘new year’ isn’t about a ‘new you’ and we stand by the statement we made in January that “sometimes things just need a little refreshing rather than replacing….” So pop in store to pick up an autumn wonder that will not only prove its worth in your wardrobe but will give you the confidence to be top of the class this season.

Rachel x




Thursday 8 September 2016

Somedays Lovin A/W 16

In this week’s blog we’re going down under and showcasing distinctively Aussie brand Somedays Lovin. The Autumn/Winter collection has landed in WSd HQ and we’re totally into their ‘Wilder Side’ campaign featuring deep berry hues, silks and suede. Don’t mind us as we swoon into the season ahead…

Channeling the relaxed boho vibes synonymous with the great southern land, the ‘We are bandits tee’ (£45) will be a key player in your weekend wardrobe.  With raw cut edges and raglan sleeves this is laid-back cool at its best and a worthy addition to your jersey separates collection.

The Veronica Faux Suede dress (£85) is the ultimate transitional dress. In vibrant burnt red, this number is the epitome of bohemia with its whipstitched trims and hippy-luxe fringing. Shimmy your way into autumn al la Sarah and pair this super soft suede beauty with the Veja Holiday low mesh trainers (£99).







It’s an understated shade, but caramel is big this season. The palette at the Celine A/W 16 catwalk was one of creamy shades- think butterscotch and camel, with Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler also following suit. Somedays Lovin’ taps into the terrain palette with the Bonnie cable crop knit (£52).  The turtleneck cable knit sweat exudes luxury and is the perfect piece for layering when the cold weather bites. Somedays Lovin has cleverly curated a capsule collection with the ‘Wilder Side’ campaign “Letting hues of deep berry warm the nights, while soft winter whites creams and caramels brighten the days”. The Bonnie certainly achieves this and will bring a fresh hit to the autumnal transition.


 Oh and hues of deep berry…enter the Maple knit sweater (£65)- a free spirit in the world of A/W knitwear. The cropped, oversized shape and cut out neckline makes this a perfect transitional piece that will look effortlessly cool simply paired with your favourite denim.


The Sweet Light dress (£70) taps into the grungy florals trend that is hot for A/W 16.  Pair these attitude filled petals with the Veja Esplar low-rise pumps (£82) for laid back cool and comfort.





Work the Django High neck midi dress (£65) now with bare legs and squeeze the last drops of summer from September. Split thigh and cut out back detailing add a playful twist to the high neck cut. When things start to cool down, rebel against the chill factor and pair with a tough leather jacket and ankle boots.




 In painting the picture of their ‘Wilder Side’ campaign, Somedays Lovin refer to the full collection as a ‘fall uniform’ and one that is ‘celebrated with a feminine edge and sophisticated style’. We couldn’t agree more. The collection is true to the brand’s Aussie roots with its effortless aesthetic and boho vibes, but its also structured, fresh and most importantly transitional. After all, the muse Somedays Lovin has in mind ‘embraces all the elements’…welcome to autumn beauties!

Rachel x

P.S tomorrow marks one whole year of blogging on our little patch of cyberspace! Thank you to everyone who follows the What Sarah did… blog posts and has supported us along the way with lovely comments and feedback. Here’s to another year of hitting publish! Don't forget to subscribe for a weekly inbox drop of WSd musings.




Saturday 3 September 2016

Letterbox Lane

Happy September beauties!

Have you had a chance to catch up on last week’s blog post? I interviewed the one and only Sarah Clare, fashion stylist and blonde beauty behind What Sarah did… Do check out the full interview but I’m returning to a particular aspect of our chat for this week’s post…

When I was catching up with Sarah about why she wanted to become a fashion stylist, she described her belief in an underlying need for women to feel comfortable in their own skin. Sarah also went on to explain that the experience of becoming a fashion stylist gave her the confidence to empower women.

When you begin to learn of the stories behind the brands in WSd HQ, whether that’s through a chat with one of the team or through this very blog, you begin to see that this empowerment is not only enabled through styling. As an independent, What Sarah did… is an ardent advocate of fellow indie brands and Letterbox Lane is one that sits proudly in store.

This week the WSd blog is shining the spotlight on this joyful illustration brand and an exciting collab between two seriously strong independent women…

‘Chief Scribbler’ Leanne creates beautiful cards and uplifting prints with the ‘aim to scatter joy and make people smile’. By her side is ‘bearded husband James’, who helps to run the day-to-day logistics of the business and who we hear is also chief coffee maker!

Letterbox Lane has been initiating smiles on the faces of WSd customers for quite some time now but more recently Sarah and Leanne have been working together to create seriously fab bespoke prints. If WSd HQ is a regular haunt of yours, you’ll know about the ‘Sarah-isms”- the ‘Blame Sarah’ Lola & Gilbert tote bag or Rachel Rooke’s ‘It’s a Sarah thing’ cushion to name a few. Well how about beautiful hand illustrated prints to add to the collection?  What better collab than iconic Letterbox Lane ink illustrations and the legendary Sarah sayings?!



Does your usual to-do list often fill you with terror?  Well Letterbox Lane has reinvented the dreaded list, replacing the usual chores with fun things. This is sure to make a welcomed addition to any home as a little reminder to take a break from life admin and do the kind of things that create the best memories.

Picture Credit: Letterbox Lane 
Whether you need a little encouraging yourself or you know someone in need of a boost, this bold print is a winning combination of colour and uplifting words. 

Picture Credit: Letterbox Lane 
I’m still on a high from the wedding of my beautiful cousin Hannah to her wonderful beau David last weekend. Along with four other babes I was a dutiful bridesmaid and I had a mission to find the perfect card for the bride from her tribe. Of course I turned to Letterbox Lane for treasured words that perfectly summed up the celebration. It’s safe to say ‘Oh happy day’ al la Whoopi could be heard for the rest of the morning!

Picture Credit: Letterbox Lane 
The beautifully reassuring words on this mummy-to-be card are simply perfect for someone who’s expecting. What better way to welcome the imminent chick than with this new baby card handwritten using calligraphy dip pen and ink?


Picture Credit: Letterbox Lane 

Picture Credit: Letterbox Lane
Often attributed to William Shakespeare, the quote “When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew” has been beautifully hand illustrated by Letterbox Lane using black ink and brush lettering style.

Picture Credit: Letterbox Lane
It’s refreshing to see fabulous, successful businesswomen supporting each other. Through doing their thing, whether it’s uplifting and reassuring prints and cards or ultra feel good clothes and styling advice these wonderful ladies are empowering us too. Let’s keep the cycle going and spread the love!!

Pop in store to see the dreamy Letterbox Lane collection and to add positive vibes to your home and lifestyle!

Rachel x

Prices: Cards £2.50, large prints £15, small prints £10



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