It's a Wrap

 Looking for Christmas gifts with a bit more pizazz? Whether you need some inspiration for the one who has it all, or you simply want to treat yo’ self, then What Sarah did… is your one shop stop. Take a look at our list of winning gift ideas…

Fab. by Fabienne

Hailing from Amsterdam, Fab by Fabienne is all about rebellious leather lux. With an iconic heart key ring adorning every design, a Fab. piece makes the perfect gift for the one you love.

Injecting some roar into animal print, the Fab keyholder (£16-£20) adds a colourful twist to the classic pattern. Sarah has given her Becksöndergaard Linden Leather Shopper (£169) extra charm with one of these multi-purpose creations.

The 3Letter Logo purse (£85) will gain you extra Crimbo brownie points with its chic versatility.  This multi-compartment beauty includes a detachable wristband, making it ideal for day and night. Finished with the brass Fab. logo this is leopard at its best.

Bottom centre: 3Letter Logo Purse 

Parkminster

A quintessential Christmas aroma, Mandarin spice is a gorgeous seasonal scent adding to the Parkminster collection. Lovingly handmade in Sussex, these natural soy wax candles are cleaner and longer burning than many other brands. Take your pick from a small tin candle (£10) to a luxury large votive (£18) in a choice of beautiful fragrances. There are also bath salts and foams, reed diffusers and salt scrubs, adding a whole new stylish meaning to those traditional Christmas ‘smellies’!

Cosy Christmas vibes (Photo credit: Parkminster)

Orelia

Light up the eye of the lucky beholder with a piece of beautiful Orelia jewellery. Comprising semi-precious components, Swarovski elements and delicate beads, a WSd wall is a dedicated shrine to all things Orelia. From fine delicate necklaces to statement ear cuffs, there is a piece to suit everyone. Rosegold has made a big comeback since its art-deco origins and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. How beautiful is the Orelia 18ct rose plated hinge bangle? (£28) A pretty Orelia gift box adds a special finishing touch.

Bottom right: 18ct rose gold plated hinge bangle. (Photo Credit: Orelia)

Hornigold Threads

You can never be too prepared for the obligatory boxing day amble. Your loved one will be reaching for their Hornigold beanie (£15) to keep the biting cold at bay. Created by two friends, with ‘a passion for style and a few drinks in Leigh-On-Sea’, this brand is the epitome of cool simplicity.  With such cool colour combos, this winter staple is a small but perfectly formed pressie champion. Androgyny at its coziest.

Mink Pink

Mink Pink has got the flirtatious factor with their range of Christmas sleepwear sets (£25). Comprising a swinging camisole and coordinating undies, each set comes with a festive laundry bag, making this an ultra cute gift. Whether it’s a Crimbo filled with ‘Eggnog and Elves’, ‘Mistletoe and Mistakes’ or ‘Rudolph and Rum’ the lucky recipient is set for an extra merry Christmas…

Oswell & Rose

When Sarah Zemura wanted to give each family member a meaningful Christmas gift she set about making personalized string bracelets, because ‘what better than a Christmas wish’. We couldn’t agree more and we have a gorgeous selection in store (£4.95). Oswell & Rose has continued to create wearable wishes in the form of stunning hand stamped pure aluminium bangles (£8.95-£20). As no two bracelets will ever be the same, one of these beautiful handmade pieces is the perfect gift for someone special. Pop in store to take a look at all the heartwarming inscriptions.

Don’t forget to make your WSd Christmas wish list! Simply tell us what you’re coveting in store, we’ll take a photo of it and pop the snap into an envelope stamped with a special wish list message. All you have to do is give it to anyone wishing to buy you a festive treat!

Will any of these pieces be on your wish list?

Rachel x

Copenhagen Calling

A city that breathes modern design, Copenhagen has made a name for itself as the cool kid of Scandinavia. Its no wonder ultra chic brand Becksöndergaard hails from the Danish capital. Accents of BSG’s iconic Scandinavian design can be spotted throughout WSd. From scarves to clutches; this is an unmistakable brand for ALL the right reasons and is officially the ruler of accessories.

Glistening beads and vibrant silver pieces are currently catching the WSd spotlights and creating a shimmering kaleidoscope. BSG has created wondrous accessory alchemy with their use of metallic this season.

The Iga (£39) box clutch will give an instant and dramatic update to your go-to LBD or fave party dress.

Nothing adds oomph to an outfit quite like statement jewellery and the Tajimi (£39) embroidered collar is a true showstopper. Wear it with Mink Pink’s Darkest Dawn Sweat Dress (£50) for ultra glam, or this beauty is equally as striking with a plain tee or sweater. If you want to score metallica matching points then pair the striking Tajimi with its impressive sidekick Hioki (£65).

The Iwata Clutch (£85) with its sumptuous buttery leather and gold and plum tones is an autumnal accessory dream. The contrasting leather and shimmering metallic ensures this piece works for both day and night.

The Nagai (£169) leather bag is the epitome of sleek utility style. Three detachable straps give the option to wear this wonder over the shoulder, across the body or as a backpack. With multiple zipped pockets this is quite possibly the most practical yet stylish bag out there.

If we had to describe ‘perfection’ in one word here at WSd HQ we would say simply say Eldert (£99). This oh so dreamy leather and suede cross-body is pulling at our heartstrings. BSG has got it spot on with an alluring combination of tough silver hardware and boho tassels.

Throwing bursts of colour into the mix, we have a rainbow collection of the iconic Granny (£39) purse.

The Handy (£25) purse is a perfect stocking filler. The bright pop of colour will make for an easy spot during bleary-eyed Oyster card fumbles.  

Reflecting the thriving art scene of Copenhagen, beautiful hand-drawn prints adorn Becksöndergaard scarves. The Aso (£85) scarf, blended with silk and wool, is breathtaking in design featuring images of majestic birds, undulating mountains and tropical carp. You’ll feel like you’re in an art gallery while admiring all the beautiful scarves we have in store.

If you’re longing for a Becksöndergaard piece but not quite sure how to lay those hints, then here at WSd we have the perfect solution. This year we’ve introduced a Christmas wish list with a difference. Simply tell us what you’re coveting in store, we’ll take a photo of it and pop the snap into an envelope stamped with a special wish list message. All you have to do is give it to anyone wishing to buy you a festive treat! The only thing more enjoyable than making a WSd wish list will be waking up on Christmas day to find its contents perfectly poised under the tree!

Which Becksöndergaard piece will be on your wish list?

Rachel x

Photo Credit: Becksöndergaard 

5

“The question never gets old “What did Sarah do…?” Well I opened my dreams and gave them to you”- Sarah

Happy 5 years to What Sarah did…!! What better way to celebrate than to gather everyone who is part of the WSd lifestyle for the most epic of parties…

Opening on the 11^th November 2010 WSd also shares a special date with Armistice Day. Over the past five years 11/11 has not only been about personal celebration for WSd but also most importantly about remembrance. Through party ticket sales and a mammoth raffle, an epic £630 was raised for The Royal British Legion alongside The British Heart Foundation. This fab figure will be split equally between both wonderful charities.

The momentous night also marked the launch of an amazing new brand- Uncivilised. Held under wraps until now, this brand encompasses effortless style and beauty. The A/W collection is an enticing combo of stripes, denim, and plaid. Alluring silk and lace nestled among laid-back denim and jersey staples proves the timelessness and luxury of this brand. Watch this space for a special Uncivilised blog post coming soon…

Sarah rocked the Uncivilised Cult Oversized Sweatshirt (£60) and Ritual Lace Trim Shorts (£50) with her go-to Moda in Pelle Lanzi Leather Shoeboots (£129).  With the addition of the Becksöndergaard Tajimi Necklace (£39) and her trademark lippy, this shopkeeper was ready to party.

Champagne flowed and was the perfect accompaniment to some truly delish food. The Victoria Pub kept shopping energy levels high with a mouthwatering selection of goodies.  From halloumi kebabs to beef and horseradish yorkies, there wasn’t a rumbling tum left in the store. Divine.

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat to follow?! Gorgeous chocolate jewels made by the joyful Made You Smile Chocolate Factory sent ripples of ‘mmmm’ and ‘ooooh’ throughout the store. Displayed on fab handmade cake stands, Amy’s chocolates added pops of colour and delight.

Beautiful bespoke iced biscuits by Nila Holden made for perfect take home treats for our gorgeous partygoers. Although not many made it out of the door, they were simply too delicious to resist. A delight for the eyes and for the taste buds.

WSd goody bags made the perfect departing accessory.  In each one was a seriously cute Oswell n Rose waxed cotton bracelet. These gorgeous creations are backed on to a little card with a wish legend on: the perfect gift for our wonderful customers. We have lots of these fab bracelets in store, each with a different and meaningful message. Urging you lovely generous lot to keep up the amazing work, a “Bag It Beat It” bag for The British Heart Foundation added to the collection of goodies. Go fill ‘em! Plus, there was an extra special discount card to be used at Claire Winterbourne Reflexology for a wonderful stress-reducing treatment. Lovely Made You Smile Chocolate Factory Thank You chocolates also made their way into each goody bag.

 

The WSd goody bag

Rob Weavers Photography captured the event to perfection and snapped the laughter, beauty and fun of the night. Our very own WSd banner provided the perfect backdrop to many a pose and a pout! You ladies know how to party, and shop!!

Sarah had a special message as another year passes…

“Just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported my little store over the last 5 years. You’re all amazing! So grateful and here’s to the next chapter of WSd…Watch this space!”

What an incredible and worthy night! Here’s to the next 5…

Rachel x

Photo Credit: Rob Weavers Photography