Veja

Style and comfort aren’t often two words that go together in the fashion world, but here at WSd HQ we’re suckers for the duo and oh my are we thrilled to have found another brand where neither necessity is compromised.

Kicks don’t get much cooler than those from Veja and its not just the brand’s fashion credentials that have got us hooked. Today there is a lot of talking done about environmental issues, wealth inequality and social injustice but Veja is taking action. Unfortunately the fashion industry doesn’t have a particularly good reputation when it comes to ethics, yet the Veja Project is creating a positive chain through the unique creation of sneakers...

So how does it work?

Veja works with the ADEC who are an association of growers in North-East Brazil.

“Working directly with ADEC has allowed Veja to establish a seamless, human-based business model that avoids middlemen and makes sure that reasonable profits go directly to the producers themselves”.

The local producers under this umbrella organisation cultivate cotton without fertilisers or pesticides and they all receive decent revenue for their goods.

At the end of the harvest a Fairtrade premium is paid to the association. This is used to improve the standard of living for producers, their families and their communities. According to Veja, ‘between 2007 and 2009 the premium was used to pay for the official certification of the organic cotton and Fairtrade process”.

This organic and fairy traded cotton is used for the canvas of the shoes.

The positive vibes don’t stop there…the soles of Veja trainers are made with rubber from the Amazon-the only place in the world where rubber trees grow in the wild. Veja works with an association of Brazilian rubber tappers who harvest from the trees in a sustainable way and they are guaranteed a fair price for their work.  

The trademark ‘V’ logo on the Holiday Low Top (£99) is made of this ultra cool wild rubber, while Tilapia leather in a rich burnt orange adds a chic spin on the animal print trend. With recycled cotton and plastic bottles also forming the make up of this blush hued trainer, you’ll be wearing the epitome of feel-good fashion. This style champions the colour blocking trend and look incredible with pretty much any look. While the sun is shining pair with your fave ripped denim shorts.

Image credit: Veja 

So onto the tough stuff…the leather comes from Uruquay where Veja hass knowledge and control of the welfare and living conditions of the cattle. Going one-step further than encouraging you to eat your greens…how about wearing them too? Veja uses vegetable tanned leather rather than nasty chemicals or heavy metals. Take these Esplar Leather kicks in copper (£82), which have totally captured our metallic obsessed hearts and will look perfect with your fave culottes.

Image credit: Veja 

The Esplar (£82) is also available in crisp white leather so you can achieve cool urban vibes while protecting the rural. These beauties tap into the new retro trainer trend and look fab with tailored trousers for a rule-defying dichotomy.

Image credit: Veja

Going green has never been so cool...

Rachel x

Goodnight...

When a Vero Moda delivery drops and this toppling tower takes centre stage in WSd HQ, you know things are about to get even more fabulous. This dreamy brand is the backbone to our wardrobes and never fails to impress us with stylish, affordable and dependable pieces.

So here’s what’s new…

Boudoir elegance has gone beyond the bedroom and the sleepwear-as-daywear trend has taken the spring/summer 16 catwalks by storm. Enter chic separates Poet Pyjama shirt (£24) and pants (£24)with their delicate Japanese motif print for a modern take on the trend. There are so many options with these pieces and one is to wear them together for a super chic look that oozes sex appeal. The key to rocking this duo is polished hair and make-up, and if this sounds high maintenance, don’t forget you’re effectively wearing your pjs all day so balance will be restored! For luxe over loungewear avoid flats and elevate your look with heels. The Sol Sana Chuck heel (was £145 now £80) perfectly contrasts the delicacy of the print.

Go separate for a laid back look and to maximise each piece. Accented piping and a plunging neckline take the Poet shirt into the luxe category and what better way to reveal a little of the Love Stories bralette (Hazel: £50, Darling: £45)?! Try half tucking the shirt into boyfriend jeans for a perfect silk/denim balance.

For a dreamy trio, pair the Poet trousers with the Vero Moda bodysuit (£16) and the Sol Sana Porter Heel (was £120, now £69). These would make the perfect trouser for that early morning flight to paradise; simply pair with the Hudson Beata white loafer (was £120, now £55) and the Vero Moda Elsa Frill Sweat (£18).

Steering away from the boudoir but continuing the blush, we give you the Poppy Frill dress (£28). Solving the woe of British summer dressing, the soft pastel shade, long tailored sleeves and laid back skirt strike the perfect balance. The structured ruffles keep this beauty on the cool side of cute and the cut out neckline will ensure a peep of sun kissed skin. Toughen up the look with the Hudson Emmett boot (was £155, now £75).

The jewel tone story is continued with the Poet cold shoulder blouse (£20). The cold shoulder silhouette is the shape of the moment and has confirmed that shoulders are officially in…. who knew?! According to InStyle ‘its versatility continues to be unmatched- they look just as good- and just as appropriate- at the Farmers’ Market as they do for a night on the town”. So whether you go choose your Hunters or heels, the tantalising cutouts reveal just enough to keep them guessing…

 Vero Moda, we simply ♥ you

Pop in store to take a look at the new drop and snap up the last of the sale! 

Rachel x

Sale Simplicity

Are you experiencing the summer sale slump? Is the thought of sifting through a lack luster rail of clothes too much to bear? Fear not, WSd has a totally different approach to the sale. Every fabulous piece has been lovingly merchandised with our gorgeous customers in mind and is treated with the same adoration it received when it was first delivered through the door.

So here’s how to work WSd sale pieces into your current wardrobe…

Our winter sale advice still stands…make smart investments, like the Hudson Emmett boot (was £155, now £116.25). This Chelsea boot style is fabulously versatile and looks as good with a pair of denim skinnies as with bare legs. Pair with the MINKPINK Wild Traveller dress (was £60, now £48), Becksöndergaard Vivetta bag (£59) and a super cute Kapten & Son Campina watch featuring the nylon peach strap.

 The suede trend has been reinvented with a pop of colour and the MINKPINK  Wild West faux suede biker jacket (now £87) is a fresh take on the most tactile of materials.  For ultimate biker chic, style a la Sarah with the Becksöndergaard Lunette neckerchief (£49) and laid-back tailored trousers. Or how about look two, featuring vintage style jeans and metallic heels?

What are the gaps in your wardrobe that need filling? The Sister Jane Wicca studded dress (was £80, today £64) is the LBD that will see you through winter and summer. With an effortless drop-waist shape and soft ruffle cuffs this dress is adaptable to your unique style. Go for a Sienna Miller take on the look and pair with gladiator style sandals. Or for a perfect match and a touch of glam, reach for the Moda in Pella Larez embellished block heel (£69).

Take into account upcoming events, holidays, weddings or parties- there’s nothing better than a purchase you know you need to make and finding it at a fabulous price. The vibrant Tangerine Dream Midi dress is beyond easy to wear. Side splits give the straight skirt some fluidity and the knot feature creates an ultra feminine neckline. If you’ve got limited suitcase space then this beauty can be dressed down for city exploring and up for bar exploring. Or how about the Somedayslovin Day Dreamer maxi dress for the perfect wedding guest outfit? After last week’s Newmarket races I can write from experience that the Sol Sana Porter heels are wonderfully comfortable and add a perfect amount of height and studded pizazz to any outfit. 

No matter the season, denim is the ultimate essential. In the words of Sarah ‘even if the weather misbehaves, Vero Moda denim shorts work and each of their fab styles cover any outing”. Staying true to her words she defied the weather and styled a pair of shorts with Vero Moda Mia Donna shirt but without the laces (was £32, now £25), proving the adaptability of many pieces in store.  The MINKPINK Touch the Sky denim dress is as simple to dress up as it is down. Accessorize with a glass of fizz, the dreamy Sol Sana Dolly heels and the Becksöndergaard  Aqueela (£45) clutch which is crafted from coloured paper straws.

We have lots more goodies in store with tantalising price tags but remember our usual ethos still stands- we’re totally honest with our amazing customers and only want you to buy pieces that you look and most importantly feel fabulous in!

This week only, if you quote ‘whatsarahdidblog’ then you’ll receive a further 10% off your sale purchase!

Happy sale shopping beauties.

Rachel x

The Theory of WSd Evolution

What Sarah did… is the name above the door and 4-5 Bancroft is the epic proof of the happenings beyond the ellipsis. Inside it’s all about what Sarah continues to do and the evolution of WSd and in this week’s blog we’re offering a tantalizing taste of the exciting new offerings in store….

Colour Moon

These beautiful prints take monochrome to a whole new level, offering contemporary and uplifting wall art. The WSd selection encompasses beautiful quotes presented in a simple and stylish way to suit every interior. (£12-£25)

Bespoke ‘Hitchin’ prints reflect our love of the fabulous town and are available to purchase in store (£25)

Basil &Ford

Continuing our collection of super cool new homeware, the latest drop of Basil & Ford pieces has arrived. All prints by this fab brand are hand screen printed in Great Britain. 

Whether you love it or hate it, there is a print for either Marmite team.

For the man in your life who carries the responsibility of a well-groomed beard, this print is the perfect accolade for his efforts.

For a touch of summer fun to a lapel, hat or bag, this ’99 problems’ enamel pin (£8) is most definitely not one of them. Or how about the 2B or not 2B pin (£8) which would make a quirky little gift for a writer or artist.

These A5 plywood typographic pennant flags hang with colorful cord and make an inspiring addition to any room £16).

Beyond Retro

Vintage expert Beyond Retro has redefined up cycling to create styles that ‘celebrate individuality through the re-use of vibrant 20^th century fashion the world over’.  Their goal is to “save 600,000 garments from landfill every year with Beyond Retro Label. This line is entirely constructed using vintage clothing which is unsuitable for sale, cut to our very own bespoke patterns, both menswear and womenswear, with a nod to retro style. Where some see waste, we see quality materials and strive to produce an ethical alternative to 'fast fashion”.

Made entirely from second-hand fabrics, trims and hardware, the Beyond Retro accessories line celebrates a ‘passion fro original design with a mounting concern for declining global resources’. The Boxy leather backpack (£37) is cut from vintage leather garments and features a front pocket with zip. For a go-to stylish and convenient bag reach for the cross body suede purse (£19). The Suede coin purse (£12) comes in a bevy of delicious colors, celebrating all that this one-of-a-kind brand is all about. Everyone needs a Suede drawstring rucksack in their life (£37). These beauties come in a selection of lusciously rich colors and have all been crafted from hand-selected vintage coats.

The Man Cave 

The masculine sanctuary is proving a major hit with the men of WSd. The corner of coolness is home to some great brands including brand new Rains bags and jackets in deep autumnal shades. Check out our exclusive blog on the man cave here

There's still lots to come from fab new bands and even our own jewellery line so watch this space! Sarah is constantly on the look out for ways to develop the WSd experience.."I always appreciate honest feedback to create the best lifestyle store for my WSd angels. WSd is continually evolving to ensure only the very highest quality and experience".

WSd has something for everyone and is your one stop shop for fabulous clothes, dreamy accessories and shoes, gorgeous gifts and exclusive homeware. The evolution will continue and we’ll keep you posted along the way…

Rachel x