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