Baby, it's cold outside!

It’s time to admit it. It’s cold. With that confession comes the coat and whether you’re clinging on to the hope of winter sun or you’re ready to embrace a cold snap, then at WSd HQ we have the outerwear for you…

The MINKPINK Teddy coat (£95) is the epitome of all encompassing cosiness and will be your sartorial savior this winter and for many more to come. The classic cocoon cut of this coat creates a clean shape amid the fuzziness, making it the perfect throw on and go style for effortlessly luxe warmth.

Cosiness continues to triumph in store with the Vero Moda faux fur bomber (£58). The rich caramel shade keeps this beauty classic, which will ensure it resurfaces from your A/W wardrobe year after year. The turtleneck feature will guarantee optimum warmth, while the iconic and oh so on trend bomber cut makes this wonder a do-it-all-style.

The clocks go back tomorrow and while this means we can relish an extra hour in bed on Monday morning, it’s also the catalyst for darker evenings ahead. My advice is to embrace the opportunity to get your hygge on and also brighten things up with the Scotch & Soda electric blue wool mix coat (£190). The notch lapel and one button closure combo create a classic and elegant look while the injection of cobalt adds a chic update. Add a splash of print to the block colour and style a la Sarah with a dreamy Becksöndergaard silk scarf.

Who doesn’t flipping love a bargain and what could be more economical than a fabulous coat that’s reversible too?! Get two styles for the price of one with the Vero Moda Toni shearling and faux leather coat (£68). With this beauty the interplay of sumptuous textures creates definitive lines, while the collarless style adds a hint of elegance. We’ve had Peter pan collars and ruffles but the power collar of the moment is achieved through combining varying heights and cuts. So team this collarless number with the MINKPINK Seven Wonders Skivvy dress (£45) to achieve the statement neckline of the moment.

For the perfect office outerwear reach for the Vero Moda Wool Coat (£55). Refined and elegant, this sleek cut will fit in nicely amid your chic workwear wardrobe. Available in black or teal, it’s a blank canvas for a patterned and colorful scarf. Contrast the heavier wool with a dash of Becksöndergaard silk in the form of the Roan scarf, which is adorned with a print of hand drawn leaves (£65).

The iconic parka will never waver and Vero Moda has got it spot on with this year’s version. The Betsie Parka (£84) is filled with a combination of down and sleeping bag technology so its not heavy like a full down coat yet still traps the air for extra warmth.  Khaki green adds a military vibe while faux fur ticks the box for effortless texture building. The luxury padding and multiple pockets means this coat is a master class in functional off-duty style.

At WSd we also have the answer to the age old winter shopping challenge whereby you wrap up for the high street chill yet you’re sweltering by the time you’ve done one round of the store. MINKPINK has got the lighter options covered with the Folktale bomber (£85) or the Now or Never suede rust jacket (£98). Simply layer up and voila you’re ready to tackle the festive madness!

The winter coat is one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe and with this line up there’s a worthy winner for everyone- faux real!

Rachel x

Get your hygge on

The main light. My absolute bug bare. Even my boyfriend knows that its ‘lamp it or lump it’. I think my aversion is one which I picked up from my Nan who in her soft Irish accent is often heard saying “Ahh, sure turn the lamps on to cheer the place up”. I know my main light syndrome is one shared by many and I think its part of our deep-seated desire to experience optimum cosiness.

With the arrival of Autumn comes the cult of “Hygge”. Pronounced 'hue-ugh', this is the Danish word that can be translated simply as 'cosiness' in English. Think hands wrapped around mugs, cashmere blankets and cable knit socks. Hygge is a lifestyle and experience and it’s being embraced in both fashion and homeware.

Picture credit: Pinterest

As long summer days fuelled by G&Ts are replaced with conkers and pumpkin spiced lattes, What Sarah did…is embracing fireside chic. Here’s our pick of pieces that feel as good as they look…

When the cold air bites avocados just don’t quite cut it, but we have the perfect substitute to ensure your lunch remains Instagram worthy. Serve comforting soup (we totes won’t judge if its from a tin) in the DAY Birger Et Mikkelsen Manda bowl (£33) for a soothing and aesthetically pleasing hug. To set the scene, pop a tea light in the Day home bug pierced lantern (£21) for an optimum brassy glow.

I’m flying to New York in December (eeek) and while I’m majorly excited to soak up every last drop of the juicy Big Apple, I have a confession to make…I’ve mainly been thinking about my NY apparel. This may seem shallow but the hygge wardrobe is about how clothes feel and who wants to be cold and miserable?! My first port of cosiness is the plane, and I’m planning to snuggle up with the Becksöndergaard Arum woven cotton scarf (£44), which will make for a stylish and cosy wrap. The fact that it’s cotton means it’s warm but breathable too. What could be better than eight hours of compulsory chill time? I’ll be popping on the Becksöndergaard cotton eye mask (£12) to be transported directly to dreamland.  It’s set to be pretty chilly upon arrival so a snood, beanie and mittens from Vero Moda will be going in my suitcase for guaranteed warmth from block to block.

A particularly appealing aspect of hygge is finding joy in life’s little moments, like lighting a candle at breakfast to start your day feeling warm and relaxed. We’ve got a decadently sensual selection of Parkminster candles, from mini votives (£5), to silver tin candles (£10) to luxury bowl candles  (£24) filled with figgy scented goodness. A new drop of hand thrown ceramic pot candles (£17.50) has just arrived from Parkminster this week too!

Capturing your hygge evening on Instagram is a chic and sociable way of saying “I’m not going out tonight”. Don’t get us wrong, us WSd Angels love a night on the tiles but the prospect of a cosy night in sets our hearts a fluttering. WSd mascot Arthur is the definition of hygge with his cloud-like credentials, and he makes the perfect addition to an evening wrapped up on the sofa surrounded by soothing pools of light. 

Perfect the moment with a pair of Becksöndergaard Dalea Check socks (£7) to add some glitz to your Netflix plans. Hygge comes into its own when the nights draw in and you will too with this sumptuous Love Stories knit and the Love Stories Firecracker briefs. Chic and cosy.

But if you fancy a night out then that can be hygge too! According to author of The little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking, 'hygge' can be defined as 'Togetherness, relaxations, indulgence, presence and comfort. It all boils down to the pursuit of everyday happiness”. If your pursuit of happiness is fun with your squad then you can still achieve hygge vibes with your after-dark look. The Vero Moda Tessa faux fur jacket (£68) is the epitome of luxe warmth and will be your go-to this season for glam cosiness.

Whether it’s homeware or fashion, WSd has a comforting collection of pieces to get your hygge on. A final thing to learn and embrace from this Danish concept is to be kind to yourself- eat cake, drink tea and warm your undies on the radiator.

Rachel x

The It Bag

The bag. It’s the queen of the accessory world and at What Sarah did…we have a sumptuous selection in store. The beauty that steals your heart will not only dip into a trend of the moment but it will also be the apple of your eye for a lifetime.

Here’s our arm-candy wish list in store…

A chain handle adds effortless glitz to your daytime look and this Becksöndergaard beauty has totally stolen my heart. The mix of textures and heavy metallic hardware of the Sakai (£179) intensify the luxe vibes, making it perfect for day or night. The chain also serves as a functional feature, allowing this style star to be worn on the shoulder or across the body. There’s something super satisfying about the perfectly straight edges of this bag too. There’s a whole new suite of Becksöndergaard pieces in store- I’m talking delectable navy leather, intricate boxed clutches and perfect totes.

Brace yourself for two pieces of wonderful news. Number 1, this dreamy Fab bag exists. Number 2, its half price in store! One of autumn’s key trends is bohemia and while the Alexandra (was £209, now £104.50) is the epitome of boho-chic, it’s not a one-season wonder. The mink coloured suede keeps this must-have in the realms of classic, while the positioning of the fringing adds movement to the bag and serves to frame the main masterpiece rather than being the focus of the design. The structured handle makes this bag feel solid yet lightweight and it will work now with the spicy colours of the season and in the summer months it will be your go-to accessory when the seasonal colour palette lightens.  

 When one of the WSd angels does the lunch run (cheese toasties, always <3) we nip down the cobbled streets of H-town with just a purse in hand.  Our accessory of choice is the Fab wallet (£99) because it fits all of the essentials-carb money, phone, lippy and yet still looks cool. A wrist strap makes it practical while a dash of leopard print keeps it fun.

 Keep your eyes peeled for a special feature blog on bell & fox, but I simply have to mention the new collection from this contemporary and luxurious brand. Berry adds life to the rusty shades of the season and the bell & fox Canteen bag (£175) will uplift your autumn sartorial look. The gold hardware and iconic bell makes this a hardworking yet effortlessly stylish accessory. The sumptuous merlot shade has also been worked into a wristlet clutch (£95) yet with functionality at its core. This beauty also has a long strap so that it can be worn across the body. The collection also has a hint of metallic in the mix to inject some shine into the darker months. The round coin purse in pewter croc (£35) with gunmetal hardware would make a luxe gift idea for your bestie (yes I’m already thinking about Crimbo) or a perfect gift to yourself to store all those new and pristine £5 notes.

Talking of metallic, From St Xavier has pre-empted the glitz of the party season with a collection of beautifully beaded pieces that are shimmering in store. This brand always gets it right when it comes to statement bags and the Magna clutch (£70) will be your accessory armor.

If you quote BAGBLOG in store then you’ll receive 20% off all Becksöndergaard, bell & fox, From St Xavier and Fab bags! What are you waiting for?!

Rachel x

Denim Daze

You’re alone in a fitting room and you’ve just tried on a pair of jeans that fit you perfectly. Yes perfectly. You let out silent whoops of joy and shimmy in every which way possible to catch a glimpse of how fabulous your derrière is looking in these denim miracles.

You live in said pair of jeans because they go with everything, make you feel fabulous and are the epicentre of your wardrobe. And if they’re a pair of Vero Moda skinnIes then a jeans related Facebook post from What Sarah did…sets your heart a-fluttering. The most important message on your timeline in that moment is that your favourite cut is now available in grey, coated or black fade! When you rush to WSd HQ to get your fix you don’t even try them on because with this wondrous brand once you know your waist and leg size you’re set! Simple!

I mean it really is little wonder that after reaching the summit of jean-dom, denim is our comfort blanket. And it’s not just jeans, diverse denim is everywhere this season and it’s a worthy transitional option.

News just in…a new drop of skinny re-worked ankles grazers (£36) has landed in WSd HQ. They’re selling like hot cakes though so move quickly. The addition of the zip ankle graze means that these dreamboats are quite simply screaming to be paired with the Moda in Pelle Chiara heels. (£99). These skinnies will give you a sleek and clean silhouette, so balance the look with a chunky knit. There’s a sumptuous selection to choose from at WSd HQ but the slouchy vibes of this Somedaylovin (£60) winter essential are calling our names.

When our very own WSd angel Maz rocked the Neon Rose patchwork dress (£40) in store, it swiftly flew off the hanger and was an instant sell-out.  She breezed through her Saturday shift with an effortlessly cool vibe, proving that all this patchwork number required was a pair of espadrilles and a dash of sass. For transitional cool, team with your favourite kicks for a laid back look.

The current weather situation is perfect, sunny yet crisply cool and a denim jacket will be your go-to transitional fave. The Vero Moda Tanja denim jacket (£44) is an update of the 90s classic and taps into this season’s raw edge trend. Zip detail on the sleeve adds a hint of luxe to this wardrobe staple, making the Tanja even more accommodating for either your day or night outfit.

With the Somedayslovin Blue Moon Dress (£78) you’ll feel like you’ve bought another pair of those perfect jeans- that’s how much you’ll love and wear it! This uber cool brand has reworked the classic denim dress with that oh so topical raw edge and neckline detailing to boot. Pair now with bare legs and the Veja Esplar low rise kicks and when the weather bites go for thick tights and the Moda in Pelle Ametti boots (£90). A roll neck and leather jacket would make worthy winter additions. 

If the thought of a denim skirt is giving you flashbacks of faded 90s minis then don’t panic, we have a sophisticated style option with effortlessly chic credentials. All hail the ‘mega-midi’- a term coined by our very own Sarah to describe the MINKPINK long line denim skirt. Wear this slim-fit pencil shape now with a sheer shirt or tee to achieve a hot hourglass silhouette.

Whether you go double or just work your look around one key piece, denim will be your sartorial saviour as the seasons change.

Rachel x