BLACK & SIGI

Remember in Spice Girls: The Movie when Sporty says to Posh, "It must be so hard for you, Victoria. I mean, having to decide whether to wear the little Gucci dress, the little Gucci dress, or… the little Gucci dress!" Well Viccy B got the last laugh when she rose from her Wannabe days into the fashion stratosphere thanks to designs with confident simplicity.

Perfected minimalism is exactly what jewellery brand Black & Sigi is all about and a collection of unique and beautiful pieces has just landed at WSd HQ. Founded by two sisters Clio and Athena Sigismondi, Black and Sigi brings us contemporary handmade jewellery ‘that will make you stand out from the crowd, always’. The collection currently sitting pretty in store showcases the signature ‘wrapped technique’ that has become synonymous with this stylish brand, as well as simply stunning semi precious stones and crystals.

The Melia range combines Sterling silver wire with BAS wrapping- a concept established by the sister duo of ‘breathing new life into your otherwise lifeless jewels’.  The Melia bangle mixes textures and metals to create a statement design that’s simultaneously delicate, while the combination of straight lines and flowing curves sets this beauty apart from a traditional bangle style. The Melia ring, earrings and necklace complete the ‘Immortal Collection’, with each piece proving that minimal can make the biggest statement.

The aptly named Aphrodite bangle will most certainly bring love and beauty to any look. The design is simple yet complex with the wire intricately intertwining throughout the design to reach the definitive knot feature. The tapering style gives added movement and interest and makes bangle stacking with this beauty an aesthetic dream. 

Team with the Stardust bangle to create a unique stack full of wonder at every motion of the wrist. As its name suggests the Stardust design is inspired by the formation of the cosmos and with the addition of three distinctively shaped smoky quartz nuggets conjures up the notion of ancient treasured talismans. 

In keeping with the immensity of the underworld and Solar system, the Stardust ring features a Hermatite bead wrapped with a precious metal starburst bead and a delicate plated chain detail. Simply mesmerising.

The elegant and contemporary Aphrodite shaping has also been established within a ring and pendant design, verifying that the goddess of love can bestow desire and pleasure in many forms…

Black and Sigi state that their ethos is ‘simple’…their intention is to ‘create unique and beautiful pieces that will withstand the test of time’. Precious metals, stones and crystals are timeless, yet it’s the originality of this handmade brand that ensures Black and Sigi will be as enduring as the simply wonderful little black dress..

Rachel x

Print it

At this time of year it’s easy to stick to a dark wardrobe palette in the hope of seeing winter through with little drama. Yet for the season ahead colour has been decreed the new black. Adding a splash of print to your look is a savvy way to brighten up the season ahead without breaking the bank or straying too far from the safety of your winter comfort zone. WSd has a selection of printastic pieces in store which pack a pattern punch but are subtle enough to ensure they aren’t banished to the back of your wardrobe after a few wears. These are worthy investments that are sure to brighten many a season ahead...

Take a walk on the wild side

It’s one of fashion’s most enduring trends and it’s going nowhere in 2017. From leopard, to cheetah, to zebra it’s a jungle out there and WSd has a luxe selection of chic pieces showcasing the wild print. The Vero Moda animal magic dress (£45) is a super easygoing style and will be your go to sartorial savior for the party season ahead. Be bold and pattern clash a la Sarah with a stripy Becksöndergaard scarf (£39).

If you’re looking for an investment bag then don’t dismiss animal print. The Fab by Fabienne Christy bag (was £179 now £130) has officially stolen the heart of our angel Maz and it’s most definitely on her Christmas list. This beauty combines neutral tones making it seasonless while adding a little edge to your look.

Whether you choose a night on the sofa or a night on the tiles, the Love Lammie velour print clutch (£23) and hot water bottle (£25) mean that whatever your decision you’re in for a wild night.

Geometry Class

Satisfy your desire for straight lines and incorporate some right angles into your look! The Scotch & Soda metallic knit (£130) boats a vibrant and wonderfully satisfying diamond print, yet the classic silhouette makes this a timeless wardrobe winner.

If minimalist is more your vibe then tap into the geo trend via your accessories. The Becksöndergaard nylon bag makes for a super chic weekender and comes in a choice of two vibrant prints. Would you go for the Reylea Toullier bag (£32) in classic monochrome or the Louella Toullier (£32) in rosewood?

Stars and Stripes

Star print has had a meteoric revival and its now officially chic. We have a stellar selection of astronomical inspired pieces in store, including the fabulous Scotch and Soda short knitted cardigan. This beauty combines a bold mix of patterns including stars and stripes taking the traditional cardigan style into a whole new level of cool.  The colour and print combinations complement each other to perfection and are all tied together with a beautiful 3D beaded bug brooch!

 Stripes will never date and the Vero Moda Gretchen Shirt (£36) keeps things on trend by combining blue and white stripes with fun patchwork detailing for added personality. It’s the perfect shirt for laid-back weekend vibes and our Nikki rocked it to afternoon tea in London.

Floral Paradise

Neon Rose has proved that floral isn't just for Spring/Summer with the iris print dress (£35). 

A pop of whimsical floral print to your dressing table with the Becksöndergaard Louella Alaska wash bag (£26).

Whether you just add a dash of print to your look or confidently clash your patterns, WSd has a style to suit every vibe! Pop in store to get your fix.

Rachel x

6

Happy 6^th Birthday to What Sarah did…! As cliché as it sounds, it only feels like yesterday that I was writing the blog to mark 5 years of WSd…and after perusing last years party post in preparation for the date of the year, I felt that party ‘5’ would be impossible to top…. I stand corrected.

To celebrate another fabulous year, last night WSd HQ threw open its doors after hours for another epic birthday party! But not only was it about celebration, it was about remembrance too. WSd was officially declared open on 11^th November 2010, a significant number and month for Armistice too. Through party ticket sales and a mammoth raffle, last year’s epic total was surpassed for The Royal British Legion alongside NSPCC. This fab figure will be split equally between both wonderful charities.

Angels across the land were invited to ‘come and celebrate 6 amazing years of WSd style’ with the only stipulation being to ‘rock your favorite WSd outfit’. In preparation for so many beauties, the monochrome façade of 5 Bancroft was given a dash of colour with red VIP ropes to ensure every guest entered the party feeling as fabulous as they looked.

Inside, black and gold décor adorned the store and Sarah followed suit in the Scotch & Soda sheer star blouse (£90). She paired this timeless piece with tassel trim trousers and the classic Moda in Pelle Clementine silver heels. This shopkeeper of 6 whole years was ready to party!

The first port of call was to ‘Funk Your Fizz’… a quirky little drinks station where guests could pimp their bubbles with berries, cordial and of course flamingo straws…because why the heck not?!  Glitter Garlands provided the fabulous banner, which added an extra dose of sparkle to proceedings! The wonderful Cakemeister provided fabulous boozy Baileys cupcakes as well as lime Mojito cupcakes! They all made for perfect shopping sustenance for all of our gorgeous partygoers. 

Fizz continued to flow as angels perused the latest drop of treasures in store. The night also marked the arrival of fabulously eclectic homeware brand ‘Bombay Duck’ which strives to ‘discover the fabulous in the everyday’. Founded by sister’s Laura and Steph, this lifestyle brand not only brings us beautiful designs, but does so in an ethically responsible way, ensuring the creators are as joyful as the products.

It wasn’t just Bombay Duck that was sitting pretty in store; every single brand was oozing with fabulous style and stealing the attention of the partygoers.  Amid the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ catalyzed by sumptuous suede jackets, shimmery metallic skirts and decadent chunky knits, guests delved into their purses to stock up on raffle tickets! Everyone wanted to be in with the chance of winning one of the amazing prizes on offer which included a Scotch & Soda goody bag worth £150, Boots from Hudson Shoes, a Becksöndergaard scarf, a Bell & Fox wallet and a WSd VIP Shopping Evening voucher worth £100! So many other amazing brands donated fabulous prizes including Ashton Emporium, MINKPINK, From St Xavier, Diamonds In The Sky Jewellery, Rains and lots more!!

Each guest left with the most coveted ‘It’ bag of the season…the WSd goody bag! In each one was a handcrafted string and heart bracelet from Willow jewellery, along with some Love Heart sweeties in return for all the love every angel has brought to WSd...Plus there was a little reminder in there about tomorrow’s epic event…hoping to raise lots more money for both fabulous charities, Sarah is holding a Fundraising Yard Sale tomorrow. Having practiced what she preaches Sarah has done a huge wardrobe edit of her own clothes. These will be on sale for one day only! Pop along between 11-4pm!

 In a world that has seemed far from certain in the last year, WSd has well and truly established itself and its direction. Since party 5 the store has had a mini refit to accommodate for the addition of more fabulous fashion, accessories and homeware, plus a dedicated man cave where guys can find super cool brands and seek solace in their own corner of coolness!  Sarah is at the helm of it all and this superwoman juggles being a fabulous shopkeeper with being a wonderful mum and friend too. She’s inspiring to so many and over the last 6 years What Sarah did… has not only become known as a hub of style but also of feel good and confidence boosting vibes. What a woman and what an incredible night. Here’s to the next 6…

Rachel x

Stay Golden

It’s the colour combination du jour and it’s shimmying its way across HQ. You guessed it we’re talking decadent black and lustrous gold and whether you’re after knockout homeware, fashion or accessories, we’ve got the midnight metallic duo for you...

Gold isn’t just for baubles, instead add hints of the warming shade all year round to instantly lift the aesthetic of your space. The latest drop from Day Home brings a capsule collection of accessories combining deep black with brass tones, making it simple to add accents of opulence. Give your table the Midas touch with the 4-piece brass cutlery set (£45), and the bug pierced lantern in shiny brass (£21). The Day spice jar will add a decadent vibe to your worktop and perfectly conceals the Maltesers that may have replaced the marjoram...

 From St Xavier has brought us another tough talking clutch, yet one that will simultaneously make you weak at the knees with its delicate floral embossing. The bright gold chain adds a modern twist to the antique style burnished gold, making this a timeless must-have.

A sleek body is a must for autumnal layering and either of these Vero Moda versions (£26 or £20) will make the perfect base to build up your gold story. Layer up delicate gold jewellery for an ultra feminine and chic style a la Sarah. Turn to White Leaf jewellery to get the look with handmade brass earrings, bangles and necklaces.

Never step a foot out of line with this luxe offering from Veja. The rose gold, coppery colour of the Esplar leather kicks adds a quirky edge to the metallic footwear trend and makes this the ultimate trophy trainer. For evening glam reach for the Moda in Pelle Chiara heels (£99) in midnight black. These beauties are crafted in Brazilian leather and the sumptuously dark calf hair adds an indulgent vibe.

This Vero Moda skirt and top combo proves that black and gold have never looked so luxe next to each other. The pleated top (£26) and skirt (£26) work independently as well together, offering a glamorous look that’s adaptable for day or night! A festive winner for when Saturday afternoon turns into the early hours of Sunday morning…! This dependable brand just keeps on giving and the Vero Moda luxe bomber (£50) alchemizes Art Deco vibes with its black and gold brocade style detailing. Follow in Sarah’s footsteps and soften the look with a slouchy tee, Vero Moda ankle grazer 7 skinnies (£36) and Veja Esplar kicks (£82). Or for a day to night look pair the luxe metallic bomber with the Vero Moda Dana jumpsuit (£38).

This luxurious colour combo will continue into next week at the What Sarah did…6^th Birthday party! It’s set to be a fabulous evening filled with fizz, fashion and fun. The raffle prizes are particularly amazing and come from all of the wonderful brands we mention each week in this very blog! Grab your ticket to the party of the year in store, over the phone on 01462 431437. Tickets are £1 each with every penny going toThe Royal British Legion & NSPCC or via friends & family PayPal Sarah@whatsarahdid.com.

Rachel x