Reporting From the Runway

It’s the weekend. Whatsapp is off the hook with messages from the girls organizing the night ahead in impressive military style.  But you’re not quite feeling it. There’s a giant bar of your fave chocolate in the fridge and My Best Friend’s Wedding on the box. You can’t quite envisage dedicating the next hour of your life to contouring and quite frankly the only thing you fancy right now is a cozy night in.

Here at WSd HQ we regularly deliberate ditching our heels for our slippers (call us grannies but retail is tough on the tootsies!). Yet, there’s no denying we love a glam night too. These nights can often be weeks or even months in the making and the anticipation levels for a mojito increase as each day passes! This night is the hottest in the iPhone calendar- there’s nothing better than dancing the night away with your besties.

This balance between cosy and glam was the WSd vibe for the Hitchin Fashion show on Saturday.  A bevy of beautiful customers modelled on the day and showcased the diversity What Sarah did… has to offer. From comforting chunky knits, to striking red lace dresses, we have something for everyone and every kind of night.

WSd HQ was a bustling hub of beauty early on Saturday morning, filled with models, make-up artists and croissants, naturally. Two wonderfully talented ladies Vicki Maria (https://www.facebook.com/VickiMariaMUA?fref=ts) and Fiona Lennox (https://www.facebook.com/fionalennoxmua) created stunning make-up looks on the day. Beautiful bronze eye palettes created a warm glow and reflected the wonderful shades of the autumnal outdoors. Soft peach and rose blushes produced gorgeous post-dance floor radiance. CODE VLM (£19.95) added the finishing touch to lashes without the need for falsies and gave our models the confidence to give the cameras a flutter.

The talented Rob Weavers (https://www.facebook.com/robweaversphotography) captured some truly stunning candid shots, both on the catwalk and behind the scenes. Sharon Cooper’s wonderful pictures translate the fun of the show and the abundance of ways you can rock a WSd piece with confidence.

So, to the runway…

With Ella Eyre’s chart dominating anthem ‘Together’ filling the Hitchin air, our models followed suit and ruled the catwalk…

Before the show Sarah sent self-confidence levels rocketing when she told her angels her interpretation of the chosen song…we all need our friends and “together we are better”.

New season Ginger Fizz was hot off the hanger and added an injection of vibrant colour and pattern. There was plenty of swishing to be done in the English Girl tassel dress (£86) and the Ginger Fizz Elusive dress (£48). Our models rocked these glamorous looks with their fave converse, proving that sore feet are no longer a valid excuse for cutting the night short!

Lace makes an appearance season after season and is a firm wardrobe staple.  Our show featured the Honor Gold Adrianna Midi in red (£95) and the Love Triangle Divine Angel dress in nude (£49), both pieces exuding vintage overtones with an injection of sass. Loose flowing hair kept the overall lace look easy-going and fun.

Mink Pink has got the club queue covered (vip of course). Choose from the super warm and perfectly cut Under Control Aviator Jacket (£85) or the ultra soft Oh Deer Faux fur Bambi bomber (£78). The only problem is, you won’t want to take either of them off! 

Our showcase of fab jumpers verified that the knitwear game has been upgraded. We have quite the collection in store and any one of them will guarantee ultra cosiness.  Proving the versatility of the winter staple, we teamed the Mink Pink Disturbia Aztec knit (£45) with a cute and oh so on trend Vero Moda denim mini skirt (£29) and the Mink Pink Paper Planes chunky slouch jumper (£45) with comfy Somedays Lovin Sweat Pants (£45).

There’s no denying the power of accessories…minimalist clutches, chic yet functional satchels, wool scarves, silk scarves, statement necklaces, chunky belts. They add texture and colour and are often the pièce de résistance of any outfit. Our show featured gorgeously soft Becksöndergaard leather bags, dazzling box glitter clutches (£39) and statement necklaces from Vero Moda (£19) and From St Xavier (£47). On the flip side, popcorn filled WSd carrier bags and cuddly teddy bears completed the cosy night-in look!

The star of the show, our amazing Sarah, dazzled in the Vero Moda Erica dress in the colour brass (£42) and the FAB.U.LOUS Somedays Lovin’ None the Wiser faux fur coat (£90). Her gorgeous sidekick Mary-anne oozed cool in the English Girl Odyssey Cape (£75) and Vero Moda coated jeans (£35). Perfection.

The fashion show was an epic event; showcasing the fab independents of Hitchin and the wonderful diversity every store has to offer.

Everyone truly strutted their stuff on the cobbles and gave the audience a taste of how easy it is to look great and feel confident in WSd.

Do you have a favourite look from the show?

Rachel x

Photo Credit: Rob Weavers Photography and Sharon Cooper Photography

Home is Where the Brat is

Brat and Suzie have officially got the festive season covered. From Halloween to Christmas, they have created perfect prints that will ensure we all fully embrace the forthcoming festivities!

This fab brand was created in 2009 by twin sisters Polly and Charlotte and since then… ‘Brat & Suzie has grown from a small label that first sold out of the "Up Market" near Brick Lane in London, to a fully-fledged fashion brand that has quickly gained a following amongst celebrities, trend-setters and top retailers worldwide’.

It was when this creative duo appeared on Dragon’s Den in August 2011, that they gained What Sarah did as an avid fan, and mutual believer that fashion should be fun. Inspired by their love of wildlife (and their muse Amber the Chihuahua of course!) Polly and Charlotte have created a quirky brand, which successfully combines their adoration of animals and fashion.

So which cuties have we got in store?

The Owl Sweater Dress is the epitome of Autumn. It’s oh so cosy and the mustard tones in the owl embellishment are in tune with the leaves at our feet. Keep things casual with a pair of trainers or why not add a pair of chunky heels and combine comfort with a dash of sass. The dip back hem means this little beauty has an abundance of outfit options- pair with leggings for a casual daytime look or take it to the dance floor with bare legs- your little nocturnal owl pal is staying awake anyway, you may as well join in!

Owl Sweater Dress- £40 

There’s also the Owl Jogger- the answer to your smart/casual woes! Tighter at the waist and ankle, these joggers create a stylish silhouette and look as fab with heels and a fitted jacket as they do with a plain tee and converse. Going out for dinner? Team the Owl Jogger with a pair of heels to dress up the look and ensure you have room for desert with their elastic waistband and drawstring closure. What’s not to love?

Owl Jogger- £32

Next stop is Halloween and Brat and Suzie have got the ghoulish vibes spot on.

The ‘Black Cats and Voodoo Dolls’ long sleeve T-shirt will channel your inner Morticia Addams, while the slogan ‘Creep’ sweatshirt keeps things casual (and warm if you’re trick or treating!). These pieces aren’t just for Halloween though; they’ll see you through the season and are the perfect wardrobe essentials for A/W layering.

Black Cats and Voodoo Dolls Tshirt- £25

Creep Sweatshirt-£32

Roll on December…Who doesn’t love and NEED a fun, festive jumper in their life this Crimbo? Only Scrooge himself could resist this gorgeous Penguin print sweater, it’s making us want to watch Happy Feet all over again.

Penguin Sweater-£32

Be the envy of the office Christmas party with the ‘Oh Deer’ Tee. Counteract the cuteness with some fierce Vero Moda PU Biker Leggings (£35) and the Jungle Rock Tuxedo by English Girl (£85). A fun yet glam Christmas combo.

 

Oh Deer Tee-£22

We <3 this quirky British brand and will be embracing the super cosy pieces on chilly nights, while mixing the cute separates with tough leather and silver accessories for twilight fun.

Did you spot any of the Brat and Suzie pieces at the Hitchin Fashion Show today?

Rachel x

Wearable Art: From St Xavier

Known as the “City of Art”, Paris is home to an abundance of creative masterpieces- the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre… Yet at Paris Fashion Week it was all about wearable art and Givenchy used the face (!) as a blank canvas! Yep that’s right each model paraded the runway with their face dripping with jewels. As striking as this look may be, it doesn’t scream practicality and may be a little tricky to pull off on date night!

Well fear not, Paris is not the only hub of beautiful works of art. Born and raised in Sydney, fashion forward jewellery label From St Xavier is the epitome of stunning design. The latest collection of treasure to arrive at WSd proves that art is indeed wearable.

Lovingly handmade, each From St Xavier piece differs slightly in appearance, meaning every item is bespoke. The From St Xavier ethos explains the thinking behind the unique nature of each piece…

‘In many ancient cultures some believed that wearing jewellery that combines three metals with a natural stone brings about spiritual harmony. FSX entwines this belief with key fashion trends offering our customers truly amazing one of a kind pieces’.

At WSd HQ, we’re like children in a sweet shop, mesmerized by the delectable stones in each piece.

So, what can you find in store?

While stacking bracelets makes an eclectic statement, a cuff is all about strong simplicity. Embracing the wrist like armour, the beautiful TARA cuff (£47) makes a striking statement, with contrasting bold earthy toned stones against silver metal. A must-have piece.

From St Xavier draws on the classic combination of turquoise and silver to create stunning statement rings. Wear one to highlight the distinctive stone, or a few to create a sea of beautiful blue hues and bring the ocean to your fingertips.

The KIMBRA (£65) metal clutch will simultaneously make you feel like a warrior and go weak at the knees every time you gaze adoringly at its ornate beauty. This little wonder will toughen up your winter wool and take you from day to night with its removable chain strap.

That’s not all. The collection is true accessory heaven- you’ll find beautiful earrings that will set your outfit alight and a collar necklace that will instantly upgrade a simple tee. Any piece from the St Xavier range will make a unique gift for Christmas and bring pure joy to the fortunate recipient!

Oh and there’s no need to go to Paris or Sydney to treat someone (or yourself of course) to a bespoke piece of jewellery. What Sarah did HQ is located in lovely Hitchin and we can also post items right to your very doorstep! Check out the ‘Contact’ tab for Paypal details.

What is your favorite From St Xavier piece?

Rachel x

Open your eyes to CODE Beautiful

Fear not, this CODE has been cracked and the answer is VLM- Volume Lengthening Mascara. Here at WSd we not only champion fab products but also their dedicated creators. Sarah and Kirsti, the Co-Founders of CODE Beautiful spent two years creating the perfect mascara that does it all- adds length, volume and thickness, curls and separates and lasts all day. This hero product just HAD to be added to the sassy shelves of our one stop shop!

CODE VLM is ideal for us busy gals with a penchant for partying. Its buildable formula makes it perfect for layering, taking lashes from a subtle day time look to sundown drama. Plus, its ‘build-on- build capability’ means that clumping, smudging or flaking won’t rain on your plumped up parade. For those of us with naturally long lashes, this product is great for adding a natural looking curl that won’t follow suit in that 4pm slump! A special sealing agent protects lashes, while conditioning oils and vitamins encourage lash growth- team WSd are hooked! Combine all of this nourishment with a unique application technique and lashes will be lifted for as long as those heels are on! A sweep of CODE VLM will add the finishing touch to any look, day or night.  Follow this link for a step-by-step tutorial to get the best results: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud4TyoHmvwQ

CODE VLM (£19.95)

As if cracking one code wasn’t enough, then CODE Beautiful has also created a pre-mascara lash plumper. Code FFL- FORGET FAKE LASHES- creates instant volume, thickness and length, giving short or sparse lashes a real boost. Anything to avoid the midnight hanging falsie is a winner for us!! Plus it can be used with any other brand of mascara. Sarah <3s FFL, and since using it under her existing mascara so many people have commented on the lift and curl of her ordinarily straight lashes. The light brown colour of this ‘pre-mascara upgrade’ means that the only person who needs to know about your thickening secret is you.  Allow CODE FFL to dry for 30 seconds (a minute is totes fine if you’re perusing DB’s Insta) then apply mascara and build as many layers as your heart desires!

CODE FFL (£18.00)

The gorge packaging makes both VLM and FFL fab pressies- pop one inside a Lola and Gilbert pouch (£13) for the ultimate gift idea and serious bestie brownie points! Or, why not just treat yourself; no one needs an excuse to feel uplifted!

CODE Beautiful is an exciting new brand for WSd and we’ve already added CODE VLM and CODE FFL to our make up bags. We’ve tried and tested both products and they are now firm favorites!  Plus, all of our beautiful models will be rocking CODE VLM mascara at Hitchin Fashion Show on Saturday 10^th October.  

Check out the CODE Beautiful YouTube channel for all the magic behind the wand.

Have you tried the CODE Beautiful range? Let us know what you think!

Rachel x

Image Credit: CODE Beautiful