Women's specific design isn't really women's specific. They're bikes for people with short torsos and long legs. Most "men's" bicycles are built for people with shorter legs and longer torsos. I've got short legs (29" pants inseam at 5'6"), and a "men's" bike is good for me. A lot of women my height would have a *much* longer inseam, but there are plenty of men who would too at my height.

A WSD bike is great if it fits your general build. If you're built more like me, it might not be a good idea. The best way to tell is go out and try some bikes. Most bikes are pretty adjustable. After you've test ridden a bunch, one should stand out as feeling *good*. If it's got the features you need (rack brazeons, fender brazeons, enough water bottle brazeons), go for it. Just make sure you go for a long enough test ride to shake out fit problems.