Perfect Punk Rock Magazines

Morning,

It's the weekend! Our special offer runs until the end of tomorrow, so get yourself over to our Facebook page for details. Also, look out for our advert all about our sale in Monday's Spree section in the Northants Evening Telegraph.

We've been thinking about job titles a lot today. At some places I've worked at in the past, people get so hung up on them, so we take a slightly more, erm, unorthodox approach. I still think one of the greatest job titles I've ever had was during a stint working for Subway, when my badge declared me to be a Sandwich Artist. To be honest, I only applied for the job because I wanted that job title. Currently, when anyone asks, I tend to give my title as Megalomaniac (because as TS Eliot wrote "The naming of cats is a difficult matter..."). I find it amusing, as do most people I tell, but some do just look confused, and others more than a little worried. Isabel, who helps out sometimes, has bagged the title Executive Minion, but I doubt that will be appearing on a CV any time soon. Generally, when I talk about Pete I refer to him as Unorthodox Boy, but he declared this morning he preferred Unorthodox Bitch (more to do with him doing the hoovering than a nasty temperament). Brian, often referred to as our Official Photographer, is equally often referred to as The Hippy On The Stairs. I'm yet to come up with titles for the rest of our helpers (Tahnee especially defies description!) but I'm going to get to work on it (in full consultation with them, obviously). Any of you had any particularly great job titles over the years? Any suggestions? Do let us know.

Anyway, on to Pick Of The Day...



This Worn Free 'Punk Magazine' t-shirt is a licensed replica of the one worn by Joey Ramone in New York, 1975. It comes with the coveted WF tag showing Joey in his original tee. These are now in the sale, as well, so they're a total bargain for a Worn Free tee. Their t-shirts are great quality and in my experience last really well. This one is only left in a Large and numbers are very very limited so if you want one, speak now or forever hold your peace!

View and order the Worn Free Joey Ramone Punk Magazine t-shirt on our online shop.

Have a great weekend. Catch you on Tuesday.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Sweet Dreams - Beyonce

It Must Be Love

Morning,

Fingers are a bit numb with the cold so please forgive any typos, I can't feel the keys!

Our last Death Kitty Leopard Hoody has now sold. I will miss those as they were a big favourite of mine (I love all things feline) but I'm sure we'll find an equally fantastic new piece to take its place.

We're running a special offer until the end of Sunday. Full details are on our Facebook page, so follow us and have a look on there. It's worth it!


Today's Pick Of The Day is a subtle reminder it's only a few weeks until Valentine's Day! This Temporary:Secretary You're A Sweet Heart Necklace in Lipstick Red was worn by Fearne Cotton on the front of Sugar magazine. Colourful and cute, it's a great statement piece. They say about wearing your heart on your sleeve, but we think putting it round your neck is just as good. Be quick, because this is the last one we have!

For more information and to buy the Temporary:Secretary You're A Sweet Heart Necklace, click here.

It's Friday! You all feeling it?

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Keep On Jumpin' - Todd Terry feat Martha Wash & Jocelyn Brown

Violet

Morning,

Wow, another big rush for the Karl Phillips & The Midnight Ramblers album yesterday! For those readers who are London-based, they're playing Babalou in Brixton on Friday so if you get chance, go check them out.


Pick Of The Day today are our range of Stargazer hair dyes. The Stargazer dyes are semi-permanent, which means you can change your mind as often as you like. Personally, I'm a big fan of Violet at the moment, having just switched from Rouge. The best sellers are constantly changing, but Rouge, Tropical Green, Coral Blue and Hot Red are always popular, and as I mentioned before, there's been a surge in the more ginger/auburn colours like Dawn, Copper and Coral Gold. Below are our top tips for using the Stargazer dyes, garnered from years of personal experience and chatting with our model, Tahnee (also the official Unorthodox colourist and a trained hairdresser).:

1. The colours shown on the display stand demonstrate what the dyes come out as on bleached white hair. If you're not bleaching your hair, or it tends to bleach only to orange or yellow, take that into consideration. As the Stargazer dyes don't contain bleach, you might want to consider pre-lightening for best results.

2. Don't see the exact colour you want? Stargazer dyes can be mixed to make your perfect shade.

3. Noone can really predict how long the colour will last. It depends on a lot of factors such as the base colour of your hair, how often you wash it, products you use, the condition it's in when you dye it. To help it last longer, try using dry shampoo when you can, don't use conditioner just before you dye your hair (it prevents the dye from getting a good hold) and use a leave-in spray one when you hair is coloured rather than a wash-out one, don't spend ages rinsing your hair (you're not aiming for the water to run clear like with some permanent dyes).

4. If you have pre-lightened your hair and want to put off fading, think about choosing a shade darker than you normally would. Lighter shades fade faster.

5. If you're not sure, just ask! Whether you're buying in store or online, just get in touch. We want you to be happy with your results so if we can be of any help, we're more than happy to waffle on about these dyes given the chance!

6. Not ready to take the plunge on the wilder colours? Why not try one of the Stargazer Neon Gel Colours? They wash out but might give you an idea of what you want.

Please let us know if you have any other hints or tips!

View the Stargazer Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Colour on our online shop.

Have a great Thursday. So close to the weekend now!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: My Last Request - Grim

Shadowplay

Morning,

I've been doing a bit of New Years trendspotting this month, and I've noticed the following things seem to be getting really popular... Dr Martens in Cherry Red (especially 10 and 14 eyelet ones), all patent Dr Martens (which we can't get in stock for love nor money until around March, I'm afraid), ginger and auburn tinged Stargazer hair dyes, Irene Mosedale beaded necklaces and bracelets, and our Monsalina Chic dresses are getting loads of attention! Remember, most of our accessories and clothes are available in limited numbers only, so if you love it, make it yours (especially with the sale on!).

The biggest pile of post just arrived, so it's going to be a brief one today, and I'm going to crack on with our Pick Of The Day...

Something for the guys today (or girls who like their shorts baggy, I suppose). These Spiral Direct shorts have the fantastic Shadow Skull print front and back. They're great quality, and perfect for when the warmer weather hits. Plus, they're now in our sale with a tenner off!

View the Spiral Direct Shadow Skull Shorts on our online shop.

Right, off to tackle the post mountain. Have a good day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: I Promised Myself - Nick Kamen

Emptee At The End

Morning,

Hope you all had a good weekend. Had a fantastic Saturday night watching local bands Transmission and The Francis Jetty at Retro-Beat at The Horseshoe in Wellingborough. Was a fantastic gig!

We were in yesterday's Northants Evening Telegraph, in their Spree section. The article can be found here and the pictures from it are below.



For the record, the dress I'm holding is one of the Monsalina Chic Grecian Tunic dresses, and the mannequin is all dolled up in the Death Kitty Bow Skirt, RedRock Fashion Bleach-Out Tunic Vest and Temporary:Secretary Guitar Necklace. Big thank you to the lovely ET people for all their support and for covering local independents.


Pick Of The Day is something to get you in the mood for spring. This cropped tee is by RedRock Fashion, a Northampton based label with great attitude. This hot pink tee is decorated with shiny spandex and black lace. Cute and fun, with just a little sexy. RedRock is gathering an increasingly big following, including former Skins cast members, and is getting attention in the media, so take this opportunity to be fashion forward (I swore I'd never use that phrase!) and get a piece of the action now!

Right, off to sort out the weekend's internet orders to spread the Unorthodox love. Have a great day.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Je ne pars pas sans toi - Luka

Sundae Girl

Morning,

I usually try to think of a music-related pun for the blog title that relates to the content in some way. However, today's was just perfect as it was!

Today we're focusing on our artists. Whilst we are predominantly a boutique selling clothes, accessories and cosmetics, we like to support the arts and anyone who has been in our shop can see all the beautiful pieces adorning our walls. Some of these are available on the online shop, some are not as yet. The pieces we have available include small original pieces by Pippa Alice, canvases and smaller originals by Louise Berrill, originals and prints by Richard Stones, canvases, postcards and framed originals by Rebecca Sturdgess, canvases by Anita Hughes, framed prints by Daniel Cheney, photographic canvas prints and postcards by Clive Wagner, not to mentioned beautifully painted glassware from Dorne Boddington's Smashing Glass. With original canvases starting at £12 and going up to £450, there is something for every taste and budget. So don't forget, not only can we help you look like your amazing and unique self, we can help your home reflect that too.

Our Pick Of The Day is one of these gorgeous works of art. Let me introduce you to Sundae Girl by Pippa Alice. Pippa is our only artist currently who isn't based locally. Her pieces have a fantastic whimsical style that is very distinctive. They're all signed originals, created on handmade recycled cotton rag paper. Sundae Girl is approx 11cm x 15.5cm so she's small enough to fit anywhere! Great as a thoughtful gift for a loved one, or just a fantastic treat for yourself and your space.

View Sundae Girl by Pippa Alice on our online shop.

Hope you've all got a great weekend lined up. We're off to Retro-Beat at The Horseshoe down the road to check out The Francis Jetty and Transmission. We'll tell you all about it when we're back to work on Tuesday! In the meantime, have fun!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Empty Room - Bardot

It's All Greek To Me

Morning,

First up, we'll do our Pick Of The Day.


Our Pick Of The Day for today is this Monsalina Chic Grecian Tunic Dress in Black (we do have a random size 12 red one lurking around the shop, though, if that takes your fancy). It's been created out of layers of chiffon so you get the floaty effect without compromising your modesty! It has metallic embroidery and sequins around the neckline to add a little extra glamour, and the elasticated waist means it fits like it was made for you. I always have to stress with Monsalina Chic dresses that we find their pieces are fantastic quality, really well designed and made, and great value, so you're getting a classic piece to last you through the seasons. This dress looks great with leggings, or teamed with some gladiator sandals in the summer. As with everything we stock, numbers are limited so if you love it, make it yours now! Go on, it's Friday, treat yourself.

View this dress on our online shop.

This week we have sold out of the Death Kitty Nautical Star Bag, so we wave a fond farewell to those and hope those of you who nabbed one are loving it. Don't despair though, as we have our fantastic Max C Damien bags (as seen in Pick Of The Day yesterday), as well as handmade bags and purses by Maddie and D'n'J. We are also now out of stock of the RedRock Bleach-Out Tunic Vests, but their head honcho Kiran has got me all excited about their new Spring pieces, due in the next few months. Look out for them in Company magazine, as well!

In other and completely unrelated news, I finished reading Stieg Larsson's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (yes, I know, totally behind the crowd, but better late than never) and it was absolutely fantastic. Want to check out the Swedish film version now! So yes, if anyone is looking for a good read (even if you're not usually a crime thriller fan, which I'm not), then this will keep you occupied! Just a little recommendation from the Unorthodox team!

Also, congratulations to our model Tahnee (shown above) and her husband Matt (also one of our models) on their baby boy's first birthday this week (we're not orchestrating the breeding of our future models, I swear!). Happy birthday Zack!

Right, just make it through your Fridays and love your weekend! We'll be here if you need anything. :)

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Ocean Drive - Lighthouse Family

Numbskull

Morning,

Our chat with the Evening Telegraph was yesterday, so those in Northamptonshire, keep an eye out for us in Monday's ET.

Our Pick Of The Day is this fantastic Max C London 'Damien' handbag. This is the grey one and it's studded in little silver coloured skulls. It has 2 internal pockets, a zip fastening, and is great quality. I can definitely vouch for this as I've been using one in khaki since they came in and it always gets comments and is big enough for all the junk I choose to lug around! I'm really chuffed with mine! It's also available in the aforementioned khaki colour, as well as in black with gold coloured detail. All these can be found in the Max C section of the site, along with all of our other Max C clothing, a lot of which is on sale (some at half the RRP!).

More on the Max C Damien Skull-Studded Handbag in Grey on our online shop.

Enjoy!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Albatross - The Besnard Lakes

Head Music

Morning,

We now have more stock in of the very rapidly selling Karl Phillips & The Midnight Ramblers album. Yeah, sure, you could get it in HMV, but it sounds better if you buy it from here, what with the good karma and all! :)

We also have our new Foursqare window sticker up, so if you are a user make sure you check in next time you pop by!

Got the Evening Telegraph stopping in this morning to give them a bit of a tour of the shop and our lovely bits and bobs, so looking forward to that and will put the resulting piece up here when it's in the paper.

Our Pick Of The Day are these oh so cute handmade corsage headbands by Maddie. As they're handmade, each is different, and they're a practical and different way of adding a bit of boho to your do! Plus, they're only a fiver each, so you can't really go wrong!

View Maddie Corsage Headbands on our online shop.

Have a kickass Wednesday.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: You Are Everything - Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye

Almost Golden

Morning,

Another week begins (bearing in mind the Unorthodox week starts on a Tuesday!). Our sale is still going on, so remember to have a look and see if we can help you get a bargain!


Today's Pick Of The Day is something to get you in the mood for springtime! This JP Jewellery Green & Gold Charm Bracelet is, like all JP Jewellery pieces, a unique one-off. JP Jewellery pieces are becoming very collectable, and we're hoping to have some new pieces for you soon. Handmade, this one features charms that include flowers, hearts, leaves, stars, teddy bears and dolphins.

JP Jewellery Green & Gold Charm Bracelet on our online shop.

Enjoy!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Helicopters - Barenaked Ladies

Rude Boy

Morning,

Due to a variety of exciting technical difficulties, we didn't get our Pick Of The Day done yesterday, so it's rolling over to today.

Our Pick Of The Day is the debut album by Karl Phillips & The Midnight Ramblers, out on Medical Records. They're a Wellingborough based band, but this album has been getting great reviews all over the country, and they're fresh from their recent gig at Proud in Camden. Best described as a mix of hip hop, ska, indie and rock (which really doesn't give you much of an idea, so you'll just have to buy it and have a listen). The lyrics have humour and edge in equal measure, and you're bound to find something you can relate to in it.

Karl Phillips & The Midnight Ramblers album on the Unorthodox online shop.

Have a great weekend!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: The Glory Of Success - Blind Passengers

Beady Eye

Morning,

Bit wet and miserable out there today, so remember, if you don't fancy venturing out, you can always shop on our online shop.

Pick Of The Day are these long, beaded necklaces by Irene Mosedale. These ones are made from wood and glass beads, but we also have a selection of other styles by her, as well as her bracelets. They are handmade, and each is a one-off. Perfect for brightening up any outfit.

Irene Mosedale Wood & Glass Bead Necklaces on our online shop.

Have a good day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Love Like A Fountain (Radio Edit) - Ian Brown

Back In Black

Morning

It's the start of another week. Hope everyone had a good weekend. Remember, our sale is still on so grab yourself a bargain, quick! We also have our new Smashing Glass pieces in, and the ones that are suitable for mail order will be going on the online shop ASAP.


Pick Of The Day today are these iconic and essential Dr Marten 1460 8-Eye boots in black. If you don't have a pair of basic black DM's, you really need some! They go with everything, we reckon (and look especially great with floaty floral spring dresses on the girls). Available in sizes 3 to 15, there's no excuse!

Dr Martens Iconic 1460 8-Eye Boot in Black on the Unorthodox online shop.

Have a great day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: The Beat Goes On - Britney Spears

Walking With The Ghost

Morning,

Just updated our information on our Facebook page so if you've not already had a look and clicked 'Like', check it out now! Best way of staying up to date with our news and exclusive special offers. Also, if you've bought something from us in the past, you can leave us a review. We always like to hear if people are happy with our service and products, and if we can improve in any way.

Fresh from its appearance in NGamer magazine, our Pick Of The Day is this Pacman box by D'n'J. It's a hand painted wooden box, that can be used for a multitude of things. Other designs are available, including tattoo-style designs, Paper Mario, and Invader Zim. To use a classic 'thank you' card phrase, it is both useful and decorative. Perfect for the gamer in your life.

D'n'J Pacman Hand-Painted Wooden Box on the Unorthodox online shop.

Have a great Saturday. We're off out later to check out The 69's playing Retro-Beat at The Horseshoe down the road. There will be glitter involved. :)

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: We Haven't Turned Around (X-Ray Version) - Gomez

Ruffle Feathers

Morning,

Got some exciting new Smashing Glass pieces coming in this afternoon so looking forward to seeing those! Also, our D'n'J boxes (exclusive to Unorthodox) were featured in the Christmas 2010 issue of NGamer (see below).


Anyway, on with our Pick Of The Day...

This gorgeous Iska Raka Skirt Dress was originally £35 but is now a mere £20 in our sale! Iska is a sister label to Yumi, who we will be stocking this Spring. This oh so pretty dress has a black lace top part, ties at the back, and has the beautiful pink ruffled skirt. It's about as pretty as it comes! And for £20 you can't really go wrong!

Iska Raka Skirt Dress on our online shop.

It's Friday!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Hollow Hills (Live) - Bauhaus

Jesus Don't Want Me For A Sunbeam

Morning,

Our Worn Free t-shirts seem to be especially popular in the sale! Not surprising really when you realise they're now all only £25! Have a look around, that's very cheap for these beauties!

On my ongoing quest to work my way through all the Stargazer hair dyes, I have now forsaken my beloved Rouge for their Violet one, and I'm loving it! Might stick with this one for a little while. Plus, I have just about finally washed out all of the glitter from their Glitter Shakers from NYE (thanks to Deb at The Horseshoe for that one!).

Anyway, back to Worn Free for our Pick Of The Day. As I mentioned, all of the Worn Free t-shirts are now in our sale, but be quick as sizes and numbers are limited so when they're gone, they're gone! This is the Jesus Saves one in blue (also available in white) and is a fully licensed reproduction of the one worn by Keith Moon of The Who. It comes with the distinctive WF swingtag showing Mr Moon in the original, with all the info of when and where he wore it back in the day. The best bit of bargain band merch you'll see in a long time!

Worn Free Keith Moon Jesus Saves t-shirt in blue on our online shop.

Have a great Thursday!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Runaway - Bon Jovi

Layer Cake

Morning,

Glad to see you're all making the most of the sale. Whether its something you've had your eye on for a while, or you're looking to get a bargain, pop in store at 15 Silver Street, Wellingborough (on the corner of Silver Street and Oxford Street) or have a look at our online shop. Lots of sale bargains on Worn Free, Max C, Monsalina Chic, Iska, Death Kitty and Smashing Glass!

Pick Of The Day is one of our sale items, this Monsalina Chic Purple Layered Dress. This has been one of our most popular dresses, and is now only £25! Beautifully tailored, the silky plum coloured fabric is gorgeous with little layered pleats for a slight bodycon effect. This is a simple, smart piece that can be worn for work, or dressed up for a special occasion, whether you choose to go glam, or take advantage of the cut of it and go with a retro look. With a hidden zip at the back, it's the usual fantastic value and quality we expect from Monsalina Chic.

Monsalina Chic Purple Layered dress on our online shop.

Hope your first week of 2011 is going well.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Forgiven - Alanis Morissette

Happy New Year!

Morning,

Hope you all had a great new year! Welcome to 2011 chez Unorthodox. Admittedly, we still have our Christmas decorations up, but they will be coming down the minute one of my taller helpers arrives!

Have you had a look at our sale items yet? There are some serious bargains to be had across a lot of the designers.


Our first Pick Of The Day for 2011 is this cute Max C dress that's now reduced to £25 in our sale! Given that the RRP was £42, that's a bargain! It is a lovely light dress that can be worn as casual or dressed up, with a dropped waist and pink detail with polka dots on the neckline, around the arms, and on the bow. It hangs really nicely, so you can either layer it and wear it now, or put it away for warmer weather. Well worth a look.

Max C Low-Waisted Bow Dress on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Hope you all have a fantastic 2011!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Forever - The Charlatans