Where The Wild Roses Grow

Morning,

This week is flying by! Our Stargazer Semi-Permanent Hair Coloursare very popular this week, with Magenta and Rouge being the fastest selling! Also, the Yumi Kenna Swallow Maxi Dress is still selling really well in both pink and navy, so make sure you get yours! As with all of our clothes, we only stock things in limited numbers to keep them desirable and you looking unique, so once they're gone, they're gone.

Today's Pick Of The Day is this handmade D'n'J Make Up Roll in Red Rose, £15.00 and includes a free Barry M Kohl Pencil. This is perfect if you're travelling about this Summer, especially if you're heading to the festivals. It keeps all your make-up pencils, liners and brushes together and protected from the elements! Because after 3 days in mud, a girl needs to look her best!

Have a great day (and get out and vote, if you can, we're big on getting involved here!).

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: 40 Miles - Hot Zex

Paint It Black

Morning,

Hope you all enjoyed your holidays! Now let's get back to some fantastic fashion!

Just a quick blog post today, as it's the beginning of the month and time to sort out our admin!


Pick Of The Day today is a great little bargain to get you ready for Summer. These are our Barry M Nail Paints, £2.99, available in a selection of colours we have handpicked for you. Perfect for getting your finger and toe nails ready for the warm weather! Whether you prefer pinks, reds, corals, basic black or pastels, we should have something to tickle your fancy. All of our Barry M products are sold at the recommended retail price, so we're not more expensive than most of the big stores (but better karma when you support an independent and buy from us!).

Have a great day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: (We Want) The Same Thing - Belinda Carlisle

Hippy Hippy Shake

Morning,

It seems ages since the last blog post, what with various holidays. Just a reminder, we are open today and tomorrow, 9am to 5.30pm, then on Friday we're open from 10am until 4pm for those with a day off and no plans (we promise we won't mention the royal wedding, unless you do!).

Did you pick up a copy of Saturday's Northants Evening Telegraph? If so, bring in our advert to receive 10% off our Yumi Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

Pick Of The Day today are these Stargazer Glitter Shakers, £3.00 each. They're great for any celebration or night out. They come in a variety of colours (we like the black Onyx one, for something different) including a selection of UV ones that glow under UV lights. Not only are these available in store and on our online shop, you can also pick them up on your night out at The Horseshoe, Sheep Street, Wellingborough where we have a little pop up Stargazer shop behind the bar that also includes their fantastic Neon Gel Colours.

Have a great day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Diamond Rings - Chipmunk feat Emeli Sande

Razzle Dazzle

Morning,

We've made it to the weekend! It's not looking too bad out there so get out and support your local indie shops (or, if you're just not in the mood or you don't have any local independents, check out our online shop).

Feeling quite chilled out so far today, just drinking my coffee, listening to the iPod, writing this, then sorting out the internet orders.

Pick Of The Day today are the classic and award-winning Barry M Dazzle Dusts, £4.59 (that's the RRP, meaning we're no more expensive than most big stockists). They are make-up bag essentials and a little goes a long way, meaning they last ages and like all Barry M, they're great value for money and not tested on animals. Apply to your eyelids with a small brush, and leave subtle and shimmering or layer for more colour. For those who don't like misplaced glitter, you can hold a tissue or facewipe under your eye to stop any loose bits falling onto your cheek. Our other top Dazzle Dust tip is to apply a small amount of Vaseline to your eyelid first to help keep it in place. See, we're full of little pearls of wisdom! We have a selection of colours in stock, picked for either their popularity or because we think they're stand-out fantastic, so we've rifled through the range to bring you the best. It's ok, it was no trouble. :)

Have a great weekend!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: As Sure As The Sun - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Walk The Line

Morning,

There was a bit of a car crash outside this morning so forgive me if I babble slightly. It was too much drama for this early in the morning!

Happy St Patrick's Day! We're going to celebrate by giving away some of our Barry M make-up (in green naturally), so if you spend £25 or more on clothes today, either in store or through our website, we'll pick you out either a green-coloured Nail Paint, Dazzle Dust, Eye Crayon or Coloured Mascara. It's while stocks last so get in there and join our Big Green Giveaway!

Sticking with our make-up theme today, these Barry M Liquid Eyeliners, £4.79, are our Pick Of The Day. We have these in stock in Black, Blue, Purple and Pink. As with all Barry M, they're not tested on animals, and these are long-lasting and easy to apply. Perfect if you want to do 60s-style Adele-esque flicks.

Have a great day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Killer - Curv & Knixx

Floral Fancies

Morning,

Did anyone else watch The Model Agency on Channel 4 last night? I'm becoming quite fixated with it. Looks like there's some high drama coming up in future episodes, so if you've not had a look, do! Let us know what you think.

Almost finished The Girl Who Played With Fire, so thinking of starting on Graham Greene's Our Man In Havana later. We're a literary lot here, you know!

Got some more Yumi items to add to the online shop later this morning, too, so look out for those.

It's my weekly nail painting day... I know I'll be starting and finishing with Barry M 3 In 1 Nail Paint, but not sure what colour to go for. My usual favourite is Barry M Neon Nail Paint in Neon Pink topped off with Barry M Instant Nail Effects so might go with that. Or maybe I should go purple to match my hair? Anyway...


Back to our gorgeous new Yumi Spring/Summer 2011 collection for today's Pick Of The Day. This is the Ormanda Floral Lace Skirt and it's beautiful! Available in black or cream, it has a silky underskirt to protect your modesty, and a rose print lace top layer. The front zip is very on trend, and is decorated with a little Yumi heart. It's about as cute as it comes and looks fantastic just worn simply with a black vest and maybe some leggings.

Own your Yumi Ormanda Floral Lace Skirt from our online shop.

Have a great day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Wilderness - Bat For Lashes

Sing A Rainbow

Morning,

Going to blog as quickly as possible today as we have lots of new things to get onto the online shop. Will show you them tomorrow, or keep your eyes on the Facebook page and Twitter feed for when they go live.

I've been told our ethically traded products should be in and ready for you by the weekend, so those in the area have them to look forward to, and we'll try to get them photographed and on the online shop very soon.


Pick Of The Day are these fantastic Coloured Mascaras by Barry M. Next year will be Barry M's 30th birthday, and they remain one of the most innovative, exciting and affordable cosmetic brands around. As with all of our Barry M stock, we pick a selection of on trend, popular and our favourite colours to save you time! We have these mascaras in stock in Emerald Green, Shocking Pink and Electric Purple. Perfect for toning your lashes to fit in with some of our lovely Stargazer false ones, or just for adding a little extra colour to your finished look. They are long-lasting, and the formula lengthens and thickens your lashes. Try something different!

Barry M Coloured Mascaras on the Unorthodox online shop.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Clint Eastwood - Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra

The Eyes Have It

Morning,

New in the shop today is a fantastic canvas painted by Dorne Boddington, the talented artist behind the Smashing Glass pieces we stock. Taking inspiration from early comic book art, it's a fantastic painted of Thor (movie coming out soon!). It is now on display in the shop, and available to buy. I'll try to get it photographed and onto the online shop soon.

I'm told our fantastic new ethically traded products will be in towards the end of next week, so looking forward to showing those off to all of you!

Pick Of The Day today are these Stargazer False Eyelashes. Great for adding a little glamour to any look, they are easy to use and the glue is included. Take care of them, and they can be reused multiple times. Available in a variety of styles and colours, we can also order in the Stargazer feather eyelashes specially if that's what you're after (much loved by the burlesque community!). Top tips for application that we've been told include putting eyeshadow on after the lashes (using tissue to stop it falling on the lashes) to help them stick, and putting black eyeliner on the upper lids first so any small gaps between the false lashes and your real ones aren't noticable. Finish with a bit of clear mascara on your natural lashes to bring them into line, and voila, the windows to your soul are all spruced up!

View the range of Stargazer False Eyelashes on our online shop.

Have a great weekend!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Saturday Night - Suede

Morning,

We're getting that bit closer to the weekend... going out? Even if you don't want to buy a new outfit, check out our selection of hair colours, false lashes and make-up! Although really, just buy a new outfit, you'll love it! Hehe.

We're going to be shut for an hour or so this afternoon to meet with a potential new supplier. They do all sorts of fantastic ethically traded products so we'll see if we can't find you all some fantastic bits!

I have a confession to make. We've been getting so many sales calls recently, I've started to get a bit fed up (no one likes the hard sell!) so I've invented Dave. When they ask, Dave is the business owner who makes all the decisions, but is frequently not available to take their call. I do take messages for him though. I know, lying is wrong, but sometimes they just don't realise that no means no! My problem is, I feel too sorry for the poor person earning minimum wage plus commision on the other end of the phone (although not sorry enough to use their service that I don't need!). Hence fictitious Dave (plus, many assume the business owner is a man anyway, so I'm just giving them what they want!). By confessing this I've cleared my conscience somewhat, and at least I'll know that anyone asking for Dave hasn't done their research! Anyone else struggle with receiving sales calls? I'm sure it's bad for the soul!

Anyway, Pick Of The Day...

Have you tried the Barry M Instant Nail Effects yet? I swear it's magic! We've sold loads of these, and those customers who are local are always popping back to show me what they've created with it this time. It's constantly selling out in lots of the major stores so grab it when you can! Basically, you paint it over your chosen nail colour, and watch the pattern emerge. It's great for creating animal print effects, and I love using it over the Barry M Neon Pink Nail Paint. Anyway, in case I'm not explaining this well, this video tutorial should help (if you're reading this on our Facebook, click on the link below the note to show you the original blog posting to see the video).



See, I told you, magic!

Buy Barry M Instant Nail Effects on our online shop.

Woop! Thursday!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Standing In The Way Of Control (Live Lounge) - Gossip

Neon Glow

Morning,

Our new Monsalina Chic dresses are going on the online shop today. They're already selling really well, so if you love one, get in quick! We'll get the new RedRock Fashion pieces up as well as soon as possible.

All you last minute shoppers, remember we're open until 6.30pm on Christmas Eve!


Pick Of The Day today are a great stocking filler. These Stargazer Neon Gel Colours add some colour to your hair but can be washed out with shampoo so they're perfect when you don't want to commit. They also glow under UV lights so they're perfect for gigs, clubbing and nights out. The applicator makes them easy and clean to use, so well worth grabbing one for the party season!

Stargazer Neon Gel Colour on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

All ready for the festivities?

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Halo - Soil

It Takes A Village

Morning,

We've restocked our Stargazer Glitter Shakers down the road at The Horseshoe Inn so this weekends revellers can cover themselves in sparkliness. They're available behind the bar for the usual £3.00. There are also some Stargazer Neon Gel Colours available there too, as well as in the shop and online.


Pick Of The Day today is one of our beautiful pieces of signed original artwork by Pippa Alice. This one is called The Village and shows that whilst she's an amazing artist, I'm not sure what Pippa would be like as an architect! An original one-off, this little piece is on handmade recycled cotton rag paper, and is small enough to brighten any little space. Great as a gift that's easily mailed, or as a treat for yourself.

The Village by Pippa Alice on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Have a great weekend!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Swimming Through Nails - Alec Empire

Cherry Cherry

Morning,

Getting started on our Xmas card writing today, and hopefully going to make it out later to stock up on Xmas decorations to make the shop all pretty.

Like our glassware? Well Smashing Glass by Dorne Boddington is featuring in an exhibition at The Castle arts centre in Wellingborough throughout December, so if you're about, pop in and marvel!

We had our first celebrity spotting today. Ok, well it was the actor who played Sam in Neighbours and Lachy in Home & Away in the early 90s, and he is in panto in Wellingborough so not that shocking, but still, he walked past this morning. I tried not to stare. That's made my week.

New arrivals yesterday included Stargazer Glitter Shakers (including UV ones), Stargazer Neon Gel Colour wash-out UV hair colour, Barry M Instant Nail Effects, Barry M Liquid Eyeliner in Pink, and new Barry M Dazzle Dust colour N0.102 Burgundy Noir. They're all up on the online shop as well. Also, the Glitter Shakers and Neon Gel Colours will be available behind the bar in the Horseshoe Inn down the road from the weekend, so if you get halfway through your night out and think it's missing something, you can sort it then and there!

Pick Of The Day are perfect for this weather if you want to keep warm and stay on your feet! These are the Dr Martens 1460 8-Eye Boot in Cherry Red, possibly the most iconic DMs ever. If you've never had a pair of Cherry Reds, or you have but they've gone to the DM box in the sky (and it takes a lot before you have to retire a pair of Dr Martens!), now is the time to grab them. We sell them at the RRP, which means it's usually the same as buying them from Dr Martens themselves, but be warned, that RRP is being raised in January, so get in quick to get them at these prices!

Dr Marten 1460 8-Eye Boot in Cherry Red on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Feeling festive yet?

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Clint Eastwood - Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra

Kiss From A (Skull) Rose

Morning,

Well, it finally snowed here. Although only briefly, not much, and it seems to have gone now. So that was an anti-climax. Will endeavour to be less English and stop talking about the weather!

Sorting out our Stargazer order today to make sure we have enough mad coloured hair dye, UV gels ands glittery bits to get you through the festive season. If you have any special requests, speak now!

Pick Of The Day are these Death Kitty Skull Rose Leggings. They're one of my favourite Death Kitty pieces, but once they're gone, they're gone (we don't like to overkill any piece, no matter how cute it is), and stock is now very limited in some sizes, so get in quick! These cropped black leggings have a kickass skull, bone and rose print, are available in sizes S/M and M/L, and are only £6!

Death Kitty Skull Rose Leggings on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Ooh, our company Xmas cards just arrived! That'll keep me busy for the next week then!

Have a great weekend, and will be back and blogging on Tuesday.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: I've Got A Little Something For You - MN8

All That Glitters

Morning,

As yet, no sign of snow in the vicinity of Unorthodox, although it is very very cold! Since the electric heater won't tilt up high enough, I'm considering sitting on the floor to get more of me in the path of the hot air! Just peer over the counter if you can't see me...

Still holding off on the Xmas decorations front. I think 1st December is the perfect time, so from then, our Xmas countdown begins, including offers and all sorts of sparkliness.

Speaking of sparkliness, our Pick Of The Day are these Barry M Glitter Nail Paints. As with all our Barry M, we specially select the colours we stock to hopefully bring you the best of the bunch. As you can see, we have glittery red and glittery green in if you want to go festive with your nails, or the holographic shine of Once Upon A Lifetime if you just want some dazzle. Barry M's Nail Paints are known for being fantastic value and great quality, and these glittery versions are the same usual price, £2.95 (that's the RRP, so we're the same as most of the big high street names and Barry M themselves, as a rule). These are great for treating yourself, or make great stocking fillers and secret santa gifts (loved by all, inexpensive, perfect, non?).

Barry M Glitter Nail Paint on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Stay warm!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Standing In The Way Of Control - Gossip

You're Still On Your GameBoy

Morning,

Always good to get a reference to Shampoo in the blog title. Just me? Ok then.

All ready for your weekend? If not, we're open today and tomorrow until 5.30pm for all your fashion, accessory and cosmetic needs! I reckon every outfit can be improved with a pair of Stargazer false lashes and a Barry M Glitter Shaker Pot.

Pick Of The Day is this very kitsch and cute GameBoy necklace from RedRock Fashion. Expertly made from hama, and on a long chain, this pendant is great for re-living your misspent youth and brightening up your day (also, would make a great Xmas present!). At only £7.00 you can't really say "no" can you?

RedRock Fashion GameBoy Necklace on www.unorthodoxshop.com

It's FRIDAY!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Higher State Of Consciousness (Tweekin Acid Funk) - Wink

Black Or White

Morning,

Getting all excited about new things coming in time for Christmas. Over the next few weeks we'll have new Monsalina Chic dresses, more Stargazer products on the online shop and in store, as well as a pick'n'mix gift box offer on Barry M make-up. More info as and when we launch these. We also have new original art pieces in by Rebecca Sturdgess that will be going up on the walls very soon. They're absolutely beautiful!

Pick Of The Day is this sexy little black and white mini dress from Monsalina Chic. We also have it in white with black detail. It has an elasticated back so it fits like it was made for you, and comes with detachable clear straps that can be used with a bra or hooked straight onto the dress. Fantastically made (as you expect from Monsalina Chic, who always have an eye for classic designs and detail and are great quality), we have these dresses in sizes 6 to 16, however stock is strictly limited so slip into yours quick to avoid disappointment!

Monsalina Chic Black & White Mini Dress on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Getting closer to the weekend!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Stay - Bernard Butler

Shake Baby Shake

Morning,

Saturday has rolled round again! Hope everyone had a good bonfire night/diwali (either way, fireworks!).

Got my Dr Martens on today. Perfect for Autumn/Winter, and if you haven't had a look through the Spring/Summer 2011 catalogue in store yet, do! They have some gorgeous new lines, including their new Diva range. A selection of Dr Martens are also available on the online shop, but if you don't see what you want, just send us a message and we'll let you know if we can get them for you and the best price.

Pick Of The Day today are these cute little Glitter Shaker Pots from Barry M. They're great for adding a bit of added sparkle to your body or outfit, or take them out with you and share the shininess! Perfect for the festive season. As with all our Barry M products, we stick to the recommended retail price, so you don't pay any more to buy from us than you would at most large retailers or from Barry M themselves (barring special offers, we can't keep track of everything!). You do, however, get the warm fuzzy glow of supporting independent retailers and our undying love. :)

Barry M Glitter Shaker Pots on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Have a great weekend! Catch you on Tuesday.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: (Tapping) The Source - CocoSuma

fLASH

Morning

Got to play with Monsalina Chic's new lines yesterday. Some gorgeous dresses, and we have a few due in at the start of December. Some perfect little party dresses in there!

There's been a definite surge in the popularity of false lashes lately. Not sure if it's because of Halloween, the upcoming festive season, or because they're on almost every X Factor contestant (with the exception of some of the boys) but I thought it was a good reason to have them as our Pick Of The Day. We stock a wide range of the Stargazer false lashes, which come with the glue to attach them. However, if you don't see the style you want on our site, or you're looking for something more elaborate (jewels, feathers) just get in touch and we can probably find you the perfect set. But back to these, from the exaggerated natural look, to neon colours, to metallic, there's something perfect for your party season in this lot!

Stargazer False Lashes at www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Hope you're having a good week!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Rebel Rebel - David Bowie

Black Cats

Morning,

Just a quick note for those out there trying to hunt down the Barry M Instant Nail Effects (out of stock in a lot of places) that we have some limited stock in, so it's first come first served. We're marvelling at it! Check out the video tutorial.

Also, for customers who can make it in to the shop, we'll be handing out reusable Shop Local bags (while stocks last). A great way of carrying your essentials whilst reducing waste and promoting local business.

Pick Of The Day today is in keeping with Halloween this weekend. Let these black cats cross your path with this beautiful handpainted square vase from Smashing Glass by Dorne Boddington. All of Dorne's work is unique, and we have a wide selection in store with most available from our online shop. You can also view her glassware at an exhibition at The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough throughout December.

Smashing Glass by Dorne Boddington Square Cat Vase on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

All ready for Halloween? Remember, we have Stargazer hair colours, false lases, plenty of mad colours and glitter from Barry M, and our Death Kitty range of clothes if you're stuck for ideas.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: B-Boy Bouillabaisse - Beastie Boys

Hot Cross Rooney

Morning,

All our new Barry M stock is now out on display, and I'll be adding it to the website this morning. There will be new pictures, complete with colour charts (as requested by you guys) so you can pick from our selection. We've tried to get all our favourite colours, but if you have any suggestions for the future, let us know. We now have new shades of Nail Paint, including glitter and neon ones, the clear base coat/top coat, and the much sought after Instant Nail Effects. Also new in are glitter shakes, coloured mascara, 3 in 1 mascara, more Shimmer Eye & Lip Crayons, Eye Crayons, Liquid Liners, Kohl Pencils... come have a play if you're in town, or check out our online shop later today.


Pick Of The Day is this Rubertine Art Airbrushed Wayne Rooney T-Shirt, since he's in the news again. Airbrushed by hand, the designs in the Rubertine Art range are strictly limited, and are more like works of art than t-shirts. So if you want to show your support for Rooney, or the England team in general (I think they need it!) then this has to be the most stylish way of doing it. Expertly modelled here by our very own Steve, we're not quite sure what he's doing to Rooney in one of these photos, but we're pretty sure it's nothing that would surprise anyone at this point!

Rubertine Art Airbrushed Wayne Rooney T-Shirt on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Have a good day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Single Ladies (Live Lounge) - Marmaduke Duke