Ebony & Ivory

Morning,

Two weeks today until our last day at our Wellingborough shop before we move to online only sales, so we have our massive clearance sale on in store and online. Make sure you grab your bargains!

Was perusing the catalogues of some potential new suppliers yesterday, including Religion and Disney accessories, and La Dee Da handbags. So much nice stuff, so we're very excited about the future!

Had my photo taken this morning for the Northants Evening Telegraph. We'll be in it on Monday, so have a look! Just wish they hadn't caught me halfway through my coffee, having just eaten breakfast, covered in grease with smudged lipgloss (I was saved by my Barry M Glossy Tube!).


Today's Pick Of The Day is one of the pieces in our huge clearance sale! This Monsalina Chic White & Black Mini Dress was £35 originally but is now only £19! The black with white version has already sold out, so get in quick and grab one of these (we have a few sizes left). Monsalina Chic has become a much loved label among our customers, due to it's fantastic quality, classic designs, and great value. This dress is beautifully tailored, with an elasticated back for the perfect fit. It also comes with clear straps that can be attached to the dress for a bit of extra security, or can be put onto a multiway bra if you prefer. This one looks fantastic with a tan, so claim yours then get out in the garden (with a sensible factor sun cream!).

Have a great weekend. We're out tonight to check out The Snakeman 3 and The Mobbs playing Retro-Beat at The Horseshoe down the road. Maybe see you there!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Run Baby Run - Sheryl Crow

End Of An Era

Morning,

Just a note to say that from the end of this month, we will switching to only selling online through our online shop and the last day our physical shop at 15 Silver Street, Wellingborough will be open is Saturday 25th June. After that, we'll still be able to get you all your favourite pieces, it will just be delivered to your door instead!

Because of this, we are having a massive sale as a big thank you to our customers. The sale is on both in store and online, and includes clothes by Death Kitty, Max C, Monsalina Chic, Worn Free, Spiral Direct, and even this season's Yumi. It also includes Temporary:Secretary jewellery, our ethically traded accessories and homeware, Smashing Glass glassware, and Stargazer hair dyes and false lashes. Some items have more than 50% off their original retail price!

Thank you to all of our in-store customers for all their support, and we hope we can still help you look unique via our online shop. In the meantime, enjoy the bargains!

Some of our bargains are below:

Death Kitty skirts only £10 and jeans from £12.

Lots of reductions on our ethically traded products.

All Iska dresses reduced to only £15.

Reductions on all our Max C pieces, with some less than half price!

All Monsalina Chic dresses £20 or less!

All Spiral Direct pieces are now £20 or less too.

Our Stargazer hair dyes and false lashes have been reduced.

All of our Temporary:Secretary jewellery is in the sale.

All Worn Free t-shirts are now only £20!

Up to £25 off this season's Yumi clothing.

Also, in store there are reductions on our Smashing Glass glassware, ethically traded kimonos, Wildcat body jewellery, and a pair of Dr Marten 8-Eye boots in Purple, size 9, for only £50!

Pick Of The Day today is this Max C Low-Waisted Bow Dress, RRP £42 but now only £19 in our clearance sale! It's a great summer bargain! Made from lightweight material, with pale pink and black polka dot around the sleeves, neckline and on the decorative bow, the drop-waist makes it very flattering. It's also got big pockets for your sunglasses and bits!

Have a great weekend!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Lights Out - Easyworld

Dress

Morning,

It's the weekend! And we're not hungover today (always a good start!). Anyone up to anything exciting?

Busy day yesterday. We are now out of stock of the Yumi Meila Lace Tea Dress in black in Medium, but we still have it in Small and Large, or in the other colours. It's a really versatile vintage-look dress (I love mine!). We are also down to our last one of the Monsalina Chic Black & White Mini Dress so if you're a size 10, snap this one up (we do have a few more sizes left in the White & Black version).

Our Pick Of The Day today is this oh so pretty Iska Raka Skirt Dress, on sale for only £20.00! It's got a black lace top part, beautiful ruffled pink skirt, and ties at the back. It's a great party dress for the Summer, or would even be fantastic bargain for a prom. Iska is by Uttam, the people behind the gorgeous Yumi label, so you know you're getting something fantastic and distinctive. So maybe now is the time to be pretty in pink?

Have a great weekend!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Comfortable - King Adora

3 Become 1

Morning,

Given that Blogger who host our blog have been having issues, this is a bit of a bumper post.

First off, we've arranged to donate 10% of all online sales of Yumi clothing in May to Claire Friend's Race For Life sponsorship. Race For Life is a fundraising event for Cancer Research UK and you can find out more about Claire and sponsor her on her Race For Life page. So, if you want gorgeous clothes and great karma, get shopping for Yumi on our online shop.

You can catch up on the Pick Of The Days that you may have missed on our Facebook page or Twitter. On Thursday we had the Maddie Corsage Hairslide, £5.00, and on Friday we had the Max C Jersey Rosette Bubble Dress, on sale for £20.00.

Today's Pick Of The Day is this Monsalina Chic Black Jersey Dress, £35.00. The long sleeves are perfect for this time of year, when the evenings are still a bit chilly. Everyone comments on how soft the material is, and seem to love the big pockets! It's a really comfortable dress, that is also very stylish with Sixties-style black plastic disc detailing, and it ties at the back with black ribbon. Also, most people have found that due to the loose fit, they prefer to pick a size down from their usual dress size, so you might want to consider that if ordering online. We only have a few sizes left now, and so many people have come back in raving about this one, so don't miss out!

Have a great weekend! We're venturing into Northampton tonight for Yum Yum at The Picturedrome!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: What New York Couples Fight About - Morcheeba feat Kurt Wagner

Cross My Heart

Morning,

Good news: The online shop seems to be back to normal! Apologies for any inconvenience.

We're going to be opening a little later tomorrow (Thursday) but should be all up and running by 10am.

Had a visit from the lovely people who make our Special Evening and Monsalina Chic dresses yesterday. Some of their upcoming designs are absolutely fantastic! We have a few new pieces from them to add to our collection of Special Evening prom dresses and a few new bits of Monsalina Chic, which we hope to have out on the racks by the end of today. Come have a look and see what you think! We'll try to get them online as soon as possible, as well.


Pick Of The Day today is a great accessory to match with your Summer wardrobe, or for adding to a prom dress. This JP Jewellery Cross & Flowers Charm Bracelet, £20.00, is handmade and as with all JP Jewellery pieces, it's a one-off, meaning you're guaranteed something unique and special. This one is decorated with flower, cross and leaf charms, as well as lots of other pretty sparkly bits.

Have a good day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Testify - M People

Life In Mono

Morning,

You know how I was talking about all that planning meeting stuff yesterday? You can check out the full story from the Northants Evening Telegraph. Also, make sure you get your copy of the ET tomorrow and look out for our advert. You'll get 10% off all Yumi clothing if you bring the advert in the shop with you!

We have now sold out of the Max C 'Damien' Skull-Studded handbag in Khaki that we featured as Pick Of The Day yesterday, but we still have one left in Grey so if you fancy one, snap that up now!

Pick Of The Day today is this Monsalina Chic Black & White Mini Dress. Perfect for nights out, Summer cocktail parties, or proms, this is only left in a few sizes and is on sale (as is the white with black detail version). Beautifully made and a really classy example of monochrome chic, this dress has an elasticated back so it fits like it was made for you, and it also comes with clear plastic shoulder straps that can be attached to the dress or to a multiway bra, if you choose. Curvier ladies who may usually shrink away from off the shoulder numbers or shiny materials should really give this one a shot (and we still have size 16 available), as it is surprisingly flattering (we always make an effort to stock clothes that don't just look good on tiny girls... because I'm not one!).

Have a great weekend. Remember, you have until tomorrow to take advantage of our in-store offer on Stargazer hair dyes (all colours back in stock), reduced to only £4.00 each, and online shoppers that registered with our site before Tuesday morning have until Sunday to use their 10% discount code (see earlier blog entries if you missed it).

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Clint Eastwood (Ed Case Refix) - Gorillaz

Back To Black (and white)

Morning,

How was your weekend? We admittedly spent most of it in the Horseshoe, first on Saturday night for Retro-Beat with The Lucky 27's playing live, then on Sunday for their fantastic comedy night. If you're in the area, and you've not checked out the Sunday night comedy, make sure you do, it's fantastic!

Finished reading Stieg Larsson's The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest. As it's the last book in the Millennium trilogy, I'm feeling a bit at a loss now! Have just started Kate Atkinson's Started Early, Took My Dog, though, and will report back on that one.


Pick Of The Day today is this distinctive, monochrome Monsalina Chic White & Black Mini Dress, now on sale at only £25.00. We also have a small number of these left in black with white detail as well. With the fantastic tailoring and quality that we've come to expect from Monsalina Chic, it's a bargain! The elasticated back means it fits perfectly, it's surprisingly flattering, and it comes with clear straps that can be attached to the dress, or to a bra, if you like. It's that kind of attention to detail that makes loving this label so easy! This is a great dress for showing off your tan this summer!

Have a great day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Yellow (Live Lounge) - Coldplay

Blazer Of Glory

Morning,

It's Friday! Check out our #FF tweets on our Twitter page for recommendations of interesting peeps to follow.

Lots of you seem to be gearing up for summer weddings, and our Special Evening dresses are proving very popular this week (some even being picked out for the bridesmaids!). For those not needing to go so formal, we also have some lovely pieces by Monsalina Chic and Yumi that would be great for special occasions. There are even some lovely Monsalina Chic and Max C pieces in our sale still!


As I mentioned it in yesterday's blog post, I thought we should have this Yumi Malin Blazer, £55.00, as Pick Of The Day. It's available in black or grey, and is perfect for this time of year when a coat feels too much but bare arms are still the road to unsightly goosebumps. Blazers are very in this season, and this one is perfect for wearing as a smart piece, or you can scruff it up a little by adding some badges. Trimmed in white, it has gorgeous white rose buttons at the front, and 3 smaller white rose buttons above the cuffs. I've got my eye on one, so I can confirm that whilst it is fitted, the sizings are generous (even to those with more than a little up top!), and it looks fantastic no matter what you try it on with (and believe me, I've been trying them on most days, I just don't know whether I want classic black or a slightly more spring-like grey).

Have a fantastic weekend! We'll be here tomorrow for all your Saturday night outfit planning!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Primary - The Dandy Warhols

Like An Onion

Morning,

Big thank you to Becca and Isabel for coming in yesterday to help me note down all the particulars of the new Yumi pieces we have in. Have more helpers coming in today so I can get it all out on the racks. We're doing some photographs on Saturday so we can get it on the online shop next week.

We have now sold out of both the Max C Cream Chiffon Skull Print Maxi and the Monsalia Chic Purple Layered Dress. They were both gorgeous pieces, so I hope everyone who got hold of one is loving it! Remember, you can always send us a picture of you rocking your new threads! We love to see happy customers! As always, we only get limited quantities of almost all our clothing to stop them becoming a little too familiar and to keep them a bit more exclusive for you, so if you love something, get in there!

Pick Of The Day is this very versatile grey layered dress by Iska. Beautifully lined, this is such a flattering dress on most body shapes. Many who have already bought them (myself included) say it's the one they always turn to when they're in one of those moods where nothing else looks or feels right. It can be dressed up or down, and is perfect for work or a night out. All in all, it's a great addition to your wardrobe and we reckon you'll get plenty of use out of it! There are only a couple left now and it's in the sale for only £20! This one comes highly recommended.

Choose and order your Iska Layers Dress on the online shop.

Edging closer to the weekend, so make sure you pop in and check out our new SS11 Yumi pieces this weekend if you're in the area!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Police & Thieves - Junior Murvin

Jersey Sure

Morning,

Had a great meeting with a new supplier yesterday and we're going to be bringing you some fantastic ethically traded bits from them very soon, including Audrey Hepburn umbrellas, beautiful bags and scarves, kimonos, incense, and other lovely odds and ends. They're a company that put a lot of money back into the communities they work with around the world, originally started by Buddhists, so I'm hoping we'll all get some good karma out of it!

Our online shop now has a Sale section where you can find all of our sale items in one place. Why not see if you can grab a bargain in the sale section now! One of them is the Max C Jersey Rosette Bubble Dres which when I checked last night was on Max C's own online shop for it's RRP of £42 and we have it in the sale for only £20!

Oh, and an update on Dave, the fictitious manager... he just received a phone call. I'm still giggling!


Pick Of The Day is this Monsalina Chic Black Jersey Dress. It's a lovely long-sleeved dress that is that rarest of rare things, smart *and* comfortable! With a loose fit, but enough expert tailoring to keep it shapely, it has fantastic black shiny plastic discs detailing the waist, and ties at the back with a thick black ribbon. It can be dressed up, worn for work, or just teamed with some flats. I grabbed one of these when they first came in (so I can advise anyone to consider trying a dress size lower than they may normally take... which is always nice!) and I've found no end of occasions so far where it's been the perfect choice (and don't we all want to get our money's worth!). The fabric is really soft too, making it all cosy, which is great for this time of year when it's still a bit drafty! As with all of our dresses, we only get limited stock so when it's gone, it's gone! So don't delay, this is one you won't suffer with shopper's remorse for!

View and order the Monsalina Chic Black Jersey Dress on our online shop.

It's FRIDAY!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Naked - Louise

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

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

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

Shimmer & Shake

Afternoon,

It's our first day open after Christmas. Hope you all had a great time. The blog is late today as we've been sorting out everything for our sale! Save up to 45% on some items, both in store and on our online shop. So why not check out some of the following:

All Worn Free t-shirts now £25, reduced from £32!

Death Kitty skinny and flared jeans, dresses and bags on sale.

Spiral Direct reductions.

All Iska dresses now £20!

Huge savings on Max C dresses, tops and belts.

£10 off most of our Monsalina Chic lines.

All Smashing Glass reduced.

Hope you all enjoy it!


Pick Of The Day today is something inexpensive and perfect for saving on handbag space come NYE. These Barry M Shimmering Eye & Lip Crayons do a multitude of jobs by adding colour and shimmer to eyes, lips and face in one pocket-size crayon with a soft, light formula. We carry them in Gold and Golden Bronze (our personal favourites so we hope you will love them too!).

Barry M Shimmering Eye & Lip Crayons on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Now, put that tin of Quality Street down and get shopping!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: A Tatons - Axelle Red

Black Lace

Morning,

It's Christmas Eve! And this is our last blog post until after Xmas when we reopen on the 29th. So I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers, suppliers, artists, models, our photographer, and everyone who has helped out. You're all stars!

We're open until 6.30pm today for all your last minute shoppers, too!


Our Christmas Pick Of The Day is one of our new Monsalina Chic dresses. This black lace one is lined to preserve your modesty, and is very similar to the one Emma Watson wore to the latest Harry Potter premiere. These are already proving very popular but once they're gone, they're gone, so get in quick if you still want a dress for Xmas and New Year.

Monsalina Chic Black Lace Dress on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Have a fantastic Christmas. We love you!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Rootless - Marina & The Diamonds

I Never Promised You A Rose Garden

Morning,

Christmas is creeping ever closer. Whether you're looking for an outfit for the festive season, or some last minute present buying, we can help you stick to any budget.

Our new Monsalina Chic dresses are shown below and can be found on our online shop's New In section.





Gorgeous non?


Pick Of The Day are these Temporary:Secretary Pink Rose Stud earrings. Perfect for treating yourself or as a last minute stocking filler, these have that vintage look but with a kitschy twist.

Temporary:Secretary Pink Rose Studs on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Have a great day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Erotica - Madonna

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

Butterfly

Morning,

The Monsalina Chic dresses have just arrived, so will get them all hung up by tomorrow, ready for your approval. We'll also try to get them photographed and on the online shop as soon as we can. They are three different styles of black dress, one in a jersey fabric and very 60s, one black lace number, and one chiffon Grecian tunic dress. All beautiful!

Our Pick Of The Day today is this beautiful Butterfly Vase by Smashing Glass. Smashing Glass is all handpainted by local artist Dorne Boddington, so each piece is unique and collectable. They are always much admired, and most people never stop at just one! This vase is a beautiful blue with a gorgeous butterfly design. Perfect for thinking of warmer times!

Smashing Glass by Dorne Boddington Butterfly Vase on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Ready for the weekend? If not, we're sure we can help!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: The Time Has Come - PP Arnold

Daydream Believer

Morning,

Hoping to have our lovely new Monsalina Chic and RedRock Fashion pieces in for you this weekend, but we will keep you posted. We've also got a little Stargazer Neon Glitter Shaker stand that's going into the Horseshoe Inn (the world's smallest pop up shop, if you will), so if you're out in Wellingborough over the festive season, pop in and buy some and add a little sparkle to your night.


Pick Of The Day is this signed, limited edition print of Daydream by Richard Stones. This colourful, unique, surreal print is a great example of Richard's work, and exclusively available from Unorthodox. If this one doesn't take your fancy, check out the art section of the website for more of Richard and our other artists' work.

Daydream by Richard Stones Signed Limited Edition Print on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Edging closer to the weekend...

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Push It All Aside - Alisha's Attic

You Make Me Want To Drink Bleach

Morning,

Had a great weekend. Thanks to all our customers, both in store and online.

For our Xmas opening times we've added some extra hours in the run up, and will be open every day until Xmas:
As normal except
Sunday 19th: 10am - 4pm
Monday 20th: 9am - 5.30pm
Xmas Eve: 9am - 6.30pm

We will then be closed Xmas Day and reopen on Wednesday 29th.

Next, some news on our Dr Martens. The Patent 8-Eye boots are out of stock until March (with the Cherry Red Patent having been discontinued). These can still be ordered now to ensure you get them, but we will contact everyone who orders them to make sure they are ok with the later than usual delivery date.

Our new Monsalina Chic dresses are due in this week (and maybe some RedRock Fashion pieces too) so if you've not got all your presents and party gear ready yet, keep your eyes open for those.



Pick Of The Day today is this RedRock Fashion Bleach-Out Tunic Vest. Brown with a bleached pattern (like tie-dye, but with balls), this is a very flattering and versatile top. RedRock are a Northampton based up-and-coming label, and has already got the attention of the Skins cast after their very successful London show a few months back. We love their pieces and their attitude, so make sure you grab yourself one of their pieces before they become very famous and expensive. :)

RedRock Fashion Bleach-Out Tunic Vest on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Have a great week! As we're open every day until Xmas, you'll be hearing a lot more from me!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Cold - Absence Of Faith