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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unorthodox In Wonderland

Afternoon,

Very excited about our new Barry M stock that's coming in over the next few days. New mascaras, liquid liners, kohl pencils, nail paints, lip paints, soft eye crayons, glitter eye crayons, glitter shakers, and retractable eyeliners. Phew! All in lots of exciting colours, and including one of their awesome and really revolutionary new products. More on that when it gets here!

Also, getting RedRock Fashion back in stock this weekend!

Pick Of The Day is this Max C dress. It was the star of our Alice In Wonderland window display a few weeks ago, and now it's in the sale! We only have it left in sizes 10 and 14, I'm afraid, but if that's you, then your luck is in because this is a beautifully simple and cute little number. For more information on this item, click the link below to view and order it on the online shop.

Max C Bow Button Ruffle Sleeve Dress on www.unorthodoxshop.com.

Have a great afternoon.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Far Gone & Out - The Jesus & Mary Chain

Colouring In

Morning,

We have some exciting new Death Kitty pieces on their way to us! So whether you love the label, or are just looking for something a little different for Halloween, keep your eyes open for those! We've also got some new dresses by Special Evening coming in, so if you have a party or event coming up, make sure you check those out because they're absolutely gorgeous!

Pick Of The Day is a perfect little treat if you're on a budget this weekend. These Barry M Super Soft Eye Crayons are only £3.95 each, which is the RRP, making us no more expensive than most of the big high street chains. You just get better karma from supporting independent shops! Their soft formulation is perfect for drawing thick, smokier lines, or just go made and colour in! We have them in stock in Black, Matt Purple and Matt Blue. Check out the link below to view them on our online shop, or pop in store.

Barry M Super Soft Eye Crayons on www.unorthodoxshop.com

Ready for the weekend?

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: The Count (aka Herve) And Lily Face The Fear - Lily Allen

Inner Beauty

Morning,

Got so much to do today, so will have to keep this brief. Am enjoying the new scented stick thing my dad bought me back from France which is fragrancing this corner of the shop (it's called Arbre A The, but I feel scented stick thing covers it!). It's supposed to be stimulating so here's to hoping it works on me!

All Barry M cosmetics are not tested on animals. We like that. We also like the glittery colourful range and the not-so-hefty price tags! To add another ethical dimension, these Lip Lacquer Crayons are also vegetarian. To be honest, not something I'd ever considered before now but very good to see! Lip Lacquer Crayons are great for lasting colour, and far less likely to have a handbag-based accident than a lipstick or gloss. Just sharpen it once in a while and voila, good as new. We have 3 colours in stock at the moment: No.1 Scarlet Red which is the last one on the right of the photo, No.4 Party Pink which is second from the left, and No.5 Ballet Pink which is on the far left hand side.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: She Moves In Her Own Way - The Kooks

Dazzle!

Morning,

Just been picking out the new Death Kitty pieces we'll be getting in stock. Very excited! We have a couple more Max C pieces due in too, so keep popping back!

The pick of the day today is a little something for those cloudy days when you feel like bringing a bit of sunshine into things. This Barry M Dazzle Dust in 76 Yellow is very vibrant, and can be lightly dusted on for a subtle look, or layered for something more intense. Barry M's Dazzle Dusts are probably their most famous product and everyone speaks very highly of them. We have 20 different colours in stock, all with testers so you can see what you think.

Have a good day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: I Just Wanna Be Loved - Culture Club

Essential summer piece

Morning,

Well, football went well! It wasn't as quiet in the shop as I thought it would be during the match, so thank you to everyone who popped in. Bit of a mad rush on Barry M Nail Paint yesterday. I swear by it so if you haven't tried it, give it a go. Everyone says it seems to go on and last better than a lot of the more expensive brands. A customer asked yesterday how our make-up pricing compares to the big high street retailers. We sell the Barry M make-up at the RRP (recommended retail price), as do most of the big high street names (barring any special offers they are running), so you're not out of pocket as a rule, and you get much more good karma from supporting independent shops!

Pick of the day today is another one of our new Max C 'High Summer' collection pieces. This vest top is cream with black lace detail, slight ruching at the front, and a little pearl decoration. It's one of those essential summer pieces that can be dressed up or dressed down. Bows are very in again this summer, but if you don't like things too flouncy, this may well be the top for you. It's got a lovely feel to the material too, that everyone has been commenting on. Let me know what you think.

Hmm... room temperature Diet Coke just isn't very appealing, I've learnt! Please buy more things so I can buy the shop a little fridge!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Codine - Hole

Pretty Green (just not that one)

Morning,

The new pavement across the street is looking quite art deco. Really liking it! Not liking the noise so much!

Pick of the day today is this Barry M Nail Paint in #304 Mint Green. Beyonce has been pictured lately with mint green talons, so why not get in on it for summer? Pastel colours look especially great on people with darker skin or a tan. And remember, until the close of business on Saturday, you can pick this or any other Barry M Nail Paint that we have in stock as a free gift when you buy any Iska dress (while stocks last). So why not try a colour you wouldn't normally go for? Go on, take the chance of a freebie to experiment!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Dfo2 (Short Edit) - Alec Empire

Time for a bit of glitter

Morning,

This week seems to have gone quickly (the bank holiday helped, I think!). Spent yesterday evening with our wonderful photographer, Brian, who very patiently took pictures of all the accessories for the website. So soon you won't have to put up with my sketchy photos! Speaking of which...

Since it's almost the weekend, I thought it was time to encourage you all to treat yourselves. We do have some lovely dresses and jewellery in stock for going out in, but if you're on a budget but fancy a little pick-me-up, may I propose this Barry M lipgloss from our make-up stand. This one is No. 9 and it's glittery and red and smells absolutely gorgeous! We also have assorted Barry M Lip Paints, Dazzle Dusts, Nail Paints, Glossy Tubes, Eyeliners etc etc so if this doesn't take your fancy, we almost certainly have something that will! Come have a play with the testers and see what you think!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: You And Me - Black Wednesday