Hearts Revolution

Morning,

Well done to everyone who ordered Yumi clothing yesterday and claimed their free Barry M Dazzle Dust to celebrate International Womens Day. Hope you all got lots of pancakes too (I opted for the simple sugar and squirty cream topping... no, I know, not remotely healthy but I chose light squirty cream!).

Not quite as much sun in the sky today, but we're still feeling perky and it's no excuse not to start adding to your spring/summer wardrobe (we would say that)! Also, for those who have special events coming up, don't forget to check out our range of prom dresses and posh frocks by Special Evening. They're quite a bargain!

Pick Of The Day today is this Yumi Larinda Heart Print Blouse, £35.00. It's currently the best selling Yumi piece here, which means we are already out of stock of the Large size, but still have them in Small and Medium. Black with a cute white heart print, this blouse is elasticated at the waist for shape, and has gorgeous black lace detailing on the cap sleeves and upper back. Romantic, non? A great little blouse that can be worn for all sorts (we like to make sure you get your moneys worth!). So be quick, we can't guarantee how long they'll hang around!

Have a great Wednesday (I'm psyching my lazy self up to go out to the bank and the Post Office to send off yesterday's orders).

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Toute Petite Danse - Massilia Sound System

Cameo Like A Bomb

Morning,

Hope you all had a good weekend. Today is both International Women's Day and Pancake Day. International Women's Day is about highlighting the causes of equality and women's rights, and the people who fight for them. To celebrate, we're giving away a Barry M Dazzle Dust with every order of Yumi clothing received today. And Pancake Day? Well, whilst it has religious roots, for a lot of us, it's about eating pancakes! I have the utmost admiration for anyone who can flip them in a frying pan, because I can't!

The Dr Martens we have had on backorder are gradually starting to come through, so if you've had your eyes on some, now is the time to get your order in to ensure you get the ones you want!

We've been at the books again. I reckon I'm going to finish Graham Greene's Our Man In Havana today and get started on Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky. Anyone got any recommendations for our Unorthodox library?


Today's Pick Of The Day is one of our Spring/Summer 2011 favourites. This is the Meila Lace Tea Dress by Yumi. It's available in grey, black or navy (yes, it is a purple-y kinda navy, we noticed that too). It's vintage look is very on trend and is enhanced by the cameo brooch that comes with it. The waistband is elasticated as well, for better fitting and a flattering shape (great for girls with curves, this one), and means you can fit in another pancake later! This is an absolutely classic dress and a must-have!

View and choose your Yumi Meila Lace Tea Dress on our online shop here.

Have a good day, whether yours is about women's rights or pancakes (I'm a fan of both).

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Never Think - Rob Pattinson

Pinky & Punky

Morning,

We're feeling somewhat delicate again in Unorthodox this morning. I should know by now that when going for a Friday after-work drink, "just the one" never works out that way. I'm blaming Pete and photographer Brian for leading me astray! I also managed to prove how truly awful I am at playing pool. But still, we are hear and chirpy and ready to help you with all your weekend fashion needs!

We thought we'd have something versatile and cheap for our Pick Of The Day today. This Pink Punk Scarf is ethically traded (see our previous blog posts for more information on our ethically traded products). It's a long, wide tassled scarf with a pink tartan pattern, and can be worn in any number of different ways. Plus, for only £6.00, it's a great little accessory bargain.

Order your Pink Punk Scarf on our online shop.

Have a great weekend, and if we don't see or hear from you today, we'll catch up with you on Tuesday.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Only In Dreams - Ash

Princess And The Peacock

Morning,

It's FRIDAY! Ahem, sorry, thought I'd get that out the way. Of course, we're open Saturdays so not sure why I still get so excited on a Friday but there you go! Force of habit, I guess!

We now have the new issue of Northamptonshire's Image magazine in store, so pop in a pick up your free copy (seriously, please, I do not have the space for these!).

Pick Of The Day is one of our sale items, and stock is now very very limited so if you love it, get in quick! It's a grey Peacock belt by Max C, and it's now only £10. It's an elasticated belt, with a gold-coloured peacock clasp. It's really distinctive, and perfect for the fashinionista in you. With all the tunic-style dresses about this spring/summer, belts are a great way of wearing them whilst giving yourself some shape.

Order your Max C Peacock Belt on our online shop.

Have a great Friday!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: A Man Named Ivan - Crookram

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

Flowers In The Window

Morning,

I have to say, I really love it when we get feedback from customers. So thank you to everyone who takes the time to comment on our Facebook, tweet us, e-mail us, or just pop in to let us know what they think. With your input, we're always striving to improve our services and make sure we have more of the pieces you want. So glad to hear how much everyone loves the new Spring/Summer collections too! If you've bought something from us and want to tell us what you think, or have any ideas, please let us know. We have our Facebook page (with a reviews tab that you're welcome to use) and our Twitter account, as well as this blog, or pop in or get in touch through the online shop.

Our pink fluffy fairy lights in the window have died. I think it's one of those situations where you have to try every bulb to see which one is the problem. Not looking forward to that!


Pick Of The Day today (taking a break from our Yumi fixation) are these ethically traded Sequined Flower Bags. Available in turquoise or purple, these are handmade in Thailand. These bags are decorated with sequins and embroidery, and are light enough not to be a burden, but big enough to be a useful everyday bag. They're proving very popular! All of our ethically traded products come from Windhorse, who are a company that trade according to Buddhist values and ethos. They give all of their suppliers a fair price, build connections with them, monitor wages and working conditions, minimise environmental impact, and use some of their profits on projects within the communities where the products are made. All in all, they are good people and when you purchase any of our ethically traded products, you're helping to support their work. Good on you! Check out the Ethically Traded Products section of our online shop for more of their wonderful bits and pieces!

Order your Ethically Traded Sequined Flower Bag on our online shop.

Have a great day!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Crank That (Soulja Boy) - Soulja Boy Tell'em

The Tiers

Morning,

First of the month, so lots of admin to do today, so I'll keep this brief. We're adding Yumi pieces to the online shop all the time, so keep checking the New In and Yumi sections on the online shop.

Just started reading Stieg Larsson's The Girl Who Played With Fire, so hopefully will get time to dip into that later as well!

Those in the Wellingborough area, did you see our advert on the front of the Weekend section in Saturday's Northants Evening Telegraph? Of course, if you're reading this, none of it was news to you, but still!

Remember, with Mothers Day coming up, we can always help you find the perfect gift for your budget, from our bespoke Barry M gift sets, to our Smashing Glass glassware, artwork, and ethically traded gifts, to our clothes and accessories. If you can't decide, you can always opt for one of our gift certificates!

Pick Of The Day is this Yumi Marlana Lace Tiered Dress. It's been in our window for a week, and it's already much admired. Beautifully vintage looking, it's available in black, beige or grey. It has gorgeous rosette detail around the neckline, and long ties at the waist that you can use to create a variety of looks (we like tying it into a bow at the side).

Find your Yumi Marlana Lace Tiered Dress on our online shop.

Have a great week. See you tomorrow!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: B-Boy Stance - Freestylers feat Tenor Fly