Big Cats

Morning,

Opened slightly late today as I went to a breakfast meeting about Wellingborough town centre. It also gave me chance to check out the new cafe on Church Street, Bewitched, which I'd been meaning to go in for ages. After a coffee and a piece of cake, I am a convert. It's a beautiful building, and the patio outside will be lovely when the weather gets warmer, so if you get chance and you're in the area, it's the perfect place to relax and refuel after a spree in here. :)

Just finished reading Irene Nemirovsky's Suite Francaise which is a fascinating account of life in France during World War II, mainly the exodus from Paris during the invasion and then life in a village during the occupation, and examining all of the issues as well as the French class system of the time. The appendix containing first her correspondance, and then that of her husband, publishers and supporters following her arrest and deportation are really moving, especially given that they were still trying to find her (and her husband) years after their deaths in concentration camps. Cheerful, no, but definitely worth reading. Next I'm starting on the final book in Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest. I've really enjoyed the previous two books, and will be quite gutted to get to the end of the trilogy, but at least this is the longest one so I should be a while. Then I can check out the Swedish film versions (and the American ones, once they are released, I think starting later this year).

Anyway, back onto clothes (that's why we're here, right?)...

Pick Of The Day today was added to our online shop yesterday and is proving very popular in store. This Yumi Yaura Leopard Tunic Dress, £45.00, is a really distinctive piece. Available in black or mauve (admittedly, more of a tan colour in my opinion, but who am I to argue with the Yumi powers that be), it has a leopard cub on the front, as well as a floral print that continues onto the back. The shoulders are decorated with beading in the same colour as the dress to add a bit of glamour, and tassles (great if you're like me and not a fan of your upper arms!). It can be worn with tights, leggings or bare legs for a night out with some pretty shoes and accessories, or just dress it down over skinny jeans. Either way, it's a great statement piece without being garish or ostentatious. Expecting these to be very popular (I'm resisting a 'roaring success' pun), so claim yours now!

Have a great Friday, and make sure you give over some weekend time to either popping in to try on our beautiful pieces (we love to help if you need a second opinion!) or by having a browse of our online shop. Any questions, just call, e-mail, tweet, Facebook us, or use the comment form on our website. Also, if you've bought something from us recently, either in person or online, please leave us a little review on our Facebook page, in the reviews section. We love to hear what you think and make sure we're doing everything we can to keep you happy!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: If I Could Build You A Tower (Demo) - Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

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

Ra Ra Riot

Morning,

Bit of an end of an era coming to Wellingborough. The Chinese restaurant, Chi Chi's, down the road is going to be under new management as the current owners are retiring. I've been going in there since I was about 9 (erm, that'd be about 20 years then) so I'm going to miss them! So last night we went down there for our final meal (unless I can wangle another out of friends or relatives before they leave at the beginning of April). Was almost emotional! Suffice to say, I did not require a large breakfast this morning!

I would do what everyone else is doing and discuss the first part of the new series that started last night, Lily Allen: From Riches To Rags, but I was out so I have it recorded and will catch up soon. Anything involving Mary Portas always gets my vote, though (I can pretend it's work-related).

We are marking the passing of Nate Dogg (because as I have divulged above, I am of a certain age!) so thought it was a good excuse to relive his contribution to Warren G's Regulate (if you're looking at the Blogspot blog, there's a video here. If you're reading it on our Facebook notes, look for the link at the bottom that lets you view the original post to see it).



Anyway, on a happier note, it's Pick Of The Day time! This Death Kitty Bow Skirt, £15.00, is now only available in M/L and stock is very limited. One of our most popular pieces, this cute ra ra skirt is made up of 3 light black layers with white trim, and white bow detail all around. The waist is elasticated, so there's a bit of flexibility on sizing. It's such a simple skirt but so distinctive, and monochrome is always hot. Looks great over leggings (especially the Death Kitty Skull Rose Leggings!).

Right, I'm off to keep reminding myself it's Wednesday.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Passover - Joy Division

Lady In Red

Morning,

Hope you all had a great weekend! We had the pleasure of catching The Aviation Society playing at Retro-Beat at The Horseshoe down the road. Oh. My. God. New favourite band, I think! If they're playing near you, check them out, and we'll let you know when you can give them a listen online. Complete Unorthodox thumbs up (and frankly, we're quite jaded so that's something).

Had a great day in here on Saturday. Was a bit manic at points, so I hope noone who came in felt neglected. We even had a queue for the changing room, so I apologise for any delays, and I hope everyone who bought things is loving them (big rush on Barry M Nail Paint and Barry M Instant Nail Effects so guess everyone had lovely nails on Saturday night!).

Pick Of The Day today is the most popular of our Special Evening dresses. This is the Special Evening SENOA43 Prom Dress in Red (we also have it in Light Pink). It has a classic, slightly 50s shape to it, and is beautifully simple with roses decorating the front. With adjustable straps and an elasticated back panel, it fits like it was made for you. We have a selection of styles and colours on our online shop and in store. However, if there is a colour or size you're looking for that we don't have, please ask. We will do our best to make you happy! These have been bought for proms, parties and even as bridesmaid dresses, and with prom and wedding season coming up, why not have a look at the Special Evening range.

Geared up for a good week!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Jump On Top Of Me - The Rolling Stones

Nelly The Elephant

Morning,

It's the weekend! Those in the Northamptonshire area, we strongly recommend checking out Retro-Beat at The Horseshoe Inn in Wellingborough, where The Aviation Society are playing live tonight. We're heading down. I think I'm going to be digging out the Monsalina Chic Black Lace Dress to wear, and adding the purple Stargazer False Eyelashes, so look out for me if you pop down!

Got a photoshoot this afternoon for the last couple of Yumi pieces (they are a gorgeous summer dress called Xaviera and a beautiful tunic dress with a leopard cub on the front called Yaura). It's going to be our fantastic photographer Brian Chapman taking the piccies, and we've got local artist Rebecca Sturdgess modelling for us again. Very excited!

Pick Of The Day today is another of our ethically traded products. This is the Ethically Traded Elephant Border Shoulder Bag, only £10.00! It's available in red or black. Handmade in Thailand in fair conditions and for fair pay, the main section of the bag has a paisley pattern and little shiny gems, and the borders are embroidered in gold thread with images of elephants. It also has wooden bead detailing on the straps. The sparkly bits and gold thread add a bit of glamour to your boho!

Have a great weekend, and if we don't hear from you today, we'll be back on Tuesday.

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: Love Guaranteed - Damage

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

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty

Morning,

I wish the weather would make it's mind up... I don't know whether it's still coat season or if I should just take a jacket (plus, I have my eye on one of the Yumi Malin Blazers).

Just a heads up that we will be shutting early today at 4.45pm. Sorry if this inconveniences anyone. I'm off flat hunting, and a homeless shopkeeper is not a happy shopkeeper! While we're shut, you can always leave us messages on our Facebook page, or browse, order and use the contact form on our online shop.

Pick Of The Day today are these Temporary:Secretary Hello Kitty Earrings, £6.00. We only have one pair left now, so if you've had your eye on them, act quickly! They are for pierced ears, with silver plated backings. The little Hello Kittys on them add a subtle bit of kitsch to any outfit.

Friday tomorrow!

Kat

Now Playing In The Shop: London - Noonday Underground