Author: Justine Harvey

Categories / Books

“London Olympics: 1908 and 1948” from Shire

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If the scramble for Olympics tickets has left you disappointed and disillusioned with the 2012 event, then perhaps this new title from Shire books might suffice.

“London Olympics: 1908 and 1948” looks back at the other two occasions when the capital has hosted the games. London stepped into host the games in 1908 when Italy had to pull out because Vesuvius had erupted. The entire budget for the 1948 Games was £760,000, and they turned a profit of £29,000.

For more titbits of trivia such as these, buy the book for £6.99 from Shire Books.

Categories / Homeware

Ali Miller United Kingdom Teapot, Teacup and Saucer

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The Union Jack motif has suffered from overkill, especially around the Royal Wedding, but if you want something patriotic and nostalgic, Ali Miller’s United Kingdom range makes a nice change.

The design comprises a map of the UK, ships and crowns (not a Union flag in sight) and it adorns those quintessential British items, a teacup and saucer set and a teapot. The teacup and saucer cost £25 and the teapot costs £45.

They are available exclusively at Rockett St George.

Categories / Homeware

Fonteyn Dressing Table

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Available to order from Made.com now is another retro-inspired design by Steuart Padwick, the Fonteyn Dressing Table.

Apparently the shape is inspired by a dancer’s poise (hence the name), but to us, those tapered legs and curves are midcentury design. The table has a matt walnut finish with the drawers in a contrasting red gloss. The finishing touch of a round mirror completes its vintage look. It costs £395 from Made, a bargain compared with the £1,295 high street price.

Visit Made.com to order.

Categories / Men's Fashion, Women's Fashion

Pedlars Vintage Sunglasses

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Pedlars’ vintage ranges are always worth a look and their latest consignment of Vintage Sunglasses is no exception.

Pictured here is my favourite design, an Italian style from the 1970s in grey, but the other styles are just as stylish. Choose from unisex Japanese Aviators (dating from sometime in the period from the 1950s to 1970s) in either gold or silver or 1970s Pilot sunglasses from the USA. The Italian glasses cost £210, the other styles a bit more at £225.

Visit the Pedlars site to buy before they all sell out.

Categories / Homeware

Charlotte Chair

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The Charlotte Chair may have been created in 1994, but wicker always shrieks retro to me.

It was designed by Mario Botta and manufactured in Italy. It is made from wicker, but on a steel frame, making it more durable than its 1970s counterparts. It costs a little over £1,000, which is a far cry from the 1970s prices too.

It is available to buy online at Panik Design.

Categories / Homeware

Sir Harald Panel Curtain by Lisa Bengtsson

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New in at the Scandinavian Design Center is this Sir Harald Panel Curtain by Swedish artist Lisa Bengtsson.

Like many of Lisa’s patterns, it combines black and white with bold splashes of colour. In this case, the design is a tribute to Lisa’s great grandfather Harald, although I’m not sure if the rather dashing retro-looking man in the print is actually him. The curtain measures 43cm by 260 cm and costs £53.56.

Buy it online from the Scandinavian Design Center.