Author: modculture

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Bird Electron retro iPod mixer

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Bird_electron

There’s something horrible happening in the pubs and clubs of the world – proper vinyl DJing is being replaced by very improper iPods and laptops. While I’m dead against that, I’m quite impressed with this bedroom-friendly Bird Electron DJ-4 retro iPod mixer, which is new to the shops of Japan.

This retro-styled micro mixer hooks up to your speakers, stereo or headphones and consists of a stainless steel casing and two vintage guitar volume knobs to fade your music in and out from the two music sources. And you don’t have to use iPods – any music source can be used, including those trusty vinyl decks.

It’s also cheap at the equivalent of £40 – so if you know anyone heading to Japan, ask them to pick you one up, And one for me please.

Bird Electron website (in Japanese)

Via Engadget

Categories / Food and Drink

Diner Dirt Busters – old-style table top vacuums

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Drink_vacs

Remember the Squeezy Tomato? It was a plastic ketchup dispenser, beloved of old cafes and recently revived by Heinz. Well, if you’re looking for something to match up on your dining (or should that be diner) table, you could try these Diner Dirt Busters.

They might look like vintage squeezy novelties, but these are the complete opposite – they clear up your mess. Yes, both the burger and the muffin are mini vacuum cleaners, ideal if you have a spillage at the table (a dry one ideally).

They’re small enough not to get in the way and powered by just 2x AA batteries. If you want one, they retail for £9.99 each.

Find out more

Categories / Bags, Gadgets and Tech

Oxio RetroStriper laptop bag

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Oxio
Is the Oxio RetroStriper laptop bag really retro? I’m not sure – but the company claims it looks straight out of the 60s.

In fact, to quote Oxio: "The Oxio RetroStriper looks like an extra from a 1960s movie which is by no means a bad thing. In fact it represents that cool 60s feeling of being bright, functional and slightly kooky. And it looks great with mini skirts! "

No, I’m still not convinced, but it looks much better than the usual selection of computer bags you see instore. This one offers enough room for a laptop up to 15-inch, large outer zipped pockets, removable striped shoulder bag, numerous interior compartments, moulded grip and of course, plenty of padding to keep your computer secure.

Available in grey or orange, they retail for £64.99.

Find out more at the iWorld website

Categories / Pets

Wowo Dog Pod – mid-century design for your pet

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Wowo

It’s not easy finding dog accessories that fit effortlessly into your retro home – and that cheap plastic bed can really ruin your look. But if you look hard enough, you can find some cool kit – like this Wowo Dog Pod by Vurv Design.

It’s designed with one eye on those mid-century classics, with that curved wood finish ideal for matching up with your Eames furnishings and design pieces. This bent ply dog recliner is finished with a choice if veneers and with solid wood legs, along with a removable washable pad.

Made to order, it retails for $629.95 (around £315).

Find out more at the Modern Tails website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Thomas Paul Folk dessert plate set

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Thomaspaul
Thomas Paul specialises in plundering the designs of the past to make modern (and affordable) design for the present, typified by this Thomas Paul Folk dessert plate set.

It’s a new set available for pre-order. You get the four heavy duty melamine plates, each featuring a different vintage-style "doll" design (well, a different colour anyway) and all dishwasher-safe (bit not microwave-safe sadly).

Measuring nine inches in diameter, you can pick up the set for $28 (which is just £14).

Find out more at the Velocity Design website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Marks & Spencer retro floral sleeping bag

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Ms_sleepingbag
Ready for the festival season? If you’re off for a few nights under canvas and are on the look out for sleeping bag, you could take a look at this Marks & Spencer retro floral sleeping bag.

It’s part of a range of kit in this 70s-style floral design, which also includes a tent – although that seems to be aimed at children, so probably not ideal for your time in the great outdoors.

The sleeping bag is full-size and lined, made from a cotton and polyester mix and easily folded up when not in use.

It retails for £19.50.

Find out more at the Marks & Spencer website