Categories / Women's Fashion

Mary-Jane Shoes from Melissa Ashia

Melissaashia

The easiest way to inject a brave dash of colour into any wardrobe is through the accessories, and killer shoes are a must for any retro look. These Melissa Ashia Mary-Jane Shoes are ideal for a fifties or sixties wardrobe, in a dazzling shade of red.

The shoes are made from thick, durable plastic, ensuring that candy-apple sheen will last uncreased for longer than patent leather. With a simple thin ankle strap and rounded heel, the simplicity and classic shape compliment the loud colour to create a headturning accessory.

Get them online from Dollydagger for £75.

Find out more from the website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: Hillebrand 1970s desk lamp

Hillebrand

I don't know a great deal about this lamp and the seller isn't giving much away – but thankfully a picture can paint a thousand words when it comes to this Hillebrand desk lamp.

Described as being circa 1970, it actually has modernist undertones – very much about the form and function. In terms of specifics, a metal base mixes it with a chrome head and a flexible arm, offering light where you want it on your desk.

It's sold out of Germany and is up on a 'Buy It Now' for £99 or a best offer. If you can get it a little cheaper, the lamp could offer up a stylish bargain.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Homeware

Becky Broome kitchen textiles

Becky broome

Becky Broome creates unusual kitchen textiles based on the family ephemera that most of us would throw away. For example, the tea towel shown here uses an old Co-Op book that's been digitally printed onto cotton, overlaid with her own design. Other pieces use things like long disregarded Post Office saving books or reports. 

Her designs cover everything from oven gloves and aprons to tea cosies (though not the the kitchen sink, yet) and all have a similar aesthetic. 

And each item is reasonably priced too: this tea towel is £14.99. 

Find out more online

Categories / Design and Interiors, Food and Drink

Royal Albert English Chintz hostess set

Royal Albert Chintz

The Royal Albert china company is celebrating its centenary and is dipping into its archives to celebrate, reproducing designs such as this English Chintz hostess set

The set has a typically 1940s look with its dotty and floral pattern and gold trim. It's also got a generously sized plate with plenty of space for a dessert to go with your cup of tea. One of several hostess sets available, you can also get sets featuring designs dating from 1910 and 1970 though they all share the same traditionally chintzy look. 

This set costs £30.

Buy it from the newly relaunched Selfridges website

Categories / Design and Interiors, Homeware

Sanderson’s William Morris wallpaper designs at John Lewis

Morris

If your take on retro design is something a little older than the latter part of the 20th century, you might appreciate the Sanderson's William Morris wallpaper designs at John Lewis.

Sanderson (which is currently hosting an exhibition of its work) has reprinted some classic William Morris designs from the arts and crafts era, specifically from the late 19th century, offering a number of designs inspired by nature. But most importantly, designs that are still eye-catching and interesting today.

The William Morris Fruit pattern above is just one example and like all in the range, is made to order and comes in a width of 52cm and a length of 10.5m. Each roll retails for £45.

Find out more at the John Lewis website

Categories / Art and Photography, Gadgets and Tech

Polaroid 600 One camera by the Impossible Project now available

Polaroid
Last year we mentioned that the classic Polaroid camera was making a comeback and indeed, it now has – as the Polaroid 600 One camera by the Impossible Project.

'Brand new and pimped to rock your analog world' says the maker, which is offering a limited edition designed by Paul Giambarba, complete with a pack of Polaroid 600 film to get you going with those instant snaps. Great packaging too, should you be pondering it for a gift. On the technical side, there's a focus free lens, built-in flash with auto-flash feature and a digital LCD display picture count.

The price is £135. But be quick, this is a limited reissue.

Find out more at the Impossible Project website