Categories / Film and TV

Soulboy – 1970s northern soul film hits the big screen this summer

Soulboy

There has been talk of a northern soul film for years, but 2010 could see at least two on the big screen. Alongside the 'in production' Northern Soul (indeed, ahead of it to be honest) comes Soulboy, which is heading your way very soon.

So, the plot as told to us thus far: 1974. Power cuts, strikes and boot-boy aggro on the terraces. Flares, Chopper bikes and beer at fourteen pence a pint. Joe McCain, 17 and restless, is bored with the flatline tedium of a life that seems like it's going nowhere. Enter Jane, moving to the beat of a music that Joe's never heard, a vision of loveliness who opens the door to a whole world of sound, movement and all-nighter dancing at The Wigan Casino – the home of Northern Soul! Swept along on this tide of pulsating dance and lust, Joe finally finds somewhere he belongs and the acceptance and true love he yearns for.

You can check out the trailer over the page. It's due to hit various cinemas over the summer, look out for preview screenings in your area before the general release. More at the website.

Update: The two-CD soundtrack is now available to buy. You can see the full tracklisting and more details at the Amazon website.

Further update: A review of the DVD is now online, you can read it here.

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Categories / Women's Fashion

Barnacle Beauty Playsuit from French Connection

Barnacle

Allowing for an added wardrobe option for the summer months, the return of playsuits to mainstream fashion has split opinion. But for retro fashion lovers they can provide an easy and effective way of achieving a vintage inspired look with ease.

This Barnacle Beauty Play Suit from French Connection takes its cues from vintage versions; in cut, fabric and fit. The silk material lends a sense of loungey luxury to the piece, with a cut that treads the line between showing flesh and staying classic well. The halter tie-neck, wide legged shorts and high waistline all combine to create a perfect vintage-inspired silhouette.

Get it from French Connection UK for £95.

Find out more from the website

Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Sankyo 204H Day-Glo digital alarm clock

Sankyo

No chance of being woken up by internet or DAB radio, but the Sankyo 204H Day-Glo digital alarm clock on offer here will certainly brighten up your bedroom – in more ways than one.

A white case with black display and large red figures (known also as a 'mosaic' display apparently) which are very bold in the dark, the clock also throws out some brightness during the day too, hence the name. Buzz alarm as you might have guessed – no radio whatsoever on this mains-powered clock.

A very eye-catching period piece and in 'impeccable condition' says the seller. well worth the current bid price of 99 pence.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Watches

70s-style James watch collection by 666 Barcelona

James

A new company to me, but the James watch collection by 666 Barcelona has something of a familiar look.

Indeed, they're not a million miles away from the classic 1970s Lip watches we have featured in the past, but with more of a contemporary twist thrown in for the LED display.

Take your pick from a mix of metal and metal/rubbrer for the finish, the former in a choice of a metallic silver or gold, prices varying depending on where you buy. Watchismo sells the watches from $149, while the company sells to Europe direct, with prices starting at 116 Euros.

Find out more at the 666 Barcelona website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Artek DIY Sedia 1 chair by Enzo Mari

Mari

How does the idea of building your own design classic grab you? If it does, let us introduce you to the Artek DIY Sedia 1 chair by Enzo Mari.

Dating back to 1974, the Sedia 1 is a self-assembly is self-assembly with a high-end twist. The idea was to design furniture with simple materials, in this case pine, so you get the pieces, the instructions and the nails. Follow those and you have your own Mari classic with your own twist added.

If your other half (or you yourself) fancy the idea of some DIY this bank holiday, 219 Euros secures you the kit.

Find out more at the Finnish Design Shop website

Categories / Women's Fashion

Sarah Blouse by Pins & Needles

Sarahblouse

While plenty of fifties florals are all over the high street at the moment, there are some pieces with a more broad retro appeal to be found. This Sarah Blouse by Pins & Needles features a vintage inspired floral print, but on a garment which spans many retro looks.

The cut of the blouse, with high necked mandarin collar, banded waistline and light shoulder ruching, toes the line between femininity and androgyny with flair. Perfect for looks from sharp sixties to seventies folk style and beyond, this is a versatile gem.

Get it now from Urban Outfitters in the UK for £38.

Find out more from the website