Latest articles from Retro To Go

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• eBay watch: 1969 Olivetti Valentine typewriter by Ettore Sottsass
• Nadine Polka Dot Shorts from Boohoo
• Leopard Print Tights by Wolford
• Brutalism - Post-War British Architecture by Alexander Clement
• Sixties Low Armchair
• Twit Twoo Beatles Paperweights
• London bag by New Leaves Studio
• Audrey Hepburn season at the BFI Southbank
• Dwell introduces the Harry Bertoia-like Wire Chair

eBay watch: 1969 Olivetti Valentine typewriter by Ettore Sottsass Posted: 12 Jan 2011 12:02 PM PST We have featured the design before. Indeed, we've even featured a poster of it. But if you want to own a classic 1969 Olivetti Valentine typewriter by Ettore Sottsass, a model as good as any is on eBay right now. You could say it's a space age twist on a (then) functional item, coming in its own matching plastic carry case and with this model, the plastic boxed cleaning brushes and the original instruction booklet too. Which is rare to find. It's described as being in 'full working condition', but with 'some traces of very light wear comensurate with age'. Nothing to worry about in other words. Bids already placed, so right now it's at £77. Find out more at the eBay website

Nadine Polka Dot Shorts from Boohoo Posted: 12 Jan 2011 10:00 AM PST Mini skirts are dresses are always the first choice for sixties looks, among both shoppers and sellers alike. For something a little more unusual, these Nadine Polka Dot Shorts from Boohoo provide an interesting clash of both sixties and eighties styles. Using a culotte style short instead of the skirt, the high waisted shorts rely on a sixties aesthetic for the silhouette and print choices. With the conversion into loose and wide-legged shorts, they're reminiscent of the 1980s' love for reinvention of retro eras, providing a piece that's adaptable and interesting for a range of retro looks. They're available now from Boohoo online for just £12. Find out more from the website

Leopard Print Tights by Wolford Posted: 12 Jan 2011 09:56 AM PST Of all the retro prints available in mainstream fashion, leopard print is the one that just isn't going anywhere. While it's much maligned by some, it's an ideal injection of rockabilly flair into any outfit. Especially in the case of these Leopard Print Tights by Wolford. Made in the classic golden yellow and black, these are ideal for a modern take on fifties flair, allowing a hint of pinup style to be added to any outfit. Making a tricky print easy to wear, the tights definitely still pack some punch that will make a statement out of even the most demure outfit. Get them online from ASOS now for £32. Find out more from the website

Brutalism - Post-War British Architecture by Alexander Clement Posted: 12 Jan 2011 08:44 AM PST Fans of concrete structures will no doubt love the idea of owning Brutalism - Post-War British Architecture by Alexander Clement, which is published by The Crowood Press later this month. Brutalism describes architecture that appeared between the years 1945 - 1975, intended to be uncompromisingly modern and striking. But over time, it's a style that has divided the public - some love its bold shape, others see it as nothing more than soulless concrete, steel and glass. Now we are far enough away from the era, Alexander Clement evaluates the architectural style, its impact and its future over 160 pages, which includes 150 colour photographs of key buildings. Published on 24th January, you can pre-order now for £18.95. Find out more at the Amazon website

Sixties Low Armchair Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:44 AM PST     Not a close a copy of the Bertoia Diamond armchair like the Dwell chair, but perhaps still influenced by it, is this Sixties Low Armchair by Frédéric Sofia. Whereas the Diamond Chair is made from wire, the seat here is made from a resin polymer weave, which may be a little more comfortable. The colour choices for the chair are interesting; Savanna frame with Lichen seat (green shades), Aubergine frame with Gum Pink seat or the shades of grey pictured here. The chair costs £201 from Made in Design.

Twit Twoo Beatles Paperweights Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:28 AM PST   Sarah Peterson has designed a quirky series of paperweights, named after The Beatles. The Twit Too Paperweights are glass paperweights, in the shape of an owl with psychedelic stripes running through the centre of the glass. Pictured here is John, the tallest of the set at around 20cm tall. George features grey stripes and measuring 12cm, Paul has black stripes and is 11cm high with Ringo being the smallest, a 9cm owl in shades of pink. Prices range from £50 for Ringo and Geoge, £60 for Paul (who is in the sale) and  £70 for John from Your Life Your Style.

London bag by New Leaves Studio Posted: 12 Jan 2011 05:15 AM PST Another week, another great cotton bag. This time the design comes courtesy of New Leaves Studio and their London bag. The capital's icons have been reduced to simple geometric form, printed in one bright colour. Everything is there: from the phone box to the BT Tower, cups of tea to Big Ben, making it either a proud statement for residents of the city and a great souvenir for everyone else, including the the team behind the design, Mike Lemanski and Sarah Mather, who are based in Huddersfield. Take a look also at their London print, a colourful Pop look at the city.  The bag costs £7.  Buy it online

Audrey Hepburn season at the BFI Southbank Posted: 12 Jan 2011 05:08 AM PST One of film's most famous stars, Audrey Hepburn, is being celebrated with her own season at the BFI Southbank, London. From the 12 Jan until 3 February, they will be showing ten of her films, including Charade, Funny Face, My Fair Lady, Paris When It Sizzles and, of course, Breakfast at Tiffany's. Plenty of style and cinematic inspiration there to see you through the rest of the month.  Find out more online

Dwell introduces the Harry Bertoia-like Wire Chair Posted: 12 Jan 2011 12:52 AM PST Back in 2007, we featured the Bertoia Diamond armchair, a design classic from 1952 that's still in production via Knoll, retailing for the best part of £1,000. Alternatively, you can go to Dwell and buy the Wire Chair. Let's be kind and say that the Wire Chair is inspired by the midcentury classic. I'm sure there's a few subtle differences to the designs, but you'll have to look very close to find them. The Dwell version mixes black lacquered wire with white faux leather for the seating and involves a touch of self-assembly. But it does come at a hugely-reduced price, £149 to be precise. It's available to order now, with stock arriving in February. Find out more at the Dwell website

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