Art deco doesn't have to mean dusty old antiques, you can get a modern take on the theme with this Armani Casa Baloon armchair.
It's almost like a cartoon version of the art deco theme – big and bold, with the chair sat on a black nickel-plated iron base, which supports those oversized bielastic fabric curves in beige or dark brown.
It doesn't come cheap though – around £4,100 for either colour option.
Find out more at the Armani Casa website
Via Switched On Set
Is it too early to start classifying the 1990s as retro? Possibly yes. However the messages contained in these Nineties Britain Souvenir Badge Pack manage to say something in these cash strapped times and will probably resonate with Retro To Go readers who have never given up on jumble sales.
The badges are some of the work of Mark Pawson, who is a badge maker extraordinaire and has hundreds of designs up for sale on his website. This set costs £3. Not quite 50p but sadly those days have long gone…
See them online at the website
Liberty seems to be having a bit of a moment. As well their prints being used by Gap and in the soon-to-be launched Kate Moss collection for Topshop, they are also working with Cacharel, resulting in some stylish numbers such as these orange pleated shorts.
It's not the first time these two have collaborated: they first worked together in the sixties to produce a liberty patterned blouse which is one of the designs featured in this collection. The shorts pictured use the 'Charras' print, itself first released in the 1930s, and then reissued in the seventies. The high-waisted loose flowing style manages to tie all these historical influences together and make them look totally contemporary. Prices for the collection range from £75 to £200, these shorts are £80.
Find out more from the Liberty website
First introduced as a professional handball shoe in 1982, the Diadora Court trainers are back with a slight update for the modern era.
It's part of the company's Heritage Collection, celebrating sporting successes of the 70s and 80s, but more importantly, it's a lightweight shoe ideal for summer – the Court offering up a bright nylon upper, contrasting 'washed' navy suede, a red leather heel and red suede heel patch.
Available now, £70 will secure you a pair.
John Robb is back on home turf for his latest book – The North Will Rise Again: Manchester Music City 1978 – 2008.
As you might have guessed, the book looks at Manchester's recent musical heritage, encompassing punk, Madchester and whatever Manchester considers to be it's 'scene' currently. That means the likes of Morrissey, Ian Brown, Noel and Liam, Mark E Smith, Johnny Marr, Shaun Ryder and the late Tony Wilson. And hopefully a few off the beaten track too (Stockholm Monsters anyone?)
'I've spoken to just about everybody. In fact, the biggest problem has been keeping it all down to a manageable size. The book is around 155,000 words long as it is and it could have been double that. Ian Brown gave me 30,000 words to work with!' Robb told the Manchester Evening News. Find out how that editing goes when the book launches at Manchester's Urbis on May 5th – or order your copy from Amazon now, priced at just £9.89.
Cross body bags are a great, easy way to a casual retro style when they're done right. Easier to carry than your average shoulder bag, this Deeps bag from Accessorize is perfect for gigs and nights out, with a little vintage inspiration as a bonus.
In an orange/red real leather, this scalloped front bag is cute, compact and stylish. It's perfect for teaming up with a sixties or seventies look be it Mary Quant inspired style, or a 70s flared trouser. Thanks to the classic, small shape, this is a bag that won't soon go out of style.
Get yours from Accessorize for £45.
