Princesses and paperweights for Papa

If your father enjoys collecting, he’ll be very impressed with a gift that’s a genuine retro curiosity. However, the art of collecting is largely a matter of personal taste - so if you want to find something that’s both collectable and also likely to appeal, it’s best to have a good idea of the recipient’s taste, as well as knowing where to source authentic collectibles from.











ShopCurious has a few suggestions for you, if you’re looking for especially unique and unusual gifts for Fathers’ Day. Retro curiosity number one is this totally beautiful 1960s perspex paperweight – a unique piece of tourist memorabilia.





You can tell it’s from Portugal because, as they say, it’s written on the tin (or at least within the divinely syrupy amber resin). Also inside, is a stylish filigree carved Portuguse galleon – the perfect gift if your Dad loves fishing, fish and chips or anything to do with the sea.







If your pa’s good with his hands, he might prefer this Steampunk style retro curiosity, which should keep him curious for ages.











Just how did they get all those nuts, bolts, cogs and horological paraphernalia into that square of honey coloured perspex?








Your Dad will love this if he’s the sort of chap who’s a bit of a tinker, and tends to spend quite a lot of time in his garden shed…









Alternatively, if he’s the smooth, well travelled and worldly type, some suitably unique accessories like these curiously exotic vintage African Princess cufflinks might be the order of the day.

Whatever his personal taste, there’s no better way to flatter and amuse any man than with a curiously appropriate gift.

Will you?

The Silk Route

I feel like I must be the only person in London who's sitting at a desk writing a blog. Anyone sensible must surely be on holiday now, which is why I've decided to dedicate a few blogs to the tempting topic of travel...

and silk scarves, which as we know can come in very handy on your hols - as illustrated here.





We've just got a new collection of stylish silk scarves at ShopCurious, many of which are unique 1950s tourist memorabilia from an eclectic mix of destinations around the world. Not only are these highly individual accessories, but each one has a tale to tell - and they make a rather unusual gift for someone who has an interest in, or an association with the location featured.




Although most of these places probably aren't on the original Silk Route, I thought it would be interesting to spend the next few days going on a bit of a tour of the some of the countries and cities featured on these vintage silk squares.



My curiously colourful virtual trip starts in Europe with Holland, Paris, Sicily, Milan and Spain. Then travelling further afield to more exotic hotspots: The Canaries, Aden and Djibouti, before finishing down under with New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea.


When travelling, it's always essential to plan ahead - so why not do some advance preparation based on a headwear trend that's set to become one of the biggest fashion stories of the coming year.

I hope you'll join me on my curious excursions around the globe.
Will you?