Popping back to happy days

Happy were the days when children needed no more than a seat at Saturday morning pictures and a bag of popcorn to keep them occupied. Pop art immortalized the popular culture and characters of the 1950s and ‘60s in all manner of colourful cartoon style images, reflecting the growing celebritization of film stars and artists, as well as an increased awareness of modern convenience products – along with our childlike curiosity for all things new.








As the pace of social and commercial change speeded up, those who had grown up in, or were inspired by distinctly more laid back times, found a role model in the character from Happy Days known as Fonzie (played by unlikely heartthrob Henry Winkler) – one of the most decidedly cool guys on the planet, who actively cultivated slow style to get things done more effectively.




Despite his James Dean style appearance and rebellious swagger, The Fonz was a big softy at heart and gained fans from all sorts of unexpected quarters. Old school French teachers even adopted his cult greeting (‘Eeeeeeeeey) to instruct pupils on the pronunciation of ‘e’ with an acute accent.

The Happy Days series was screened from the mid 1970s into the early 1980s and harked back to an age when family fun, fashion, movie stars and motorcycles were popular features of daily life. Curiously, little has altered in this respect, except that family structures and moral values seem to have changed dramatically within a relatively short space of time...




Perhaps that’s why slow retro style is regaining popularity and pop art accessories - like the uniquely stylish hand painted jewellery by the Maggio sisters at ShopCurious – are back in vogue.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to more Happy Days ahead.

Are you?

Designer water...Portobello style

The London Festival of Architecture may have passed you by, but there have been all manner of events going on in London over the past couple of weeks. One of the most memorable was hosted by Tom Dixon, who held a discussion dinner in conjunction with Blueprint Magazine at his new Dock Kitchen restaurant in Ladbroke Grove (the Kilburn end).






The theme of the talk was Water Works – A discussion of the influence of water on Britain’s architectural landscape – with speakers that included Nick Johnson of Urban Splash and Keith Brownlie of Wilkinson Eyre.

Gwyn Miles showed how the addition of a floodlit water feature, with choreographed fountains, has transformed the courtyard - formerly the Inland Revenue’s car park - of Somerset House (where she is Director) into a space that’s refreshingly serene by day and magical to observe at night.



Of course, Tom Dixon’s own studio is also on the water at Portobello Dock, along with his newly opened restaurant. And, curiously enough, the acclaimed young ex-River Café chef, Stevie Parle, also lives on a houseboat on the River Thames a couple of miles away.















The kitchen’s fare was suitably water sourced, with crisply succulent deep fried samphire as an appetizer - eaten outdoors on a perfect Summer’s evening with arty, architectural types.

















Round and about was also evidence of all sorts of eco-friendly activity – everything from organic grow bags to a bamboo bicycle.






















Some be-suited city folk, arriving straight from a hard day’s work in the office, chose to hide behind their menus.

Our starter of crayfish from the River Avon cooked in crazy water, looked mouthwateringly beautiful, but turned out to be the seafood equivalent of quail.






As we fiddled about searching in vain for something meaty to get our teeth into, I began to understand why the restaurant was so popular with the celebrity model set (apparently Eva Herzigova had dined here earlier in the day).








Next up was trout from the River Wye, which melted in the mouth, even though it was barely cooked. The assembled crowd wolfed it down – must have something to do with creatively open minds having an unsqueamish sense of adventure - or perhaps it’s just that lovers of contemporary design have great taste in everything?








The accompanying side dish was something called ‘freekeh’ – which, despite the freaky name, was utterly divine. The tart that followed was pretty delicious too, with Provencal cherries to die for (possibly the only ingredient that wasn’t from our shores).






The meal was nicely washed down with specially filtered water, along with popular favourites from the winelist. Needless to say, Tom is working on an inventive new purification system involving charcoal.

As night drew in, Tom’s famous lamps began to glow and unusual lighting effects began to trickle out across the canal.

I began to wish I’d worn a glow-in-the-dark goldfish necklace from ShopCurious.










I was also thinking that I could easily get used to the naturally calming effect of a waterside lifestyle – which is just as well, since I already live by the river.

Do you?

The beautiful flag

Britain’s once again under the spotlight in the sporting fixtures, which, translated into fashion terms, equates to the Great British flag (and all parts thereof). Our little island’s colours are appearing everywhere, as flags are waved for the vehemently revered football and tennis stars of this quirkily sportsmanlike state.












Just a week ago, at Royal Ascot, flags and patriotic colours were very much in evidence on hats, dresses, accessories - and even picnic floral displays, as England played their rather disappointing game against Algeria.




Now, of course, the mood is altogether different – and even Andy Murray’s won at Wimbledon. Let’s see how England fares today...











And, if our need to sport the Union Jack should sadly wane, there’s always the chance that a royal wedding is in the offing, to keep the demand for flags buoyant...



I rather fancy that bits of memorabilia and mementos of our glittering past, like this 1981 vintage royal commemorative tin from ShopCurious, could become extremely popular and desirable in future, as curiously collectable heirloom pieces - and to remind us of our peculiarly unique heritage:














being such good old sports...

Are you?

British tea time treasures

Here in the UK, we’re currently suffering from stresses and strains on all fronts:

Firstly, if you’re an England supporter, you’re understandably going to be feeling a little depressed at the moment.

There’s also the added worry that our economy is headed down the tubes – and the potential implications of the Chancellor’s emergency Budget on our finances is rather vexing (I’m still curious to know exactly what it means for me.. are you?)



Plus, now it’s Wimbledon fortnight too - so we’re going to be agonizing over Andy and fretting about the weather forecast for a while.

Thankfully, us Brits have a universal panacea to all our woes in the form of the great British cuppa.





However, just in case our manifold troubles are causing you to feel a little less patriotic than usual, I’d like to suggest a little teatime jollification. Why not celebrate British heritage by investing in one of these curiously collectable vintage royal commemorative tins from ShopCurious?







They make perfect tea caddies and are great as biscuit tins too… What’s more, these sorts of heirloom collectibles can often turn out to be quite a wise investment.







Best of all, the beaming monarchical faces adorning these splendid tins will have you gloriously grinning with pride as you sip a cup of strong tea and dunk a few biccies –









unless, perhaps, you prefer to toast Her Majesty with a glass of cider…


Do you?

Fathers' Day freebie

Happy Fathers’ Day! Did you know this is the 100th anniversary of Fathers’ Day? Sonora Louise Smart is credited with introducing the first ever Fathers’ Day in the USA in 1910 in memory of her widowed father, who single-handedly raised six children. On this auspicious occasion (hem, hem), I thought ShopCurious should offer a small giveaway aimed at our lovely gentlemen readers, or the special chap in your life.







The man who favours fashion over football will appreciate this slim volume, written in 1994 – and now updated in handy paperback form: The Englishman’s suit is Hardy Amies’ personal view of the suit’s ‘history, its place in the world today, its future and the accessories that support it.’




The book charts the evolution of the suit from the seventeenth century to the present day in narrative which ‘reveals a fascinating motley of curious and frequently amusing facts; from the arcane mysteries of button replacement to the remarkable influence of princes and kings.’

GQ describe the book as ‘part costume history, part social commentary, and part handbook for the uninitiated but aspiring.’ Enoch Powell writing for the Spectator said, ‘the nub of the philosophy of an entrepreneur who has helped to ensure that the Japanese word for man’s suit is sabiro, pronounced ‘Savile Row’. ‘

To take part in the giveaway, just comment on this post and you’ll be automatically entered into the draw, with the chance to win a free copy of this curiously entertaining and informative text. I hope you’re feeling lucky...

Are you?

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?

Daddy's girl?

I’m still wondering what to give my Dad for Fathers’ Day. He’s recently out of hospital, recovering from an operation – and meant to be resting. I suppose sitting around reading is an ideal pastime, so a book would make an excellent present.











I thought of him immediately I saw this vintage coffee table number, filled with glamorous photographs of Marilyn Monroe.








Despite being an only child and daughter, I’ve never really been the real Daddy’s girl – my father's heart has always belonged to Marilyn. I guess it’s pretty hard to compete with a long deceased movie icon who’s a legend in her own lingerie. Anyway, this book would certainly be the perfect gift...













Except, I think his brain needs a little more stimulation..









Sorry Dad, I know retro swimwear is all the rage, but it’s time for something ‘from you to me’: ShopCurious has this curiously clever journal, requiring some careful thought and practical application, which sounds like an even more fabulous Fathers’ Day gift.

To complete the journal, Dad will have to answer some questions about his past, his family memories and wishes for the future. I can almost guarantee that Marilyn will feature somewhere on the pages he fills out, but writing the responses should keep any father nicely occupied and out of mischief (or at least Mum's way) for a while.







And I can’t wait until the book’s completed and returned to the genuine Daddy’s girl, as I’m really curious to read the uniquely individual story of my father’s life.


Are you?