Tat Me Up!

I love tattoos. I love that they are personal and artistic. I love that each one has a story and I love listening to those stories. I feel my generation has pushed through tattoo stereotypes. They are no longer just for bikers and their "Stairway to Heaven" loving females, you can see them on artists, teachers, sorority girls, and a plethora of surprising characters.

But as many are apprehensive about the permanent characteristic of tattoos, and rightfully so, a new market has popped up across retailing to fill this interest with its temporary preference. No, I am not talking about the temporary tattoos that you applied with washcloths as a kid and then stubbornly refused to wash off, even after only half your Barbie princess or pirate was left. See for yourself: Here are the runway shows of Ed Hardy, Karl Lagerfeld, and Jean Paul Gautier. Personally, I am smitten with the Lagerfeld arm cuffs!

*photos compliments of style.com*

In conjunction with the wave of Rockabilly appreciators and vintage fiends, a refound love for the original sailor tattoo work like anchors, hearts, and pin ups, have surfaced. Homage to the art's original roots and its later evolution have begun appearing on clothing and accessories everywhere in the last couple years. And personally, I can't stop drooling!

1. Love Hate Pillows - Sacred Stitches

2. Koi Fish Cufflinks - Little Angels Jewelry

3. Custom Skull Wallet - Made by Lauren B

4. Koi Fish Tank - AH Peele

5. Skull Chair - Mama Tried Studios

6. Tattoo Sole Heels - Ed Hardy

7. Tattoo Wedding Cake - Cake Central

8. Tattoo Panty Hose - Tattoo Socks

9. Sparrow Wall Banner - Beepart

*photos compliments of their respective shops*

And good news! Little Angels Jewelry is offering a $2 discount on any purchases with the Promotion Code: EMBELLISH in the note to seller. Given many of the items are already affordable, for example the Koi Cufflinks are $12, that is a nice deal!

How do you wish to rock your temporary tattoo look?

Ice Ice Baby

Today was the first morning I had to start the grueling process of leaving time to scrape the ice off my car windows. It got me thinking about winter, and the things I love about it. Although it is my least favorite season, there are a few things that keep me going.

I love ice skating, even though i have only ever been on artificial rinks. In fact, it was not until I was older that the thought even occurred to me that it was possible to be so cold, one could ice skate on a natural lake or pond! That astounded me. Growing up in the South does not exactly grant that kind of thought process.

Nonetheless, I think I love how romantic it feels to be outside on ice and gracefully gliding along hand in hand with someone special, surrounded by trees and stars...sigh. Even though I prefer hot to cold, ice skating is something that gets me through the cold months of winter, something to cling to while I am eight layers deep in sweaters and coats desperately trying to stay warm!

*photos compliments of aroundapplegate.blogspot and myupperwest.com*

What keeps you warm in the winter?

Its Better Old

So I just had some fun with my photography, I learned how to make my photos look vintage on Photoshop! I love learning new techniques, thank you Veerle's Blog for imparting your wisdom. Enjoy...

Original photos can be found on my shop. The necktie could be the perfect gift for that special someone...Embellished. embrace being unique.

Not The Same

There is a Spanish clothing line that has blown up in popularity here in France and I must admit I would love a piece from this eclectic line. Since 1984, Thomas Meyer has made it his mission to "Dress people, not bodies" and he has done just that with an energetic line that exudes emotion and makes heads turn. Although not everything in the line is for me, I admire how exubrant and fun all of the clothes are. And so, I present to you: Desigual (which means: unequal).

I would love to have my guy wearing this blazer. It is subtle enough to still be somewhat preppy, but with a few patchwork touches to catch your eye. I love it.

And finally the coat I am absolutely lusting over...if only it wasn't 300 euros...

*photos compliments of Desigual*

What would you strut your stuff in?

Walking Art. Walking Legend.

I love beautiful things. And the thing I love most about fashion is that it is living art. You can actually put it on and experience a transformation. Something vital to my mood, are my shoes, when I am in a special pair of shoes, I feel on top of the world. My demeanor changes, my stride and countenance change.

Manolo Blahnik has certainly changed the fashion industry with his art, and when he entered the scene around 1972 women never stood a chance. Maybe his wide creativity comes from his broad cultural upbringing. Born to a Czech father and a Spanish mother, he was raised in Spain, studied art in Paris, and began working in fashion in London.

I will never tire of seeing the vision of an artist become reality. It is very interesting to see a mere sketch come to fruition through hopes and hardwork. Here are some of the shoes that I dream to one day have resting in my closet...

*photos compliments of: gamil.com, halogenlife.com, Of Hopes and Dreams blog, Mischief My Dear blog, and viecouture.com*

What is your favorite Manolo?

Girlhood Dreams

One of my favorite things to do when I was little (actually I still like it now) was dressing up. I loved going on in adventure in my mother's closet and putting on her hats, heels, dresses, and pearls. It made me feel like such a lady.

Funny how things do not change much over time. I still love to dress up for no reason, put on a hat, gloves, and pearls and channel my inner Audrey Hepburn. I think every woman has her special something in her wardrobe that makes her feel invincible mine are awesome heels, I guess the obsession begins at a pretty young age!

*photos compliments of polyvore.com and susuangels.com*

What is your favorite dress-up item?

Creativity

I adore how each person has their own unique form of art to express themselves, and even within one person that media may change many forms. For me, creative expression comes through clothing I make, songs that I write, photos I capture or drawings I create. Lately, I have really enjoyed the many stop motion animation videos that have spread across the internet. Although I am not personally at the skill to create my own, I always draw so much inspiration from them. I love the idea of taking something still and giving it life! Recently I stumbled upon this video by Little Brown Pen.

Little Brown Pen, based out of New Jersey, has a fabulous Etsy shop of paper goods from calenders to gift tags at VERY affordable prices! Check out her shop HERE and her inspiring blog HERE. What is your form of creative expression?