Friday, February 27, 2009
If I Were To Get A Tattoo
What would it be of?
AND
Where would I put it?
So today I dedicated to Googling tattoos.
In my opinion, smaller and more obscure tattoos are the best [at least for me].
I definitely like the ones on the back of the neck, like Rihanna's or Chris Brown's.
Or perhaps a little one tucked behind the ear, or on it in some instances.
These would be very easy to conceal if the need arose.
Maybe a zodiac sign, mine is Gemini as illustrated in the picture to the side. Or maybe an expression of my background with an Irish symbol?
Would a butterfly or flower or cluster of stars be too overrated?
I personally adore the stars, and in some instances a butterfly can be beautiful.
I found the one that says "I'm the toughest girl I know" placed under the breast to be intriguing, but I would never be as brave or brazen enough to commit to a tattoo like that, although I fully commend the woman who did!
A very sexy spot to put a Tattoo would be on the hip, like the one of the stars trailing downwards or the floral design. Or the wrist, it would be easy to hide.
One thing I know for sure is that I would definitely not get a tramp stamp/ass antlers (No Offense to those that Have). A tramp stamp being a (typically horizontally spread) tattoo across the lower back. I just find it a tad tacky and overrated, and I must admit, even though it may not always ring true, it is associated with being, um lets say sexually uninhibited and of loose morals or getting around. I must repeat, this is not always true, simply an observation and opinion from my perspective.
The next issue may be whether or not to apply colour. Colour can be really attractive if done right, but eventually it will fade and have to be re-inked. On the other hand, a plain black tattoo would also eventually need to be re-inked.
However, everything looks good in black, and one should always keep it simple and sexy.
My contemplation continues........
To Tatt or not to Tatt
To tat or not to Tat... that is the question.
Tattoo, that is.
Origin
Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha(North Africa) and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.
Ötzi the Iceman, dating from the fourth to fifth millennium BC, was found in the Ötz valley in the Alps and had approximately 57 carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines on his lower spine, behind his left knee, and on his right ankle. Other mummies bearing tattoos and dating from the end of the second millennium BC have been discovered, such as the Mummy of Amunet from Ancient Egypt. Tattooing in the Western world today has its origins in Polynesia, and in the discovery of tatau by eighteenth century explorers. The Polynesian practice became popular among European sailors, before spreading to Western societies generally.
Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, sexual lures and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, protection, and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts. The symbolism and impact of tattoos varies in different places and cultures.
Today, people choose to be tattooed for cosmetic, sentimental/memorial, religious, identification, and medical reasons.
The Facts
The National Geographic News stated that 15% of all Americans are tattooed. Details Magazine published a poll that stated 22% of 18-25 year olds have at least one tattoo. It’s also estimated 60% of the tattooed are women.
Buying a tattoo can be an extremely important decision, and definitely not one to take the least bit lightly. First of all, tattoos last a really long time. Secondly, you have to look at that tattoo every day of your life. Thirdly, tattoos can be really expensive, so you better make sure you spend your money wisely. And lastly, tattoos are a symbol of your inners self, the ultimate form of self-expression.
The Argument
Cons
- And then there's the physical affects of aging to consider. As most people get older the gain a little extra weight and the quality of their skin deteriorates.
- That's bad news for most tattoos. Twenty years later they can end up looking stretched, distorted and washed out. This is particularly true of tattoos place on your stomach. And for young women, they also have to consider what pregnancy may do to tattoos located on their stomach.
- One of the best places to avoid the problems of weight gain is the lower back. The skin on this part of the body tends to experience less strain in the event of weight gain.
- It’s still a fad, and is there anything dumber than doing something permanent to your body because it’s in style?
- Those who get tattoos are making a decision to send certain signals to those around them, and those people may react negatively and stereotype you [Stigma].
- The human body is beautiful enough without any permanent adornment.
- Getting a tattoo may impact your personal or professional life.
- Cost of a tattoo. (Money and Pain)
- Risk of infection and disease.
- Risk of tattoo not turning out how you wanted it.
Possibility of not liking it in a few years.
Pros
- As I said earlier, a tattoo can be an outward expression of ones inner self.
- Tattoos used for symbolic significance as well as a pure design element on your body give you a chance to stand out in a crowd
- Variety of colors, sizes, shapes and designs definitely add up to the positive side of tattoos. You can access innumerable designs if you do a search of magazines, journals, libraries or the internet, which is one of the biggest resources for tattoo designs.
- Tattoos can be removed (by laser treatment), however it is painful and expensive.
- If it has a meaning or a story, it can be a great topic of conversation, and it will be a reminder and a memory.
I keep flipping back and forth between wanting a tattoo (in the distant future) and not. Both of the arguments presented are very debatable, and both weigh in heavily on my decision.
I believe that as long as a tattoo has meaning to someone, a story or memo or symbolic, then it is justified. Some people get stupid tattoos that they think are hilarious now, but I am sure that in the near future they will greatly regret them.
[ see WWHM Presents Special Edition II: Bad Tattoos]
Its funny, but at the same time quite sad and pathetic.
If I were ever to permantly ink my body with art, I would be absolutely sure I would love it forever, never regret it, place it in a spot that can easily be covered, and be sure the actual tattoo has personal unique meaning to me.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Real Women have Curves
A few curves -- as sported by Banks, Kate Winslet, Beyonce and Drew Barrymore tend to be easier on the eyes than the my-skeleton-is-trying-to-escape-my-body look increasingly sported by starlets like Nicole Richie, Victoria Beckham, the Olsen twins, Keira Knightley,
Says Tyra Banks:
"I get so much mail from young girls who say, 'I look up to you, you're not as skinny as everyone else, I think you're beautiful.' So when they say that my body is 'ugly' and 'disgusting,' what does that make those girls feel like?"
I have learned from a young age that eating healthy is vital. I did go through a phase where I was not as healthy as I should have been, and I felt pressure to lose weight because my 'curves were not cool.'
I have declared Body Peace.
Follow the lead started by starlets like Beyonce and Tyra, as well as Dove's campaign for real beauty.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Les Danseurs
At the age of five my Mom enrolled me in our local dance studio. I took classes of jazz, tap, acro, and ballet. I will be the first to admit that I wasn't the most graceful, and my turnout not so great, but I had heart and determination as well as flexibility and strength.
This attitude spilled over into my daily life, as well as into my fashion sense.
For me, it was just easy to go to school in my pink tights with body suit underneath, it just made changing that much quicker.
[Cue phonebooth, young Canadian Girl takes off tshirt and jeans to reveal... Ballet Babe!]
Lol...
After I switched dance studios (a move to a larger city and better academy), my friends and I would waltz over to the mall across the way in our dance shorts, black/white/pink tights and a cute shirt or sweater thrown over top. Sometimes you might have even caught us with our leg warmers on. It could be a really classic ballet look with the pinks tights paired with flats and a hoodie but could easily change to a freer rebellious style with black tights ripped at the knee paired with black shorts and a tee.
As we all can see, eventually this style caught on, and everyone was wearing ballet flats and knock-off Capezio tights or leggings. Even leg warmers were revived. I have even seen American Apparel ads sporting a ballet bodysuit/ leotard.
This just goes to show how much of an influence this classical and reknowned dance sector has in the fashion world.
And I can't blame or hate on the people who jumped onto the ballet wagon, and even made it their own and gave it new angles and twists (some people even went as far to wear [fake] tutus!), because it is so darn cute and easy to throw together a ballet outfit.
Ballet - by canadiangirrl on Polyvore.com
California Dreamin'
California - by Annie' on Polyvore.com
Californian Hipster - by Alexus Zabel on Polyvore.com
I ♥ CALIFORNIA! - by Imani DioR[i need a group logo!] on Polyvore.com
Americas Best Dance Crew
Maybe thats a big list? But there have been three great seasons. The JabbaWockeez were the first season winners, adorable with or without their masks. They always came up with versatile and unique choreography as well as tricks, and those shirts are just so cool. I truly wish I had a JabbaWockeez shirt. My second favourite of Season 1 ABDC was definitely Kabba Modern, and in a close third was Break Skate. All three of these crews had their own unique elements, JabbaWockeez had the masks, Kabba Modern had isolated hand choreography, and Break Skate, well it was break dancing on roller skates, how much cooler could you get?
The best routines definitely came from the Micheal Jackson inspired week, JabbaWockeeze without a doubt being my favourite with 'Billy Jean'. LOVED IT <3
Season Two faves? A bit tough, but probably Supreme Soul tied up with Super Crew, even though Super Crew won, I believe they are both great crews.
Ickk
Pajamas. just kick back, relax, and watch the price is right in your oversized comfy clothes.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Charles Darwin
>>>>
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Valentines Day <3
Just follow the rule of KISS. Not real kissing, but the fashion and cosmetic rule that can be applied to everyday professional and casual life.
Don't take anything or anyone for granted.
Make those pillsbury cookies with the heart in the centre and bring them to the office and leave it in the lunchroom, or take them to your neighbour.
You can give your closest friends a rose each, or break tradition and hand deliver daisies or lilies!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sex and the City Movie
Sex and the City
The Brownie Batter Blizzard
Is it really worth it? I say, yes. But only every once in a while. This way I will never get tired of it right?
.........
Monday, February 9, 2009
Canadian Playmates
Respect, that’s what the tattoo says on her pubic-hill. It’s written in black, old-english letters, her words about the tattoo:
I put it there so I could hide it and continue to do modeling. I got it when I left a bad relationship to remind myself that I deserved more and not to let ANYONE push you around and treat you poorly! This is very important, not just for girls, but for everyone!!!
Perhaps a tad inappropriate, but nonetheless interesting and it has a good story behind it.
So I read on about Canadian playmates and found myself some interesting little tidbits!
It wasn’t long ago that Canadians were viewed as little more than hewers of wood and drawers of water. Fortunately, that perception began changing in the late 20th century when some of our most voluptuous native daughters began appearing in the pages of Playboy magazine. Now, several decades later, our home and native land is celebrated around the world for producing some of the most mouthwatering glamour models to ever strike a pose. (askmen.com)
Here are just a few of our gorgeous Playmates:
Sunday, February 8, 2009
I'm Dreaming of Somewhere-Nice-N-Warm.....
So I have designed my most adorable winter wear, gone sledding, thought of snowboarding but cancelled due to lack of funds, shovelled, made a fabulous snow chica, and shovelled some more.
But all I can think of now is how much I wish it were summer.
When I can lay on the beach scantily clad in my cute little bikini and oversized sunglasses.
Like what I did this past summer in Cuba. I went with my boyfriend and it was amazing.
Especially because I had never even been on an airplane!! Very Exciting. I tanned
( or what I could call tanning, My pale skin makes it impossible to gain a lovely bronzed appearance)
I went into the ocean ( and swallowed some salt water AND got salt water in my eyes. Bad Idea)
I pigged out on the buffet ( and learned that I should not drink the juice, just bottled water)
Met these lovely and nice British girls, as well as another British family, who were there with their family.
took a ton of pictures,
and RELAAAAXED...
*sigh*.. those summer nights (cue John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in Grease)
flashback done.
And I look out the window and wish that the sun today would melt away all of the snow
and the beach would call my name to the golden sand and warm waters.
Fashionably Winter
Blizzards one day, sunshine the next, and then rain and slush that freezes into overnight death traps!
Here are some things I googled for inspiration:
[above photo: Michael Kors fall/winter line 2008)