For the longest time, I’ve been contemplating getting some ink. We’re talking years. I’ve never quite had the guts to go through with it, but the older I get, the more I want to get it done. It’s like one of those “bucket list” items, except I really don’t believe in making a bucket list. It’s more of a, “What have I been too chickens#&t to do so far in my life?” list. Getting a tattoo is at the top of that list.
For the past year or so, I’ve been thoroughly obsessed with Kat von D. I’ve watched endless episodes of Miami Ink and L.A. Ink, and I really admire the girl. Maybe she’s one of those people who happened to be in the right place at the right time, and without reality TV, she’d be just another anonymous tattoo artist. But, in today’s media-driven world, the girl is a star. I love the fact that she’s not afraid to put herself out there, and revel in her goth/rocker chick lifestyle. Yes, there were drugs involved at one time, but from what I’ve read, she’s past all that. Plus, she dated Nikki Sixx from Motley Crüe. I loved Nikki Sixx back in the day, and am not ashamed to say, I was swooning in my seat about 50 feet from him when the Crüe opened for Ozzy Osbourne at Madison Square Garden, back in 1980-something. It was one of the wildest concerts I have ever been to. Yeah, deep down I have a thing for bad-ass men. Don’t tell anyone.
People have told me that once you get inked, one is never enough. I don’t think I could ever get as many as Ms. von D, but I have 3 particular images in mind. The closest I’ve come to getting one was last April, when I ventured down to the most famous tattoo joint in Toronto: New Tribe on Queen Street. It was Good Friday, and I thought for sure that the deadest day would be Good Friday. Alas, there were no openings, so me, and my deflated courage (think the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz) had to be consoled by a sushi lunch. I haven’t been able to get back there since. This year, my goal is my birthday, and by God, I am going to get me some ink!
In the meantime, I’ve been following Kat von D on her Facebook page, and checking out her makeup line and scents at Sephora. The makeup is a tad much for my taste; I’m far removed from the “rocker chick” stage of life, but that doesn’t mean I can’t smell like one. I wasn’t all that keen on the first two scents, Saint and Sinner, but when her latest, Adora, was introduced, I was transfixed by the soulfulness of it. I’ll give you the lowdown on the first two, saving the best for last.
Saint: The notes are Mirabelle plum, mandarin, gardenia, jasmine, caramel, vanilla, musk and sandalwood. I know I probably lost many of you at caramel and vanilla, but the combination works. I love heady florals only when they’re combined with other elements, so the inclusion of sweet caramel and vanilla makes this work. Much as I do like Saint, I can’t bring myself to wear it, because it smells like countless other scents I’ve smelled before. It reminds me of Child Perfume and Moneyette Paris, and Kai, and all those other suffocating white floral concoctions that are supposed to be “tropical”. This is one I’ll sniff from the bottle, but never, ever wear on my skin.
Sinner: Orange blossom, mandarin, plum, jasmine, cinnamon, vetiver, patchouli, woods, vanilla and musk. I should like Sinner, but my anti-patchouli reflex kicks in and won’t let me. I think I finally need to get that replacement bottle of The Different Company’s Jasmin de Nuit to cure me of this one. Unless I can find some way to extract the patchouli, which is highly unlikely. It’s a shame, since Sinner could have been a “practically free” alternative. Although, I have to give credit here, since Sephora is now so ubiquitous, they’re practically mass-market: This is a very sophisticated scent from a very unlikely source.
Adora: The third time is definitely the charm: Lychee, boysenberry, thyme, cassis, hyacinth, jasmine, mango flesh, patchouli, sheer musk, amber wood. As “in your face” as the patchouli is in Sinner, it is non-existent in Adora. This is not one of those “fruitchouli” mash-ups we love to poke fun at. There really is something soulful about this one; maybe it’s the thyme in the top notes that gives it a distinct “green-ness”, and prevents it from smelling like a can of fruit cocktail. The drydown is ambery and musky, with just a hint of leftover mango. It’s got a head-shoppy quality to it, like an old, discontinued favourite of mine, Yosh Han’s La Contessa. There’s also something vintage and classic about it, almost like Mitsouko minus the chypre element. If I was still in Virginia, March would be lining me up to throw a coffee at my head right about now.
Kat von D’s products are manufactured by and sold exclusively at Sephora. The makeup is highly pigmented and not what anyone would call subtle. The colours are gorgeous, but just not my thing. The scents are worth checking out, and as I mentioned, the price point ($55.00 for 50 ml) falls into our infamous “practically free” range. For some reason, the scents are retailing for $72.00 here in Canada. Why there needs to be an almost $20.00 mark-up is beyond me.
Your Turn: Who has ink? Who wants to get ink? How do you feel about heavily-tattooed individuals? Inquiring minds want to know.
Disclosure: All Kat von D. scents were sampled (repeatedly) at Sephora.
From “Marked difference: Tattooing and its association with deviance in the United States” in the journal Deviant Behavior:
“Findings indicate that while tattooing has developed a broad demographic appeal, there remain some strong associations with deviance, particularly criminality. Specifically, highly visible placement of tattoos appears to be most strongly associated with deviant behaviors.”
Wonder about butterflies vs. skulls…
I live in the tattoo capital, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I got my first tattoo 20 years ago, it’s a half sleeve, I now have several tattoos, my advice, shop around for an artist that really trips your trigger, and be ready to pay big money, and wait up to a year to get tattooed, all of my ink is amazing, I don’t regret any of it, but, I do see people with crappy ink all the time on the subway. as far as when I’m 70, who cares, that will be the least of my worries at that age. my motto “it’s better to regret something that you have done, than something you haven’t done” as far as the pain, minimal with the right prescription.
I have one tattoo, so it is possible to get just one! I have a friend that has lots of ink and was visiting her on vacation and she asked if I wanted to get a tattoo – I had been thinking about it for a long time and knew what I wanted so I did! Living in Southern California, seems like more people have tattoos than don’t – just about every young girl has a “tramp stamp” (what we call the lower back tattoos, and yes, that is where mine is!). Mine is a dragonfly and I’ve thought of adding some stuff around it for years – waterlilies or something, but haven’t gotten around to it. The pain of course depends on how big and where – I think of myself as a wuss, and I managed just fine. Personally, I don’t like the over-tattooed look, especially if they are just all mixed up or on the neck/face area.
I have no ink, but I am now in my mid 40s and have also had a bumpy ride of late and want to get an inky reminder. I figure I’m not doing it for fashion, I’m doing it for myself. I want a little teal snowflake on my left big toe. Yup, odd, but to me it has meaning. All I have to do now is brace myself for the pain…
Wordbird, that’s such a small tatt, it won’t take long to get. Therefore not too much pain! Go get it.
Find ten women over seventy who got tattoos and haven’t regretted it, and then go ahead.
Nava, they are addictive. I’m in the throes of their addiction right now. I waited years to get my first tatt because of concern over other’s opinions (especially husband’s, who is quite conservative). I finally went ahead at age 34 after a traumatic life event. I got Peter Rabbit on my left inside ankle. I had known for years that I wanted Peter. Then I wanted more but again held off because I didn’t want to turn into a tattooed freak. Eventually I got a floral band on my upper arm. Now this fall I got one on impulse in while on vacation in New Orleans, a fleur-de-lis on my calf. This last weekend I drove to Chicago to get some work done by one of the best artists in the nation (Dawn Grace) and got the Detroit Red Wings logo below the floral band. Now that’s a mish mash of ink, which I don’t particlarly like aesthetically, but there you go, there they are! I’m plotting for Dawn to redo the floral band (it’s pretty sad) and extend it a 1/4 sleeve surrounding the Red Wing. That’s definite. And then maybe a traditional Sailor Jerry sparrow or colorful ornate cross on the other shoulder to balance it. Okay, and I like perfume too…….Sorry about blathering on, but I’m totally obsessed with ink at the moment. So yeah, it’s addictive alright.
Missy, since I’m a huge hockey fan, your Red Wings logo impresses me most. 🙂
I knew a judge back in the 80’s who claimed she had a lady justice tattoo on her butt– I never saw it. She was a great judge–one of the best– but I don’t have lady justice tattooed anywhere. I don’t even have pierced ears! I cry when I donate blood! I hate needles! But, I do get a hankering for a pretty tat every now and then. I used to get cute little tattoo decals for my children, and found some that were more grown up– celtic symbols, or henna designs, and use those every now and then. Cost Plus also has some interesting stick on jewels– like Indian woman would wear. Those are fun to play with. All that said–on the practical side of things, I know a few people here in the Bay Area who have told me that to their surprise, they are finding it difficult to find good jobs, because of tats and piercings. This is a very tolerant, open-minded area for the most part–but it is still a problem. Of course, in an artistic, rock and roll setting, that might not be a consideration– a good tat could be a benefit. :)>-
Thanks for this interesting post, Nava, which prompted me to look up KvD’s website, which is fairly amazing. There are tees for the commitment phobic :-) The bottles of these scents look nice – will try to sniff Adora the next time I brave the mall.
I’m with Karin – book an appointment at New Tribe and just do it!
Nava, if you want to do it by all means do it!
I like looking at them on other people but I’m so commitment-phobic that I could never get one myself. I collect vintage Matisse/Renoir copper jewelry. I like having decorative elements that I can change out–or not wear at all.
I love tats, but have none. Same problem – can’t think of anything meaningful to put on permanently. Did make my husband go to a tatoo show once. He doesn’t like them, but I just think some are beautiful. Also, used to watch Kat when on Miami Ink and I do have some of her eyeliner, but alas too old to really wear it. Did get my bellybutton pierced when I was 50 though. Always surprises people if they happen to see it. Shoulder is one of the best places as it stays “young” – or upper back. My very conservative cousin has a bluebird on her upper back. I’ll stick with fragrance now that I have become fanatic.
My spots of choice are my shoulder blades and the insides of my wrists. I don’t think I’ll ever be a tattoo fanatic, and piercing (besides my ears) has never been my thing. To each her own, right? 🙂
I have a mermaid on my left shoulder. I’ve had her for 17 years and she’s held up like a champ! It didn’t hurt much at all.
Dame Helen Mirren has had a tattoo for ages. Just a very small one. If I remember correctly she got it while visiting some Native American Reservation.
I would never get one myself but occasionally like them on others. Especially the smaller ones.
Hey, if it’s good enough for Helen Mirren…I absolutely adore her.
I think her tattoo is on her hand, in the web between her thumb and forefinger. Can’t remember which hand though.
It’s on her hand in exactly the place you describe, on her left hand to be precise.
When she’s interviewed it’s noticeable, but when acting I am assuming it gets covered up.
I wonder if the movie studios can deduct the cost of covering up all those tattoos from the money they pay their actors? Imagine they work they have to do on Angelina Jolie!
No ink for me. I absolutely respect the creation of art on a living body, but there are way too many cons for my tastes:
1. Cost
2. Pain
3. Not something I consider in particular good taste–I just can’t imagine Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelley sidling up to the local tattoo parlor
4. The work itself. I’m not sure I could trust a random tattoo artist to do an impeccable job, and I’m too OCD to tolerate something “off” about the art. There’s also the problem that the tattoo would alter as my skin changes over the years.
5. I’ve never encountered a word, phrase, image, or concept so powerful and necessary that I need it permanently engraved onto my skin
Just my take.
As for the scents, I’ve heard good things about Sinner before, but none of the notes interest me unfortunately. I have heard that Kat’s tattoo coverup makes a great concealer though.
Maybe if Grace Kelley and Audrey Hepburn were still around, they would have tattoos. That’s the thing that I discovered about them that fascinates me so: the people you would never think would get them, are the ones who have them. 🙂
Nava, why the procrastination? Why wait til your birthday (unless it’s next week)? If you’ve been wanting one for so long, my advice, just do it!!! Otherwise, take it off the list. Seriously. If it’s been on your list for “years”, JUST DO IT! And report back. ;-) If you’re afraid, get a small one to start…then move on to bigger and better.
As for me, no desire for a tattoo, though (like Mals) my sister has tons. She loves them. She’s in the corporate world, though, and hides them at work. No desire to mix her personal with professional life.
Let’s see…do I have a bucket list? Don’t think I do. I was in the dentist office a few years ago, telling the assistant I’d just been to Hawaii. Her eyes glassed over and said it’s been a dream of hers for years. She talked and talked about it. Uh…well? Why hadn’t she done it yet? Beats me. I’m wondering if some of us would rather dream than do it. What if the reality isn’t as good as we dreamed? Guess I don’t understand talk, talk, talk and no action…for YEARS.
I know this is a perfume blog, but perhaps we can challenge each other to DO something that we’ve been wanting to do, but haven’t. Scratch that tattoo off your list, Nava, and get on to #2!!! ;-)
My birthday is in May, Karin. Since it’s cold as hell here right now, and I’m currently wearing layers to bed, a tattoo seems like more of a warm weather endeavor. After all, I’m gonna have to let it breathe and heal, and it won’t be able to under 3 layers of clothing.
That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it! :d
considered a tattoo years ago, and then i sported a very pretty little rose transfer on my ankle and felt so incredibly self-conscious (and i am no wallflower!) that i couldn’t wait to scrub it off. so, my advice? try wearing a few temporary tatts to see how you feel about it when others see them on you. also, like march, there is nothing i need permanently marked on my body, so i don’t miss tattoos.
thanks for the heads up on adora. didn’t hate sinner, but didn’t find it special enough to buy.
I had a temporary Tim Hortons tattoo on the inside of my right forearm for about a day. I think I’m more than ready to got the permanent route. :d
i’m laughing at the tim horton tattoo. when i did field shoots up in canada i discovered tim hortons and had to bring coffee back to texas. good stuff, but not sure it’s tattoo worthy. but thanks for the smile.
21st birthday commemoration-small butterfly at my bikini line. I was sober-it hurt minimally. Faded now-have comtemplated a revival for some years-and have not. If I am to be motivated, it would be because of all the great ink colors and artists now.Better than lasering off old remnants, I think…I can understand how easy it is to move to full body,,,if you can handle it….
I don’t think I could ever do a full body…it’s just not who I am.
“Wino[na] Forever” still cracks me up. Woops.
I like to look at tattoos. Some people carry them off beautifully, but they look out of place on others. It seems to have something to do with confidence and attitude.
Which makes me think of Eva Longoria and Tony Parker….will they be visiting a laser clinic soon?
I would say…uh, yup.
I’m gonna get *perfumista* tatted on my forehead! With some colorful teensy weensy bottles of my
favorite scents:)
Cool!
Nope, no ink. But then I’ve never even pierced my ears, so …. I’m not sure what that says about me. Except that I don’t want to experience any more pain than I absolutely have to. And I could never think of what I’d want permanently put on my body. Johnny Depp’s “Wino Forever” tattoo stands as an monument to what probably seemed like a good idea at the time. But if you know what you want Nava, go for it!
I’m really surprised at how many ladies here don’t have pierced ears! I was about 8 when I had mine done, and was in my 30s when I went back for seconds in each ear. I stopped there, and have no desire to pierce anything else.
I’m more of an “image” tattoo admirer, rather than words. I think the second you tattoo someone’s name, a saying, verse, etc. it’s instant regret. Especially names. Angelina Jolie’s “Billy Bob” on her upper arm comes to mind…
COUNT ME IN on the number of people amazed by the non-ear-piercing!
No tattoos and not really into them, but hey, I have hot pink hair, so I can’t exactly pass judgment on the odd ways in which others choose to express themselves!
For whatever it’s worth, I recently read somewhere that it’s wise to place tattoos on areas of skin that won’t sag too much as one ages.
It ALL sags, though! Or at any rate, gets that look of a deflating balloon.
I’d like to stick to the shoulder blades and wrists. We’ll see.
One of my daughters got the top of her foot tattooed. I think it looks nice. My other daughter had hot pink hair last month. Now it is rainbow colored. She changes it quite often. I was amazed how many people come up and compliment her on it, particularly elderly people. So many say “honey if I could do it all over, I would do just like you and dye my hair a fun color like that”. So my point is, anyway, so what makes you happy!
Sorry for the spelling error! I meant “do what makes you happy”. :-)
I’m fascinated by other people’s tattoos, and like to examine them, but I don’t think I’ll ever end up getting inked. My problem is that I get bored very easily, and after liking the tat for a short while I’m sure I’ll tire of it and wish it were gone. That being said, I really liked the set of black wings that Mila Kunis had on her back in “Black Swan”. They are really beautifully done, and if I ever got tattooed that might be my choice.
I want to see “Black Swan” but the commercials are creeping me out.
I’m fickle as hell when it comes to my fragrances, but I really think I could live the rest of my life with the images I have chosen.
Australia really has black swans! I remember reading in a history book once when an Englishman just wanted to leave this god-forsaken colony and go home, he said “even the swans are black”!
How hard would it be for you to smuggle me a koala? I know – they’re cute as hell, but nasty little buggers, right?
This post brings to mind the day my high schooler daughter brought me in her bedroom, guilty looking and a bit scared. She had something to tell me and said she knew I’d be disappointed. Running the gamut through my thoughts of what was coming a tat had never crossed my mind. She leaned back on her bed, began to roll down her jeans and there, etched in the cradle of her pelvis a perfect little black paw. Grrrr. In honor of her nickname, The Bear. Considering the other possibilities of what she might have done, this seemed minor. Her relief was palpable.
I’ve never deeply contemplated a tattoo since it’s too permanent and I’ve got so many life stories I wouldn’t be able to choose the most significant nor the body part I want to pay homage to with it.
As for Kat I offer no opinion about her or her scents. I do admire people who follow their creative muse in any artistic endeavor, in any direction. It’s art. Period.
I am not a tat fan but I think that sounds kind of sweet, her paw!
And totally agree about people following their creative muse, wherever it takes them.
Me too! That’s a great story, maiden.
Surely you’ve heard the saying that the pain is what you pay for…the ink is just a souvenir?
I have a couple of tattoos and don’t regret either one but they are in areas that I can easily cover if I want to.
Not a fan of Kat von D though her scents are nice enough for their target market.
So, at heart I’m just a masochist? 😮
If I can take a tattoo with me wherever I go, and no one can ever take it away from me, that’s souvenir enough for me.
“Pain is what you pay for…the ink is just a souvenir?”
I’m into tattoos but have never heard the saying – Love it!
Tattoos have become so widely accepted that virtually all stigma has been erased, at least with the under forty crowd. If you can tolerate a bit of mild pain then get a tattoo, it’s cool. Just do a little planning and find a tattooist that specializes in your selected art style.
No ink for me; I can’t really think of what sort of symbol I’d want to have forever ON me. I tend to have really conservative tastes. Also, grew up with parents who refused to take me to get my ears pierced, on the grounds that God-fearing people should not disfigure their bodies. (Yeah, I know, I know… Mom wore clip-on earrings.) Shortly after my 18th birthday, I marched myself right down to the jewelry store and had my ears pierced.
Both of my siblings, though, have tattoos – my sister has this intricate, 8-inch-square Celtic design from the Book of Kells on her back between her shoulder blades, which she *loves* and which is largely not an issue in terms of clothing, but which she hid from our parents for about 8 years, until she had a baby and Mom went to stay with her afterward. (Mom called me, all shocked: “Did you KNOW?”) And my brother has multiple tattoos, big ones, big colored ones. I like them, I just don’t say so to the ‘rents. Who, to be fair, now seem to have taken them in stride, at least publicly.
All of which is to say, I don’t think tattoos are me, but if they’re you, go get the ink and enjoy it.
I have no opinion on Kat Von D or her fragrances – I’ve never smelled them. But then, I don’t have access to Sephora. Saint actually sounds up my alley, except for that caramel… I do love Vamp a NY, so clearly I have good tolerance for “white-floral dessert” thingies.
I don’t think I’d consider getting ink if my parents were still around; it would go over like a lead balloon.
I like your sister’s choice of a Celtic image from the Book of Kells. I’ve seen the book in person and it is quite impressive.
I have a quite nice rose just above my left ankle. it’s large enough that I usually wear pants to work (most folks here are a bit more conservative about body art than I seem to be). I don’t find heavy or obvious tattoos attractive at all and have no desire to get another – but I do love the one I have! Go for it Nava!
I have a friend with a musical clef tattooed on her ankle. I love that look!
No tats here – and no plans to get any. Not a judgment call – it just never crossed my mind. I’m also at the age where a lot of my riding/tattooed contemps (50s+) are starting to wrinkle – hard. Wrinkled tats do not do it for me at all!
Happy weekend – here’s hoping I see something in the glorious realm of blue (it’s been greyish-white here, from sky to ground, for a week b-(
xoxoxo >-)
Can’t anyone come up with a cure for wrinkles??? :((
My mother-in-law got herself a tattoo for her 75th birthday!!! Her first.
That is EXTREMELY cool.
xo >-)
Agreed!
Nope. Ostensibly, like March, there’s never been anything I was willing to wear FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. Truth is, though, I have commitment issues. I’ve never even pierced my ears (find me another 45-year old with un-pierced ears, go ahead, try) and it took me years to bring myself to put permanent color on my hair. There’s also the little matter of being in my mid-40s and seeing the changes going on in my skin and extrapolating them over the next 40 more years and, well…
Exactly!
YES. My ears were pierced when I was a child. I hated it and didn’t wear earrings for years. The holes don’t just go away, they’re there and they’re obvious. I usually wear beautiful earrings, but I would prefer unpierced lobes. For me, tattoos would be more of the same.
I didn’t get my ears pierced until age 30… When I was a kid I was told I had to wait until age 13 (when my sister had had hers pierced), but after waiting anxiously for years, suddenly NOT having my ears pierced became a satisfying form of rebellion! I love earrings, though, and the pain (and lack of variety) of clip-ons finally got to me.
My mother was in her 50s when she finally got her ears pierced.
I bought my dear, departed Godmother holes for her 60th birthday.
47 years old, no pierced ears, either! Never had the slightest urge, not even when all my friends had theirs pierced. Perhaps BECAUSE all my friends had theirs pierced? I have always been fairly anti-bandwagon, just out of orneriness, I guess. I don’t even wear makeup!
Feel the same way about tats, but I do see why people are intrigued by them. All my friends have them, mostly smaller ones that are seen only in summer attire. They already look kind of saggy, as do their earlobes.
So I am the freak now, with my totally blank canvas, dull as dishwater, but damn, I smell good!
How about a 30-year old with unpierced ears? Not that I don’t love earrings, but my metal allergy makes it impossible to wear anything. Heack, I can’t even leave my rings on all the time–the metal is that irritating. For the same reason I can’t have any tatoos. I’m OK with it though; nature has seen fit to give me an astonishing array of freckles, birthmarks, and scars to make up for it!
I do have to get those “sensitive ears” things, but it’s much more comfortable than clip-on earrings.
And hurray for freckles. My sister-the-redhead has been absurdly pleased by my daughter-the-strawberry-blonde’s having developed lots of freckles…
Having married a redhead, I must admit, I do love the freckles!
I don’t have ink, but I would love to get a tat. My inspiration is mendhi (I think that isn’t spelled correctly). I got some done last summer and it was like a light bulb going off. What I want is in bronze-greenish ink winding up and around my right fore-arm (ie, from wrist to right before elbow). I’m not worried about the pain. What stops me is healing up (which takes me a while).
Ah, well, I can dream.
I think Mehndi designs are gorgeous. 🙂
I had a Mehndi design done on my hand. I loved it for about 2 days and then got bored and spent 2 weeks trying to get rid of it. I learned my lesson – no permanent ink on me! This is also why I have so much jewelry and so much perfume.
Tats are not my cuppa. Having had a large and strange birthmark on my back removed as a child )it took multiple surgeries) I’m more of a mark-free skin kinda person. But I appreciate them on others. I had a client with full sleeves. Once he remarked about someone with a few tattoos: “He has a few tattoos, I AM tattooed.” hahahhahahahaahahah
Geez, I didn’t realize it was a competition; like a “mine is bigger than yours” type of thing. I guess for men, it makes sense…
I love patchouli so I might actually sample Sinner. But: tattoos…blechh; old tattoos on old skin, double blechh.:-& Sorry.
The “old skin” thing is something I think about as well…
There’s a funny advertisement in the press in Australia at the moment which has a very elderly lady, white hair, making a cake, sweet innocent granma expression etc, with a beautifully ‘shopped (or I assume its ‘shopped!)large tatt bracelet on her (very elderly) upper arm…its quite an arresting image…sorry I can’t think of the context!
I’m too old, I grew up in a family that would have been literally shocked to oblivion if any of us had tatts. And my daughter hasn’t shown interest (19) although some of my friends older kids, say 20’s/30’s are inked. But from observing this, I would say the quality is SO important. One boy got a really old-fashioned wharfie sort of thing on his calf which looked really crook as we say down here! And there has been a fashion for years to get home-made ones in gaol/jail and the really rebellious kids would do each other with needles and biro ink!
Conversely one of our leading society ladies, Sarah Murdock, was famous for the two tiny dolphins she had on her upper arm in her modelling days.
They come from all walks of life, eh? I love it!
No tattoos for me, and no plans to ever get any. I don’t like the permanence of them, and they often disrupt the look of an outfit. Not my thing.
I haven’t tried any of the Kat Von D. scents. I’m turned off by her enough that I can’t stomach trying them.
I could use a little “permanence” right about now. 🙂
I guess I’m quite old school. I generally don’t find them attractive, though I think something very small and unique can be interesting. I’m with March on making sure it’s something meaningful that you’d want to live with forever. I also worry about how they’d age on me, y’know, as my skin ages.
My college son told me about a friend of his who got a huge tattoo on his back but didn’t have the money for what he really wanted and the tattoo was “cut-rate.” He said his friend is really sorry now, so if you’re going to do it, spend the money to get exactly what you want and really well done!
That’s exactly why I went to the best place in the city. I would never get a tattoo unless I knew it was done exactly how I want it!
Oh and PS – I’ve only smelled Saint and Sinner, but they’re big around here with the high school girls (Sinner in particular). They’re not my thing, which is just fine. I’ve certainly smelled worse.
As I said, Sinner would be perfect without the patch. And, I haven’t smelled any high school girls lately, so I’ll take your word for it.
Go for it girl!
I have flirted with the idea of an ourobourous, a Celtic tail-eating serpent that symbolises every end is a beginning and every beginning an end, on my lower back for years. What initially stopped me was chronic back problems with lots of MRI’s and x-rays and the metals in the inks can foul the images- then surgery left a scar on the exact spot! Aargh… Now with 2 little girls and mummydom I can’t quite get my head around it- maybe for my 40th!!
I bought myself purses and perfume when I turned 30, and when I turned 40. Now, I’m in need of something a bit more meaningful. Material possessions are just that; my body is something that I take with me wherever I go. And maybe that’s a reason not to tattoo it; I’m still not 100% sure.
We batted this around months ago – and I still haven’t done it. The original reason: I’ve never been able to come up with something that meaningful for a permanent mark (as opposed to just doing it). New reason: in my tattoo post, folks debated the fresh, avant-garde look of NO tattoos! You know: be different, don’t get any ink. I’m surprised how many women my age and younger have tattoos, which I noticed when I started going to yoga. More so than men, interestingly, unless the men are putting the tats somewhere I can’t see them 🙂
I remember your post, March, and this is sort of a follow-up to it. I don’t believe I shared how close I came to actually getting one, and now, it’s more of an inevitability. For me, it’s not a question of trend, or being different. It would be something I do for me, and only me.
March, my tattoo doesn’t mean anything at all to me—aside from being aesthetically pleasing! It’s beauty brings me joy, but there isn’t any deeper personal significance. Also, since you can only see it when… well… only my husband sees it, so I feel like I get to play for both teams :)
I think we can agree that my own inherent indecisiveness feeds into this. I spent weeks looking at images, and couldn’t imagine one of them permanently on my skin (and you’re right, if it’s strategically located, who cares?) At some point I reached the conclusion that unless/until a symbol/flower/whatever presented itself to me, I was going to be ink-free.
My musician son and his indie punk bandmates all in their 20s report to me that their collective absence of tatoos and piercings (all by coincidence rather than any big decision) is giving them a level of cool they couldn’t have anticipated. Tats are no longer “out there” loads of very un cool people have them, if it will make you feel more beautiful then by all means go ahead but if you really want to be different from the herd spend the money on some really expensive vintage perfume
Yep. A friend and I were in a restaurant talking about her making a date with one of her grandkids to get tattoos together when we looked up saw Tipper Gore’s could be twin wearing a sun dress and tattoo’ed “sleeves.” I knew the edge was all over w-a-a-ay before that but this put (yet another) nail in that coffin.
I don’t think I could ever do sleeves. Shoulder blades and maybe the inside of one wrist is where I’m thinking. After that, I believe I would stop.
Maureen – I’m not that into vintage, but all the bottles I currently want cost about as much as a tattoo would!
Haven’t got inked yet, would like to and contemplate it quite a bit. Go for it. I think there’s validity in both styles, the small and the large. I have “tattoo education” moments with my kids every so often. “Did you see that person? Did you notice their tattoo? what did you think of the design/placement/style?” I figure they’ll end up with ink in their future, and I’d like them to try hard to think about it first.
Great advice, Sybil. I’ve seen many inked people and wondered, what were they thinking? But, it’s a personal thing, and ultimately none of my business!
Four. And it hurts, but not like poisoned rats… much. I’d most certainly get more, if I didn’t have this little perfume habit eating away at my wallet, like Annelie said. :)
I love tattoos. These perfumes, not so much.
Where in VA??? I’m in Richmond.
*jen
I lived in the Fair Lakes section of Fairfax for about 8 months, Jen. In hindsight, I’m a bit miffed at myself for leaving…
I’m of the mindset that you can have it all…perfume and tats! :d
“… much” LOL.
No tats here, yet. I keep toying with the idea, but chickening out.
Plus, I’m always wanting to change stuff-perfume, makeup, hair, fashion, so I’m afraid I’ll get bored with a particular symbol.
But, maybe it’s time for another piercing???
Happy Weekend to all!
I’m sticking with my ears Louise. Although I’ve been jonesing a third piercing in each ear for a while as well…
The symbols I have picked out are ones I don’t think I’ll get bored with. I just have to screw on my courage and actually get it done!
i have two tattoo´s and they´re both old (I can´t really figure how I can have a tattoo almost as old as I am!) and small. A little star on one arm and a butterfly on the other. If I didn´t waisted all my spare money on perfume I would love to have tattoo´s all down my arms. I prefer tatoos where I can see them! And I also prefer smaller one´s, details and different styles. Oh, and it isn´t hurting much at all…
Maybe I would look like Kat von D. if I had all the $$ I spent on ‘fumes! :d
I think if you actually did wake up one morning to find yourself looking like Kat von D, you would either be desperate for immediate and extensive plastic surgery or a one time visit from Dr. Kevorkian.
Maybe not a visit from Dr. Kevorkian, but I think I’d be a prime candidate to become a carnie.
While I appear to be tattoo free, I have a VERY large tattoo on my right side that stretches from my hip-bone to my arm pit, and my husbands name is scrawled under that. I really like the idea of tattoos (feels like poisoned rats gnawing on your flesh—agh!!!) when the body as a whole is approached as a canvas, but a mish-mash of tattoo’s all over the place, not so much—although I too have a warm spot for Ms. Von D, and I think she’s gorgeous!
Yup, they’re addictive. Even with the gnawing rat sensation, I would like a large piece on my left side to complement the current art!
Gnawing rats, huh? I could have dealt with snapping rubber bands, or needle pricks, but now I’m freaking out. If you would have said cat bites, I’d have been on my way!
…well, it’s not as bad for some people, but I was in basically in shock during my two 3.5 hour sessions! But the art on my body is beautiful, and I love it more than I can say, so it’s totally worthwhile. I say, be prepared for the worst, and then if it’s not as bad… well good! I think you should go for it!! :)
I think I have a pretty high threshold for pain, but you never know until you try, right?
I have some. Yes, your prep Pansy with his topsiders and polo shirts flirted with a change of habit back in the 90’s. I got a tattoo of the Ennis House patterned concrete block on my right arm in Milwaukee when I was visiting. It was about 1 1/2 inch square. and true to the idea that the first isn’t enough I later went to a place in West Hollywood that added 8 more around it. While I’m not going to spend the money to have it removed, I would have preferred that I hadn’t done it, mainly because of the difference in the two works and having to explain what it is to the two people who actually see my upper arm and ask.
I mean, I spent a few years in the 80’s in winter wearing engineer boots, my dads old Harris Tweed overcoat and my moms old cat-eye sunglasses with my hair bleached white. Some looks don’t carry forward…
Tom, the outside doesn’t matter; it’s what’s inside that counts! 😡
My opinion about tats changed about 20 years ago, when I spotted one on the most unlikely person. She was a very conservative suburban woman, but she had many moles removed from her back, and decided to tattoo a tiny palm tree on one of her shoulder blades to detract attention from all the scarring. That totally transformed my thought process and made me think differently about the reason people get tats.
No tattoos for me! It’s just not a ‘thing’ for me. Even if I was just a little inclined, I don’t think I could handle the needle/pain.
Alice, I’m with you — a little pain and I faint dead away. But Nava, sweetie, if you’ve been jonesing for some ink, I say, “You go, girl!” and more power to you. You’ve had a bumpy year, so you deserve it!
Thanks Ann. It’s not so much a reward for a bumpy year, it’s that I’m over all the various and sundry forms of self-expression and ready to move on to something new! 🙂