Inked up Skin fashion

Cheryl Cole created a storm this week with the unveiling of a tattoo on her back which she had for over 4 months. Amazingly in spite of the popularity of tattoos the media still write these type of stories with shock and horror at how a delicate little lady could ink up her skin. The beauty of tattoos is they offer permanent accessories. There are many different types of tattoos and most are etched onto a part of your body that can be covered for work but there are many ways you can show off your ink here are a couple of ideas.

The Back of the Neck Tattoo

A very popular location for a tattoo due to its ease of hiding with longer hair. This kind of tattoo is great to showcase with a vest top of open backed dress with your hair style up. A strapless dress with long drop earrings can be a good way of showcasing your neck tattoo.

The Lower Back Tattoo

By far the most common female tattoo is the lower back tattoo, although due to references to 'Tramp Stamps' they have become less popular in recent times. This area is mostly covered however there are some clever ways to showcase this tattoo with a well chosen Open back dress or a more floaty short T-Shirt.

The Hip Tattoo

The hip tattoo looks great when shown off with some nice low slung jeans or Shorts. With a nice cropped Jumper you can still be comfortable and cozy but expose the slightest hint of midriff.

The Ankle Tattoo

An ankle tattoo is painful to get due to the density of bone but is easy to display with some nice heels or open toppped pumps. Three quarter length trousers or Skirts are good for wearing with this outfit.

The Wrist/Forearm Tattoo

Any type of arm tattoo can be shown off with a vest or a T-shirt but with the cold weather it may be better to have a longer jumper with wider wrist bands to allow for it to ride up slightly. If you accompany with a nice chunky bracelet it will draw focus.

The Shoulder Tattoo

Again with an open backed vest top or slim straps you can showcase the shoulder tattoo easily. 

The Breast Tattoo

A low cut top or open blouse can be worn to show off this type of tattoo, although if you are going low in your top you should always go long in the bottoms. A long skirt, trousers or leggings would be great with this low cut outfit. A necklace will draw the eye line down but you don't want anything too long to distract from the ink.

The Ribcage Tattoo

The most difficult to showcase with any modesty, but with a nice crop top and high waisted jeans you can still look more elegant than the daisy dukes and bikini top style. Alternatively if you are on the beach a string bikini is a great way to showcase this. A backless dress will showcase some of the tattoo but difficult to find suitable dress for this effect.

Big, Baggy and Beautiful.

The first thing I like to do after a long day of job-hunting, networking and socializing, is to change my carefully put together outfit of that day for a big and baggy hooded sweater. Everyone, whether old or young, man or woman, has at least one of these usually not very fashionable grey items (with age-old stains on it that just won't get off) lying around in their wardrobes. It is, secretly one of my favourite pieces of clothing to wear, so nice and comfy! Yet, I would never go out of my house wearing it and many of my friends feel the same. It is just not very flattering and it doesn't really leave a great first impression when meeting new people. 

 

However, I noticed that this reputation of the grey sweater is starting to change. It is more and more seen in street style combined with a blazer and some good heels. And even the big designers now often have a sweater in their collection. Fun prints make this usually a little boring looking wardrobe item look much better, and most of them aren't as baggy as in the old days. They are slowly becoming fashionable! Love it! We now no longer have to lover our sweaters in secret!

Guest Post by Mirthe Adrianne

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Make Mothers Day Perfect

Mother's work hard all year round, but on one day of the year they get to be spoilt and recognised for all the effort they go to for their family. To avoid being caught out at the last minute and having to nip out to get some wilted flowers from the local service station you should invest ten minutes to find the perfect gift. Here are some ideas that would fit any budget:

A Hand Crafted Keep Sake

Something different and unique is a good way to go, giving the element of surprise and showing you have put some thought into the gift, these bookmarks make the perfect  gift for anyone who reads. They are a nice way of reminding someone you care and are practical. Hand crafted in Scotland these are easy on anyones budget at just £5 with free delivery.

A New Handbag

A woman can never have too many handbags so the choice is simple, a practical bag they can use daily or a fancy one for a special occasion.The beauty of this gift is that unlike other fashion items there is no different sizes to consider and the pitfalls of giving a gift that does not fit, arranging return and exchange can seem like a present disaster, so to play it safe a Handbag makes the perfect gift on Mother's Day.

A Nice Piece of Jewellery

If you are buying presents from your children then Jewellery is always good place to start because they can enjoy picking out something they think looks nice, and Mum doesn't have to feel obliged to use it all the time. Kids love picking out bright colours and shiny things so why not get a piece of jewellery from your son or daughter to your wife for Mother's Day

 

A Funny T-Shirt

How do you say in a gift the words "Thank you for everything you do, you really are a great mum"? Well in T-shirt form you can say just that. Something fun and playful which can be worn with pride. A true badge that someone thinks you are the best, and ideal for Mother's Day.

If none of those items catch your eye then think of their favourite past time and buy them something that will give them a chance to get away from everyday busy life and do something just for them!

Guest Blogging - Benefits and Pitfalls

Like all blogs it is a struggle to be found amongst the hundreds of websites that clutter up the internet with broken links, poor content and unoriginal material. There are literally thousands of people all over the world working full time on back links, SEO optimisation and getting their way round to being better ranked in Google. Often these sites are awash with keyword ads which can distract the reader. The advantages of guest blogging is that you can pick and choose what sites you wish to contribute too and also what content you publish on your own blog.

Guest Blogging - Promote your Blog

It can seem difficult to get started given the amount of people in this area and if you do not have a Google pagerank it can sometimes feel impossible. But remember Page rank changes and its more about readership than page rank. To drive quality traffic you want to choose something that is clear in your niche to blog for, after all people reading about cars don't want to be redirected to a baby clothes blog. Also you will find that if your aim is quality traffic that sticks with your blog then similar blogs to your own are the best place to start. After all its not a competition because internet traffic is infinite and people tend to read numerous web pages on their breaks at work or downtime at home. The best way is to stay polite professional and give it a go, don't start listing demands before you begin, the general rules of thumb are a couple of backlinks and author credit at the end. Also content usually spans between 500 to 800 words with some pictures always good to make the article more attractive. You will find a mixed bunch of people in the world of guest blogging from the amazingly helpful to the not so friendly but don't let one quiet day put you off, stick with it and you never know you might be the next top earning blogger!

Another tip for Blogger - Use Google authorship to validate your work and generate an online presence

Guest Blogging - Promote your Blog Shop

If your aim is to promote your online business this can prove slightly more difficult. The reason being that you have a website which is perhaps very content lite and more around just products. One benefit is that you will have plenty of images to use and if you know your stuff there is no reason you cannot have a great online presence. Firstly set up your own blog which features articles relating to your business and links back to products in the body of the article. Then start swapping guest posts. You will notice quickly that not directly linking back to your shop is a better approach as those who do like the look and sound of your product will direct through anyways and those that don't will simply read your blog and not check them out. It means you can ensure your shop only has good quality traffic and also is not a horrible in your face way of advertising your business. Large companies have started doing this and pay good money for content that is completely outside their product niche to help boost their image and the customer and brand awareness.

Another tip for shops - Product reviews from great blogs are a good way of promoting your business, if you find a blogger with high traffic then approach them to see if they will review your product, don't assume it will be positive though. This way of direct advertising is far better than paying a company as you get your marketing done but also the reviewer gets to enjoy your product, which will often be cheaper than paying hundreds to a large marketing company.

Good luck
- Guest blogs can be sent to this blog @ Steve@vinylpuppet.com or for other blogs I am involved with check out my Google+

Independant Boutiques

Most people in the UK tend to shop in chain stores like Top Shop and New Look and as such our high streets have become a catwalk for the bland and same. It's about time with the boom in Internet fashion people began to seek out new and different ideas for their outfits. Imagine the horror of turning up to a party or arriving in the office only to find the exact same outfit on another person? You need to get out more and shop differently. Even large cities usually have some boutique gems tucked away down a high street where the shop rents are a bit cheaper that will stock different and unique clothing.

The fashion industry is in danger of producing a country of clones, with shops like Primark offering such cheap goods that most people are walking around with yet another printed tshirt and jeans that looks like everybody else. There is a place for the high street shops and if you are able to buy up and then remodel the clothes, there are some terrific blog to help with remodelling and this can be fun and inventive way of creating unique designs using cheap high street clothes. 

 Showing a unique fashion style is now eye catching and can boost your confidence as you get asked where you got your new top from, or that funky tshirt your wearing. Also with Facebook and other social media you can see what shops your best dressed friends are using for their clothes so even the not so savvy are able to find better clothes. The thing about independent boutiques are that they will only remain if people use them, so next time your going into top shop with your £40 birthday money have a think if there isn't something better you could be buying than a pair of bland jeans.

Clubwear - Dare to Bare

Clubbing for most is a night out but for some it is a religion. The beat of the music is like a bright light in the desert attracting all around. And what you wear needs to be lightweight comfortable and eye catching. With thousands flocking to clubs all over the UK and going on clubbing holidays this scene has now become multi- billion pound industry. This means that for the perfect night out you need to get the perfect outfit and accessories to get yourself noticed.

Black and White clubwear dress £15

This black and white mini-dress is perfect for those clubbers wanting something dark and seductive. Perfect for a holiday clubbing in Ibiza but if you dare not bare all and are clubbing in the UK then you can get a pair of black leggings to go underneath.

Plain black leggings £10

Another popular item is the White and Gold outfit, gold is a perfect colour for shimmering in the nightclub lights and can add glamour to your night out.

White and Gold Mini-Dress £15

White top and Gold Skirt £15

Get a comfortable glitzy handbag to go along with your outfit and a pair of drop earrings to really boost your overall look. Drop earrings are perfect for those dancefloor moves sparkly in the lights and swaying to the beat of the track.

Sparkle Handbag £30

The best thing bout clubwear is that it is lightweight material which ideal for those hot dance floors and comfortably for throwing shapes to your favourite track. So what are you upto this weekend? Why not go clubbing?

Plus Size Maxi Dresses

Being plus sized always makes it difficult to find clothes in normal high street shops and often the best designs are made for unrealistically small people. But with the internet bringing a whole new world of choice finding those great dresses for a plus size figure just got easier.

This plus sized blue Maxi dress has lovely beading design to front with shoulders straps for comfort. With a high waist this is flattering to the figure.

Blue Maxi Dress £24

The mink Maxi dress has neck straps and bust shaping with a drop skirt. This provides most flattering style for plus sizes. Perfect for a summer day dress or an elegant evening dress with a nice cardigan or Jacket.

Mink Maxi Dress £19.99

This jacket with faux fur is great to cover and lined it provides warmth from the cold evenings. Compliments both dresses well to provide an elegant evening look.

Faux Fur Evening Jacket £24

To finally make your outfit why not add some earrings or a nice small handbag

Cream Handbag £28

Necklace £9

Chunky Cardigans are this winters best defence

So the winter seems to come and go daily, with sunshine followed by snow. The trick to surviving this cold weather with some fashion dignity is a chunky cardigan. One that can easily be wrapped around when cold spells happen but can be worn loose for that cool winter sunshine.

The thing about chunky cardigans is that you need a cool logo and what better than an Owl which is a mainstay on fashion prints.

Owl Cardigan £22

Another hot trend in the world of winter fashion is the boyfriend wear. Wearing clothes that could be owned by your sport star boyfriend is cool, but you can get the look without actually borrowing his clothes and it will better fit your frame.

The cricket look is so hot right now thanks to the hype caused by Made in Chelsea and other posh docs.

Grey Cricket Jumper £20

I mean after all who doesn't want to be cuddled up with their hot man wearing a nice chunky cardigan or Jumper during those days your snowed in from the office!

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The Handbag a girls best friend - £30 or less

Handbags are faithful friends that compliment your outfit and hold all the secrets to your life. Without a handbag you feel naked and lost. Its amazing to think men can make do with two pockets as in the Handbag world you need the seperate compartments, the zip up pocket inside and it needs to look great.

Exclusive Black ruffle LoveEyeCandy Bag £28

The classic Black bag with external pocket is an everyday must. Black goes with everything and having a bag with you at all times is a must so it needs to have plenty of space for everything. But just because it's black doesn't mean it has to be boring, a ruffle effect design on the front  makes it just stylish enough without being over the top.

Or you could go for the black and white classic look with pockets at both sides its ideal for keeping make up, purse, hair brush, etc exactly where you can grab them.

Black and White LoveEyeCandy bag £28

 So you have a bag for everyday which you carry with you at all times religously but you have that big party coming up and need to find something a bit different, bit funky but also classic as there will be work colleagues there and you don't want to look crazy. Well why not go for a classic cream with buckle design. Smaller than your daily bag it doesn't over power your outfit an provides a sofisticated and professional look.

Cream buckle design LoveEyeCandy Bag £28

Another colour which goes with everything is white, the classic white bag has zip design to front to hint at your more quirky fun side but still adds class to your outfit.

Classic White with zip detailing LoveEyeCandy bag £28

But perhaps your big night out on the town you want something to get you noticed, something vibrant and bright that stands out from the crowd

Hot Pink LoveEyeCandy Bag £28

This Hot Pink bag with buckle is great for standing out and with soft faux leather it is so comfortable for a big night out. With plenty of room for everything you need to carry.

Sparkled Pink detailing LoveEyeCandy Bag £30

This sparkle design bag is perfect going out bag, with the pink trim it adds a special bit of glamour to your outfit and could be the perfect compliment to a nice plain black outfit.

Whatever bag you go for ensure that it is something which will last, look at your wardrobe and see what outfits it would go with and get maximum use. Lots of bags can look great in different settings and you can never have too many, a Handbag is definitely a girls best friend.

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High Heels - Height without the foot ache

Wedged shoes have been around now since the 50's and they went directly out of fashion in the 90's due to the nude chunky heel look. But now you can get the look of amazing high heels without actually being that high. The trick is a nicely designed pair of front wedged heels, giving the impression of a 7 inch heel but wearing like a 3 inch heel. These are often referred to as platform pumps.

 With the front wedge section being discretely covered by material it gives you extra height whilst also being incredibly comfortable and nobody can tell you aren't just that tall. High heels give extra length to your legs and makes you appear slime, flattering pear shapes.

The above design features a diamante bow which adds to the glamour and there is some recent examples of celebrities in this style of footwear as seen at the Grammy's

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Why let babies have all the fun? Onesies

In 2012 Onesies exploded onto the fashion seen like never before, mainly featuring as a night time attire for bed. Providing the comfort and warmth of thermals but with a flair of colour and design to them. Thought previously to only be for babies and Snow sports the onesie took the world by storm and animals were the order of the day.

Move forward into 2013 and we see the next evolution of the Onesie is stylish, elegant and trendy to wear out during the day or to large events. Festival fashion is one of the most booming parts of the industry with designer wellies and raincoats but the Onesie is this years must have festival item. Providing you with comfort, robust for those muddy days and looks great even if you don't.

The Onesie is also great for groups, friends wearing matching or similar onesies can attract attention, easy to find in large crowds and makes your group instantly recognisable, you may even get a shout out from the act on stage. Whether you want a bold print slogan on the front or a design on the back designer Onesies can be great way of looking good comfortably.

To Accessorise your Onesie outfit:

 Footwear -You should wear boots, fur lined boots look great but remember don't wear your brand new Ugg boots as the mud will ruin them. Something with fur detailing but waterproof would be idea. If you are wearing for a night out on town then some very high heels give the impression of long legs when wearing a Onesie.

Jewellery - Chunky chunky chunky jewellery is the order of the day. Large necklaces and bracelets set off the outfit adding a bit of glamour.

So now you have the perfect outfit for a festival or a great themed night out. Fashion doesn't always have to be huge effort you can look great in minutes and stand out in a crowd.

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