This Time I Got Tattooed!

Heyhey

Yes, so I mentioned in my last post that I got myself a new tattoo last weekend.  I attended The London Tattoo Convention for the second time which was in its 8th year.  Last year I attended without the intention of getting tattooed as it was very last minute plus I already had two new ones completed earlier on in the year.  One being my arm which was started in Dec 2010 and finished in Jan 2011 and my ribs which I had last summer as a birthday present to myself.  I actually had it done the day before my birthday.  So it's been a while since I was last inked.  I was definitely itching for another.  Especially when you have a list of all the ones you want!  The only thing keeping me away is the cost.

I went knowing that I wanted to get tattooed and by whom.  Unfortunately I was too late when I emailed the guys at Spider Murphy's Tattoo a couple of months ago; they were already booked up. My only chance was to turn up super early to try and speak to them, flutter my lashes and somehow sweet talk them into tattooing me.  I'm happy to say something did the trick and the lovely Matt Howse squeezed me in between two of his pre-booked appointments.  It was either Matt or Paul Anthony Dobleman that I had wanted so I was one happy girl indeed.

Here I am being very ladylike with skirt hitched up high awaiting the needle.  I'm sure at some point I probably flashed everyone my stocking tops & suspenders but I was obviously way too preoccupied and in pain to notice!  When choosing my outfit that morning the only thing I thought about was making sure the back of my neck was accessible.  I very nearly wore a tight pencil dress!   

Tada! This is the new piece.  More boudoir inspired goodness to go with my arm.

There will definitely be more on this theme soon if I can help it.

How do you like it?  I am really happy with the design.  I just love how you can tell an artist what you want to incorporate and they can whip up a drawing just like that.  I hadn't really pictured how the juxtaposition of the lipstick and compact mirror would work coming out of the rose but Matt has got it spot on.  Pretty much everyone who has seen it since has commented on how it is very "me".  I love that all my tattoos reflect who I am as that is exactly what I feel they should be.  They are now a part of me.  Not everything that is me but part of who I am.

I have to add, this has got to be the most painful session I've had.  I'm not sure if it was because of where I was being tattooed, Matt or I had just not expected that amount of pain?  It was definitely worst than my ribs which wasn't too bad for me but I was told beforehand it's one of the worst places pain-wise.  Oh well, it's over with now but just a warning for those thinking of getting something in that area too.  A rum and coke was on order straight after that!

Apart from getting tattooed and going round to all the booths to look at artists works and at work we went to this years pop-up cinema to watch the preview of Tattoo Nation.  The final cut is still being made for release early next year.  I didn't end up seeing any of the stage performances as a few were the same as 2011.  Lucky Hell the Sword Swallowing Showgirl was the only performer I really wanted to see but she didn't perform on Sunday.  Sad face.

I came across a photo of me on Flickr here but not any of my full outfit.  I never come across any of the photos that other people take of me when I'm out and about at events etc.  Here are a few of the photos that I did take myself...

Tattooed legs above all by these guys at Scapegoat Tattoo Co who are amazing!

Would love to get tattooed by them one day.

Some lovely flashes which I want to pick up.

Matt and Paul at their stand

Official poster painted by Paul this year

Amsterdam Tattoo Museum 

Normans actual business card

That was pretty much the day.  Spending the whole day there is fun but tiring.  I leave you here with a photograph of the girls and I at the annual pre-convention party held by The Family Business where we got just a bit tipsy!

Take care,
Alison xxx

Oh London How I have Missed You!

'Ello 'ello!  I'm sat here writing from my new living room whilst the sky outside just cannot seem to decide whether it wants to be sunny or rainy.  Oh silly England!  So from my last post I mentioned a little about this and a little about that.  This here is a follow on about my little-big move to East London!

Obviously it was never going to happen; me bringing absolutely everything with me that is!  I had to whittle down all of my favourite things.... shoes, clothes, handbags, home things, books :(  It was pretty hard decision making right there.  Anyway, somehow I managed to do it (well, not without picking up a few more bits when I visited and asking my sis to take some things out with her to work for me) and it's a good thing all round as I am still trying to organise my room to the way I would like it to be even with less bits and bobs.

All moves are not without their disasters right?  As we started to unload from the van into my new room a leak greeted me.  Whoopsies!  Water ran down the side wall and also right through the middle down the light fitting.  Luckily we had only just started unloading, because otherwise there might have been horror at the sight of my things and TV being drenched.  With this lovely surprise we unloaded into the living room and decided to head out for some lunch instead.  Did I mention that I had quite a team with me?  Me, my sis and her husband and our lovely doggies Bella & Dottie!  Of course they just spectated but I know that if they could they would definitely help with the lifting because they are good like that ;)

As the night went on the girls(my new flatmates) and I decided we would head on out for the evening.  Partly as a sending off to Nati and a welcoming for moi.  Lots of dancing was had.  Maybe a little too much drinking... by me anyway.  Introducing... Samantha (newly blonde), Orphea (front), Nati (back) and me on the right if you didn't know.  The photo-booth strip was taken at the beginning of our night out and is now in pride of place on our staircase wall.

I've been putting all my little trinkets around my room... into my display cabinet and my lovely deco dressing table which I have been waiting to use for months and months!  I had seen and subsequently purchased it earlier on in the year knowing that I had planned to move back into London.  It was kept in storage until now where it is taking pride of place in my boudoir! 

The very few books I managed to take with me... the hundreds I left behind :( 

I love my dresser so so much!

I have covered the dresser in all my products and accessories etc but it isn't quite as I want it yet because I have not filled the drawers or cupboard.  I'll be sure to post a photo of the finished display when I can decide what to do! 

For now, this is a brief peek into my boudoir.  There are curtains yet to be purchased, I have more bed linen to buy, also some fabric/cloth to cover my rail to protect the clothes.  So glad I made the decision to buy a 6ft rail to set up right away.  Otherwise there would have been no where for all my clothes.  Even though there is a small double wardrobe and two chest of drawers.  Not enough by any standards!  I have to add that I am very pleased with my shoe corner.  Maybe 50% of my collection made it with me to East London but there were still plenty to contain.  They are neatly concealed(as much as they can be) in the corner between my two chests.  Although it seems I have somehow already managed to purchase new pairs of shoes... How did that happen??

Hope you have a lovely evening as I must now plan my dinner party for tomorrow.  What shall I cook?  Already decided on the desert of Eaton Mess.  All going a bit backwards with the planning.  But it's like summer in the mouth, even if it is grey outside.  If all goes right I shall take some pics of my efforts in the kitchen.

Toodles,

Alison xxx

My Pinterest & New Page Tabs

Do you have a Pinterest page?  I registered some time ago but never really got round to using it until recently.  Well now I am pinning like no other!  I was always one to save images off the web and have scrape books and collected things when I was little.  Nothing has really changed I guess.  I love to look at inspiring images and especially with hairstyles.  I like to try my hands at recreating them to push my skills further.  Interiors is another big love of mine as you will see when looking through my boards.

It would be great to see your pins too and exchange our ideas.  I am most certain we will like at least some of the same things ;)

You can find mine here - The Dressing Parlour Pinterest

Speaking of new things you may have spotted that I have added some extra page tabs onto my blog.  I was planning on doing this from the very start but for one reason or other just never did.  Well here it is now so please do take a look.  If you have any suggestions for other tabs from me which may interest you then do pop me a mail..  Or if you think I may like a suggested link then let me know as well.  I am open to swapping links too as long as I like what you do/sell!

I leave you here with a few of my recent pins... xxx

Completely Lick-able!

Just a quick one to say the lovely What Katie Did are offering 25% off their Hollywood range between now and Friday 5pm GMT.  Eau de Nil is the perfect colour for summer!

Just like ice-cream, completely lick-able! xx

Little Delights - part deux

How are you all on this lovely warm May Day?  I'm just whiling away listening to music and writing this post.  Will be walking the doggies later on.

I promised a non-vintage collection following my Little Delights post and here it is in all it's splendor!  I hope you like what I have picked out for you :)

Bow Back Knickers by Ophelia Fancy - £87
I think this is just so lovely!

Vintage Leavers Lace set by Buttress & Snatch - £136

Diamanda Long Slip by Agent Provocateur - £495
If only I could wear this every evening to bed!

1940s Style French Knickers and Maitresse Bullet Bra - £29.50 ea
both by What Katie Did
My favourite of all Faux Vintage Lingerie brands.

Boudoir Grace set by Asos - £31

Versense Lace Trim set by Myla - £124

Cherie Halter by Myla at John Lewis - £110

Some Lovely Pick 'n' Mix collection of Panties by Playful Promises £10-£15
I have a range of these myself and I can definitely vouch for them!
How cute are the packaging.  I've got a few of those round tins on my shelf.

Bridal Teddy by Fred & Ginger - £170

Roxy Fringed Knicker by Lascivious - £55
Rose Teddy Slip by Stephanie Loungewear - £185

both available at CoCo de Mer

Silk Tap Pants by Lady Jane Lingerie - £34.50

Liberty Print Bloomers by Dailee Dose - $58
I would probably wear these out and about in the summer it's so hot.

Lace Applique Satin Brief by Secrets in Lace - $19

We were born to wear these gorgeousness.  I heart Lingerie forever!! xx

PS. here's a little photo of what I saw when I walked the doggies earlier. Lovely Spring!