To wear one's tattoos

Hello Beautiful!

The other day I went into Nottingham’s Waterstones in search of a new book to satisfy my shopaholic needs (I’ve been band from buying pretty much anything else so I decided to use a wormhole and do that.)

Whenever I do go book shopping, Waterstones is my shop of choice. To me, it just feels more homely and the way the books are set just makes the experience that little more enjoyable.

Anyway, back to my point, I had just finished browsing through the media section when I decided to find where fashion was.

After a little search I came across it; from Vogue covers to male fashion to trends of the last billionth section it was there.

However, there was a group of books there that I did not expect to see.

Amongst the fashion-help books, I came across numerous amounts of books about tattoos & the different types of designs.

It came to make me think: do we see tattoos as more of a fashion statement rather than the artistic freedom of expression it really is?

As the owner of three tattoos (a large Marilyn Monroe quote, Greyscale roses & a pin up girl) I know the responsibility or commitment of having a tattoo (I have these all in places that I can cover due to prejudice against tattoos in the workplace.)

I'll admit, I have definitely seen a somewhat 'fashion trend' when it comes to tattoos - you have the swallows, the dandelion that seeds turn into birds, 'Only god can judge me', the list goes on.. 

However, I don't think tattoos should be seen as a fashion trend.

By reasoning behind this is every year, we experience numerous amounts of fashion trends and we may fall in love with one trend; turning our whole wardrobe around to fit around this trend. 

But in time, you'll discover new trends - forgetting or even resenting the previous trend that you described as 'perfect'. 

I have always found tattoos to be an artistic freedom of expression; a little token of yourself that you can put on display for the world to see and whenever anyone asks for some advice on tattoos, I always say the same thing: 'Make sure it means something to you.'

My reasoning behind this is if it means something to you, whether it be to remember a lost one or to show how you've overcome an obstacle in your life, you will be less likely to regret it in later life. 

It is becoming a popular trend to get a tattoo and then getting it laser removed in a few years time.

I'm completely understanding if it is a poor design or an ex's name (bad move, FYI) but what was the point of getting a tattoo if you're going to waste even more money getting it removed in a few years time? I just don't see the logic behind it. 

Tattoos should not be seen as a fashion accessory; trends come and go – a tattoo is for life. 

What are your thoughts on tattoos? Fashion or Art?

My summer of fun!

Hello Beautiful!

It’s been a long while since I last posted, but I will admit I’ve been an extremely busy body & I think it’s time for an update!

Firstly, I’ve been completing work experience with local newspaper Nottingham post and PR Company HR Media. Well, I tell a lie – I’m in the midst of doing work experience at HR Media.

I thoroughly enjoyed working for the Nottingham Post; I interviewed, I researched and I got published several times! Although I covered the majority of the fashion section that week (yay me!) I think my favourite piece was definitely the loom band feature I wrote.

Not only was the piece published, it was also the editors pick of the day! When I saw that, I was absolutely thrilled. Maybe I have a hack for feature writing, ay?

Now, I’ve moved onto PR and have written about ice skating to Scooby-Doo. Yes, the cartoon character!

The company deals with a lot of local companies so I’ve done several press releases for them, sorted through application forms and researched new clients. I’m actually really enjoying myself!

And what’s even better? No tea making! Ok, I should feel slightly bad for that – but I was one of those people who actually dreaded doing that ALL DAY LONG instead of actual work.

As well as work experience, I’ve actually been a bit of a socialite.

Ok, maybe not on the level of Kimmy K herself but nowadays I’m hardly in the house! Which is great for someone who spent most of her teenage years sat in a room playing ‘The Sims’ and reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on park swings. (Oh how I miss nerd Lauren).

I’ve attended two festivals since I last spoke – Nottingham festival Splendour and Y Not.

I saw so many acts that I have wanted to see all my life; Scouting for Girls, The Boomtown Rats with Bob Geldof himself, Razorlight, The Fratellis and the legendary Dizzee Rascal. Without a doubt the best artist I have ever seen live! I even managed to watch Saint Raymond twice! 

And I also discovered new ones to love such as Reverd and the Makers. If you haven’t listened to them, I 100% recommend.

This has definitely been a summer to remember, and knowing this will probably be my last summer before I’m released into the big bad world scares me a little…

I mean, I’ve already got a taste since I will be moving out to Nottingham early in September as I have finally decided it’s time to stand on my own two feet. Eek. I feel all grown up.

I never realised how daunting and stressful it is getting your own place! However, my family and friends have been so supportive and I couldn’t thank them enough.

 And I think that’s me pretty much up-to-date, I have a few posts lined up but if there is anything you would like me to cover, don’t hesitate to ask!

My love, as always!

Review: Y Not 2014

Original Post can be found here: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Review-Y-Festival/story-22075601-detail/story.html

Returning for its 10th year, the ever-growing festival Y Not did not fail to amaze a growing crowd.

With the headliners consisting of White Lies, Dizzee Rascal & the returning Frank Turner, Y Notters were in for an explosive weekend with a diverse collection of music.

Due to its success over the years, the festival was once again sold out and Friday saw a continuous stream of people entering the site at Pikehall in Derbyshire, a site that was once again expanded to cope with demand.

As well as a ferris wheel, there was a secret rave tent and a range of different food tents so even the fussiest of eaters could enjoy something.

Indie band Circa Waves were one of the first to rock The Quarry stage, with the tent coming to life during Young Chasers.

Popular back in 2006, Razorlight wowed the crowd on the main stage with their number one singles Before I Fall to Pieces, In The Morning and, rounding the night off, America. The band had great energy on stage.

Finishing the night off was White Lies, a personal highlight of the weekend.

Saturday had a host of bassy and fast-paced artists such as headliner Dizzee Rascal and The Fratellis. Local fella Saint Raymond wowed an over captive audience at The Quarry, with the crowd joining in with his single Young Blood.

Finishing off their festival tour, The Fratellis warmed up the crowd ready for Dizzee Rascal with hits such as Whistle for the Choir, Henrietta and the explosive Chelsea Dagger, which sent people into a frenzy.

The band took to twitter to say they thoroughly enjoyed playing and it was a perfect end to their year.

Dizzee Rascal had the crowd jumping around and singing along religiously, as he delivered his biggest tunes, among them Dirtee Disco, Holiday, Dance Wiv Me and the incredible Bonkers, which wrapped up the show.

Sunday was more chilled, although headliners Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls were charged, bringing an immense Y Not to a close.

Until next year?