STYLISA interviewed by MPMAG

Click on the logo below to read my interview with MPMAG

Rib Tattoos

The ribs and side torso area is a rather common location for a tattoo design, perhaps more common among women, and the tattoo often extends below the ribcage in many cases.

The type of designs range from anything under the sun, or anything you would have inked elsewhere on the body, however flowers and other vegetation seem to be most popular.

Feast your pretty peepers on this picture gallery of excellent rib tattoo ideas, which are mainly for girls, however guys may find them appealing as well.

Large roses and vine extending to hip and chest.

Colorful flowery artwork.

Possible zombie attack.

Cute collection of five stars.

Fabulous artwork with roses.

Clouds and old school plane dogfight.

Donna Ida - Dedicated to Denim

The lady behind the brand

I was delighted when Donna, the lady behind the brand Donna Ida agreed to be interviewed.  I first connected with the lovely lady on Twitter as I am a big fan of designer denim.  One of the things that really stands out about Donna is the fact that she loves what she does and you get a real sense of that from her tweets (and this interview confirms it).  She is simply, dedicated to denim...

Firstly, tell us how your fashion career began?

It all started in 2006 when I opened our first shop.  That was literally the beginning – before 2006 I was just a very keen shopper.

Tell us about the Donna Ida brand and what inspired you to start it?

I have always loved denim but was frustrated that there was nowhere to shop all the best denim labels in one place.  Department stores were the only answer and I couldn’t get the help I needed.  I decided to open a shop that just sold jeans – it was such a simple concept when I told people what I was doing they all said what an obvious and simple idea – so strange that no one’s done it before!

What have been the highlights of your fashion career to date?

Being nominated for the Drapers Awards twice – the next Awards is on the 17^th of November! Building a strong customer base of loyal customers and working with a team of amazing girls who all believe in the business as much as I do.

Describe the typical Donna Ida customer – what is she like?

We have such a broad range as we are very specialist but there is a very core customer group who is 25-60, knows exactly what look she is going for, what her body shape is, what she wants to wear for the season.

Who are you favourite fashion designers?

It varies from season to season but there is a look I admire – I love the 70’s, flares, anything high-waisted.  I prefer a more sophisticated silhouette so love references to Dior’s New Look, I like YSL and Louis Vuitton.  I generally prefer French designers so Isabel Marant is on my radar but also like the older American designers who are constantly referenced now such as Roy Halston and Oscar de la Renta.

What is your definition of style?

Knowing what looks good on you and wearing it well.  I think we should all work with what we’ve been given – confidence is key.

Who are your style icons?

I love the old images of Marilyn Monroe and Bridget Bardot, women who were beautiful and glamorous.  I like the 60’s when Jackie Kennedy was the First Lady and the glamour of the South of France.  There’s still something special about the South of France now – it’s kept that glamour and Monaco always feels like an event.  For modern day icons I love Diane Kruger, Cate Blanchett and Rachel Zoe.  Women who are all comfortable in their own skin and are confident and successful.

Do you have a personal favourite, when it comes to denim brands?

That would be like choosing between my children!  I have a few favourites, or brands that work for me.
J Brand, Earnest Sewn, James Jeans, Goldsign and Current/Elliott.

Has the world of social media had an impact on your brand?

Definitely, it’s such a great way to connect with new customers and also our peers.  I find that I chat to so many other retailers and everyone supports each other.  Twitter has been great in that way – it feels like a casual friendly way to connect.  You can tweet literally anyone you want.

Do you have any exciting projects/collaborations planned for the brand?

Oh soooo many!!  We have a new shop opening in Guildford at the end of next month and are looking at new locations all the time.  We have an exciting new website launching early next year and we have a few other collaborations on the boil with designers.

What advice would you give to aspiring fashion entrepreneurs?

‘Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’ is a wise old quote.  I work long hours but it’s not ‘work’ to me – I love it.  If you love fashion and people just get in there – don’t put it off.  You really can make anything happen if you believe in it enough.

Check out the website here - you can also follow Donna Ida on Twitter @donnaida and Facebook

Lower Back Tattoos

Love them or not, lower back tattoos have officially inked themselves as one of the most popular tattoo requests among women and even some men, but how could this be, the mere idea of these designs have garnered the negative slang stereotype of "tramp stamp", nevertheless these lower back stamps have flourished like a flower in the open sunlight.

When its all said and done, the fact remains that some people enjoy the presence of a lower back tattoos, while others find it to be cliche beyond belief.

Either way, enjoy these pictures of some quality design ideas, showcases on some lovely ladies.

Cute butterfly artwork.

Smattering of small and large stars.

Tribal and rose ideas.

Lengthy scripture.

Peacock bird feathers.

Colorful artwork with rainbows.

Hello Kitty is adorable...

STYLISA joins Handpicked Media

The STYLISA blog has now officially joined Handpicked Media.

Handpicked Media is a collective of independent sites and blogs with a reach of Beauty, Style, Entertainment, Food and Culture.  Handpicked Media champions sites that are creative and unique with high quality content offered throughout.

For more information, click here

Lip Tattoos

Sometimes i find it difficult to keep up with all the latest tattoo treads, initiated by cool kids around the world, however lip tattoos are quickly becoming a little too common for their own good.

That's right folks, people everywhere are now venturing into the inner fleshy areas, for some undoubtedly painful inner lip ink, which is surely parent approved...

The real question is, how long does it take until that "new tattoo" taste is fully gone?

Skull and crossbones idea.

Lovely lady lips.

Sore is an understatement.

Heart line on pink bottom area.

Vegan approved artwork?

Heaven or hell?

Stars are shining bright for this young lady.

Leg Tattoos

The legs are another extremely popular location for a tattoo design, perhaps even more popular among people who wish to easily conceal their artwork, if need be.

As for leg tattoo designs, anything you would have inked on your arm, would look equally as appealing on your leg as well, including sleeve designs, which often begin at the knee, or just below, and extend to just above the ankle.

Feast your peepers on this little picture gallery of tattoo ideas for both men and women.

Cool biomechanical double sleeve artwork.

Mario mushrooms on back of calf.

Celtic inspired art.

Asian themed colorful design.

Detailed Aztec ink.

Large green dragon masterpiece.

Tiger with black background.

Praying Hands Tattoos

Praying hands symbolize a sense of devotion and love for our father in heaven, a dedication tattoo which represents our passion and ultimate obedience for the written word of God.

Praying hands tattoos are beloved by both men and women, and are often accompanied by a cross, rosary or perhaps a cherished scripture.

Checkout this picture galley of a sensationally beautiful variety of praying hands tattoos.

Colorful idea with shining halo.

Only God can judge me, on upper arm area.

Great design with name.

Beautiful artwork with cross.

Price of freedom dog tags.

Faith with artsy font.

Clouds with beams of light.

Basic Makeup Brushes Collection

Basic brush set

 basic brush tools - 1