Inked & Addicted

Forevermore Tattoo:

Glasgow

So I'm in bed with the tv on, bedside lamp on setting a nice warm glow against the snow covering everything within an inch of its life outside and I think to myself, "This actually couldn't get any comfier if it tried.". Then I mindlessly roll onto my side and am struck with a burning pain down my left arm - I was that comfortable I forgot all about my tattoo. Shit. As if the yellow and purple bruising wasn't enough, it had to have a burning sensation whenever it was touched, didn't it?

If any of you are regular followers on my Twitter or Instagram accounts, you'll be well aware that I started work on my sleeve just shortly into the New Year, and have since then had a second sitting (Friday 18th) to finish some shading. I already had five tattoos up until this point which I got done by a family friend in Italia, but since then have dreamt about starting work on a full sleeve design. You could say that I thought about others opinions far too much in the past and hence let that influence my decision, but when 2013 came around, I just thought 'f*** it' and booked a consultation at a tattoo studio in Glasgow called Forevermore Tattoo. You might have heard of them if you're from Glasgow or London, as they have studios in each of these cities, but if not then you do now. Each artist who works for Forevermore either as a permanent artist or guest, have skills that are nothing short of insane. I've seen people with tattoos done by them and knew immediately that I had to get them to do my sleeve. 

For the design I wanted - a Mexican Day of The Dead theme - I chose Alison, purely because she liked to tattoo things that are a little more...'weird and wonderful' if you will. I gave her an image that I liked and she completely made it 100% custom for me, so that I would be guaranteed a design that no one else would have. To get to the stage the sleeve is at now I've had two sittings, each lasting three hours. To be honest, after getting a tattoo on my ribs a couple of years ago, I didn't think my arm would be all that bad but boy was I wrong. Especially after the second sitting, I don't think I've ever felt pain quite like it before - whoever says tattoos don't hurt are either lying or have something wrong with them! I still have one more sitting to finish this first part of the sleeve, then I'm going to start on the bottom half. I honestly can't wait to see the bottom half all done: I think that might be my favourite part.

Seeing as I'm getting my sleeve extended to about 2 inches from my wrist (I have 'Maria' tattoo'd there and would like the design to end just where that is), I've got some other ideas about what I would like on the underside of my arm and forearm. Sugar skulls are obviously a key part in any Day of The Dead theme; however rather than having a typical human skull, I'm opting for the skull of a stag/deer with typical sugar skull decoration and more roses to act as a joining feature. If you're at all into symbolism like I am, then stags are known for very positive things such as happiness and luck, so I thought it would make for a good tattoo. As for the underarm, I'm having another portrait done - this will be the last part of the sleeve to get done however as I know I'm going to end up passing out or dying. Whichever comes first. That area is insanely sensitive and where I seem to be bruising the most, so I'm not looking forward to it if I'm being entirely truthful. I've asked Alison to think of any other little features that she might think would look good in the sleeve, so we'll see what she comes up with. I trust her judgement 100%, so I'm not worried!

If hearing me talking about the pain of a tattoo hasn't quite put you off, then you should definitely check out FMT's website and their artist gallery to see some of the work they produce. I have quite a few other tattoo ideas that I'd like to get and I'm pretty sure I'll end up going back there to get some of them done.

Tattoos are something that I have always been interested in and are now becoming more of me as a person. So with that in mind, you can bet that they'll be featuring here at Vita di Moda alot more now that I've got the confidence in myself to go out and get the kinds of tattoos that I really want. 

Introducing: Thunder Road

Introducing:

Thunder Road

With a name like Thunder Road, it's hard to find a reason not to love this vintage clothing brand. Much to my delight, I had the very lovely task of interviewing it's owner, Miss Claire Kelly (who also has the same name as my sister funnily enough) and bagging my very own Thunder Road skull studded shirt in black velvet - I know, it sounds like a dream when you say it - so watch out for that style post early next week!
Claire is a fun, friendly and incredibly fashionable lady: so stylish actually, that I felt a little under-dressed when chatting to her yesterday evening! 

1. For those out there unaware of Thunder Road, what is it and when/how did it all begin? 

Thunder road is an american style vintage store selling customized clothing along with hand picked vintage pieces. It all began a long while ago when I started collecting vintage clothing for my own pleasure, then it just grew from there into more of a business than a hobby. My love of America is a huge inspiration for the brand. Their street style is the best, from Texan locals to the super polished Los Angeles party gals.

2. What inspires the creations at Thunder Road?

Mostly LA street style from the 90's til now. Movies and Icons also inspire me, as do rock stars like Axl Rose. People I would love to wear my clothes are 'It girls' such as Atlanta Decadenet and Sky Ferreira.

3. Have you always been interested in vintage fashion & up-cycling unwanted clothes?

Yes, I was always claiming my friend's unwanted clothes and making or styling them into something new. 

4. Where do you shop for your own wardrobe?

Charity shops, H&M, Asos, Online vintage shops. Really I focus more on the item than the shop it is being sold in.

5. Where can those interested buy your garments?

Thunder roads website is up and running and you can access it here -

www.thunderroad.bigcartel.com

6. Where do you see both yourself and Thunder Road in 5 years time?

I hope that Thunder road is popular enough to have a stand alone shop. I aspire to be as successful as Sofia Amoruso, owner of the fabulous Nasty Gal brand. I believe if you're passionate and work hard enough you can achieve success.

7. Summarize Thunder Road in 3 words?

American Roadtrip Apparel ;)

Below are some images of garments sold at Thunder Road. The image to the right of the skull studded shirt is similar to that of my own black velvet version from the brand - which I am insanely excited about recieving. Although advertised in silver and turquoise, Thunder Road also offers the shirt in golden silk, check and of course, black velvet. You just have to drop Thunder Road a tweet or comment on the website and Claire will be happy to help you out!

If you want to follow Thunder Road on twitter, facebook, blog (TIP: a lot of the items are shown here and facebook before the website!) or buy items from the website (currently under a little construction) the links are available below.

What do you think of Thunder Road? Can you see it in the same league as Nasty Gal? I think it definitely has the potential to grow and become hugely popular!

Contact:

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Website:

Glasgow's Very Own: Chouchou Couture

"The Chouchou woman is no slave to trends and the flamboyant designs are driven instead by lifestyle to be worn with a wink and a grin."

Chouchou's "Hollyhood"
100% Wool Tartan Hood - £39.00

If you haven't already heard of the Glasgow based, Italian fashion designer Silvia Pellegrino then perhaps now is the time to sit up and take notice. Silvia's label Chouchou was set up in Rome in 2008 with each garment produced by hand using both contemporary and vintage textiles. Silvia combines her Italian flair with a love of travelling, free-spirited flamboyant women and unusual beauty to create her designs, resulting in a collection of looks that are unique, feminine and oh so very stylish.

One such design that proves a staple and best seller for Chouchou is the "Hollyhood". Named after their very first customer Holly, they are the perfect accessory to any outfit, whether it be as the hood as styled, or on the shoulders as a scarf. There are a range of designs to choose from, however I decided to feature the tartan hood as it shows my love for Glasgow - as well as the fact that it makes classic tartan look amazing to say the least.

Although the label is only four years old, Silvia has taken huge strides in creating a name for the brand with ASOS Marketplace placing Chouchou on the list of "New Labels We Love". The recognition received from ASOS has subsequently landed Silvia with a phone call from the world famous magazine British Vogue; resulting in a feature in their March edition this year. The editor of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman said that the tartan "Hollyhood" was the item which caught her attention and ultimately lead to her interest in Chouchou.

The current collections are: Marianna SS10, Lola AW11, Amber SS11 and there will be a new SS12 edition to add to the list launching next Thursday (5th April) - Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the launch as I will be in Paris, however I do plan on doing a post on the new collection once I get my hands on some photographs, as it is one that I cannot wait to see!

For the purpose of the post, I have chosen to focus on two of the garments currently available to purchase on the Chouchou store @ ASOS Marketplace. First up is this vintage chiffon pussy bow blouse;

Front View.
Pussy Bow Blouse; £63.50

Back View.

This electric blue, sheer blouse is one of my favourite pieces; the flower detail on front, with the pussy bow and cropped back detail is just gorgeous. Wondering how to style this little number? Silvia's style advice is to pair it with a sleek pencil skirt, high waisted palazzo pants or leggings for maximum impact. Currently envisioning how you would wear this piece? Why not head over to the online store and buy it for yourself!
Lastly we have this light pink vintage cropped jacket:

Pale Pink Vintage Crop Jacket
£56.00

Back View.

I can't look at this jacket without falling head over heels in love with it. It's romantic, contemporary and right now features highly on my current shopping wish list. The raw edges and beaded applique collar and genuine leather front panel are the features which sold it for me personally, as it combines just the right amount of girly and punk-edge to suit my style. Styling tips from Silvia are to wear it over tube dresses, high waisted pencil skirts and any other style combos that you can think of; the possibilities are endless. If you, like myself just have to have this jacket in your wardrobe then you can buy it over at ASOS Marketplace here.

One thing that's for certain is that both Chouchou and Silvia have a bright future ahead of them, and looking at how far they've come in such a short space of time is utterly remarkable and inspiring. What makes my love for the brand grow even more is just how sweet and kind Silvia Pellegrino really is. It's easy to say that I will be a fan of her for a very long time that's for sure.
For up-to-date news from Silvia & Chouchou, you can follow on twitter and facebook. Alternatively, you can check out the website here.