Jun 30

The Lower Back Tattoo Design - A New Trend With Historic Origins

By: Madonna Jeffries

Tattoos, Tattoos, Tattoos… Take a look around you and you will observe that nearly every second man and women is sporting at least one tattoo these days. It seems that members of the young generation are, in ever increasing numbers, having tattoos etched on nearly every part of their bodies. The most common areas of the body for large tattoo designs are arms (both upper and lower regions) hands, and legs. Some more adventurous are having their tattoos on chest and upper back regions and some of the more daring are even having their scalp, face and neck tattooed. Since the start of the 1990?s the most popular of all places for tattoos among women (both young and mature alike), is on the lower back region slightly above the hips/waist.

The lower back tattoo design is quite often oblong in shape and is considered to enhance the curves and shapes of the female body. There are an untold number of reasons for this popularity, but probably the most common reason for women having a lower back tattoo is the fact that it is considered very attractive and sensual. In other words, a woman who displays such a tattoo believes that she becomes more attractive in the eyes of other people. Generally most women wish to be appealing to the opposite sex thus the explosion of the lower back tattoo!

The History And Origins of the Lower Back Tattoo

While the lower back tattoo has re-emerged in popularity over the last few years, it is certainly not a new design. In fact lower back tattoos have been around for hundreds of years. The origin of lower back tattoo is actually connected to ancient religions and spiritual rituals. In ancient times, the lower part of the back was considered as the storage place of a person?s spiritual energy. This is quite similar to the notion of the chi force and meridian fields that are common to eastern cultures. Additionally, the concept of lower back energy is also found in certain styles of Yoga. It is therefore not surprising that this concept shares similar traits with other eastern religions as the practice of Yoga played an influential role within many types of eastern religions.

Historically, the lower back area emerged as a popular place to show off tattoos, as it was believed the tattooing in this region of the body would assist in the release and subsequent harnessing of a person?s internal energy. Regrettably much of the history supporting the lower back tattoo has been lost to all but the most knowledgeable scholars of the subject.

Many of the women wearing a lower back tattoo design today are not necessarily familiar with the origins and the unique history and significance of this type of tattoo. It is not imperative to understand the complete history behind the lower back tattoo, however, some knowledge of its origins may well add a unique aspect and significance to the tattoo as well as helping to explain to others why you chose this particular style of tattoo.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/women/article_2607.shtml

Jun 30

Fashion Forward 2008 - The Top Hot Fashion Trends

By: Megan Hazel

You probably can’t recall who said it, but whoever first uttered that fashion comes full circle every 30 years or so was not too far off. This season on the runway is reminiscent of the flowing 70s in both fabric and style. We are seeing much more of the long skirt and much less of the micro mini. Materials like silk and chiffon, which tend to flow and gather, are much more popular for Spring 2008 than fabrics like cotton or denim which tend to hold shape and stay stiffer in appearance. The word for the season is feminine, feminine, feminine! The exception to this seems to be in outerwear, where rubber is oddly back in style. Indoors, though, thin little belts, hats, and scarves are also popular and a throwback to the 70s as well as being womanly. Don’t despair, though - some things from last season are still popular and can be recycled for this season. Accessories like metallic bags and clutches, as well as sequins and some of the longer pencil skirts can still be worn with confidence. Dresses with color blocks are still around as well, left over from last season and still cute. Headbands are still a popular accessory as well.

Sheers are in this year as a fabric style, which works well with the flow-y nature of the season. Pairing a sheer shirt over a camisole with denim jeans is a great casual look. In fact, a sheer scarf works with almost anything this season. Especially cute is the above-mentioned shirt and jeans with a little scarf and dressy sneakers. “Dressy sneakers” are another big hit this year, which will keep your feet happy as you get to be comfortable and stylish at the same time. Low-lying, patterned variety sneakers with ties that sport the best of brand names are the most popular for the young trendsetter.

Speaking of patterns, big bold prints such as tropical themes and jungle prints are back. For whatever reason, and it seems to happen every several years, tribal and jungle themes like leopard prints and zebra stripes make their way back to the runway. This year is no exception. Color is back, and black is out, at least for now. Last year, brown was the new black, and this year it is muted silver and grey that’s all the rage when you want to opt for a non-color.

What about shoes, you ask? Pointy-toe pumps are back! Not that they ever really went out of style, but they certainly came second to the flip flop, the ballet slipper, and other such cutesy flat footwear, along with the rounded toe pump. Also noteworthy is what’s in store for later on in the season. Fall 2008 promises to be chock full of the “bigger is better” theory. Bigger, chunkier heels, bigger, longer boots, and bigger and heavier accessories on the shoes themselves such as thick buckles and chains should be on your radar for footwear.

Of course, if we are going to talk shoes we must talk shades. Still popular, especially with the Divas, are the ever-present round and dark sunglasses that cover most of your face. The celebrities, of course, brought this trend to the forefront of fashion and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. Also popular though, is the blue lens which seemed to disappear for a while. This lens is more appropriate with a smaller frame than with the oversized shades discussed. The RayBan Wayfarers, so popular in the 80s, also seem to be making a comeback this year.

Last but by no means least, there could not be a fashion article written about what’s hot for 2008 without mentioning jeans. Designer denim continues to be the hottest thing around. We all know that True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Buffalo, Seven for all Mankind and Lucky have become standard, almost run-of-the mill designer jeans. Even though they cost upward of $200.00, they are still the ‘norm’. Slightly more pricey is Diesel, and this brand continues to be popular as well. Relative newcomers, though, are some of the names that were actually around long before these newbies even existed. Yves St. Laurent, Donna Karan, and some of the more elite designer’s names are being plastered on the derrieres of the most discriminating fashionistas this season. As for jean style and cut, the zipper-ankle and straight-leg varieties that were popular in the 80s are making a comeback. Expect to see them on the legs of the trendsetters this fall.

This season proves to be an interesting and eclectic mix of 70s and 80s styles. This may seem contradictory, but the feminine nature of the season’s styles pulls from flowing 70s fabrics and cuts and seems to just use a hint of 80s metal and accessory - and it’s a hit.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/women/article_2664.shtml

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