#10 angelique houtkamp

I am back! Berlin was so cold; I layered like no one has ever layered before. After leaving a snowy Germany, I was welcomed back home with a snowy England - which I was not impressed with. Watch this space for photos from the trip; I used a disposable camera so need to get them developed first.

Anyway, I have been thinking a lot about tattoos since my last one, which seems like years ago. I always get little ones that are discrete and can be hidden easily. So far I have a peace sign, a cross, a french phrase and an anchor. However, I feel an obsession/addiction beginning and next up, I'd like a bigger one with more detail and more colour.

Everyone around me seems to be getting some amazing tattoos done and I want in on the action. I have finally decided on the style I want and thought I should share some of the incredible work she does.

Angelique Houtkamp is a contemporary tattoo artist from Amsterdam who creates a 'nostalgic, eclectic and beautifully rendered artistic wonderland'. Her work has an old school, retro feel, I just love them. Have a look at what she does, then you will (probably) fall in love with it too.

All I have to do now is see if I'm brave enough to get it done, especially as I want it on my ribs...

#8 february frolics

February is just over a week away and my anticipation is growing as, for me, it is going to be one of the busiest months of the year. Not only am I continuing my internship at Spin Agency, but I am travelling to a couple of European cities and it is London Fashion Week AW12. 

From the beginning of February, I will be residing (well, only for four days) in Berlin, Germany. I've never visited the city before so I really am excited, looking at what events are happening whilst I'm there. Something I will be attending is the Joshua Light Show which I've heard will be amazing. Shopping is a must so I've been told, obviously I don't need to be told twice; concept stores, independent boutiques and gigantic charity shops! Also at the time I am there, there is a graphics and new media festival on which could be interesting - I'll have to check that out. If anyone has been to Berlin and has something to recommend, please let me know! 

Another city which I shall grace my presence with, for the third time in about a year, is Amsterdam - possibly my favourite European city so far. Words cannot even begin to describe my excitement for returning to the Netherlands. You will find me cycling around the city in search of some new flea markets and vintage shopping around the Jordaan. 

I love LFW, especially Autumn/Winter shows as they are my favourite seasons - so I am counting down the days till the 17th. As a fashion student, I am expected to beg, blag and sneak my way into a few shows unless I actually have a real invitation. Last season, I was lucky to see a few shows; Danielle Scutt, Nasir Mazhar and Todd Lynn, however this season if I only get to see one show, it would have to be Meadham Kirchhoff. After completing a research project on the boys, I know that they are extremely talented and unpredictable so it is inevitable that their show will be a spectacular, not to be missed and that all of the fashion industry will be queueing for a front row seat.

So that's my plan for February so far, amongst birthdays, Valentines Day and numerous university projects. It is going to be a chaotic month...