The Femme Files

Art That’s Skin Deep

To tattoo or not to tattoo – that is the question!

Is it just me, or does it feel like every second 20-something year old you see on the street is sporting a tattoo?  Last weekend I headed down to my local beach, where I couldn’t help but take notice of the sea of inked up bodies lying on the sand.

While there are no hard stats to point to here in Australia, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, 31% of the American population (51 million people) have at least 1 tattoo.

What is more interesting is that 67% of people between the age of 18-25 think that there is no discernable stigma associated with having a tattoo.

So it appears that the old social stigma that tattoos are the mark of sailors and criminals are shifting.  In fact, having a tattoo is fashionable.  So much so that Chanel released a limited addition temporary tattoo range which it featured in its 2010 runway shows:

Source: Getty

But that doesn’t change the hard fact that a tat is forever.  Whenever toying with the idea of investing in some body art – I have a flash back to that hot November day in 1987 when I saw my sweet 76 year old neighbour watering her garden in a smock dress. The faded mermaid that lay half dead down her bicep (or what was left of it) is stained in my mind forever.

Sure, Angelina Jolie and Sarah Murdoch get away with the exotic designs they have tattooed on their bodies – but I still question how they will look in 40 years time.  Unless the subject matter is something of sentimental value – will you really love your tat forever?  We’d be interested to hear your views on body art. Would you dare to dabble in a bit of ink?

The Femmes behind the Files

Deciding to start a blog is a big step, and not one to be taken lightly. Putting thoughts, ideas and beliefs out there takes guts and strength, which is why we’ve made the decision to leap. Strong women, successful women, chicks who have overcome adversity to thrive, mothers, business owners, authors, the woman at the gym in her fifties who spins faster than girls half her age – these are people who inspire us and as women, it’s important we share it with you.

The Femme Files will be a collaboration of sorts, and I’ll be relying on my gorgeous colleagues, clients, friends and sometimes complete strangers for inspiration and information which I’ll edit, review and pass on to you. We’ll cover anything related to women – dieting, dating dramas, fashion, beauty and more. You’ll see health-related posts – as a nutrition junkie I like to keep everyone updated with the latest lifestyle news.  Nothing is sugar coated and comments, stories and tips are most welcome – consider yourself informing fellow femmes. Enjoy!

The Lawyer who Ditched the Court Room for Pole Dancing

I love a good success story – especially one that involves pole dancing. A client recently told me about the pole dancing classes she’d been attending, in a new studio in Sydney. Curious about getting in touch with my inner vixen, I made some enquiries at the Pole Dancing Academy and discovered that the owner is an ex-corporate lawyer who has given up a life of strutting around the courtroom in favour of swinging around poles….

Michelle was working as a solicitor in a top Sydney firm, only she never really enjoyed her work, finding it too conservative and unrewarding. A friend suggested she do something that she loved as a creative outlet, such as dance, and so she decided to sign up for pole dancing lessons.  What started out as a secret hobby which she looked forward to after work, evolved into a passion. Before long, Michelle was dashing in her corporate suit to her local dance studio four times a week, where she started preparing for pole dancing competitions. 

Being an entrepreneur at heart, Michelle started to look at pole dancing not just as a way to pass the time, but as a business proposition. After consulting with her sister, she decided that together they would start their own Pole Dance Academy. “It was really scary to leave a secure, well-paid job to something so different,” Michelle said, “but we’ve both been doing pole dancing for over four years now, so we know a fair bit about it!” In addition to running her new business, Michelle still works full time, only now at a community legal centre so she’s one busy lady.

Thank the Lord for Lord Howe Island

“A must-go, must-see, must-experience destination,” was how a recent client Susannah described Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, the first Luxe location on the world heritage-listed island. The luxury lodge sits high above the island’s impressive Lover’s Bay, and the floor-to-ceiling windows show off the lush forests and island peaks to perfection.

With only nine suites, the tones are muted to show off the natural environment rather than overpower the senses. Think timber floors, custom furniture and luxurious linens that create a “beach house ambience.” Bathrooms include oversized rain showers and slick stone features. Along with the gorgeous fluffy towels, beach towels and backpacks are provided to explore the surroundings.

My client describe the cuisine as spectacular, starting with a buffet including organic juices, fruits, muesli and organic yoghurt. As rates include everything from breakfast to sunset drinks and three course dinners, now’s not the time to be on a diet (I think that’s why she’d popped into the studio for a few more Hypoxi sessions!).

After bush walks and beach swims, Susannah popped into the Capella Spa to indulge her aching legs while her fiancé enjoyed a back exfoliation, massage and facial, begging her not to tell his builder mates!

Lord Howe Island is only 11 kilometres long and not even 2 kilometres at the widest point. With two thirds of it covered in forests, trees and palms, at Capella Lodge “you’re pretty much nestled right amongst nature!” Susannah raved, “It’s just too bad it wasn’t my honeymoon!”

Check it out for yourself at http://www.lordhowe.com