'Got Ink'

Ever thought about getting a tattoo, but were too afraid of what it would look like in 50 years?

And the only temporary tattoos you could find were suitable for children under the age of 12?

Well, temporary tattoos have now gone designer.

Remember the set of temporary tattoos at the Spring-Summer 2010 Collection for Chanel (below) shown last fall that generated all the buzz? The transfer tattoos are due in Selfridge’s stores March 1st, and are way better than any dragon or angel tattoo you would find in a toy dispenser.

Just so everyone knows that these tattoos are clearly Chanel, expect to see the floral and chain link bands inscribed with the signature Chanel logo. (Would it really be a Chanel tattoo without it?)

Other designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Rodarte turned to temporary tattoos or sheer hosiery with a tattoo-like effect, proving that body art is the ultimate accessory this season.

Clad in corseted denim overalls and military drab, models donned tattoos on their faces, arms, stomachs and necks at Gaultier’s Spring Collection (above). It was Gaultier’s fighting stance against an embattled economy. When times get tough, Gaultier gets… denim and tattoos.

The Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte cannot start their Spring Collection without some dark undertones and garments crafted from a mixed selection of plain, leather, cheesecloth, plastic, etc. But no tribal-inspired collection would be complete without some body paint. Bare arms were covered in thick, black tattoos in geometric shapes and patterns.

As the Mulleavy sisters told style.com, it is possible to “be scarred and still beautiful.”

Not so sure how I feel about some‘bold and the beautiful’ temporary tattoos, but I am admiring the ultra-sheer hosiery at Marchesa (above). The hosiery – worn with some of the most exquisite dresses I have ever (still swooning since the collection debuted last fall) – looks as if it’s been painted on.

So I now ask you this: Got ink?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of stylecaster.com; style.com; fashionablymeg.files.wordpress.com

'SJP Does Halston'

CONFIRMED : Everyone’s favorite Sex and the City star plans to work under the creative wing at the revived Halston fashion house.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. We all saw how Lindsay Lohan fared as a creative consultant at Emmanuel Ungaro last fall. “Debut Deemed Disastrous” was one headline at New York Magazine. “Pasties and Poor Fashions” was another at BlackBook magazine.

But Lindsay Lohan is in no way like SJP, who has capitalized on her ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ alter ego, successfully launching her own clothing and fragrance line. The latest SJP NCY fragrance arrives just in time for the release of the second Sex and the City movie.

As for Halston, the fashion label now headed by creative director and designer Marios Schwab, has been trying to regain its strength since it fell from the fashion radar after the seventies.

The iconic American designer created the pillbox hat that Jacqueline Kennedy wore to the presidential inauguration in 1961. Halston's partying ways and lack of authority eventually led to his demise (he lost control of the company and died from AIDs in 1990) But Halston was and is still noted for its exquisitely draped jersey dresses and clients like Bianca Jagger, Anjelica Huston and Elizabeth Taylor.

Reports say that SJP will be more involved that other said ‘celeb consultants’ - going as far as earning equity stake and being named president of the company. The contemporary collection takes riffs from archived Halston creations, sold at a slightly more affordable price point (pieces range between $325 to $825), according to WWD.

Not sure if SJP's relationship with the brand will have a more democratizing effect on the line's affordability. Will it be like that of Miu Miu to Prada or J+ Collection to Jil Sander? Let’s hope for the latter if the Halston Heritage is any good.

And although I am as big a fan as the Carrie Bradshaw character and the SJP who plays her, I’d like to give most of SJP's fashion credit to stylist Patricia Field – not just because Field rocks, but because she put the actors on the fashion map by styling the cast and giving Bradshaw her distinct Manolo-loving, New York City charm.

Maybe SJP wouldn't mind if Field instead took her place? Just an idea.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of harpersbazaar.com and the glamazonediaries.com

'Baby, It's Cold Outside'

Temperature : 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds between 10 to 15 mph.

This was what the online weather channel reported back to me as I braced myself for the walk to my friend’s apartment after catching the subway from the office.

“Brrr, baby it’s cold outside,” I thought, as a gust of wind plowed into me like a tractor in a corn field. It could have easily been -10 degrees as I crossed 7th Avenue towards 34th Street.

It was much better once as I got to the apartment. But as I sit here now, on a couch with a panel of windows behind me, I’m starting to feel like that nagging cold has followed me inside.

Quick search on the Internet and I’ve already found more than 10 ways to insulate your windows – the key to keeping your heating bill low. (Did you know February is the coldest month out of the year?)

1. Can’t stress it enough, but blackout curtains are the no. 1 option to reduce heat by 25 percent and reduce noise pollution by 50 percent in your home. It is the most inexpensive way to insulate windows and with so many options in colors (from camel to mauve), fabrics (from linen to jacquard) and styles (grommet, back tab or tie-up shade) – the most visually pleasing.

2. A DIY project, draft snakes will insulate your windows at the seam. However, they will not insulate the glass or frame of the window. Buy draft snakes at a local hardware store or create your own by sewing some fabric around a tube of rubber (I prefer rubber over filling a tube with rice).

3. Weatherstripping. I have never tried this method, but low-end weatherstripping (see below) reportedly runs under 20 dollars with the cost of supplies. Could save up to 20 percent on your annual heating bill, but it’s recommended that you go for a professional weatherstripping if you want to really effect change. And that could be pricey.

4. Install energy panels. This requires some installation, weatherstripping to seal the panels, and a the more expensive option out of the four. The panel has two layers with space in between, creating a protective layer between the exterior window and the outside. I suggest taking the energy panel route as an option to replacing drafty windows.

Because baby, it’s cold outside. And honestly, I'd like to keep it that way.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of www.planetgreen.discovery.com; www.decorinnovation.com; www.apartmenttherapy.com

'I've Got Spring Fever'

With thoughts of gingerbread houses and mistletoe banished from our minds, there is one thing to look forward to this time of your: the Spring-Summer 210 Collections.

From tribal and military green to boudoir and body-con, this Spring has exciting styles to suit your every mood. Here are my top first two. Look for later installments to find out more!

Boudoir Faire

Clouds of chiffon. Tufts of lace. Designers like Christian Dior and Dolce & Gabbana venture to the bedroom, proving that innerwear can be even sexier as outwear.

High-waisted culottes and lace-infused satin slips might resurface in stores as the runways of Tuleh, Nina Ricci, Victor & Rolf and Etro played with sleepwear and lingerie elements. At Prada, silk short bottoms in a tropical blue island print matched a cropped jacket and jewel encrusted satchel. Tuleh topped the tiny bottoms with a bow and floral-applique corset. The combinations - and unexpected colors and prints now (think red leopard or mosaic prints) make boudoir dressing a daytime option.

Tribal Society

Be it the Orient or the Sahara, spring fashion celebrates its ‘tribal rite’ to animal prints, earth tones, intricate geometric patterns, and feathers.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac used raffia to create what looked more like a large African tribal mask fit for dance around a bonfire than a black and acid green halter dress.

Chances are you will find a linen jacket embellished with small stones browns and blacks – similar to the one at Carolina Herrera. Or for the more bald-faced, Malandrino has a flouncy one-sleeve dress that three different patterns in bright pink and purple.

My suggestion: Don’t overwhelm your look with too many patterns and scale back on the accessories if the print can hold its own.

Below is a look at the Spring-Summer 2010 tribal trend in the November ’09 issue of Vogue. I’m already inspired, thinking about a possible concept for my next fashion editorial shoot…

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of style.com and www.fashionising.com