I have a tattoo. In fact, I have two. I was 18 when I officially declared that I was going to get inked and wanted a frilly fairy. I poured over designs. Did I want something pretty or woodsy, blue or orange? My mom quickly kyboshed the idea and I was furious because, after all, I was legal.

A couple of years later, I was sitting atop a cushioned table inside The Quillian in Allentown getting a lucky ladybug with seven spots on the top of my right foot. I had just finished my sophomore year in college, and my mom was sitting right beside me.

My second came just after I graduated college. After waiting months to link up with Little Chico of Steel City Tattoo in Bethlehem, I approached him with my idea and he got to work. Two sessions and about four and a half hours later, a beautiful hibiscus and Bethlehem Star tattoo was finished.

This blog isn’t to brag about my tattoos. It’s actually to prompt my next observation. I was paging through the March issue of W magazine and noticed Chanel’s latest muse and her prominently displayed neck tattoo (might be real, might be fake?). Seemed rather progressive especially for Chanel. Then, as I continued, was surprised to see models baring similar tattoos throughout this month’s fashion feature. I’m sure it’s been done many times before (I don’t read W religiously), but it struck me as interesting. Perhaps the fashion world is looking to the Megan Foxes of our generation for inspiration.

I’m not ashamed of my tattoos. I think they’re an artful expression of my personality. And I think it’s fashionably edgy yet quite elegant to incorporate them into couture fashion. No Photoshop needed! What was once seemingly shunned is now finally becoming more mainstream, acceptable, and normal. By the way–if you’re wondering–I never did get that fairy and I’m glad I didn’t. They are permanent after all!