Fresh Ink

In case you haven’t caught any of the eight thousand tattoo shows on TV lately, ink is making a major comeback.  In fact, the Philadelphia Seaport Museum has a new exhibit featuring both contemporary designs and their historical context.  Not quite brave enough to go in for the real thing?  Here are some tattoos you can take off at the end of the day.

So many classic tattoo images on the Teeze by Pleaser: skulls, birds, roses, anchors, winged hearts with “Love” banners...  The ribbon seals the deal for me over that little keyhole—so cute!  Find them on Endless for $80.

The Dayna by Ellie is rockabilly to the max!  A leopard-print T-strap upper, and a cork wedge with tattoo imagery all over its 4.25-inch wedge and 1.75-inch platform—I love that little swallow near the toe!  Whole sizes only; find them at Sears for about $34 (and hey, free shipping!).

Or you could just go full country in these:

The Anteater Print Boots by Ariat have a decoratively cut brown leather toe and a cream suede shaft screen-printed with tattoos!  Even the top edge of the boot is scalloped—I love all the detailing.  These beauties can be yours for $140 from Drysdales.

The Sashaa by Betsy Johnson are a cheery yellow flat (also available in turquoise) covered in tattoo imagery all the way to its metallic toe cap.  So cute!  Find them at Shoes.com for about $66.

And for the sassy bride:

Yes, those say “Till Death Do Us Part”!  Imagine your guests’ faces when you kneel during the ceremony—hilarious.  Etsy seller taylorsays does custom work as well, so if you can dream it, she can do it.  These sky-high beauties (almost six inches tall!) will run you $240.

Past to Present: Tattoo Paintings runs until May 20.  Inspired by what you see?  Go aboard the warship USS Olympia (part of the museum) and get inked at the Mighty Warship Olympia Tattoo Festival II, running from June 1-3!  How awesome would that be, getting tattooed aboard a ship that served in the Spanish-American War?  Come on, that’s awesome.