Hello Clothes and Shoes!

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am starting to have a bit of an identity crisis in regards to the Hello Kitty items I own and if I am to old to wear some of them or not.  When I was younger I was into punk and having silly hairstyles (like a mohawk and multi-colored tresses) and wearing silly clothes.  So, some of the following items were right up my alley when they first started to appear in stores and online.  

DOE T-SHIRTS

Years ago the clothing line Mighty Fine had an off shot brand called Doe, which I still thinks is around making t-shirts.  Doe and Sanrio teamed up and Doe did a line of Hello Kitty shirts that sold online and at places like Hot Topic.  The Hello Kitty shirts were totally cute.  Hello Kitty was dressed up in punk and goth attire.  I was all about these t-shirts when they first came out.  I've since sold a bunch of them on Ebay when money was a little tight.  I have saved a few them.  I don't wear them much any more (since I am feeling to old for them) except for around the house.  Here are a few of the ones I have left.

Below is actually a black Hello Kitty sweater from the collection.  I love how it has Hello Kitty written on the sleeves a la the Sex Pistols logo.  I think I would still wear this one every now and again.

These two are from the Sanrio by Doe collection as well.  The red shirt is in honor of the band the White Stripes.  While I like some songs by the White Stripes, I wouldn't say I'm a fan but I do love the t-shirt though.  Let me just put this way, I wouldn't buy and / or wear a White Stripes t-shirt but I did wear this t-shirt.  This one is now in retirement though.  The shirt next to has the same print as the sweater.  Both were bought at Hot Topic.  

The black t-shirt on the right is the first t-shirt in this collection that I bought.  I was so excited when I first saw it at Hot Topic.  I wore it all the time.  Hello Kitty has on a little plaid kilt and boots.  The image of Hello Kitty is like an iron on, you know, like the iron shirts that were big in the late 70's and early 80's.  Next to that is another shirt from the collection that Hello Kitty and her boyfriend Dear Daniel.

I think that the purple and black goth Hello Kitty jersey is my favorite.  I'm not even into goth or never really was but I like the kind of horror movie look to the shirt and the text.  The shirt has black bats on the sleeves.  Finally, the pink shirt with black ringer collar has another goth looking Hello Kitty on it.  The dress on Hello Kitty has a velvety feel to it.  

HELLO KITTY DR. MARTENS

Recently, Dr. Martens produced a line of Hello Kitty boots and shoes.  I've been a fan and wearing of Dr. Martens since I was a teenager.  I still wear them to this day.  In fact I have a pair that are still in good shape from the early 1990's that I still wear.  My budget hasn't allowed to me to purchase any of the Hello Kitty Dr. Martens yet (they are a little pricey) but when I have some spare money I will definitely search for a pair and buy them.  Many are sold out but I'm sure I will be able to find them on Ebay.

HELLO KITTY VANS

I've also been a huge fan of Vans for many years.  I was so excited when I learned that Hello Kitty and Vans were teaming up to create a special line of Hello Kitty vans for woman and children.  Now, I knew I could afford a pair of these, unlike the Dr. Martens.  As soon as they were available online, I bought a pair.  I bought a pair of the classic checkerboard slip ons.  I love that they come in a specially designed Vans / Hello Kitty box, which included some stickers too!  There are so many different, cute variations to this line that I think I may have to purchase another pair!  

Hello Electronics!

I am a big fan of Hello Kitty electronic items.  They can sometimes be super expensive, especially things that are from Japan but I still like to buy them when I can or look at them online and dream they are mine.  Here are some of my Hello Kitty electronic items.

This keyboard actual works and plays different kinds of instruments.  You can even record short little songs or loops on it.  I am about 95% sure I bought this on Ebay.

I love this Hello Kitty phone because when it rings, Hello Kitty's little wings light up.  The phone has caller ID on it.  This is another Target purchase.  The Hello Kitty glitter lamp below is kind of like a lava lamp with glitter.  My boyfriend and I used to use it in our apartment but the bulb burned out and we haven't replaced it yet.  It was also purchased at Target.  

Below is the backside of my Blackberry, it covers the battery on my phone.  The next picture is my Hello Kitty laptop sleeve for my iMac. I bought both of these from Sanrio.com.  They have a big selection of accessories for Blackberries and Apple products.  

Here is my pink Hello Kitty television set, DVD player and remotes for both.  I've had these for about 7 years and both still work great.  These were purchased via Sanrio's website.  Since these are a little older, there are newer varieties available.  There is a Hello Kitty TV and DVD combo.  The bottom of the Hello Kitty TV has a DVD player installed. 

This is a Hello Kitty CD player and radio.  I believe this was purchased from Target. 

My boyfriend bought me this Hello Kitty alarm clock from Target as a surprise gift after having a bad week at work.  I've been using this for about 7 years now.  The Hello Kitty on top is the snooze button.  How cute is that?

This is a Hello Kitty sewing machine purchased from Target.  It actually works.  I don't really know how to sew but I really want to learn and now that I have this Hello Kitty sewing machine, I have a lot of motivation to learn!

OK, this is a kind of out dated Hello Kitty cell phone.  I did use it at one point as my cell phone. 

This is a Hello Kitty digital camera that was purchased at Target.  It takes pretty good pictures.  It also comes with some applications that you can install on your computer to make your pictures even cuter!

Finally, this is my Hello Kitty stereo system.  It has a CD player, detachable speakers, remote control, radio and mp3 dock. 

Hello Sparkle!

There is a lot of pretty, sparkly, Hello Kitty jewelry available.  I've just recently started to collect some of the pieces that jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino designs.  She has an entire collection devoted to Hello Kitty called Pink Head.  The jewelry she makes is pretty expensive, at least my standards, but I do try to buy some of her items every now and again.  They are very cute and handmade. 

Kimora Lee Simmons also has a Hello Kitty jewelry line, which is available on the Sanrio website.  Some of her pieces have real diamonds in them, so as you can imagine they are pretty expensive too!  At this time I do not own any of the Kimora Lee Simmons Hello Kitty jewelry but I hope in time I will purchase some. 

JEWELRY BOXES

My jewelry collection is pretty small but I love all the items I have.  These first two pictures are some of my jewelry cases. 



SANRIO

The following 4 pictures are items I purchased from Sanrio.com.  The ring is a newer purchase.  I bought this in this spring.  The ring is the shape of Hello Kitty's head and has the words "Hello Kitty" etched on it.  Next, is a watch that has a sort of punk theme to it.  I would guess this watch is probably about 7 years old.  After that is a pair of crystal Hello Kitty stud earrings.  These are probably about 12 years old.  Finally is a necklace in the shape of Hello Kitty's signature bow.  This was purchased at the same time as the Hello Kitty ring. 

TARINA TARANTINO

Here is my small Tarina Tarantino collection.  First is a Hello Kitty ring.  It's pretty big in size.  Needless to say, it makes quite a statement when I wear it!  Next, is a blue Hello Kitty broach and Hello Kitty barrette.  After that is a pair of Hello Kitty chandelier earrings.  Following that is a Hello Kitty barrette.  Finally, another Hello Kitty broach.  What I really love about Tarina Tarantino's Pink Head collection is that she makes different types of Hello Kitties.  There is the "mod" Hello Kitty, as seen in the ring below and the "goth" Hello Kitty as seen in the Hello Kitty earrings below, among a ton more.  I also love that her pieces look real jewelry.  Sure, you can find Hello Kitty necklaces, rings, bracelets, and things in the toy section of Target or other stores but now that I am getting a little older, I don't feel that I can carry them off without looking like an old person trying to look young.  Not a look I am going for.  With Tarina's items, I don't feel weird about wearing them. 



Hello Travel!

I came across this article over the weekend and figured it would be perfect for my next blog post, since I planned on showing off some of my Hello Kitty travel gear.  The article, "EVA Air's 'Hello Kitty' Aircraft Set for a Comeback" from the Focus Taiwan News Channel talks about how Eva Air is bringing back the Hello Kitty airplane to celebrate their 20 year anniversary and hopefully spark new interest in the airline.  The airplane is all decked in Hello Kitty, from the outside of the plane to the inside.  Napkins, baggage tags, boarding passes, and flight attendants aprons will all display Hello Kitty!  I would love to take a trip from Taiwan to Japan and visit the Hello Kitty theme park Harmonyland in Japan.  Yes, there is a Hello Kitty theme park.  I haven't been there yet but hope to one day.  It is kind of like the Disneyland for Hello Kitty fans!
 

I received this red Hello Kitty suitcase as a gift many years ago.  I honestly can't remember who bought it for me or when they gave it to me.  Sorry, gift giver!  I don't really use this one for travel because it is a little flimsy but it is on "display" in my living room. 

My mom found this Hello Kitty rolling suitcase at a garage sale!  I think she spent about $3 on it.  I was super excited when she gave it to me.  I've used this on occasion when I travel.  It is a little small though.  If I had a daughter, she would be strutting her stuff through airport with this suitcase!

This is one of my favorite Hello Kitty bags!  It's a light blue, quilted, faux leather duffle bag that I bought at a Chinatown store in Boston probably about 10 years ago.  It's gone on a lot of trips with me.  I usually travel with this bag instead of a suitcase.  It is a little beat up but it still has a lot of life in it. 

OK, I know this is a backpack but I do use it a lot when I travel.  Especially if I am taking a quick trip home to visit my family.  It holds a lot of stuff and always fits under the seat of an airplane.  This is another bag that has a bit of wear and tear but I will probably use until there is no more life left in it!

I use this blue Hello Kitty messenger bag a lot as well.  It is another great bag for quick trips.  I can fit my school books and clothes in it when I travel.  This is the same bag I was wearing in my New York, Sanrio store picture.  To be honest I can't remember when or where I bought this.  

Finally, these are two pieces of Hello Kitty Large Rolling Luggage are $320 each and are available through the Sanrio Website.  These are on my wish list.  If I had the money I would get one, if not both of them!  The Sanrio Website has a ton of travel bags, luggage, luggage tags and everything else you could ever need or want for your travels. 

Hello Kitchen!

Hello and welcome to my Hello Kitty kitchen!  I've recently become very obsessed with purchasing Hello Kitty items that I can actually use and that serve a purpose outside of just looking cute. 

The photo below is a close up of my pink Hello Kitty microwave oven.  I purchased this online, about 7 years ago, through Sanrio.com.  To the left of the microwave is a Hello Kitty milk shake maker.  On top of the microwave oven are two Hello Kitty pots.  On the right is one of two Hello Kitty water dispensers I own.  In front of the water dispenser is a Halloween Hello Kitty lunch box. 

In the picture below are a few of my favorite Hello Kitty appliances.  I purchased all of these from Target.  Target has a great selection of Hello Kitty appliances.  During the holidays, they stock a wide range of toasters, waffle makers and many other things.  On the far left is a Hello Kitty waffle maker.  All you have to is mix the batter and put in the waffle maker.  A few minutes later you are feasting on Hello Kitty shaped waffles!  In the middle is my collection of toasters.  The toaster oven is on the bottom and the regular toaster is on top.  It should be noted that the regular Hello Kitty toaster, toasts an image of Hello Kitty's face on your toast.  Finally, on the right is the Hello Kitty sandwich maker.  It's like a panini press.  Take two pieces of bread, put your favorite ingredients in the middle, place it on the sandwich maker, and close.  In a few minutes, you will have a warm sandwich that is reminiscent of a hot pocket, with, of course, Hello Kitty's face toasted on it. 

In the next picture, are a few of my less used Hello Kitty appliances.  From left to right: A Hello Kitty coffee machine.  I bought this at Target.  Next to the coffee maker is a miniature Hello Kitty Cuisinart.  It has real blades and everything.  I purchased this online and it's from Japan.  In the middle is a Hello Kitty popcorn popper, purchased from Target.  Next in line is a Hello Kitty Mixer.  I found this on Ebay a few years ago.  This is also from Japan.  Finally a Hello Kitty juicer from Japan.  To be honest I haven't used this yet but I love the way it looks.  This is another Ebay find. 

Here is another Hello Kitty juicer I bought from Target.  This one I have actually used. 

Finally, here are a few more of my Hello Kitty kitchen treasures.  A Hello Kitty pan that I bought in Chicago, along with a Hello Kitty ladle.  Two Hello Kitty oven mitts, a Hello Kitty cutting board, tongs, peeler and a little Hello Kitty pan that you cook eggs in and creates little Hello Kitty faces.  Two Hello Kitty Trivets and a Hello Kitty apron.