Birthday Girl

It was my birthday on Tuesday and I must say, it was a pretty special day! I'm a very lucky girl woman (I am 29 now after all). My boss had a candle with a huge piece of strawberry cake (Mmmmmm!) and she whispered to all the kids to make sure and tell me happy birthday and how pretty I was. Not gonna lie, I'll take any cheap hit at my ego, haha! I thought it was so very sweet. 

After work I was supposed to meet all my friends out for a nightcap or two-ish… at this inexpensive, great place (we're teachers that live in the most expensive city in the world; these prerequisites are imparative) but the place had closed down last week! Bummer, man. So we moved just decided to move the festivities to my place for simplicity's sake. Even with the hiccup, everyone came with such great energy and I ended up having a great night dishing with my pals. It can be hard being away from home on special days like birthdays so I feel so blessed to have people here that make being an expat fun. 

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Smitten Kitten

I love any holiday themed fashion blog post - even if it is a little late! 

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love Hello Kitty and this dress. 

First of all, I'm currently an elementary teacher which means I'm inundated with adorableness from all angles - whether it's the kids themselves or the things they drag into my classroom, such as Hello Kitty paraphernalia. Maybe I've been in Asia too long, but I can't help it. I want to ask every little girl, "Dahling, where did you get that divine Hello Kitty tote bag?" 

...which is hard because 1) their answer is most likely to be, "Dunno. Mom got it." and 2) I try very hard to focus on the process of their learning and their efforts as a good student and friend - not on what they are wearing. But y'all! They're so gosh-darn cute! 

And when I saw this basket bag walking down the streets of Chinatown (I actually think this might be a knock-off, realized after the fact) I literally did a 180. Had to have it. Don't need your Mom's shopping advice after all, Maggie. 

Of course, nothing is paired more to perfection than with this delightful dress - the fit and flair silhouette that feels made for me (fantastic length and all!), the fresh pink and white stripes, and crisp pleats. Did I mention I got this for $8? I would be drooling over it all but I don't think my date would find that very romantic… maybe. 

Happy Valentine's day! I hope you had a great day cuddled up to the loved one of your choosing and looked fabulous doing it! <3

Dress: Uptown Cheapskate (Forever 21) 

Everything else: Thrifted, gifted, or in local Singaporean markets

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