First Ever Hello Kitty Convention

Let me start off to say that Sanrio did an excellent job in planning out their first ever Hello Kitty Convention. Even though I was excited for the convention, I did not fully realize how much fun that I would have there. I did think it was going to be fun in terms of shopping, but the convention was more than that--- it was all about celebrating Hello Kitty. And, we-- the fans-- got to do just that...

Pic Provided by IG

 

THURSDAY, October 30th

Located in Little Tokyo of Los Angeles, the Hello Kitty Convention started off with so much excitement and joy. The evidence was seen on the first day of the four day event. 

I had arrived at six in the morning, but did not start lining up until seven. I did not know if people would be lining up hours early, but I wasn't going to take a chance and had planned my day accordingly. It was a good decision made on my part because the line had started to grow long by 8:30 in the morning.

Immediately, you could see a lot of people had come dressed up in kittified or cosplay outfits. It was the fun part of attending a convention. Even if someone didn't dress up and wanted to make the day more special, then they could just buy a Hello Kitty Con shirt. Going to conventions like these are all about creating fond memories to last a lifetime. 

10:15 a.m.

They made us wait a little longer before letting us enter the convention. A lot of people made a mad dash into the building. While I was passing by a security guy dressed in a black suit-- standing in the middle of crowds of fans trying to make their way into the convention-- I thought about how he must be feeling at the moment. 

What was he thinking when he saw tons of Hello Kitty lovers coming at a "very very fast-paced" (we were forbidden to run) speed towards him. We must look like crazy hyper zombies coming at him full speed on the hunt for Hello Kitty. Not the kitty itself, but all the special exclusive items that was promised and enticed for the last few months.

For the last month, Sanrio teased their fans with so much oomph that it was amazing that we didn't trample the Staff Convention people who got in our way. I am not kidding. I am very serious. 

For those who are not fans of Hello Kitty, beware of us on that day. We may look cute, but we can be scary at what we want. The good thing is that Sanrio didn't bring out Hello Kitty, the mascot, to stand in front of the entrance or else, the Convention security team would have had to fight off fans from freaking out over Hello Kitty.

Hey, ya never know...  yes, there is a human inside the mascot costume, but on that special day-- all bets are off. Obsession takes over.

Pic Provided By IG

On that first day, I went straight for the Vintage Shoppe. I was torn between the retail store and Vintage Shoppe, but I knew vintage was more important to me. From what I read about the Vintage Shoppe, I was expecting retro replicas of the vintage items sold in the 70's and 80's. I did not know that they were actually selling the real vintage stuff like really old school 1976 plushes and stationery. I was impressed and my greedy eyes couldn't stop from staring at all the good stuff. I have never seen so many vintage items all in one place and in person. 

It was amazing. Truly amazing! As a vintage collector, you live for this chance to see it live when you've only seen pictures of what vintage pieces look like. Reality hits you that you could be part of that amazing Sanrio history by owning one of these vintage items. 

As for myself, I wished that I could buy one of their medium sized Hello Kitty plush in the yellow overall jumpsuit, but I was on a budget. I wasn't able to save enough to buy everything that I wanted. I blame Sanrio Japan for that one. Seriously, too much temptation because I had to buy the newer stuff that is released every Tuesday PST time.

Even though, I did cut back on spending for this convention-- I did buy this gorgeous coin bank below.

My brother kept telling me that everything in the Vintage Shoppe was overpriced, but he and many million others won't EVER understand what vintage means to us, collectors. I could have chosen a plush doll that would have totaled over $100 USD, but this particular coin bank was more important for me to get my grubby hands on. 

Once it was paid and in my hands, I felt like I was walking in clouds. Fluffy white clouds swirling around me and disappearing off to the distance as I exited the shop. I was in heaven. I was beyond thrilled with my purchase for the day. I felt like I scored a major wanted item off my wishlist.

Logan just rolled his eyes at me because I couldn't stop smiling.

Small gift, big smile.

The rest of my first day went by quickly with a stop by the food courtyard and one of the first panels: "Inspired by Her- Artists and Hello Kitty." The panel discussion spotlighted three talented artists: Paul Frank, Aiko, and Jordan Nickel aka POSE. If anyone is interested, I have a 15 minute footage of that discussion that will later be posted on Youtube sometime this week. 

I had missed out on the Guys collector panel at 3pm and wished there was a way to see a clip of it. Another panel that I got to see was on a Friday-- the Super Fans Unite. The panel discussion took place with 4 all-female collectors: Maria Fleischman, Salumeh Eslamieh, Ariel Elizabeth, and Tera Patrick.

Since there was a cameraman in the room with us, I didn't think to record the panel discussion. I regretted it because the very nice cameraman told me that they were recording for a long documentary project that has been going on for four years now. Then, he proceeded to let me know who I can ask about if a video will be posted online for the other unseen panels. 

From the few people that I spoke with, I came away disappointed with what I learned. These interesting panels might never see the light of day. I regretted not attending all the panels. I had left early on Thursday afternoon because Logan wanted to leave. We couldn't buy anything more until that Friday.


FRIDAY, October 31st
Friday came smiling down upon us. Logan went off to buy what he wanted to get and I went straight for the retail store upstairs.

 

Compared to the lucky ones coming out of the Convention with 3 to 5 shopping bags, I was still happy with the items that I have chosen to purchase. I wanted to buy more stuff, but I held myself back and didn't do too much damage to my wallet. 

Sigh. My wallet is safe, y'all.

My inner "angelic" side, Nancy, kept nagging at me to be good. All will be rewarded if I show some restraint. There better be a better reward by the end of this year. ;p

There is one small ittty-bitty thing that I have to mention: the 2014 exclusive Convention Bobblehead. When I first saw it in person, I had to really think hard and long whether I should buy it or not. I wanted to leave the Convention with a good 2014 Souvenir to represent this awesome event for years to come. I chose this Bobblehead over the HK FigurIne holding a red bow in front of her face. 

What made me had second thoughts about purchasing this Bobblehead was the fact that it looked too "plasticky" and cheap for the expensive price of $32. Compared to the Three Apples 2009 Bobblehead, this looked cheaply made. Unfortunately, I bought this with sentimental value instead of really loving it. It sure won't be my favorite HK Con Bobblehead for future other Convention bobbleheads to add to my collection.

Out of all the event, the most highlighted part was the Hello Kitty Art exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM). Without this amazing and talented show of Art exhibit, the Convention wouldn't have been as great as it is this year. It's a must-see creative art exhibit that is well put together.

Pic Provided By IG

After my two fun-filled days at Hello Kitty Con, I knew that I want to attend another Hello Kitty Convention again. Even with the long lines, it'll be worth it.

This time, I plan to attend all four days because two days seem to be not enough time to do what I wanted to do with the long lines taking most of my time. Sanrio, haven't you heard of VIP lines with no waiting? Please please have that for your next planned Convention and sign me up for all the VIP lines. I may have tremendous amount of patience, but my feet are still bruised and hurting from all that standing.

Despite all that, I'm ready for the next HK Con. Are you?

HK Con Diary: Badges

I am super lucky that Sanrio decided to host Hello Kitty Con in Los Angeles, rather than in Japan or New York. It's understandable why they'd want to bring Hello Kitty Con to L.A. 

Los Angeles is the heart and soul of activity. Many events are taking place here and what better way for Sanrio to bring more awareness to a culture of cuteness. By hosting a convention in the States, this is another refreshingly new take to show Americans that Hello Kitty is not just all about being a cute kitty. She is more than a cartoon character. She represents all different sides to her, whether in a form of art that brings out the cool side of her or through merchandise and food-- the beautiful art piece that she is today.

Also, it helps that with this "new" cool image, it will surely bring in new fans for Sanrio.

New fans = more $$$

With just two more days before the big day in Little Tokyo, I went to pick up my HK Con badges. Inside the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), everything was decked out in Hello Kitty Con posters and signs to promote the event. It was an exciting day to know that we'll be able to celebrate the love for Hello Kitty very soon. Among the fandom, there will most likely be a countdown to take place.

Are you ready for cuteness overload? I sure am.

HK Con Diary 2014

As it gets closer and closer to the first ever Hello Kitty convention, I have been preparing and planning out my two kittified outfits for the last few months. I didn't need to buy anything extra for my Thursday outfit because I had the clothes and accessories already in my Closet. 

What I needed to plan out and purchase was mainly for my Halloween outfit and of course, my Hello Kitty nails.

I love how it turned out 

Since I wanted my nails to be done by a talented nail salon, I found that Marie Nails in Los Angeles to have an excellent reputation for creating lovely nails. The nail salon is Japanese owned and their nail techs are very talented Japanese artists. With a nail salon picked out, I made my appointment three months in advance. 

The result for my nails was very kawaii-meets-sophistication. I am a simple girl and love simplicity the best. As I type this blog post, I am fascinated with how very cute my nails are as my fingers are spread out on the keyboard. With both hands, the Hello Kitty face on each hand seems to be winking up at me as it blends nicely with the other white colored nails. I like the very fact that my nails are not overly done, but has that simple touch of kawaii-ness.  

This being my first time to have my nails done in a nail salon, I plan to get a more detailed nail art design for my next visit. I am not sure if I'll go with a Hello Kitty theme again or a Sanrio-fied theme.

After getting my nails done, I kept asking myself why I don't get my nails done more often by professional artists. I really should...

Inside Junolyn's Handbag

For a year and a half, I have been focused on searching for Sanrio items to add to my growing collection of handbags. They are not ordinary handbags, but of Loungefly's Hello Kitty embossed bags. These handbags are truly one of a kind because they are stylish yet still be a cute Hello Kitty product. It screams fashion bags for adults. These handbags are one of the reasons that made it acceptable for older women to like Hello Kitty. 

NEWS ALERT: Hello Kitty is in.

 What's in your bag?

Before Loungefly's Hello Kitty handbags came onto the fashion scene, there have been many designs of Hello Kitty purses that were sold through Sanrio. Most of the HK purses just don't compare to Loungefly's HK designer bags. Loungefly's version of Hello Kitty bags have been so incredibly successful with the adult crowd that they have expanded the line to luggages, cases, and more.

Inside my handbag

My Stuff

I try my best to carry a small amount of things because I really hate a messy purse where it takes a while to find whatever you need. I have found the basic things like a calendar planner (even if it's 2010-- still cute to use for contacts and such), small wallet, card holder case, portable scissor, small mirror, USB car charger, a small pouch for tissues, and a pen.

Below is a video that shows fully of what's in my white Loungefly Hello Kitty handbag. There are a few necessity items that I can't do without like my SPF lipstick, Icebreaker mints, iphone, keys, and the Sanrio stamp cards.

Hello Kitty, Hello 40 Book Review

 

Hello Kitty, Hello 40: A 40th Anniversary Tribute

WHERE to Buy:

Amazon, Target, Simon&Schuster, and Barnes & Nobles

Kawaii

If you love anything cute, then this hardcover 40th Anniversary Tribute to Hello Kitty book will make you smile and squeal with delight. Full of colorful and bright pages, the book contains 40 + 1 more stories illustrated by different artists. 

Each short story is illustrated in each artist's own interpretation of Hello Kitty. Each story has a different drawing style that will make you fall in love with the loveable furrball all over again.

While the book may have no words of dialogue, it can be still enjoyed by older mature fans. It's illustrated in a way that even adults can be entertained by their adorable Sanrio characters coming to life in front of their very eyes. While the center story is around Hello Kitty, there are a few stories that have a few Sanrio characters guest starring in the book.

No longer are these characters stick flat on merchandise, but they are brought to life by these talented artists. 

Full of imagination and wonder, these Sanrio characters seem more real by the end of the book. If you were only a Hello Kitty lover, then this book will have you start liking another Sanrio character. That is the magic draw of the kawaii world of Sanrio.

Welcome to my world!

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2

Below are Pages from the book:

Junolyn's Top 10 Collectibles for Hello Kitty

Have you just discovered your love for Hello Kitty or has your obsession been renewed recently? If it has, then this article is perfect for any type of Hello Kitty Collector.

If you are beginning to start your own collection or have a collection going, then you might want to go through this checklist to see if you have all these in your collection...

Junolyn's TOP 10 Collectibles for Hello Kitty

1.   Retro Vintage Coin Pouch

Pic by IG

Don't you want to own a part of history in your own way? Even if it's not the original, you can add a retro similar replica to your collection. Say that one day you have a guest viewing your collection and that person knows the history of Sanrio and Hello Kitty-- then he or she will understand why you have this small itty-bitty coin pouch encased in a glass display box. 

See, Sanrio has one displayed in one of their many heavily security guarded exhibits...

it's that precious to Hello Kitty fanatics all over the world.

2.   First Hello Kitty Comic Book

As a collector, you know the first issue of a Comic book is a big deal, right? This is the very first Hello Kitty comic produced. You might want to get your hands on one before you can no longer find one. It'll go down as part of history - well, that of Hello Kitty's history of many accomplishments. 

Protect yours well.

3.   First Hello Kitty World Convention Poster

Like the first comic book, this Convention poster is the first of it's own kind because it's the first ever Convention that celebrates the love for Hello Kitty. In a way, it also celebrates Sanrio-- the one who created the ever popular character, Hello Kitty. Once Sanrio has established their brand name to be a household one, I take it that there might be a first ever Sanrio Convention down the road in the far far far future? To be expected?

If you see any Sanrio characters in the first HK Con, don't yell.

4.   Brunswick Bowling Ball

Even if you don't bowl, this is one collectible that is a showstopper in your collection. Guests and friends will stop and stare at it. Why, you ask? Look at the picture above. It's not everyday that you see a Hello Kitty bowling ball, especially with it's kawaii face staring right at you. Doesn't it seem like Hello Kitty is beckoning you to throw her and seducing you with her irresistible charm?

5.   Loungefly's LunchBox

Think about it...

You know it. I know it. We all know it. 

We know that you secretly own one of these babies. It's been stamped approved by the designers of Loungefly. You don't have to be a child to own one. It's back in with the cool crowd of adults, whether it being female or male. Who wants to follow the crowd and be like everyone else? Stand out with a lunchbox.

6.   Pink Globalization by Christine Yano 

If you are going to start out your own Hello Kitty collection, why not start with the basics? Read an in-depth book about the history of Hello Kitty. It's basically the bible to every Collector's collection. A well written book that understands the kawaii history, Hello Kitty, and how everything are all connected to one another.

7.   Moxi Roller Skates 2013

It's a perfect way to skate through life... in a kawaii fashion style.

Who knows where our path will lead to-- one filled with chasing after many collectible items or another trying to remember why we loved Hello Kitty in the first place. Either way, this is another showstopper collectible that makes others stop and stare. Get it? The most important part-- the stares. Get 'em because you'll love all the jealous attention. They might not like Hello Kitty, but they love how you stand out like a red beaming light.

8.   Monopoly Board Game

Who doesn't like board games?

Even if you're not into board games, this collectible edition is still a special addition in a Hello Kitty collection. One of a kind. An out-of-ordinary type of Hello Kitty product that you can't get your hands on type of deal. It's something that will come in handy down 10 or 20 years from now on a rainy day and to pass up time for those who are bored. It's all about the bonding moments that connects us all together with a simple board game.

9.   Sephora Handheld Mirror

Whether or not you are a fashionista, this handheld mirror is a MUST have in your collection. Male or female, we all look at ourselves in the mirror to check if we're feeling pretty (or handsome for the men *wink*) on a particular sunny day. Haven't you ever chanted: 

"Mirror, Mirror -- who's the fairest of them all?"

Seriously? You all haven't? Eek, I mean to say... I haven't done it either. No lie.

10.   Chubby Bunny Bow Headband

You want attention and all that spazz that comes with it? You got it. This headband bow will spruce up any Hello Kitty outfit that you put together at the last minute. It's even something guys can wear if they don't mind the stares. 

Gals & Gents, one important lesson: capture their attention with your bow and keep it on you all night long. Life is like a party, right?

Another Tip for Pen & Pencil Collectors

While I have not found a better way to preserve Kawaii decorative pens and pencils than with plastic wrappers or ziplock bags, here's an extra tip...

I have come across a site that leads to new information for storing pens.

• Marker-style pens and pens with writing tips on both ends must be stored horizontally to keep the ink distributed evenly. Attempting to store them vertically can result in all the ink “pooling” on the downward tip, with the other end drying out.  In addition, any type of pen that requires you to shake before use, such as metallic paint markers, should be stored in the same manner.
• Ink pens such as gel pens and similar pens should always be stored so that they are vertical, with the writing end down, cap on.  
• Pencils can be stored vertically or horizontally.

Source: ScrapJazz

If you keep your pen and pencil collection in a plastic container or ziplock, remember to always store in room cool temperatures. The plastic will more likely stick or melt onto your pens and pencil collection.

Hello Kitty Crochet Book Review

by Mei Li Lee

WHERE to Buy:

Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Barnes & Nobles

Just Adorable

I don't knit or crochet. I don't plan to do either any time soon. I bought this hardcover book for one reason and one reason only...

It is just plain too cute for words!

As a Sanrio collector, this book fits all the requirements to add to my Sanrio book collection. Even if you aren't planning to take up crocheting in the near future, this book will come in handy for future generations who will want to give it a try as a fun hobby. 

For myself, as soon as I saw the adorable little creations-- I just knew that I would never get tired of combing through the colorful pictures of the crochet characters (of Sanrio). If you have guests visiting your home, it's another entertaining way to pass up time. Those who are fans of kawaii will want to steal your book away, just for the pictures alone being so adorably cute.

An added bonus is that the book focuses on more than one Sanrio character, not just Hello Kitty as the title of the book suggests only. I keep wondering why the book isn't called "Sanrio Crochet," but then again it might be because it won't sell as much as it would if it was represented as Sanrio. To me, Sanrio has to start somewhere to make their name as a popular brand as their character, Hello Kitty. Why not start with this book?

After finishing flipping through the book, I found that each character had something little extra that represented their story along with the easy to follow instructions on crocheting each character.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2

Below are Pages from the book:

A Keeper!

Review: Hello Kitty's Check Plaid Series

At last, a red series line!

Check Plaid Design

Recently, Sanrio has come out with a new series line-- all in red color. If what memory serves me, it has been a long time since Sanrio has focused on a red series line (excludes kitchen tools). They've been certainly focused on the color pink for both characters: Hello Kitty and My Melody. While there's nothing wrong with focusing on a pink color theme, a change up of colors to a red theme would bring about some diversity to the character, whether it being My Melody or Hello Kitty. Plus, red is a classic color that both characters have started out with-- a red bow for HK and a red hood for My Melody.

Including myself, there are many fans who have missed a red themed Hello Kitty series (plugin: RED hood My Melody fans too!). So, when Check Plaid design series came along and was released, I was very excited and hoping that several items would catch my eye to add to my collection.

Unfortunately, I have to say that none of the items in the red Check Plaid series caught my interest. 

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥ 3/4

In the 90's, Sanrio would release a series line that had more than 22 items. It would also include a matching series of stickers, pens, erasers, stationery, and desktop products. The whole shebang!

Nowadays, it's a limited regular series that we get from time to time. I have a feeling that if this red series had included stickers, a pencil case, classic stamp set box, ceramic coin bank, and pens to purchase, I'd be first in line to order.

Breakdown:
Handbags

I think I am turned off by this design because I know that the handbags are laminated embossed instead of just fabric feeling of the handbags. When you run your hand over the bags, you will feel the plastic laminated embossed that will protect your bags from staining easily. 

Again, what's with the plastic? 

Sure, the designers laminated for the benefit of keeping the stains away, but it's not the same if it has a shiny gloss over the product. Compared to a Gucci hangbag, do you see them putting plastic over their leather bags? Would you like carrying around plastic covered purses? For me, it's a definite BIG fat NO!

For me, it's all about FASHION. No plastic needed, thank you very much.

So what if your handbags are stained after using a few months later? It's why we're called shopaholics for a reason. We have an excuse to go buy another gorgeous handbag out there that has caught our eye. It's a repeated cycle. We get something new, it eventually gets old and retired from use, then replaced.

Another thing that is a turn off, the gold outline of Hello Kitty is a bit hard to see from the busy plaid background. Since it's laminated, I'd make a stab of it and guess that the gold outlining of HK is separate from the red plaid handbag, right? Meaning the gold outline is printed on the laminated embossed material. 

Conclusion: Cheap design

Why does this watch look like cheap plastic or a cheap imitation of a real watch?

What happened to the middle portion of Hello Kitty's upper body? Why is it designed like that?

Junolyn's Mid-Year Top Picks

It's that time of the year again for finding a special gift for a loved one or rather for yourself. Whether it's a back-to-school gift, an early birthday gift, or a special just-because gift-- it's a small reminder that little things can bring about a huge smile.

Have you brighten someone's day yet?

Already ordered for my personal collection

Hello Kitty Calendar Display Stand
Color: Wooden

This wooden display stand is not just any ordinary Calendar stand, but a special Message or Graphic Display Message stand. It being wooden is perfect to blend in any modern style living room or home office. Also, it's a perfect fit for those who want to avoid flashy bright colors theme.  You need an International Shopping Agent (I.S.A.) to order this piece.
Please see FAQ for an Agent.

Sanrio Vinyl Wallets
Retro Vintage

Are you a vintage collector or know someone who collects vintage stuff? If you do, then this gift will surely be a great addition to anyone's vintage collection. You need an I.S.A. to order these wallets: Hello Kitty, Marron Cream, and Keroppi.

Little Twin Stars Jigsaw Puzzle
Alice in Wonderland

If you're looking to add a little "cute" into your everyday activities for your home, this puzzle will do the trick. A simple way to entertain your family or friends while bonding over a good conversation and tasty snacks. You need an I.S.A. to order this piece.

 

Hello Kitty 8" Robot Plush
Tokidoki Collaboration

Tired of the color PINK that you see everywhere? Then, this plush is a perfect addition to your plush collection. It's futuristic and blue. Enough said. 

You can order online here.

Hello Kitty Deluxe Pencil Case: Reunion
Tokidoki Collaboration

Here's a perfect pencil case to bring with you everywhere you travel. One important thing to note is that the style is definitely C-O-O-L. Other designed cases have a style that fits more for the younger kids, especially when it's in neon pink color. You can order online here.

Remember that all these suggestions have a limited stock, so get them while you still can. 

XOXO,

Lyn  :0)

Graph Humor

Where's the nearest Sanrio store in your area?

For the Love of My Melody

My Melody *Dress Up* Series

Gallery Update

It's been a week since I received the latest My Melody series. I have not been able to take my eyes off them, nor been able to put them away until I can properly display them. As you can see below, my Sanrio collection just got even more kawaii. 

Breakdown of the *Dress Up* Series:

First thing, let's start off with the pair of keychain plushies. Each small plush has a different Lolita type kind of outfit. Usually, I do not like collecting tiny size plushes, but I could not pass these two up. Could you?

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥   (out of 5 ♥'s) 

The *Dress Up* series comes with a pretty necklace and a set of earrings.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 

*Dress Up* Deluxe Plush

Out of the whole series, this plush is the highlight of the group. It definitely is a *must have* for any My Melody collector. The quality of the plush speaks for itself in the picture below.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥  

*Dress Up* Maid Plush

This plush is another round of pleaser. Dressed in a blue and white checkered dress, it gives off a sweet image.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥  

*Dress Up* Jewelry Case

I bought this leather case to transport jewelry whenever I go outside for an event or special occasion. It fits perfectly in a large handbag or even in a small carry on luggage. Besides being very pretty and pink, the case smells like new leather. >.<

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥♥  

*Dress Up* Sticker

Lastly, this sticker rounds off the whole series in delighting My Melody fans with images of the plushes.

My Sanrio Rating:  ♥♥♥ 1/2 

 One sheet is never enough for me

So far, my My Melody collection has been growing larger and larger for the past year and a half. I started off with a small collection a few years back, but now it has accumulated into a growing obsession for this pink bunny. My Melody is no longer the last character in my Favorites ranking list. I've since added Tuxedo Sam to the list and he's at the bottom of the rank.

 

 

 Sweet.