This just in: Hello Kitty is NOT a cat. Seriously. What does that even mean?! Reported by the LA Times as part of covering Hello Kitty’s upcoming LA tour, Sanrio has revealed that Hello Kitty is actually a little girl.
Christine R. Yano, an anthropologist who worked on a Hello Kitty exhibition in Japan talks about how when she described Hello Kitty as a cat, she was quickly corrected by Sanrio.
“That’s one correction Sanrio made for my script for the show. Hello Kitty is not a cat. She’s a cartoon character. She is a little girl. She is a friend. But she is not a cat. She’s never depicted on all fours. She walks and sits like a two-legged creature. She does have a pet cat of her own, however, and it’s called Charmmy Kitty. She has a twin sister. She’s a perpetual third-grader. She lives outside of London. I could go on.”
A 40-year-old iconic kitty who is not a cat? Mind = blown. But you know what? We still love Hello Kitty, and here are a dozen reasons why she makes a great bestie.
You Can Wear Her Sunglasses at Night
This kitty’s all about sass, and that includes rocking some serious shade even under the stars. These Wayfarer Style Kitty Sunglasses ($8) come in about a million colors so you can pick a different pair for every outfit.
She’ll Shelter You From the Storm
Heading out on a rainy day? Add a little whimsy to the scene by rocking this Diva Collection Umbrella ($45). It’s got just the right amount of playfulness to battle any storm.
She Can Help You Be ’70s-Style Cool
Ready to go seriously retro? Born in 1974, this cool cat’s all about the classics. Wear these Hello Kitty Moxi Roller Skates ($199) to your next roller disco and you’ll be groovin’ in no time.
This You Can Ask Her to Take Your Picture
Forget your phone — take some instant photographs with this Hello Kitty Fuji Instax ($38) and you’ve got instant wall decor.
She’s a Part-Time Model
This chick is all about style experimentation, whether she’s channeling Kiss or turning herself into an Ugly Doll. See more of her crazy looks in the Sanrio x Rizzoli Hello Kitty Book ($65).
She’ll Give You a Makeover
Need a touch up? Keep this Happy Fun Hello Kitty Palette ($17) in your purse and you can spruce up your look in a matter of minutes.
You Can Make Clothes With Her
Use this Hello Kitty Sewing Machine ($299) to make your very own skirt! Don’t know how? Well you’re in luck — we’ve got e-class for that ;)
Make a short stack of cuteness with this She’ll Keep All Your Coins in Order
And if coins aren’t your jam, this is a great Polka Dot Coin Purse ($7) to store bobby pins, lip gloss and other everyday essentials.
She Understands Hipster Trends
Never one to shy away from trends, Kitty’s all about rocking a Hello Kitty Stars Bandana ($9) on a hot summer day, just because it makes her look tough.
You Can Be Her at a Pajama Party
You go to pajama parties, right? Well, this Pink Leopard Hello Kitty Onesie ($80) is purrrrr-fect.
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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