Growing up, I've always loved Chinese New Year; being able to meet with family, feast, laugh and pocket some of those iconic red envelopes warms my heart. You best believe that homegirl is so "red"y. (Ha. See what I did there.) But for me the best part was being able to pick out a new outfit to celebrate the first day of the new year in. 

In retrospect, some years I look like I stepped straight out of wonk-town with some *seriously* mismatched pieces that I convinced my eight-year-old-self to pull off and other years seem like I was playing an extreme game of "Let's see how many shades of red I can layer on!". I'd say one (at most), but apparently, fetus me would agree to disagree. Yes, I have pictures. No, I will not show them. I want you guys to think I'm cool, okay. But the MVP really goes to my parents for agreeing to buy me those unexplainable decal tees and being able to step out with me looking like a total style-wreck. 

And despite all that, there will always be a part of me that will never let go of the lionhearted, bold and eccentric fashion statements I made as a toddler. So fast-forward a few years and I'd like to say that my style has matured just as I have. I would love to say that, I really do, but I can't. Exhibit A? The fuzzy red sweater. BUT MOM, I LOVE IT. PLEASE. I CAN PULL IT OFF. SEE. 

Eat! Smile! Have a happy Chinese New Year and Gung Hei Fat Choi!

Call me strange (which isn't anything new, really) but I've always had a strong liking for flowers. This may have stemmed from (no pun intended) a lack of flowers when I grew up; as the pollution so graciously choked out the life from practically anything. The seemingly endless colours and textures that spawn from flora and fauna -- there's always something so visually enticing and powerful about them; the way each flower seems to have a story. 

*inserts dramatic sentence break for effect*

Like us. 

But in all seriousness,  I've always perceived an individual's growth, the physical and the internal, as a flower. Life is about growing and flourishing through the thorns. It's about discovering the hue of red, blue or purple that is perfect for you. It's about blossoming petals as much as wilting petals. Yet, in it's core, it's also about learning to stand tall through the rain, the snow, and the sun. 

Wishing you all the happiest of years, and I have a feeling 2017 will be a good one.

ps. low-key feeling like a flight attendant in this bandana, but all is well because I DIG IT.