I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.
www.cubiclejournal.com
5th July 2010

Top & Shoes – Zara, Shirt as skirt – Mum’s from Stefanel, Bag – Storets.com

Thank you brother for the outfit shots; Shirt as skirt inspired by Elise’s lurvely outfit

I’m slowly starting to realize that a birthday in July is not something I’d like to gift to my child, possibly a November or an April birthday instead. Call me ungrateful but this is one day I allow myself to wallow in self-pity as I scroll through the phone in search of a few who’d want to have dinner with me and eventually give up thinking why am I the one organizing my own birthday party… a sizable chunk of the phonebook is out of the country anyway.
Thank you G for inviting me over for coffee with 3 near-strangers and the delicious bday tart. And for those trying to deduct my age from the number of candles, it’s not 3 for 30, or 23; it’s 3 for 3 – the age of my inner child that sulks over such trivial elements in life. Sorry.

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98 Comments

  1. Jane
    July 5, 2010 at 3:59 am

    I know what you mean! I used to hate that my birthday was ALWAYS after school got out. But these days, I love that my birthday is always on a guaranteed vacation day :)

  2. Pascal
    July 5, 2010 at 4:03 am

    Well, happy birthday! MIne is on January 1st and most people are recovering from their hangovers on that day :/

  3. Wendy
    July 5, 2010 at 4:09 am

    It’s unfortunate that the beginning of your life, the day you were born, a presupposed momentous occasion for parents and friends, can later in life become the day that makes you (the) sad(dest), because it feels that no one cares enough to celebrate those initial moments of your life. The first breath of your life. But do not let that daunt you, you should regress to those first moments, because it is great that you are alive, and that you can celebrate it annually with or without people. Even if I don’t know you, I enjoy that you are alive because I can experience what you have offered through your blog.

    Joyeux anniversaire, cher.

  4. Pae
    July 5, 2010 at 4:11 am

    Hi Shini,
    Happy Birthday….to you.
    Enjoy it while you still have no. 2 in front.
    I like your creativity (skirtshirt thing).
    Funny that you are away nearly at the same time as me. I will be at BKK tomorrow night.
    I won’t stay until my birthday 24th August. But will be at my brothers for the first time in 11 years (can’t wait)
    Have fun..

  5. Oliwia
    July 5, 2010 at 4:16 am

    glad to know i’m not the only one who wears mum’s shirts as skirts
    sto lat (:

  6. Charlene
    July 5, 2010 at 4:26 am

    Awww. :( I think I remember some of my friends bemoaning their summer birthdays, when all their friends would be gone for vacation. But I always thought: all the pool parties you want! As you can see, I’m also about 3 years old in age, ahem.

    So happy birthday! *throws confetti* If it helps, I think you wearing that shirt/skirt is damn genius.

    Enter my Thai Jewelry Giveaway!

  7. vi
    July 5, 2010 at 4:32 am

    happy birthday Shini
    it’s your bday so you can sulk all you want
    i like your outfit
    very innovative
    i usually see people wear brand new things on their birthdays, but i like how you mixed it up!!!

  8. becky
    July 5, 2010 at 5:04 am

    Happy Birthday!!!
    Chin up!! you and your blog are amazing!!!
    Lots of Love
    xx

  9. Personal Injury Lawyers
    July 5, 2010 at 5:24 am

    I love your shoes. So classic

  10. Lorena
    July 5, 2010 at 5:30 am

    Happy Birthday Shini!
    I’ve always hated my birthday because I share it with my brother and we have a totally different attitude towards celebrating. He likes to make a huge deal about it and I’ve always just wanted to ignore it but every single time I’ve had to put up with a big party and being embarrassed while people sing to me. If people actually ignored or forgot my birthday I know I would be sad though, I just much prefer the idea of a low-key birthday.
    You look fantastic and the coffee and tart look super delicious.

  11. Grace
    July 5, 2010 at 5:37 am

    That skirt is insane!

    Love Grace.

  12. Luna
    July 5, 2010 at 5:48 am

    Congratulations :)

    Gahh, yummy good!

  13. Lucy
    July 5, 2010 at 6:03 am

    YOUR SKIRT IS AMAZING!!!!!!!! I’m going to try doing that when I feel unusually ambitious and crafty.
    Have a happy birthday! I sort of know how you feel because at my university, classes start during the week of my birthday (this year it’s the day of) so no one is really in the mood to hang out (at least not my studious friends). BUT I hope you still had a great day!!!!!!!

  14. Gen
    July 5, 2010 at 6:35 am

    My birthday (mid September) is kind of in an ideal time of year – the school term would be almost finished, the weather should be nice as it would be spring.

    A year older, a year wiser. Happy birthday :)

  15. M
    July 5, 2010 at 7:14 am

    firstly, happy birthday!
    2ndly, i organize all my own birthday parties, actually my 21st birthday was my first birthday in a while, i’ve always had a love hate relationship with birthdays

    but either way, it sounded like it was a good day

  16. Jenny
    July 5, 2010 at 7:17 am

    Hey, happy birthday.
    It is just another day in the year- opinion of my boyfriend. yay ^^
    But I like to spend this day with my family, great event to come together from time to time.
    So don’t worry, your blog is like others mentioned before, absolutely amazing.

    enjoy yourself.
    Grüßli

  17. Laura
    July 5, 2010 at 7:19 am

    Happy birthday! :)
    You look amazing, like always. Those shoes are beautiful!

  18. sarah
    July 5, 2010 at 7:42 am

    well i hope you managed to have a wonderful day anyway! don’t worry, my birthday is at xmas so i sulk too!!
    Loving how you wore a shirt as a skirt- awesome xxx

  19. Ely D.
    July 5, 2010 at 8:01 am

    Happy Birthday, Shini.. Don’t be sad, enjoy it as it comes and just pay it forward to your child. My birthday is in plain final presentations time, I wasn’t able to celebrate for five years!

  20. Liana
    July 5, 2010 at 8:11 am

    Happy Birthday to you Shini, and Happy Birthday to me too! (us 4th of July babies)

    <3

  21. Mani
    July 5, 2010 at 8:39 am

    I love your skirt/shirt/whatever you call it :) And happy birthday!

  22. agatiszka
    July 5, 2010 at 9:00 am

    Happy Happy :)

  23. K come Karolina
    July 5, 2010 at 9:35 am

    lots of love…happy b.day :)
    xoxo
    K.

  24. Kit
    July 5, 2010 at 9:42 am

    Love your shirt skirt Shin! You can also wear it as a harem trousers, just turn the shirt upside down, button up and belt it up hehehehehe.

  25. selina
    July 5, 2010 at 9:45 am

    i always celebrate my birthday for a month, i call it the birthday month :)
    happy birthday!!!

  26. the style crusader
    July 5, 2010 at 9:47 am

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    let’s have a mini post-birthday celebration when you’re back in London. love your outfit. that skirt is so cool and i like seeing your inspiration for it! that coffee looks beautiful too! hope you are enjoying yourself. p.s. i’m still dreaming about that sushi picture…

  27. elena vasilieva
    July 5, 2010 at 10:15 am

    happy birthday, loving your look, that checked skirt is gorgeous

    Elena
    http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/

  28. Jill
    July 5, 2010 at 10:20 am

    Happy Birthday! Lovely outfit :)

  29. Edona
    July 5, 2010 at 10:51 am

    Happy birthday! I hope you have a great day even though it may not have startet out so good. Use the day to celebrate yourself! :D

  30. Valentina
    July 5, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    Love the shoes!Gnammy cappuccino!

    Valentina from Fashion Trotter – 100% italian street style

    http://fashiontrotter.blogspot.com

  31. Sara
    July 5, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    aw :(

    My friends birthday is the 10th of july, so that sucks

  32. Gela
    July 5, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    aww, i’m sure your family & friends have something special for you. happy birthday! stay as fabulous as you are. :)

    also, i love what you did w/ your mom’s shirt! i’m gonna try that sometime!

    <3,

    boat ride through the sky

  33. fashion tidbits
    July 5, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    생일 축하해!!!!! ^^ 보고싶다!

  34. Nilu
    July 5, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Happy Birthday Shini!!
    Sadly I too know the pains of being a July baby…I’ve just given up now and make do with month early celebrations or 3 months later. Looks like you had a lovely day though!
    Such a brilliant idea, I’m gonna try the same with my mum’s shirt!

  35. ++f+
    July 5, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    happy 3rd! ;)

  36. revital
    July 5, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    love this entire outfit! the shoes are perfect!

    http://revi-pinkillusions.blogspot.com/

  37. Antoinette
    July 5, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Happy Birthday! I lurk but don’t often comment: I’ve got an August b-day and always felt like it was kind of forgotten, too. One idea from my friend whose b-day is on Christmas, in case you haven’t tried this — celebrate with friends a half-birthday or just one or two months ahead, when you aren’t competing for attention with summer holidays or, say, JESUS.

  38. Paulinabelle
    July 5, 2010 at 5:04 pm

    happy birthday!

    usually when i wear a shirt as a skirt i tie the sleeves into a bow… i’ll have to try it like this!

  39. young
    July 5, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    Happy birthday, dude.
    I rarely go fangirl, but your blog is my favourite in the world.
    Hooray for you!

  40. S
    July 5, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHINI!!! Another Cancer baby..wahey! I hated having a birthday in July as well because everyone’s always on vacation..but at least it’s better than having it at exam time I guess!

    I love this shirt as a skirt idea..dunno if it’d work on me, must try it out tonight.

    S
    http://notjustmedical.wordpress.com

  41. l'habitué
    July 5, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    Happy Birthday Shini!

    http://lhabitue.blogspot.com/

  42. la coco
    July 5, 2010 at 6:25 pm

    being a child is not a thing to be sorry for :)
    sto lat, sto lat!

  43. Satpreet
    July 5, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    You’re so cute. I have a birthday in June and know exactly how you feel.

    You should just start celebrating a half birthday.

  44. Emma
    July 5, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    Love your pictures :}

  45. kyki
    July 5, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    Wow, I LOVE your shoes! And skirt. And this blog, which is why I’m now following you. Tee hee. :)

    – xo, kyki ♥

    lunacy–fringe.blogspot.com

  46. Kate
    July 5, 2010 at 7:48 pm

    Aw, I totally feel your July birthday pain! Nevertheless, I hope you had a grand ol’ day :]

  47. Kathleen
    July 5, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    Happy birthday!
    I’m an August birthday and I have the same problem!
    I love your blog <3

  48. Ingrid Alise
    July 5, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    Happy birthday :D The pictures on your blog are simply beautiful. I think you just got yourself one more reader ^^

  49. Emily//the lesser panda
    July 5, 2010 at 9:37 pm

    happy belated birthday!

  50. Sarah
    July 5, 2010 at 9:48 pm

    Love everything you’re wearing in this and your hair looks gorgeous too, birthday girl! xx
    http://www.weshopthereforeweare.co.uk/

  51. nina
    July 5, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    i hope that you really had a happy birthday although i do not know the troubles of having a summer birthday its always fun to use my brother july birthday to go to the movies and the beach

  52. Anna
    July 5, 2010 at 10:05 pm

    you look fantastic girl. Love the skirt. Hope your birthday was great.

    http://annamargrete.wordpress.com

  53. Michelle
    July 5, 2010 at 10:55 pm

    Hartelijk gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag!!! (means ‘Happy Birthday’ in Dutch ;)

    Your shoes look amazing, you look amazing, as always ;)
    I hope you’ve had a nice day and I wish you the best of luck for the future =D

    Just found out about a cool Korean band: BigBang. (You might already know them, you might detest them, but I love them, and just wanted to share them with you :)

    xx

  54. style-haus
    July 5, 2010 at 11:16 pm

    happy happy birthday! great b-day look and i adore ur shoes

    http://style-haus.blogspot.com/

  55. Emma G
    July 6, 2010 at 12:12 am

    My birthday is slap bang between Christmas and New Year’s. I just treat it as a day to be selfish and go off and do my own thing.

  56. Ceri
    July 6, 2010 at 5:48 am

    Happy Birthday. I have a birthday and always look forward to a whole day of doing what I want like sitting drinking coffee, reading magazines and painting my nails. Sadly that never happens, the day usually ends up just as hectic as any other and I feel a bit disappointed.

  57. Robyn
    July 6, 2010 at 6:47 am

    Happy birthday!
    I hope you at least found something to enjoy on this lovely day!

    -robyn

  58. Jamie-Lee
    July 6, 2010 at 7:36 am

    Happy birthday! Well, perhaps you should consider moving to the Southern Hemisphere, parties are not as plentiful during these months as it is too cold to even really want to go outside (I’m sitting in my coat dreading that fact I have to go out for dinner soon)

    http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com

  59. Kristine
    July 6, 2010 at 8:05 am

    Happy birthday sweetheart. That’s exactly how I feel about my birthday too. I usually don’t tell people it’s my birthday bc I can’t deal with the well wishes!

  60. juliet
    July 6, 2010 at 11:21 am

    Try to enjoy yourself anyways! Do crazy thing you wouldn’t normally allow for yourself, spend carzy amounts of money on shoes, go to movies, to a nice restaurant or dancing.

    juliet xxx

  61. Sophie
    July 6, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Happy Birthday to you! :)

    And I can relate completely in regards to the birthday issue. It is sad when everyone in your world forgets, but refreshing when someone remembers without having to rely on Facebook for the notifications!

    All the best!

    x

  62. marian
    July 6, 2010 at 1:59 pm

    hope you had a lovely birthday sweetie pie. wishing you many happy returns.
    Big kiss honey bun.
    XOOXO
    Marian.

  63. kirsty
    July 6, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Hope u had a fabulous birthday and I love your outfit below xxxx

  64. Adorngirl
    July 6, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    chin up girl you have a lot of blessings, i don’t really celebrate birthdays, as it part of my beliefs, so it makes me greatful for every other day where I have my health, and my family. there is nothing wrong in letting you inner child sulk, but don’t forget all your wonderful talents, wev’e never met but through your blog it’ sinspired me to try and make my blog special unique, and to take pride and care in my work. xx

  65. Miss K
    July 6, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    I love your shoes in the first picture!

    http://carlandtheprepster.blogspot.com/

  66. abby
    July 6, 2010 at 8:53 pm

    oooOOo! love the shirt skirt. thanks for sharing and a happy birthday to you!

  67. 5am je t♥aime
    July 6, 2010 at 9:05 pm

    happy belated {stylish!} birthday!!!

    *’‥`*‧.﹐﹐.‧*’‥`*‧.﹐﹐.‧*’‥`*‧.﹐﹐.‧*’‥`*‧.﹐﹐.‧:::
    (\_(\ …*…*…*…*…*…*…*…*…*…*…*…* *:
    (=’ :’) : !+!+!+!happy birthday to you!+!+!+! ‧.. (,(”)(”)?…*…*…*…*…*…*…*…*…*…*…* ﹐.‧*’‥`*‧.﹐﹐.‧*’‥`*‧.﹐﹐.‧*’‥`*‧.﹐﹐.‧*’‥`*‧ ..* * * * *….* * * *

  68. A Girl, A Style
    July 6, 2010 at 10:15 pm

    I’m a bit late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY lovely!! Looking fabulous and original as always (love the shirt as skirt – i’ve been known to do this myself occasionally)

    Miss B xx

    http://agirlastyle.wordpress.com/

  69. Aga
    July 6, 2010 at 11:56 pm

    Happy Birthday Shini!

    First time leaving a comment – i believe the occasion demands it.:)
    Love this blog, the photos, witty texts, your styling choices….especially shoes and nail polish (can’t stop wearing mint green on my nails since i saw it here).

    See you sometime in Krakow ;)

  70. Stephanie
    July 7, 2010 at 7:36 am

    Happy Birthday!

    Hope the inner child enjoyed the sweets!

  71. Stephanie
    July 7, 2010 at 7:37 am

    Hope it was a happy birthday!

    Hope the inner child enjoyed the sweets!

  72. Crystal
    July 7, 2010 at 7:50 am

    Well regardless of the somewhat disappointing birthday, happy belated day of birth!!

    Usually I just hate making big deals out of my birthday to avoid trying to get people to celebrate with me. This year I didn’t mind terribly though which was weird. I had a picnic where I cooked most of the food and went out to dinner with friends and still had to pick up part of the bill…at least they sang me happy birthday.

    Oh well.

  73. Lydia
    July 7, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    Happy Birthday!
    Lovely outfit.

    http://allthingsnicestyle.blogspot.com/

  74. Alyson
    July 7, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    my birthday is in july too, and i haven’t been home for a birthday with friends to celebrate it in 7 years. you described exactly how it feels. :)

  75. Diana
    July 7, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    June birthdays are the same. Except a dozen other people share the same birthday week and I have to compete with that. What worked for me this year is celebrating my birthday on a non-birthday weekend with friends and spending my actual birthday quietly and stress free.

    Happy birthday! I love your blog.

  76. jill
    July 8, 2010 at 12:02 am

    Oh Shini, I’d have taken you out for your birthday, if I’d have known! But I know what you mean: I never enjoyed my own birthday parties, even as a child. My favourite times are when we go away and my husband barely mentions it. I hate the fuss and attention. Like Diana said: spending my actual birthday quietly and stress free.

    I love what Saskia did (I didn’t know it was hers, either): made it a party for other people. That I like.

    Anyway, Happy Birthday! I came here to link you cause I felt like doing a post with shots of you. Those are the most beautiful shots of you (and the coffee!) and I love the idea of a shirt as skirt, it’s brilliant. Can’t wait to try it! xox

  77. Daniella
    July 8, 2010 at 12:07 am

    AH! the skirt (?) is AMAZING. i need to try and do this.
    you are a babe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    xxoxoxoox

  78. Jessica
    July 8, 2010 at 1:58 am

    I sulk too. My birthday is the 26th of December. Competiting against Jesus is rather difficult. But I’m thankful that the people I love remember every year! (Or maybe it’s because I start reminding them after Halloween!)

  79. Leia
    July 8, 2010 at 7:54 am

    Hi Shini!

    I’m one of the Take 10 girls and don’t believe I’ve left a comment on your blog yet to say hi. (Shame on me, sorry!)

    Anyway, I LOVE the shirt as skirt idea! I’m going to go check out the inspiration behind that right now!

    Also, I have an August birthday, and I’ve had the same woes. I end up just celebrating with my family!

  80. Bill
    July 8, 2010 at 10:13 am

    HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHINI

    3 Happy’s for you!

    Bless you and may the year ahead be filled with lots of fun and joy for you and be very fruitful.

    Good times!

    Bill

  81. Julie
    July 8, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Happy bday!! and enjoy your holidays xoxo

  82. Lindsay
    July 8, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    Happy Birthday!

    I hear you… my birthday is in July too. It totally makes sense…. who wants to leave the AC in the midst of the inevitable heat wave that ALWAYS happens in July?

    I love your ensemble here – it’s an unlikely match but it totally works :)

    And that cup of coffee… did someone make that for you? It’s beautiful!

    http://cubiclechicblog.com
    -Lindsay

  83. Laura
    July 8, 2010 at 6:51 pm

    love the sandals :)

    http://aforteforfashion.blogspot.com

  84. zerrin
    July 8, 2010 at 10:31 pm

    LOVE EVERYTHING…skirt is insane!
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Shini:)

    http://it-stylist.blogspot.com

  85. Vanessa
    July 8, 2010 at 11:22 pm

    Such a beautiful little post. I adore your style and the pictures are so lovely. The coffee is a piece of art in itself. xx

  86. Niki
    July 9, 2010 at 8:20 am

    You have the nicest of feet!

    Anyway, happy birthday! I spent mine alone too, traveling (in Bali). The coffee and the tart looks delicious!

  87. trademark lawyers Melbourne
    July 9, 2010 at 11:00 am

    Wow..I love your shoes so much

  88. Queen of Mayhem
    July 10, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    A very happy birthday to you. Birthdays may only come once a year but your friends are there everyday. July is nice.

  89. Short Stories for the Single Girl
    July 11, 2010 at 12:32 am

    Happy bday! Your shoes are fabulous!

  90. Ella
    July 11, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    http://www.unleashthepixies.blogspot.com
    You have such a beautiful writing style.
    Happy Birthday
    xx

  91. sale shopping tips | Style On The Run
    July 11, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    […] Don’t forget to visit this part of the sales, yes really! Look for over sized hoodies and jersey tops. Think creatively; how could you customise with a few bits of elastic or adding a drawstring so that it has a more feminine fit? Shini from Park and Cube has a great twist on how to wear a mans shirt here. […]

  92. laura
    July 12, 2010 at 2:50 am

    i love how you’ve done the shirt-as-skirt here! i had to read back through a couple times before i quite got it through my head that it wasn’t just a really interesting skirt. happy birthday!

  93. Skie
    July 12, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    my bday is in july as well, next monday! And I’m thinking almost the same think, but the zodiac sign cancer is sooo lovely and fits me sooo well that happy even with an empty b-day party!!!!!!!!!!!*

  94. linda
    July 14, 2010 at 7:22 am

    happy birthday shini! i love reading ur blog!
    my bd 5days after ya so i kinda noe e feeling =x

  95. Sherrie Cola
    July 15, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    I would love a birthday in summer! Happy be-lated birthday!

  96. Sam
    July 16, 2010 at 8:26 am

    My birthday is today!
    So I know what you mean.
    When I was younger all I wanted was to be able to go to school on my birthday and have a friend surprise me with balloons.
    Oddly enough all I have wanted for this year is a fruit tart!
    Coincidence?
    Or maybe all us July-born just think alike.

  97. family lawyers melbourne
    October 29, 2010 at 5:51 am

    wow, the dessert looks exquisite, the fruit pie, the coffee foam pattern

  98. จำนองบ้าน
    May 20, 2011 at 8:23 am

    I would love to say Thanks for your contents. I will keep its to my friend. Thanks ^^