I’ve got some serious love for tortoise shell lately. I can’t get enough. I want everything. Now.

1. Tortoise iPhone Case from Incase
2. Tortoise Shell Bow Band from Dorthy Perkins
3. Half Pipe Cuff in Tortoise from ShopTwigs
4. Tortoise Button Earrings from BaubleBar
5. RayBan Wayfarers from ASOS
6. Chonograph Watch from Michael Kors
7. Spot On Graduated Necklace from Kate Spade (I recently bought a similar necklace from the J Crew outlet for $12, so keep your eyes peeled.)
8. Vivienne Sandal from Hollywould
9. Mason Pearson Rake Comb from Nordstrom
10. Tortoise Shell Frame Clutch from ASOS
11. Michael Kors Tortoise Slice Ring from Bloomingdales

I think this Kate Spade “Eat Cake For Breakfast” bag and clutch are totally adorable…for someone who weighs 110 pounds. I don’t think it would be quite as adorable if my two-hundred-and-some-odd-pound-self strutted down the street with the bang in one hand and a cupcake in the other hand.

I actually feel kind of ashamed at the thought.

Is it because I would judge someone doing just what I mentioned? Is it really that shameful to see a rotund woman declaring her love of cake? Do I have some majorly deep rooted weight-related issues?

Does anyone else seriously want a piece of red velvet cake right now?

Thoughts? Analysis?

I ogle the dresses at eShakti frequently and recently added these gems to my wardrobe.

The Birds Who Gossip
Chain Reaction
Singing in The Rain

I love the kitschy patterns; they remind me of something you’d see at Anthropologie. Except that eShakti actually gets it and dresses come in my size. In fact, all eShakti apparel comes in sizes 0 through 26 and any item can be tailored to your specific measurements ensuring a flattering fit. I didn’t customize any of the dresses that I ordered this time but I did make one minor tweak at home – I cut the ribbon that pulled the neckline to the sleeve on the last dress because it exposed my bra strap and just wasn’t a flattering neckline for my chest-size. It may look lovely as-is on you.

I thought today was a fitting day to wear my new Singing in The Rain dress, given the wet weather – though I did add a pink belt for a touch of optimism and a sparkly Burberry scarf. I even pulled out my Hunter boots (which I’ve only gotten to wear once in the last two years thanks to the drought) to wear to and from the office.

What are you wearing today?

The lovely people at eShakti provided one of the featured dresses for review. The other dresses were purchased by me at regular price. Please see my site policy with any questions.

26. Let my hair grow past my shoulders.

I’m calling this 40×40 a success. It’s the longest my hair has ever been and a far cry from my ‘do 21 months ago.

I’ve been really good about taking vitamins (Biotin and Prenatals), using sulfate-free shampoo (Organix Brazilian Keratin is my favorite), and laying off the blow-dryer and straightener, but not so good about frequent trims (I just had my first trim in 9 months yesterday).

My next goal is to let my hair grow to the middle of my back (or nipple-length, as my sister so elegantly described it). Do those of you with long hair have any advice for keeping it strong and healthy? Any insider tips for making hair grow faster?

Last week was a good week for snail mail. Christmas presents, self-gifted Christmas presents, and the softest, coziest sweater ever from Lands’ End. I thought it would look super cute with a preppy, great-outdoors, holiday spin so I added plaid and sparkles – a perfect combo, no? Maybe that’s my Catholic school days talking.

Lands’ End Blend Long Sleeve Cable Crew Sweater
GAP buffalo check flannel (gift from my sister)
J Crew rhinestone necklace (another gift from my sister – she demands recognition)
GAP Forever Skinny jeans
Steve Madden oxfords

As I was playing dress up, someone made themselves comfortable. This sweater is that soft and cozy. If you’ll remember, Ollie has a history of photo bombing. What can he say? He has good taste. (Lands’ End also sent Ollie a hand knit pet sweater. You can read all about it at Hot Dog in the City.)

I love this sweater so much, I ordered it in oyster and red. Such a great layering piece and perfect for the office or afternoon at home. (Pssst. Lands’ End promo code DONNER pin 1585 gets you an additional 40% off and free shipping thru December 19th! That makes these regularly $100 sweaters only $29 each. Seriously. Stock up.)

The lovely people at Land’s End gifted me the featured cable knit sweater. All opinions are 100% my own. Please see my site policy with any questions.