So it’s time for the last post of this busy, busy year. Unfortunately my job keeps me so busy that blogging has been difficult at times and stress really started wearing me out towards the end of the year. What kept me going was knowing that I’ll have two weeks off from work during the holiday season.

This is the start of the second week off and after a relaxing Christmas  and lots and lots of sleep and lots of cooking, I’m starting to feel like myself again. Cooking is something I love because working in the technology industry, it’s rare to have a job that creates visible, tangible results, but in the kitchen I can see, smell and taste what I’m creating!

Ok, but enough of the stress ramble and on to this week’s Esprit dress review. I bought this dress while I was Christmas shopping for others. I loved the color, the fact that it had sleeves, and it’s warm and wintery. I only quickly tried it on, and it did fit in general. Then when I first put it on with tights I realized it was too short even for my taste so only wear it with leggings or slim fit jeans.

Esprit knitted dress with shoulder zip detail.
Esprit knitted dress with shoulder zip detail. The yarn used is pink / white / silver making it a little more interesting.

But still it did not look right. Somehow just one pink blob of color all over. So I added the busty girl accessory number one: the belt.

Esprit knit dress with a belt.
Esprit knit dress with a belt.

Better, but now it looked so very busty with the high neckline. So I added busty girl accessory number two: the necklace.

Esprit knitted dress with accessories.
Esprit knitted dress with accessories.

Now I was finally happy with my snap decision purchase! I used to really hate pink, but then when I had to wear a pink top to a work event some years ago, I realized how  it suited my coloring–not the pale shades but the stronger ones. So learned to never say never!

If I had posted last week, I would’ve introduced my new Marimekko apron. I got one as a pre-Christmas present and am so pleased with it. It has buttons for adjusting the neck strap which is great for a full-bosomed woman.

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Happy Christmas cooking in my Marimekko apron.

Hope everyone has had a happy year and has a great start to 2014 !!!

You’ll be seeing bi-weekly posts from me in the new year, as my project schedule is more hectic than ever.