Remember when there was this thing called the Sun and it would come out and make everything warm and everyone happy?

Yea, I kind of remember it, but its been so long. Alicia and I took these pictures back when the lower mainland wasn’t covered in a constant patch of grey and we actually knew what the Sun was.

It was a beautiful Friday where not too many people we working so we took a little break, walked up to Commercial Drive, grabbed some treats at Starbucks (including their Coconut Mocha Frappucino and Rocky Road Cake Pop – OBSESSED) and then stopped by a pretty garden to take some pictures.

It was so beautiful and warm that I actually had a chance to wear my new pleated shorts from Forever 21, that I bought in APRIL. Well, better late then never. My floral tank top from the Garage was the perfect little pop of Spring time delight and my Kersh Cardi matched flawlessly. My favourite Spring/Summer outfit that has only seen the light of day once.

There was a sweet breeze in the air and everything was just perfect. Mid afternoon coffee, a stroll down the street, beautiful flowers blooming in a garden, and no rush to get back to the office.

And now, all we have is grey rain.

It’s OK though. Really, it is. The warehouse is starting to become full of adorable Fall apparel which works out great for me. I’m glad I saved my moola and didn’t splurge on many Summer dresses. Long sleeve knit tops and patterned sweaters will fit in just perfectly.

VEST!

Papa Rossi’s Wedding Vest + Oversized Plum Blouse + Mavi Denim Leggings + Spring Flats 

I think I will take the day off from blogging today. I know I said I’d blog on the weekend, but I lied. It’s too hard to blog on the weekends when all I want to do is spend time away from the computer.

This weekend was much more quiet in comparison to last.

Friday night I went out to dinner with Alicia, Cicy, and Tiffany. It was so nice meeting them and chatting. Chad and Ryan were supposed to be going out somewhere but by the time I got home they were still there, so I ended up tagging along (perfect timing). We headed down to the Charles Bar (our new favorite spot) for some drinks and chit chat. Elise and her co-workers met us later on in the evening as they were downtown at their High Schools Grad (they are all teachers).

Saturday I slow roasted tomatoes for 8 hours, washed the sheets (this time I remembered them), napped, and then headed out to a dinner function.

Sunday I watched a lot of Tabatha’s Salon Takeover. I got really into it and wanted to fire everyone in each of the episodes. I always have too much pent up anger. After my rage attack I went to Moms to make a Zucchini Lasagna Casserole. It was yum tastic.

Now it is Monday and I am being attacked with Monday Morning Work Issues. Yay!

So, after 4 years of working at Plum, they finally asked me to be a model. HA!

They asked me to style a Boyfriend jacket my own way. If this isn’t me, I don’t know what is.

It’s funny how no matter what, your personal style always come through. I can’t even tell you how many people saw these pictures and said “OMG that is SO you!” Yes, well, I do dress myself ;)

You can check out the ad here, and if you aren’t totally bored yet, you can also watch this little news clip about the prices of our clothing over the last 20 years.

Stripes, Sneakers, and BF Jackets for life.

I want the world.
I want the whole world.
I want to lock it all up in my pocket it’s my bar of chcolate.

GIVE IT TO ME NOW!

 Today, I just want everything.

Purple Long Sleeve Burn Out T – Plum, Royal Mavi Serena Denim Leggings – Plum
Silver Multi Strand Chain – Plum, Chuck Taylors

Friday night we partook in our annual tradition of Dine Out Vancouver. Each year we try to hit a restaurant we’ve never been to and this year we chose Al Porto in Gastown.

I decided to bust out some of my new Spring 2011 purchases since we were going out somewhere nice.

Spring hits our warehouse super early, with new arrivals starting to peek into stores at the end of December. Everything is so beautiful, colourful and new, but the weather isn’t good enough to wear most of it. Thankfully, Alicia put together some looks on how to wear your new Spring purchases during the transitional period between Fall and Spring which gave me the inspiration and push to actually start wearing them.

I should probably be wearing pants with this blouse, but I went for Fleece Leggings since they keep me nice and toasty. The blouse is long enough that wearing it with tights still works. I absolutely love the print!

We’ve walked by / driven by Al Porto a million times but have never gone in. This year we finally took the ‘plunge’!

Their foot print is pretty big and their decor and atmosphere is exactly what we love. We felt so cozy and intimate at our little table for two. Chad and I find lighting to be the most important element in the dining experience (other then the food of course). If things are too bright you feel like you are on the spot and it’s uncomfortable. Too dark and you can’t see anything.

We started off our meal with a little cocktail.

We already knew what we were going to get before we got there. I was really looking forward to the food!

Caesar Salad

I always find it weird when Italian restaurants have this because it is SO not an Italian dish. The first time I went to Italy I never saw it once on a menu. Now because they are starting to open their menus to more Western traditions, Caesar salads are starting to make an appearance. Since it’s one of my favorite salads, I decided to order it!

I’ve had classy Caesar salads (alla Sand Bar) and I have had non classy Caesar salads (alla Boston Pizza). This kind of fell on the non classy side. I know I sound like a total snob, but I was kind of expecting more. Think outside the box! Salad and once thin slice of bread. SAD!

Veal Medallions

I was really looking forward to this dish. The veal was amazing, but the rest of it was kind of disappointing. The gravy had a skin on it, which meant it had been sitting for a while. Beans aren’t my favorite, so I really didn’t indulge in those, and the roasted vegetables were OK. The veal was the best part, which I guess is the most important part. I just wasn’t super impressed with the rest.

Chocolate Tort

This was really good. Chocolate cake, how could you go wrong!?

After our meal we talked about our Dine Out Vancouver experiences. We have had some amazing ones, (Quatro on 4th & La Terraza) and we’ve had some ‘just OK’ ones (Cozas & Romano’s Macaroni Grill).

As a customer, I view Dine Out Vancouver as a chance to try out a restaurant I normally wouldn’t because of price or menu. I look at it as my opportunity to fall in love with something unexpected. Therefore, I feel as though the restaurants participating in Dine Out Vancouver should go above and beyond to supply me with an amazing experience. This is their chance to gain new clientele that will tell their friends and come back for more.

I didn’t feel that Al Porto did that for me. It honestly felt like they were doing me a favour by giving me a deal on my food. As if they really have no need to gain new patrons because they have such a great client base already. ‘So, here’s your veal that’s been sitting under the lamps and your super boring Caesar salad. Make sure to tip your waiter.’ But then again, maybe they were just having an off day, or I’ve become that much more of a food snob.

I guess each restaurant has its own view on Dine Out Vancouver. Some probably do see it as a way to gain customers, and others probably see it as a nuisance but it’s tradition so they do it anyways.

I guess it’s better to have a disappointing meal for $28 then it is for $50!