Long Overdue...

Yo...it's been a while...

I have been neglecting on my blog far too long.  So I thought why not start all over again with something new.  I've been so busy with work that I don't have the time to really have any "ME" time.  I wake up, go to work, come home after work, do my time wasting activities (Facebooking, Instagraming, Twittering, YouTubing but of course...), and go to bed right after.  For the past few months, I have been doing this non-stop where I realized that I have been missing something in my life...something that shouldn't be avoided...something that I needed to do...which is.....

SHOPPING!!!

I know what you're probably thinking...really Jess?  You haven't shopped in months?  Tis very so true...I don't really like to shop, because it's basically spending the money that I really don't have.  When I see a deal or good quality items, I will go ahead and purchase it.  Since I've been living with my boyfriend, I've been so conscience of the things I buy since I got bills to pay, if you know what I mean.

ANYWHOOOS...as I mentioned in the beginning, I wanted to start something new...So this is my first installment of......

- A Newly Threaded Love-  

A segment of posts where I visit stores/boutiques that are new or existing to me.  I thought it would be interesting to do since Vancouver has so much to offer, fashion wise.  I love visiting new stores or mom + pop shops.  You can always find buried treasures in places you never expect to be in.

My first "ANTL" shop will have to be where I went today.  It's called...

Ever New, as Forever New, is actually an Australian company and is quickly branding out worldwide.  It is quickly being recognized here in Vancouver, as there are two store locations, one in Pacific Centre and the other in Richmond Centre.  

I went to Richmond Centre today and recognized the store right away.  One of my besties mentioned the store name for me as she bought me adorable accessories from them.  I really like the style of this place.  It's got everything a women needs.  It's fashionable, not too flashy, but has a hint of edge to it.  

Here are some pieces off there website (Stores will have different items at this time):

 

I'm loving this collarless jacket.  What I love most about it is the detailed zippers, so you're able to make the jacket shorter or leave it longer.

  

 Loving this dress.  First off, it's a High Low.  Secondly, it's sparkly!  And Third, love the sides.  And also it's black.  I love black.

Oh yes...Did I mention that they have some cute and adorable accessories?

Here are two cell phone holders that I received as birthday gifts.

Some adorable bow iPhone4 clutches.  This is perfect to have if you're going out for a night in down town partying.  It has card holders for your basics and a small pocket to place your cash.  I hated bringing a purse when I used to club.  It was always a hassle to find your phone if you needed it or locating your money.  I wish I had this when I was in my clubbin's days HAHAHA!

This make up bag was on sale for $14.95 CAD from $24.99 CAD.  I love the little gold clasp.  They had a red one but the clasp wasn't working functionally so I went with the white.  I'm not so keen on white, just because I'm really bad with my belongings and they get dirty so easily.  And relax folks, I know you see the security tag still attached.  I didn't steal it...This just means I need to make another trip there and find more things!!!

I was in need for new shoes and I didn't think that Ever New would have any.  But I spotted these Black Suede Wedges where I instantly fell in love with.  They only carry full sizes, which is a bummer because I am a dead on 5.5, but I got a 6 and it fits amazingly.

Ahhhh shoe-gasm.....I love these.  It was marked $69.99 CAD, which I was hesitant at that moment, because I had that thought in my head where it said, "Sheeze girl you can find something similar like this at ROSS!"  But they were super cute and I loved how comfortable they were so I decided to go with it.  When I went to pay, the cashier gave me the best news ever.  The shoes were actually scanning as $49.99 CAD.  STEAL!!!

It was such an awesome deal, that the sales associate who was helping me said I convinced her to get a pair herself.  HAHA I'm a bad influence.  I highly recommend anyone to go check out Ever New.  I'm always looking for new stores and boutiques to find my own style.

So tell me:

Are there any places in Vancouver that I should check out?

Which stores are your favourite places to find your own style?

Leave a comment or a suggestion below and thanks for stopping by today.

Until next time.

Who Said Frat Boys are Jerks???

Saw it..."AWED" it...LOVED IT!

Vancouver boys represent.

 

DOV 2012

It's one of those things Vancouverites would do...be a tourist in their own city.

I have a guilty pleasure of doing this.  Every year local Vancouver restaurants are part of Dine Out Vancouver 2012, which consists a three/four course meal at a flat fee rate.  Now, seeing as though I've been attending this annual ritual since I've lived in Vancouver, of course I had to take part of it's customs again.

I went to two places, Ciao Bella on Denman Street and The Observatory on Grouse Mountain.  I chose Ciao Bella after hearing from my bf that he likes small and REAL (and yes he emphasized on the REAL part) Italian restaurants.  I looked up the restaurant and menus offers and though it was a good choice.  It was small....and I mean REALLY REALLY small. It's not that big of a restaurant probably max 50 seating at least, but the atmosphere is charming.  Greeted by an Italian man with the whole Mario and Luigi mustaches and a live piano player. I wasn't able to get any photos from Ciao Bella (pooey) but was able to get a few in from The Observatory.  I love fine dining, and once in a blue moon I would treat myself to a four-star restaurant dinner. Like C.B, The Observatory was small as well, but the service and the scenery was really special. We didn't get a window seat, but we were close enough to get that beautiful view of the Vancouver night life.

I chose the Goat cheese salad as my appetizer. It really is a big block of goat cheese...you see those mini greens...yay...that was the "salad". Tasty though because I love cheese.  I didn't get a shot of my boyfriend's squash soup, because it was damn tasty. Probably the best thing I have ever had.

I ordered the Seared Cod for my entree, I wanted fish anyways and it was super buttery. Loved seared anything. Accompanied with chorizo, turnip puree, with chickpeas and micro greens...super fancy

My boyfriend had the lamb loins. And yes that's how tiny the serving was.  Accompanied with a turnip layered cake and some veggies with a red wine reduction sauce.

And of course, the most important course of all....DESSERTS!

Poached sliced pears in a cinnamon based sauce with a mint foam and a creme brulee with orange sorbet.

All in all, I had a great time there and the service there was remarkable. Only thing I'd had to really add, which I do believe a lot of people will agree with me on this, is that the portions were way to small. Now I know it's like a tasting menu for new customers and all, but for the amount you pay you should think you deserve another piece of the lamb loin. 

Anyways, hope these photos didn't make you hungry. TTFN.

If you went to DOV this year, which restaurant was your favourite?