Provence Marinaside

Provence Marinaside is one of my go-to restaurants for brunch in Vancouver, partly because of its aesthetically and gustatorily pleasing variations on morning eggs and partly because of the view of, you guessed it, the marina. Should you find yourself in Vancouver in need of a midday combination meal, stroll through trendy (and yes, yuppie) Yaletown in search of this Provençal-style destination.

THE GOOD: The entrées are large and prepared with fresh ingredients; Omega-3 eggs come with a selection of fruit you`ll actually eat, unlike at most other restaurants. The excellent menu is one that will leave you torn between, say, the Croque Monsieur Eggs Benedict (poached eggs, black forest ham, gruyère, sundried tomato butter on foccacia, $14.00) and the Seafood Crêpes (salmon, baby scallops, shrimp, spinach, velouté, $16.00). The French sky is the limit. Besides, there's nothing like leisurely lunching on the heated patio (both artificially and naturally heated, on sunny days) in January, looking out at some rather impressive yachts.

THE BAD: This spot tends to be pretty busy on weekends, so the service lags and lacks that je ne sais quoi, if you will (I`ve never been one to care about this, but it can be a deal-breaker for some).

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you want something special for your Brunch Bucket List, Provence Marinaside is the place to go - and return to again and again. They also offer gourmet picnic baskets, ideal for out-of-towners, and frequent exclusive promotions for return customers (I have been known to take advantage of these culinary temptations). In (fittingly French) conclusion: Allez-y, goûtez!

 Vegetarian Eggs Benedict (poached eggs, artichoke and bell pepper spread, arugula, on baguette, $14.00).

Provence Panini (goat cheese, pesto, sun dried tomato, prosciutto, $13.00)

It Doesn't Hurt To Look, Does It?

1. Kate Spade Washington Mews Large Marcela, $345
2. Tory Burch Color Block Scarf, $95
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Yolanda Sweater Skirt, $158
4. J.Crew Candy Wrap Dress, $395


My usual photographer is out of town and unless you want pictures taken by yours truly in the mirror, I have no choice but to take a little break from posing (it's hard work, being a poser). But look! Pretty things! If money were no object, would you obtain any of these?

The Joan Harris (née Holloway)

 

Sweater, J.Crew. Skirt, Club Monaco. Scarf, H&M. Pin and earrings, vintage gifts. Tights, Hue. Pumps, Nine West.


When my friend and former co-worker read about the Joan follow-up yesterday, she quipped: "You'll have some major stuffing to do." Unless she was referring to stuffing my thighs into a tight pencil skirt, I will do no such thing. These emulations are of style only, with a modern twist and a personal touch; I'm not dressing up for Halloween here. There will be no wigs, no padding, and possibly no Betty (no offense, Betts, but I can't seem to find you in my wardrobe). I did, however, choose the most "bodacious" of poses, which wasn't easy (there were some lovely but completely unusable profile shots where my curves just kind of disappeared). Christina Hendricks is 5'8'', 150 lbs. and very generously endowed; I am merely 5'6'', 120 lbs., and the rest is pretty obvious. So I guess this means I'm more of a Betty in the body type department which dictates that I scour my closet for a suitable outfit now. You can't argue with logic, folks.

The real McCoy

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The Peggy Olson

Cardigan, J.Crew. Skirt, Banana Republic. Headband, Claire's. Belt, Eddie Bauer. Pumps, Nine West.


You guys are probably sick of seeing me in this pink belt but I'm not! Seriously, it goes with everything, such as this outfit that I fancy Peggy Olson would wear (when taking a break from checkered dresses, that is). Before you jump up and say you love Mad Men, I have to tell you I am the biggest fan. Bigger than you. Yeah, I discovered it first. I was watching TV one fateful day in 2007 when it occurred to me that I had stumbled upon the most perfectly restored classic movie. Really, it took me while to figure out what was going on! (and hit the info button on the remote). So what do you think? Would Peggy be seen in this?

P.S.: I'm doing Joan next.

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One More Day

Since there is only one day left before my birthday, I reckon some cityscapes will increase your anticipation until you're begging to see what I'm wearing. Everyone knows you look best on that day - a combination of unusually great hair and an extremely flattering outfit. Get ready, folks, it's gonna be epic. As for you real-life friends, you'd better not upstage me! Consider yourselves warned and come get the puffy-sleeved purple dresses I've picked out for you.

At First Sight

Jacket and jeans, Banana Republic. Tank, Tommy Hilfiger. Headband, Forever 21. Flats, Ralph Lauren.


In the spring of 2008, I purchased this raw silk jacket on an absurd sale at Banana Republic. Many jokes were made at my expense on account of its boxy shape ("Where did you park your DeLorean?" hurt the most), but I was in love. Structured silk with a stiff bow - what's not to love? And even though I only wear it a few times a year, it always makes me feel like a Park Avenue lady, circa 1963. Now I'm afraid I'll have to beg off, go downstairs, and see if I can scare off a cab.

NYE ETC.

Dress, Milly. Cultured pearls, shady little shop in Paris. Belt, Eddie Bauer. Pumps, Nine West.


2010 was the worst year I've ever had, so here's hoping that 2011 makes up for that (the fact that it's a prime number can't hurt - we haven't had one since 2003 and will not encounter one again until 2017). New Year's Eve provided me with the perfect opportunity to whip out my brown dress and rebelliously pair it with black peep-toes (that, or I only own one pair of heels). Take that 2010! More risks will be taken from now on, whether style-related or otherwise. Stay tuned.