Shrek and I were a hit at last night’s party — thanks to our dapper dressing!

Though I think we were the only ones who got the memo because when we arrived we were without a doubt the most dressed up. We saw a lot of regular street clothes and styles straight from work circa 2011 so we definitely stood out from the crowd. Turns out, in a really good way! Right off the bat people couldn’t get enough of us We received amazing feedback, heaps of compliments, and more than a few expressed remorse at not dressing up. We also kept getting asked to pose in pictures with random people. Note: dressing in theme is a great icebreaker! And what a fabulous way to kick off our three-day weekend!

As was this watermelon mojito with which Shrek greeted me when I got home from work. The subtle hint of mint and watermelon is from REAL fruit and leaves!

Got to enjoy it while I was getting ready. Then it was time to get over to the party in Palo Alto!

I was pretty stoked about my outfit. Actually, I still am and think it will be my Halloween costume this year! I managed to pull it all together from items I already had in my closet and borrowed the necklace and handbag from my friend. (Thanks Sonja! ) The only thing I bought was the feather boa for $8! I made the headpiece out of my Bic Band that I usually wear to workout and an H&M floral clip. The dress you’ve seen here for a night out in downtown San Jose if you’ve been following me since February 2010.

{Shrek vogueing for the camera.}

{Nice view. The hotel looks nice, too )

Isn’t the Garden Court Hotel gorgeous? Didn’t get to see any of the rooms, but based on the spaces I saw it is perfect for hosting an event, especially this one. The hotel itself has an old-world elegance to it yet manages to sidestep being stuffy. Loved the classy ambience while sitting on the terrace with jazz music playing in the background –

And enjoying these delicious light bites! Holy yum was this stuff good!

{Sprinkles Cupcakes}

Additionally, they also had spinach and mushroom pastry puffs, jumbo cocktail shrimp, tri-tip sandwiches, fancy thin crust pizza, and cheese focaccia making the rounds. This was by far the best Yelp Event I’ve been to! On top of the amazing spread, it wasn’t too crowded or crazy, I could make easy conversation with other attendees, vendors, and event organizers, and to top it off — it was free! Well, we made the suggested $20 donation at the door because it went to a good cause — higher education!

The drinks were fun, too! My favorite was St. Germain. They make a fantastic infused liquor from the Elderflower in the Alps aka Edelweiss. (Hello Sound of Music!) The girl mixing the drinks, their signature St. Germain Cocktail with 2 parts Brut Champagne, 1 1/2 parts St. Germain, and 2 parts sparkling wine or club soda, was really cool. She loved our outfits, was cool that we came back for seconds, and in fact on the sly slipped us some clutch mixing spoon-straws (spraws? stroons? ) seen below. The first time we went through the line some guy asked if she had straws and he was DECLINED. HA! Should’ve dressed up, dude.

{My Yelp Elite Swag.}

As the event was wrapping up, we found ourselves chatting with two gals (again, they approached us ) who, as it turns out, arrived in a true MODEL-A! How cool is that? I saw it parked out front when we arrived at the hotel and assumed it was a prop for the event but nope! This car used to be one of the gal’s grandfather’s and she lovingly restored it and drove it here. It’s a beauty!!

Okay, off to enjoy my Friday! Running and golf is on the itinerary for today. Tomorrow and Sunday I’m a free woman while Shrek is off hunting wild boars and camping with the guys. I’m having some girlfriends over for wine tasting and dinner Saturday and Sunday I’m meeting up with Shrek’s mom, nieces, and sister in law for some shopping before I catch The Help (great book, btw!) with a few girlfriends. Whew!