Living la dolce vita is all about noshing on saltimbocca, sipping Spumante and spending time with friends. Feel free to substitute lattes, gelato or a selection of cheeses for any of the above. Or, have it all at Borgo Trattoria.

Open from early morning pastries through afternoon snacks and past dinner and drinks, Chef Giuseppe Di Gennaro’s new restaurant in Mount Royal Village embraces the social side of Italian life.

Borgo’s menu lets you eat family-style. Build your own meal by ordering small bites, meats, pasta, salads and soups by portion or piece based on the size of your group and the appetites they brought.

Remember living the good life means saving room for panna cotta. —Jaelyn Molyneux

Borgo Trattoria, 818 16 Ave. S.W., Calgary, 403-245-2202, www.borgo.ca

We asked five fashionable faces behind some of the best boutiques in town what one item takes top spot in their spring wardrobe. Herewith, their picks:

Kari Moorhead, Purr, 100-601 17th Ave. SW and 1220 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-270-3585.
“My pick is the She Sell Seashells dress by Penguin ($170). Of all the things we saw for spring 2009, Penguin was my absolute favourite, an amazing mix of vintage styling and tailoring.”

Cornelia Wiebe, Leo Boutique, 810B 16 Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-410-9236.
“We are seeing everything in the high-waist, belted silhouette and these Cheap Monday pants ($99) from their Kostym line are so well priced.

Carl Abad, Worth, 119-1013 17 Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-003,
astorecalledworth.com
“My favourite is the dip-dyed Generra dress ($250). The slight gathered empire waist is great for highlighting your figure while floating off your body to keep you cool."

Katie Karvellas, Pink Sugar Boutique, 105-1414 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-283-1161,
pinksugarboutique.com
“Tarina Tarantino Head Pieces ($88): Wear one to give a fun summery daytime look, or layer three and wear them with an evening gown.”

Mealan Mezzarobba, Mealan, 1518 Fourth St. SW, Calgary, 403-457-4020. “The Gabriel dress from Abaeté ($525) is an absolute jaw-dropper. The line is exclusive to us and the cut is impeccable. Dress it up with a pair of turquoise statement earrings or dress it down with a dolphin grey leather jacket.”